The Gilded Balloon Comedy Circuit continues in Spring 2012 with new line ups of the Best in Live Stand-Up.
‘..the cutting edge of new comedy talent..’ Edinburgh Guide
Mark Nelson, Fern Brady & John Gavin
| DATE | TIME | VENUE (click link for box office) | Box Office | Tickets |
| Sunday 19th February 2012 | 8pm | Eden Court, Inverness | 01463 234 234 | £10/12 |
Mark Nelson
Mark’s effortlessly likeable manner on stage belies some of his stronger content, he often has audiences laughing at things they know they really shouldn’t be laughing at. He is certainly not for the easily offended, yet the material is intelligent, well conceived and beautifully crafted.
A lifelong fan of comedy, Nelson is gigging throughout the country and has performed his sold out solo shows at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival each year as well as seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe. He has also supported artists such as Russell Kane and Jim Jeffries on tour.
In August 2010 he sold out his Edinburgh Fringe solo debut at the Underbelly venue with “Mark Nelson – Offending the Senses” and returned in 2011 with his 2nd full length show “Guilty Pleasure”.
Nelson is a pure and unadulterated standup of the highest order.
“A low-key, laid back Dumfies delivery matched with some insightful and oftentimes dark material is tempered by a certain lighthearted playfulness. Just unadulterated jokes told by a comic bristling with confidence of a professional. Nelson is an exceptionally promising talent with simple, but perfectly aimed barbs.” CHORTLE
“Nelson does it well and with edge. Like your funniest friend he tickles you into laughing at even the most obscene material” THREE WEEKS
Fern Brady
Former comedy reviewer and journalist Fern Brady first tried stand up after the magazine she worked for suggested she write an article where she ‘faked it’ as a comedian. Consequently, her first gig was in front of 150 people at the Gilded Balloon amidst a bill of heavyweights compered by Phil Nichol and Tiffany Stevenson.
She enjoyed it so much that one year on, she tried it again and within ten gigs had hastily quit her post at Fest mag to feature in the Absolute Best of Absolute Beginners at the Edinburgh Fringe, a showcase for new Scottish talent.
Since then Brady has quickly made a name for herself on both the Scottish and Manchester circuits, playing at the Manchester Comedy Store, XS Malarkey, the Frog & Bucket, The Stand Comedy Club, the Last Laugh, Just the Tonic and Kill for a Seat all in her first six months of performing. Brady’s surreal rants and bizarre real-life anecdotes ensure she is frequently mistaken for a character comedy act. (She isn’t.)
In 2011, Fern was the joint third place runner up in the world renowned ‘So You Think You’re Funny? Competition at The Gilded Balloon, beating over 500 applicants to a place in the final.
“’A highlight of the evening was opener Fern Brady who, although a fairly new face, has already mastered timing and gag writing skills. . . [Brady] showed real flair and a brilliant gift for scene setting. “ Edinburgh Evening News
“an effervescent bundle of raw comedic energy. . . For a performer still in her early twenties, Brady seems remarkably in control of her stagecraft, and on the strength of this performance, it is surely just a matter of time before mainstream success comes knocking.” Retford Guardian
John Gavin
The Hamilton father of three only started performing stand up in July 2008 after a gentle push from his wife. Since that first gig his career has steadily gained momentum performing up and down the country. Even performing at music festivals, boxing matches and on a subway train!
He offers tales of tales of his home life with a wife and three young daughters, essentially a 6ft tattooed man who has been subjected to far too much High School Musical and pink fluffy toys.
“..effortless likeability and unaffected charm…all the makings of a class act” Chortle
“Very Impressive!” The Scotsman
“Gavin’s glib delivery is fresh and inspiring… Definitely a comedian I hope to see more of” The Skinny