EVER-popular Russell Howard finished his show to a huge roar from a packed-out main stage crowd as he ended another laughter-filled day at Comedy Central Live.
The Bristol-born comedian was given a massive clap off stage by an audience of more than 4,000 people, who crowded into the festival’s big-top tent for day two’s headline show.
The performance followed a day of jokes and laughter from some of stand-up’s top names, including ex-I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! host Rob Beckett and American comedian Rob Delaney.
But it was not all laughs and cheers for those attending day two of the Hoglands Park-based comedy fest.
Aside from rain and coat-defying cold weather, the event’s ticketing system came under fire.
A number of revellers took to Twitter to complain of long queues to get free tickets for the main stage events, while others expressed their ‘disgust’ at missing out on the likes of Russell Howard.
Twitter user, Chris Just, said: “Comedy Central live, should be called ‘Conedy Central’.
“Managed to see a couple of acts but had to queue for tickets and missed others.
“Headliner had all tickets handed out one hour before they were supposed to be released!!!”
Comedy Central live. Should be called Conedy Central. Managed to see a couple of acts but had to queue for tickets and missed others. Headliner had all tickets handed out 1hour before they were suppose to be release!!!
— Chris Just (@Justy872) 7 October 2018
Another, Sarah Jayne, said: “So angry and disappointed at @ComedyCentral live.
“Bought tickets to be told we can’t actually see any of the acts because all of tickets are gone and they oversold.
“Absolutely shocked and expecting a full refund. So much for seeing Russell Howard tonight.”
So angry and disappointed at @ComedyCentral live bought tickets to be told we can’t actually see any of the acts because all of tickets are gone and they oversold. Absolutely shocked and expecting a full refund. So much for seeing Russel Howard tonight
— Sarah-Jayne (@Sarah_Westlake) 6 October 2018
The confusion came over the festival’s new ticketing system – which saw prices slashed from £90-a-day to £20-a-day.
But, as previously stated by organisers, the £20-a-day ticket covered entry to the site.
Free tickets for entry to the main stage are available, but on a first-come-first-serve basis.
That meant not all of those who had paid to get into the site were able to get into the main performances.
Those who couldn’t get access to the main stage were offered seats to watch a televised version in the smaller ‘CCTV tent’.
But that caused upset among some revellers, one said: “@ComedyCentral interesting, pay for a ticket to Comedy Central live, to be told I can watch the main show on tv in a tent. Definitely got my £20 worth.”
@ComedyCentral interesting, pay for a ticket to Comedy Central live, to be told I can watch the main show on tv in a tent. Definitely got my £20 worth.
— Zola (@zcm_zola) 7 October 2018
For those who braved the queues and bagged main stage tickets, last night proved yet another festival of laughter.
Russell Howard, fresh from a televised tour of America with mum, Ninette, took to the stage with a familiar mixture of his funny family moments and hopeful and upbeat gags.
He used his time wisely, not only to make his audience laugh, but also to deliver messages, ranging from the power and importance of free speech and the pressures on young people.
There were important messages too on the importance of going to the doctor when you have a problem and the need for young men to open-up about their emotions.
This culminated in a touching piece about how one of his family members had slept in his bed for a year after suffering a fit.
Howard confessed he had only recently figured out that the fear of death had driven his family member to do this – despite never actually saying it out-loud.
There were plenty of gags too, with jokes ranging from Brexit, to Trump and the Queen.
Howard shared a main stage with American Rob Delaney, who explored the differences between Britain and the States, Jack Barry, who talked about his time as the face of McCoy’s crisps and Jamali Maddix, who covered everything from modern day Nazis – whom he had met while working on his show ‘Hate Thy Neighbour’ – to religion and terrorism.
Rob Beckett had headlined the same stage in the earlier show, which featured Joel and Nish vs the world star, Joel Dommett and Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell.
Had a great time at Comedy Central Live today - surprising how knackering seeing over 8 hours of live comedy is, but what a lineup! #cclive pic.twitter.com/jx4qz9kAv8
— Sam Getliffe (@sgetliffe) 6 October 2018
The latter had whipped up the crowd with some excellent improvisation, which included singling out a young track-suit wearing teenager in the front row.
He was later picked-out by other comedians, sparking sympathy from Russell Howard in the final show of the night.
Other events throughout the day included a recording of popular show, Drunk History, in which two drunk (really, really drunk) comedians try to recount famous moments in history.
As well as an array of food and drink stands, the festival also hosted a giant inflatable course, based on hit TV show Takeshi’s castle, was also available for the more ambitious and athletic comedy fans.
Today is the final day of the event, with the likes of Chris Ramsey, Jimmy Carr and Britain’s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy set to take to the stage.
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