Kingsmeadowlive :: best live comedy in SW London and Surrey

Kingsmeadow Live

Kingsmeadow Live is Kingston’s top venue for live music and comedy based at Kingsmeadow Stadium, home to AFC Wimbledon and Kingstonian FC.

Comedy@Kingsmeadow brings you the top acts on the comedy circuit such as Milton Jones, Ricky Grover and Bob Mills and special guest appearances from TV comics including Tim Vine and Omid Djalili.

Kingsmeadow Live brings you the best live music including original acts such as Neville Staple, The Dualers and Boo Hewerdine and top tributes such as The Smyths, The Jamm and The Kounterfeit Kinks.

When: Friday and Saturday nights
Time: Doors open 7.30pm- 8pm, shows start 9pm-9.30pm, Bar closes Midnight-1am
Where: Kingsmeadow Stadium
Jack Goodchild Way
422a Kingston Rd
Kingston Upon Thames
Surrey, KT1 3PB

Box office: 020 8547 3335
Web: www.kingsmeadowlive.com
E-mail: info@Kingsmeadowlive.com

Kingsmeadow Live presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS • Friday 12th February

Kingsmeadow Live presents...

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Doors 7pm, bar closes at 12am
Admission: £5
You can now purchase tickets online or please call our booking line on 020 8547 3335
Please visit www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/shop/tickets

Kingsmeadow Live is proud to present our inaugural “battle of the bands” showcasing local talent. We are also delighted to announce that the bands due to perform on Friday 12th February all include AFC Wimbledon fans, so come along and show your support!

Kooler Kings

Kooler Kings are a young exciting new band formed from the current emerging Wimbledon & SW London music scene, spear headed by XFM DJ John Kennedy & Jamie T, with whom they recently played a show. The four members all met at The London Oratory school in Fulham & having grown up with musical influences in all their families decided to form a band. When the band played their first gig at The Watershed in Wimbledon, DJ John Kennedy saw them & immediately played them on his XFM radio show. The band were recently interviewed & filmed playing live for a docu-movie about the Reading festival due out on TV & Cinema in the next few months. Having written almost an album's worth of material, the band entered the studio to record their debut single. They are gigging extensively in London, especially Wimbledon where a dramatic new music scene for new bands is emerging. Their Myspace page can be found here (http://www.myspace.com/thekoolerkings)

I, Ludicrous

I, Ludicrous have possibly been "the most original band in the world" since they formed in Endymion Road, Brixton, London during 1986. John and Will had become confederates whilst working for Finsbury Data Services - aka Textline - filling the dull days of clerking by amusing each other with jokes, anecdotes, fall lyrics and nasty comments about their colleagues. A homemade 4 track cassette somehow found its way into the hands of Mark E Smith who - without telling them - promptly booked them to support the Fall at a top London venue. The band achieved immortality the following year when their seminal flexi release reached the dizzy heights of number 11 in John Peel's Festive 50. This was followed up by the debut album It's Like Everything Else which also found its way into the top ten of the indie charts. Their Myspace page can be found here (http://www.myspace.com/iludicrous)

On. Trial

On Trial, fronted by AFC Wimbledon fan Jonny Wah Wah, have been together around 4 years and they play rock music with a punky edge and cover many subjects in their songs; from the witch trials in "Burn Baby Burn" to the idea of a Utopian world in "Pangiers"! But their live performances are what they are really about, chaotic and wild you really never know what to expect and no two performances are ever the same! They are a favourite on the festival circuit and have played with some great bands like the Damned, Stiff Little Fingers and Eddie and the Hot Rods. So leave your inhibitions at home and get your drinking head on and enjoy the party because it’s a 24 hour one with these guys. Their Myspace page can be found here (http://www.myspace.com/ontrialuk)

Catharsis

Catharsis is a lively metal band formed in London in 2008 by guitarist Bill Rees and their influences include Metallica, Motorhead and Iron Maiden. Their Mypace page can be found here (http://www.myspace.com/icatharsis)

We are also on the look out for locally based bands to perform at similar events in March and April, so whether it is Pop, Alternative, Rock, Indie, Grunge or Electro we would love to hear from you!

