A split-bill work-in-progress comedy show from Alex Stringer, Anna Thomas, Kathy Rivett & Paul Campbell | Thursday 19th November | 7:00pm

TEST DRIVE is a brand-new comedy festival for brand-new jokes.

13 of the best comedians from the North West circuit and beyond are joining forces to present split-bill work-in-progress shows every night between the 17th-20th November.

Amongst our comics are award winners and nominees, television stars, regional regulars and character acts - it's a real who's who!

Thursday 19th November:

Alex Stringer - Edinburgh Fringe ISH Best Newcomer nominee, Chortle Hotshot winner 2025

Anna Thomas - BBC New Comedy Award Winner, Sean Lock Award Nominee (Channel 4)

Kathy Rivett - BBC New Comedy Award Regional Finalist, 2x Chortle Student Award Finalist

Paul Campbell - Rolling Stone Rising Star of Comedy, Malcom Hardee Award for Comic Originality Winner

With jokes straight out of our acts' notebooks and noggins, there'll be plenty of laughs, perhaps the occasional tumbleweed and the chance to discover emerging talent on the Manchester comedy scene. Who knows, you could be privy to the next 'Garlic Bread'...

Held inside the Red Arch Bookshop (11 Red Bank, M4 4HF), the festival will adopt a relaxed, cosy, fringe-like vibe where comedians can play, experiment & most importantly, entertain you for the evening.

Doors 6:30pm | Show 7pm | Red Arch open from 4pm for Happy Hour!

Description supplied by the event organiser.