The Comedy Year in Review: A Not-Top-5 List
Around this time of year, there are countless "Best of" lists doing the rounds.
"Must-see comedy of the year."
"Funniest comedian of the year."
"Best hour of my life this year."
"See this show, or you're a loser of the year."
I’ve had an incredible comedy audience experience this year. I’ve seen more shows than I care to admit—so many that I could easily put together my own list. But I’m not sure I’m eloquent enough to do it justice. Plus, I don’t have the clout of a major newspaper to make it worth anyone’s while. Mainly, I’m not sure I agree with grading and pitting shows against one another. A great comedy show relies on so many factors—far more than just being lucky enough to sit in the right seat on the night everything clicks.
Instead, here’s my 5 Not-Top Comedy Things I Did This Year. Think of these as terrible pictures with a good excuse to write about what I’ve been up to.
11th May – Chesham United Football Club
Alex Horne's Comedy Football Trophy 2024
This now-annual comedy football match between Chicken City and Egg United takes place at the Meadow, the infamous Taskmaster filming location and home of Chesham United.
The match brings together comedians and actual Chesham United footballers for 90(ish) minutes of delightful chaos.
It was, without a doubt, the nicest football match I’ve ever attended. As expected, the crowd was full of comedy nerds soaking up the sun. A proper all-star event featuring a who’s who of comedians. You might think they’d be more interested in entertaining the crowd than the game, but you’d be wrong. From the warm-ups, it was clear they meant business. Acaster was pinging in practice shots, McGrath’s drills would put Premier League players to shame, and Laws treated himself to extra solo practice while everyone else was in the changing rooms.
In true Alex Horne fashion, there were plenty of rule changes to spice things up. One, in particular, gave us the moment of the match: none other than Wembley legend Maisie Adam hitting the crossbar, followed by the best Chloe Kelly celebration since the Euros.
This day out is one I’d recommend to anyone. The weather was incredible (thanks for sorting that, Alex), the National League ground has a charm you only find at this level of the game, and the staff were as friendly as they come. You don’t need to love football to enjoy it—but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the crowd were converted to tune in to watch Chesham United in the FA Cup later this year. Albeit confused why the players were allowed off their line to start the match and just why the ref hasn't awarded anyone the wonderful wig.
August – Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Amazingly, this was my first year at The Fringe. It’s been on my bucket list for years, but various (COST) reasons kept me away. I’d visited Edinburgh before—just not during the comedy.
There’s so much to say about The Fringe that’s already been written. It’s hard to add anything new or worthy of reading.
My Fringe adventure began with Mark Watson. After his last show, I was eager to see his latest offering. I’d now heard the word “greengages” more in the past year than in all the years before combined. His show, hosted in a hairdresser-turned-venue, was quintessentially Fringe: traffic noise badly muffled by temporary curtains, a bottle bar shoved in the corner, and a makeshift stage that might as well have been on the front rows lap.
There's no denying it, this was a Mark Watson hour of comedy—starting at the back of the room without a mic, chatting to the audience as he made his way to the stage. His tangential storytelling and warm distractions carried us through the hour before he formally introduced himself about halfway in.
The Fringe truly takes over Edinburgh. Everywhere you turn, there are posters, flyers, and converted spaces crammed with chairs for makeshift performances.
I ticked off so many comedy bucket-list items during this trip:
- ✓ A “Big 5” venue.
- ✓ A ridiculous “only at The Fringe” show.
- ✓ A sneak peek of a big-name comic’s next tour.
- ✓ A critically acclaimed show before the reviews came out.
- ✓ Questionable street performances.
When I left after my final show (Flo & Joan), I felt a definite sadness. The Fringe really is one of a kind. Although, I’m not rushing back just yet—maybe I’ll return if I can wangle my dream job before next August.
Summer – Dan Mason Drive, Chiswick
This summer, I embarked on a “Comedy Pilgrimage” to Ibis Cottage. These high, unassuming gates hide what is considered by many to be the pinnacle of comedy on TV. To my amazement I found the gates unlocked and I was able to get some backstage treats of the comedy Mecca.
The famous Taskmaster house in all it's glory. Adorned with it's nautical theme at the time. The caravan still standing in the garden with it's new frontage. And the statue of the Taskmaster himself hidden away under a tarp - if only he knew this disrespect.
Positively giddy with what I had just seen, I took myself off for a stroll down the river to see more of the sights. I passed the tree wizard on my way to the bandstand where I found all sorts of hidden treasures from the show.
Forgetting what I saw at the house itself. On a nice day this walk is a lovely way to spend a few hours. If you have time there are other filming locations in the area to see.
16th November – Symphony Hall, Birmingham
A venue like this has no right hosting comedy: no sticky floors, a bar where you can actually get served, and legroom to spare. But there I was, watching Rhod Gilbert’s Giant Grapefruit tour—a poignant show chronicling his journey through cancer treatment.
When Rhod cancelled the end of his last tour, The Book of John, following his diagnosis, it sent shockwaves through the comedy world. He clearly has many friends in the comedy world and touch so many audience members. His comeback tour is a testament to his resilience, blending humour with heartfelt storytelling.
He addressed heavy topics with grace, sharing his experience with warmth and wit. Unfortunately, there was a brief interruption from a heckler—a baffling decision given the show’s obvious tone. Nevertheless, Rhod brought the evening to a moving conclusion, finishing with a montage that left few dry eyes in the house.
This was my last comedy show of the year, and also the last one I have booked for now. For the first time I can remember I left a show not knowing when my next one will be.
4th October – Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Comedy festivals are my happy place. While others plan holidays or nights out, I plan spreadsheets and schedules to cram in as much of the weekend as possible.
Not this year. This year, I have turned up with zero shows booked, zero plans, and zero spreadsheets.
I arrived in Aberystwyth, and headed for a briefing, I was getting my crew wristband and seeing the festival from the "other side". Whilst this wasn't officially working for the festival (that day will come), I was to be part of the crew as a volunteer. This is a pretty selfish way of volunteering as you get rewarded with comedy shows.
The whole operation on the comedy festival was eye opening, you couldn't imagine the number of people needed to pull off what is essentially some comedy shows in a seaside town. But here we all were, clustered into the bandstand on the beach being given our instructions.
Everyone who was part of the team was warm and accommodating. There is an organised chaos which only comes from the arts. The festival has been in planning for at least a year, yet people are working right up until showtime to get everything ready.
As a volunteer you are on shift for about half of the festival. This is in a number of roles mainly geared towards supporting the venues in operating. The other half of the time you are free to see some shows. As I didn't know what shifts I would have until closer to the time, I had an odd sense of freedom going into the festival. I was able to take a risk on shows I might not usually book and see some great new artists.
You of course get to see behind the scenes of the comedy festival operation. The walkie talkies between the venue and the box office. How the techs set up for the show, sometimes with minutes to spare. The simplicities that run the most crucial elements, ticket lists on spreadsheets. And the sheer amount of work involved in using the Pier as a venue while allowing it to operate as the Freshers club night with the worst possible name (Pier Pressure).
All this comedy happens with the beautiful backdrop of the Welsh seaside. Unlike it's sister festival (Machynlleth), Aberystwyth is a bustling town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and Uni students. In the day there is plenty to do as a tourist, the castle, the beach, and kicking the bar.
Unlike my Edinburgh Festival Fringe experience, I know for a fact I will be back to Aberystwyth next year, again as a member of the crew whether they want me or not.
This year has been packed to the brink of burnout with comedy shows, festivals, and gigs, all while navigating the busiest year of my 9-to-5 job. I have plans to slow down next year—but let’s see how long that lasts once those pesky shows start getting announced.