Comedy@kingsmeadow • Friday 5th March

COMEDY@KINGSMEADOW presents...
Steve Best, Dan Evans and John Mann (MC)

Doors open 7.30pm/ comedy starts 9pm/ bar closes Midnight
Admission: £12 (includes comedy and dinner)
You can now purchase tickets online!
Please visit www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/shop/tickets

Steve Best (Headliner)

Steve Best is rapidly building a reputation as a great visual comic, harnessing a mind-boggling array of gadgets and gags to keep his audience in stitches. Funny, frenetic and mad, his act can feature anything from blowing up a woman and eating balloons, to cutting his hand off and doing press-ups on his willy. His unique form of slapstick comedy is backed up with astounding talent; he plays the guitar like a genius and is fluent in serbo-Croatian.

Steve has blasted onto the comedy scene and is a regular on the nationwide comedy circuit. As a headline act, Steve has gone on to perform all over the world including Hong Kong, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Greece, Ireland and Italy's celebrated 'Festival of the Absurd'.

His UK profile has been hugely boosted by supporting some major tours, including FRANK SKINNER and CRAIG CHARLES. He has headlined an extensive university tour and took his own show to Edinburgh to massive critical acclaim.

Steve is starting to make an impression on television, and has starred in C5's 'The Big Stage' and BBC1's 'The Stand Up Show'. He has just finished doing the warm up for the BADDIEL & SKINNER "Unplanned" live TV show and a month with them at the Shaftsbury Theatre in the West End. Steve is looking to take his unique brand of comedy to the small and the BIG screen, as well as building his popularity on the live circuit.

Steve has been described as reliable, hard-working, charming, popular , consistent, handsome, eager, skilful, silly, crazy, immature, gifted, flamboyant, a genius, talented, modest and big headed.

"In a class of his own" The Times

"Rip-roaringly funny. See him!" The Guardian

"An unholy cross between Steve Martin, in his early days, Lee Evans and Fozzie Bear" Sunday Times

"One of the most original and inventive comics on the circuit. Steve Best's act defies description. One of the great clowns of our time" Newcastle Comedy Festival

Dan Evans (Opening Act)

Dan Evans first appeared on the comedy circuit in 1994, shortly afterwards leaving a promising career as one of East Anglia's leading office menials to go full time.

Over the past decade his twisted logic has delighted the nation, helping it through the dark days of the death of HRH The Queen Mother and the uncertainties of 21st century property prices.

As well as playing clubs and universities throughout the UK, Dan has gigged in Holland, Germany, Dubai and Ireland as well as being part of the sell-out Screaming Blue Murder Cabaret and Avalon Comedy Zones at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Dan's TV and radio appearances include Brain Candy (BBC3 & 2), Channel 5 at The Store, Channel 5 Comedy Zone and the Radio 2 Stand Up Show.

He writes too, with many credits including The Very World of Milton Jones (R4 - Sony Award Winner), Rory Bremner Who Else? (CH 4), The Eleven O'Clock Show (CH 4), The Live Floor Show (BBC 1), Revolver (BBC 1) and The Joan Rivers Position (CH 5).

"Skilful and surreal" The Scotsman

"Original and inventive" The Times

John Mann (MC)

Sharp observation and wry wit mingled effortlessly with a gentle and confident rapport ensure this comic is unfailingly funny. Whether he is discussing the senile antics of senior citizens or giving handy hints to aid successful shoplifting, John's gentle and honest delivery makes him one of the most enjoyable comedians on the circuit today. John is a regular and longstanding Jongleurs act (compere and headliner).

"Complete genius. . . . Brilliant observations" Johnny Vaughan The Big Breakfast

"A fantastic compere . . . the night is his" Steve Lamacq – NME

"The man is quite simply very very funny" Nihal Arthanayake – Radio One

"Distinctly amusing, engaging and talented" Malcolm Hay - Time Out

"One of the funniest people I know" Phill Jupitus

KINGSMEADOW LIVE AND LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM PRESENTS – THE BEAT! Saturday 27th March

Kingsmeadow Live presents...

THE BEAT!

