BARKING TALES - 4th JUNE

Event information

Barking Tales is back once again for our June instalment, it’s on a Monday this time, will be back to Wednesdays next month.

“WHO’S ON?” I hear you cry!

Bethany Black (As seen on Ch4’s Cucumber, Banana and BBC’s Dr Who) is back! She was ruddy marvellous last time and is back to whack some new stuff out ready for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Black had a troubled childhood, suffering from depression. She attended Manchester Metropolitan University where she got a degree in film, television and cultural studies. Black had a nervous breakdown and attempted suicide on several occasions. Once she tried to hang herself, but the ceiling gave way. On another occasion she attempted to gas herself in a car, but the car ran out of petrol. She then came out to her family twice: first as a trans woman, and then as a lesbian.

At the age of 25 she started her career, first as a compere for a music club in Preston called "Club Fuzzy", where she provided comedy between the music acts. After a hostile reaction, she then began performing in actual comedy clubs. Black adopted a "Fairy Gothmother" style, performing her routines dressed in black, with black eye shadow and sometimes wearing fetish clothing. Most of her comedy is a combination of observational comedy mixed with innuendo.

Her career grew when in 2005 she opened the Manchester Pride festival. She also became a supporting act for other comedians such as Mick Miller and attracted positive reviews from other comedians such as Brendon Burns. In 2007, she became a finalist in the Chortle Student Comedy Awards. In 2008, Black started performing her show "Beth Becomes Her", which tells the story of Black's childhood. She had previously resisted performing material about her life story for fear of how her audience would react. However, the show went down well with most of the audience. It was nominated for the award for "Best Debut" at the Leicester Comedy Festival. Bethany’s now a regular headline act at some of the biggest and best clubs all over the county and beyond!

Opening we’ve got super snazzy Shell Byron

Shell Byron has a unique and often absurd perspective on the everyday and the mundane. She is trying to trick you into agreeing with her messed up beliefs, by making you laugh.

Hot Water Comedy New Comedian of the Year 2016 - Runner-up

Liverpool Echo Stand-up Comedian of the Year 2016 - Finalist

"Scarily Talented" - Paul Smith

And cripes ‘o’ riley it’s Mark Grimshaw in the middle…

Mark Grimshaw is an Autistic PowerPoint using comedian who takes a look at the darker side of a major aspect of modern life – the internet. Looking at everything from the self-centered lunacy of Facebook to some places that probably shouldn’t be featured on TripAdvisor, Mark will take you through the selection of his internet history he’s allowed to show on stage. He was the Runner Up in the Beat The Frog World Series 2016, became the only North West act to make it to the So You Think You’re Funny semi-finals in 2016, and came second in the Harrogate Theatre Comedian of The Year 2016 competition. He’s also upset Piers Morgan on Twitter, which is also a kind of achievement.

All held together by your MC, Harriet Dyer. Harriet has been heard on many things including BBC Radio 4 Extra, BBC Ouch and Absolute Radio. She's been seen with eyes on BBC3, BBC Live at The Fringe and more likely ITV's Dinner Date where she didn't cook the chicken thus making her date very ill.

"a bundle of whimsical hilarity a breath of fresh air.. will have you in stitches" Broadway Baby

It's a really special and unique night, so why not come on down? It’s FREE or a donation after if you so desire. Doors open at 7:00, show starts at 8:00 and will be finished by 10:30. Thank you x