Two Edinburgh Fringe sell-out acts are coming to Southwold this June as part of the town’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Perrier-nominated funny man Tim FitzHigham, famed for being the first person to cross the English Channel in a bathtub, and cabaret act Westdal and Hayward will perform at Southwold Arts Centre over the long bank holiday, from June 1 to June 3.
Westdal and Hayward performing at Ipswich Regent with Eddie Izzard, Griff Rhys Jones, Ruthie Henshall, Ed Byrne, Clive Anderson, Kai Humphries and Johnny Vegas
Both acts have sold out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe, with Norfolk-born Tim set to revive his chaotic improvisations of Shakespeare alongside fellow stand-up Thom Tuck and Young Sherlock Holmes star Alan Cox.
Thom Tuck
Alan Cox
Cabaret queens Westdal and Hayward will put on Jubilee-themed games, including Prince Charles’ favourite “Whose Throne is it Anyway?” and a Prince Andrew-themed round of “Would I Lie to You”.
The comics are visiting the town thanks to Suffolk theatre director Matthew Townshend, of Matthew Townshend Productions (mtp).
Matthew said: “This is set to be a real treat for comedy fans. We know our performers will have crowds in stitches of laughter.
“The Queen once called Tim FitzHigham ‘the maddest man in my kingdom’ and Westdal and Hayward have been likened to the late great Victoria Wood – I know they are set to put on a performance to remember.”
Other acts to perform throughout the three-day celebrations include author Stewart Ross, who will be unveiling his new book “Queen Elizabeth II for Dummies” alongside BBC Radio Suffolk book club co-host Catherine Larner.
Children from three local primary schools will also perform a series of scenes from Shakespeare’s kings, queens and dukes.
Matthew added: “There really is something for everyone – from literary lovers to comedy connoisseurs.
“One thing this country is known for is putting on a celebration – what better time could we ask for than the start of summer and the end of Covid restrictions?
“There is no where better to be in the summer than Southwold, so let’s make it the best place in the country to celebrate Her Majesty and her momentous Jubilee.”