Doors 7.30pm, bar closes as 1am
Admission: £15
You can now purchase tickets online or please call our booking line on 020 8547 3335
Please visit www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/shop/tickets

Kingsmeadow Live and Love Music Hate Racism are pleased to announce that The Beat will be performing a fundraising gig on Saturday 27 March! With support from DJ’s spinning bluebeat, ska, two-tone faves with a side order of real deal 60’s soul, power pop and new wave.

More support acts and speakers TBC soon.

1979 was a time of social, political and musical upheaval. Into this storm came The Beat, trying to calm the waters with their simple message of love and unity set to a great dance beat.

Originally from Birmingham, The Beat were all about inclusion, rather than exclusion, and this showed in their personnel and their music influences. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, The Beat became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of the British Ska movement.

By Christmas of 1979, The Beat were riding high in the UK charts with their first single, a smoking remake of the classic Smokey Robinson tune "Tears of a Clown". Over the course of the next five years The Beat toured relentlessly and released three studio albums: "I Just Can't Stop It", "Wh'appen", and "Special Beat Service". The band toured the world with artists such as David Bowie, The Police, REM, The Clash, The Talking Heads and The Pretenders to name but a few.

The Beat kept scoring hits with tunes that have now become so popular that it's hard to remember a time when they didn't exist, such as "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Save it for Later", "I Confess", "Stand Down Margaret", and their serene cover of Andy William's "Can't Get Used To Losing You".

For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/thebeatofficial

Comedy@kingsmeadow • Friday 9th April

COMEDY@KINGSMEADOW presents...
Markus Birdman, Anthony King and Rob Hitchmough (MC)

Doors open 7.30pm/ comedy starts 9pm/ bar closes Midnight
Admission: £12 (includes comedy and dinner)
You can now purchase tickets online!
Please visit www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/shop/tickets

Markus Birdman (Headliner)

Markus Birdman is an up and coming Stand-Up based in London. He performed at the Edinburgh Festival 2001 as part of Screaming Blue Murder's Big Value Show and as a finalist in the televised BBC New Comedy Awards 2001.

He was the winner of the Lewisham Comedy Festival Open Mic 2001competition, as well as a finalist in The Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award 2000, Jongleur's New Act 2000, Leicester Comedy Festival New Act 2001.

He performed at the Edinburgh Festival 2002 as both the compere of Avalon's Comedy Zone, and in Francesca Martinez's (Daily Telegraph Winner 2000) solo show, 'I'm Perfect', which he is also did at the Melbourne Comedy Festival 2003.

Markus Birdman was recently featured and interviewed on BBC radio London Live, and has appeared on BBC One, BBC Choice and Sky and Triple J Radio, Fox FM and Channel 9 TV in Australia.

As well as being booked for weekends at The Comedy Store, and in most major UK clubs, Markus Birdman headlined on the 2003 Avalon Comedy Network, and will be compering a benefit at The Roundhouse, Camden, alongside, Phil Jupitus, The Blockheads Band and Sting.

"Uniquely talented, demonstrates just how it's done." The Evening Standard

"Already on his way up….." Time Out

"Wonderful, extremely versatile." The Scotsman

"One of the millionaire mirth merchants of the future." The Metro

"The crowd fell for his dry witty, confused little boy smutt-schtick in a big way" The Observer

"Looks like the 4th Muskateer; infectious, likable and popular with the crowd" The Stage

"Great shoes, good luck" Jack Dee

"Great trousers. I want those trousers" Jeremy

Anthony King (Opening Act)

Anthony is an outwardly normal looking bloke who turned to comedy after he was disowned by the Catholic Church for confessing in too much detail. Having finally found a use for his twisted sense of humour, Anthony has gone on to perform at all the major comedy clubs across the UK and beyond, including performances in the Netherlands, Dubai, Majorca, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Anthony's devilishly droll deadpan humour, masterful timing and delivery of a stream of one-liners combine to make him one of the most polished performers on the circuit. His act is a combination of his own true-life experiences mixed in with a whole bunch of lies.

Anthony's gigs have not been confined to the small stage; he has also made numerous appearances on TV. These include Granada's “Mad for It”, Meridian's “House of Fun”, UK Gold's “Live at Jongluers” and he also took part in a live internet broadcast called “Live from London”.

