We are exicted to announce that the popular Comedians and Carols evening is coming to Bradford this November in its 15th year. Comedians and Carols is an evening of comedy, singalong carols, general joyous fun and professional hilarity. The show is a bizarrely popular festive hybrid of a comedy show and a carol service which combines the amazing talents of Paul Kerensa, with guest appearances from Jude Simpson, Tony Vino and Dominic Woodward. 

PAUL KERENSA

Writer for BBC1’s Miranda and Not Going Out, Paul Kerensa is one of the few to have appeared at London’s Comedy Store and on Radio 2’s Pause For Thought. He’s written for TV shows such as TFI Friday, Top Gear, Royal Variety Performance and Buble at the BBC, and performed at festivals from Greenbelt to the Edinburgh Fringe via Montreal Comedy Festival. Books include Amazon top 100 bestseller Hark! The Biography of Christmas, children’s book Noah’s Car Park Ark, and his forthcoming novel Auntie and Uncles: The Bizarre Birth of the BBC.   

‘If I was a joke thief, I would be shinning up Paul Kerensa’s drainpipe.’ 

Milton Jones

‘A comic wave that just keeps coming … As effortless a writer as he is a performer.’

The Stage

JUDE SIMPSON

Jude Simpson is a unique writer and entertainer, combining insightful observational comedy with poetry, rap and song to create a unique act which leaves audiences smiling, laughing and occasionally hungry. Her writing is lighthearted and upbeat, though with a linguistic craftsmanship which has had her compared to Victoria Wood and Joyce Grenfell. Jude appeared with Matt Harvey on his Radio 4 show “Wondermentalist Cabaret”, on BBC Radio 7′s “Stand Up Poetry”, BBC Radio 4′s “Saturday Live”, BBC Radio 2’s “Eddie Izzard’s Late Night Cabaret” and was one of just 8 poets from across the UK to appear on BBC3′s slam show “Slam Poets”, hosted by Lemn Sissay. Jude has completed four successful runs at the Edinburgh Festival with a solo show of stand-up poetry, song and comedy. These shows have been toured around the UK at arts festivals, theatres and other venues. In May 2006, Jude won the Swindon Festival of Literature Poetry Slam. In August 2004 Jude won the Edinburgh International Book Festival slam organised by Big Word. In October 2003, Jude won the UK Allcomers Slam at the Cheltenham Literature Festival – the biggest slam poetry competition in Europe. 

“Quick-fire humour, fast pace and punchy rhymes.”

Arts Hub 

“Rhythm, rhyme and the quirkiness of life.”

British Theatre Guide 

“A charismatic and skilful performer.”

The Stage

TONY VINO

Since 2005 Tony Vino has brought his energetic sense of fun to the UK comedy circuit. Tony has been called upon to entertain at many high profile events for charities such as Christian Aid, Oxfam, Fairtrade Foundation and TearFund. He’s also been the tour support act for TV acts such as Jimmy Cricket and Tim Vine. He travels internationally performing at resorts and on cruises. He has performed for TV & Radio and was even called upon to be the warm up comedian for BBC’s Songs of Praise (a low point in his career). 

“A Great Show the assured Tony Vino copes with a mixed audience really well.”

Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

“Uplifting style, great delivery and consistently funny throughout.”

Sam Walker, BBC Manchester

“Tony is very funny, a class act and always comes up with the goods.”

Darren Goddard, Greenbelt Festival Events 

DOMINIC WOODWARD

Dominic’s act is packed full of jokes, gags, banter, stories and a bit of daft comedy magic that involves the audience and always takes the roof off. He also beats the world record for speed balloon modelling every show – it’s hilarious and a must-see! With almost 20 years experience on the UK circuit he’s a safe pair of hands. He’s cheeky, charming, full of energy and hilarious. There’s a naughty twinkle in his eyes but his act is warm, personal and inoffensive.

“Insightful and humorous observations.” Guardian “Effortless delivery.”

The Times

“Engaging material.”

Manchester Evening News

Comedians and Carols takes place on Friday 24th November 2023, the doors open at 6.15pm and will offer a pie and pea supper from 6.30pm with the main show starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and can be bought online from Eventbrite or scan the QR Code.

We look forward to seeing you at the event. Please remember that although Bolton Villas Family Church does have a small car park, we are anticipating that it will fill up fairly quickly. We would ask you therefore to be considerate to our neighbours when parking your car in our local area.