Newly-funded comedy bringing laughs to Rochdale

Newly-funded comedy bringing laughs to Rochdale

Rochdale-run comedy show Ace Lips Comedy has celebrated a significant milestone by hosting two solo shows, made possible by generous funding.

Financial support from Cartwheel Arts and Rochdale Borough Culture Network helped to bring a series of thought-provoking performances, bringing shows set for Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the borough.

The shows, hosted on the weekend of Friday 14 June, featured Eddie Fortune with his solo show "Single," and Lindsey Davis with "Wrestlemaniac" – with each show providing a unique lens into personal struggles and triumphs.

Eddie Fortune’s "Single" delved into the life of a single gay man, exploring themes of loneliness and resilience, while Lindsey Davis’s "Wrestlemaniac" offered a comedic yet poignant take on mental health and self-discovery.

The weekend continued with more compelling performances on Sunday. Jenny Hart took to the stage with "Lezard," a show shedding light on the intricacies of neurodiversity and being Trans. Following her, Colin Etches presented "Attention Deficit!", a humorous yet insightful look into living with ADHD.

The shows aimed to bring laughs as well as spark conversations about significant issues such as neurodiversity, mental health, and the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

By highlighting personal stories and coping mechanisms, the performances underscored the importance of overcoming barriers and finding success in creative expression.

Richard Attwood, who ran the shows, said: “All events were hosted free of charge at The Old Court Room at the Flying Horse, making these important narratives accessible to a broad audience.

“This initiative not only showcases the diverse talents within the comedy scene but also underscores the critical role of arts funding in bringing vital stories to the forefront.

He added: “As these solo shows prepare for their next performance and the Edinburgh Fringe, audiences can look forward to more impactful performances that blend humour with heartfelt storytelling, continuing to break down stigmas and celebrate diverse experiences.”