As well as his stand-up performances, Anthony is also well known for his writing skills. Credits include a sketch show for Granada, a series of bizarre short stories and a pilot sitcom for Radio 4. He was also chosen to be part of The Comedy Factory, which was a team of writers brought together by Carlton and KDR Productions to develop and script various ideas for television. Projects included a sketch show, a quiz show, a cabaret show, a sitcom and a very tongue-in-cheek documentary.

"The gags get better and better" William Cook, The Guardian

"It's the one-liners that set him apart. Sparse, efficient, unexpected - and often with a delicious twinge of underlying nastiness - each one is an elegant example of perfect joke construction." Chortle

"King of the one-liners" BBC London Live

"They (his one-liners) condense an entire sketch into a single sentence" The Guardian

"Outstanding is Anthony King, an elegantly mournful figure whose timing and delivery of a stream of one-liners and non-sequiteurs are masterly" The Scotsman

Rob Hitchmough (MC)

Rob Hitchmough has been an established comedian and after dinner speaker for fourteen years, with a mixture of boyish charm and biting wit he never fails to deliver. As well as being a talented improviser and accomplished writer he is extremely funny.

He has been the resident compere at the Aztec Club since 1990 and has played just about every major venue in every city in the UK and Ireland.

When he is not performing Rob is a very sought after comedy teacher. He is a senior tutor at The Actors Centre (a drama school for professional actors,) and teaches improvisation and drama at Sylvia Young Theatre School. He has also taught at countless corporate events and at several regional theatres, including The Theatre Royal Bath. He has also been featured on 'Stand up with Alan Davies,' 'Esther' and 'Breakfast News'.

Though he always prefers the friendlier comedy clubs he can more than hold his own at the tougher venues. "After a fight involving several inmates during one of my classes at Wandsworth Prison lively audiences aren't ever a problem."

"An infectious energy and a joy to watch." The Evening standard

"Very funny and imaginative" Time Out

"Material that is both whimsical and intelligent" The Independent

"Funny and charming" The Croydon Advertiser

"An excellent compere" Michael Legge G.L.R. Radio

KINGSMEADOW LIVE PRESENTS – THE DUALERS! Saturday 24th April

Kingsmeadow Live presents...

THE DUALERS!

Doors 7.30pm, bar closes as 1am
Admission: £14
You can now purchase tickets online or please call our booking line on 020 8547 3335
Please visit www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/shop/tickets

Kingsmeadow Live is pleased to announce that The Dualers will be performing a on Saturday 24th April! With support from DJ’s spinning bluebeat, ska and two-tone faves.

The Dualers first came to the attention of the nation in October 2004 when they became the world’s first street performers to enter the UK singles chart. Debuting at number 21 with self-penned Kiss on the Lips, they sold more records that week than established artists such as Duran Duran, the Scissor Sisters, Ronan Keating, Girls Aloud, and Natasha Bedingfield. No small feat given the lack of backing and publicity.

In November 2005, The Dualers released their second single, Truly Madly Deeply, another chart hit, entering at number 23 ahead of Bananarama, Jamiroquai, and Corrine Bailey Rae. Following the release of a third single, Don’t Go, their debut album, The Melting Pot, was unleashed on the nation on July 3rd, 2006.

As The Dualers became increasingly popular with fans, they also caught the attention of established acts such as Toots and the Maytals, Ziggy Marley, The Beat, and The Blockheads, who all invited Tyber and Simon to support them at their shows. Word began to spread further afield with a number of appearances in Europe in 2007.

In December 2007 Kiss on the Lips gained national TV airplay when it was used in a number of scenes on hit BBC soap Eastenders. Later that month, Tyber and his parents, Bill and Jackie, were seen, again on the BBC, featured as part of the documentary series Dance Britannia.

2009 has seen The Dualers sell out the indigO2 venue at the O2 Arena on two separate occasions.

The band is fronted by mercurial brothers Si and Tyber Cranstoun. Their musical preferences were heavily influenced by their father, Bill, who helped to introduce ska and soul music to the capital as part of the Savoy Sound System.

"These local superstars are inching towards fame" The Independent

"When you start dancing to these guys, it's impossible to stop" The Sun

"The Dualers soulful harmonising has admirable echoes of Bob Marley and Sam Cooke" Q Magazine

For more information, visit http://www.thedualers.com