A comedian who grew up in the area said he is “buzzing” to be returning to headline a brand-new comedy show – which features plenty of funny references about Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Andy Ellis, who lived in Cleethorpes for the first 18 years of his life, will perform as the main act at the new monthly stand-up comedy event Comedy on the Coast at Willy’s Pub and Brewery for its debut night on Thursday, June 13.
Organised by Andy and another local comedian, Brayden Kerr, the event will include performances by an array of comedians from across Yorkshire and the Humber, including Brayden himself and Daniel Blackow, who lives in Louth.
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Speaking to Grimsby Live, Andy, who now lives in Leeds, said: “We know the social scene in Cleethorpes has always been brilliant, it’s great for music and spoken word events, but in terms of comedy, we all need a bit more of a laugh. The idea for this event is to get local and not-so-local comedians in and give a nice blend to the area. It’s going to be a monthly event.”
Andy’s transition into comedy began in 2020 after he completed an eight-week course, Ultra Comedy, and performed his first show in front of 300 people.
“My showcase show was the day before we went into lockdown, and unfortunately I got the taste for it immediately, so during that period of the unknown, I just sat on it,” he said.
“A friend of mine who I met on that course gave me an opportunity to get back on stage, and at that point I was writing a lot for other people. I wrote a set for a friend of mine who’s now passed away, and at his show he introduced me to the Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Micky P Kerr, who has backed me ever since and given me the chance to perform.”
In a nod to his hometown, Andy includes many comical references to Grimsby and Cleethorpes in his performances.
“I talk about Grimsby a lot – wherever you are, everyone has an opinion on Grimsby,” he said.
“Everyone does know us, whether it’s for our football, fishing heritage and industry, or the Sacha Baron Cohen movie. Everyone has a hook that links them to Grimsby. There’s nothing better than getting about 150 middle-class people in Harrogate to perform ‘Clap Clap Clap Fish’.”
“I’m genuinely excited and buzzing for [this event]. Being able to perform to people anywhere is great but there’s nothing better than performing specific material about where I grew up, in the place I grew up.”
Brayden Kerr, who organised the show, told Grimsby Live: “I started my comedy career with a 90-minute solo show at The Jubilee Pub on the Wybers, and despite there being the odd night of comedy here and there, this great town, full of rich history and wonderful culture, does not have a monthly night dedicated to stand-up comedy. Well, this is it.
“I’m the show’s host and compere (MC) bringing the audience into this wild and wacky night, raising the energy, starting the banter and generating the giggles for the fantastic lineup booked for the show’s opening night.
“The show promises to be exactly what this town has been crying out for – fun, a relaxed environment, with a variety of humour-hungry acts and friendly company to carry through the night with.”
To purchase tickets for Comedy on the Coast, you can do so by clicking here.