Last year, was the first year we really paid attention as a family to the Big Top comedy tent. We absolutely loved it. Having an atmosphere that was electric, grabbing the chance to sit on hay bales and see comedians we usually watch on the telly was so good! Laughing felt like a breath of fresh air and a nice break in between standing watching bands all day and we can’t wait to venture back to soak up all the comedians throw at us!
This year, there is another great set of headliners and three whole afternoons of comedy.
I caught up with Michael Frankland who runs the comedy side of the big blue and red tent to learn more about the lineup and why he loves comedy so much.
Hi Michael. Looking back at the festival, how do you think the comedy tent has grown? And what have you learnt along the way?
Hi Louise, I think the comedy tent has grown beyond our wildest dreams from the first comedy at the Victorious Festival. We first had the comedy tent at Victorious in 2018.
At the time the tent had a capacity of 200 people and the acts who performed were mostly local to the Portsmouth area.
The tent now holds thousands and has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry to come and perform.
We have had to learn a lot as we went, with the tent growing each year and the acts performing having a higher profile. We certainly have had to become very skilled in aspects other than hosting the tent such as health and safety and how to fix technical issues with the equipment.
How do you choose a lineup like the one you have this week?
The lineup is picked with the idea of curating a weekend that will appeal to everyone. With something as subjective as comedy, we strive to ensure that we supply a range of acts that will appeal to everyone.
Having star comedians performing like Russell Howard, what advice would you give to the public wanting to catch a glimpse of him this year?
I would strongly recommend arriving early if you are hoping to get a good seat. Every year the tent does fill up quite quickly especially leading up to the headliners.
The comedy starts from midday every day so come check out some of the acts on earlier in the day and secure your space.
How did you get into comedy and how important do you think it is for people to laugh?
I got into comedy through watching acts like Lee Evans on video. After watching him I checked out other comedians on video/DVD and then saw there was comedy night at the Fat Fox in Southsea.
I went to check it out and started talking to the resident host. The next thing I know I’m on the next show with a comedy debut and have not looked back since.
I think making people laugh is incredibly important, I feel people seem to need a good laugh now more than ever. I believe laughing is the purest form of joy and urge everyone to go to their nearest comedy night and just enjoy what it is all about.
When you aren’t trying to make people laugh, or organise a huge comedy performance weekend, what do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m not performing, I enjoy travelling although truth be told a lot of the time I end up combining the two. Travelling the world and making people laugh isn’t a bad way to spend your time If you ask me.
Are there any new and up and coming comedians you recommend to go and see right now?
I would recommend catching as many of the comedians on the lineup at Victorious From 12:00 onwards. We have acts who are just starting to break into the pro world of stand-up comedy, we have acts who are social media sensations and one or two names you may recognise from the TV.
If you would like to support local comedy, but aren’t sure where to go. Feel free to contact me on Instagram @michaelanthonyfrankland
Headliners this year are
FRIDAY – Russell Howard – 3.35pm – 4.15pm
SATURDAY – Frankie Boyle 3.35pm – 4.15pm
SUNDAY Al Murray 3.35pm – 4.15pm
You can catch the times of all the other comedians by visiting the Victorious Festival app on your phone.
There are a few tickets left and you can buy here.
Feature Photo – Victorious Festival
