Udderbelly Festival 2012

The big purple cow is back, and it's bigger than ever...
Gareth Vipers22 April 2013

The inflatable upside-down purple cow has become a firm favourite in the Southbank Centre’s cultural calendar, and this year the E4 comedy festival is back for twelve weeks of world-class performance.

From the best of the Comedy Store and new up-and-coming acts to some of the biggest names in the business, Udderbelly 2012 covers the full range of shtick and witticism.

Opening this weekend, Udderbelly 2012 consists of a 400-seat temporary theatre and a vast array of entertainment, including cabaret, music, children’s shows, and of course the biggest selection of headline comedy acts in the capital.

Beside the huge purple tent, which sits on Jubilee Gardens between the London Eye and the Royal Festival Hall, will be a large outdoor bar and food stalls which are open to the public.

Bringing a taste of early 20th century Coney Island to the capital this year’s festival sees the launch of Udderbelly’s second venue, the London Wonderground – a tent playing host to a funfair, sideshows and Australian circus collective Cantina.

With more than 50 acts booked to play over 12 weeks there really is something for everyone, and this year’s festival highlights include musical comedy duo Abandoman (read Kate Lough’s interview here), Australian funny man Tim Minchin, Sean Hughes and inimitable story-teller Howard Marks.

Families are also well catered for with a programme of children’s shows including Comedy Club for Kids and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales, a new show from the writer of The Gruffalo and Stickman.

For information, full listings and tickets visit underbelly.co.uk.

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