Host of big-name stars on board for Radio 4’s virtual comedy festival

Miles Jupp will kick off proceedings when BBC Radio 4 airs its first Summer Comedy Festival – an event designed to give listeners “a little bit of the magic they may be missing” in the absence of live events.

The virtual event will be curated by Jupp, Jo Brand, Darren Harriott, Sara Pascoe, Daliso Chaponda and Jayde Adams, and will feature their favourite performers from the worlds of comedy, literature and spoken word.

Jupp's selection, dubbed Juppstock, will feature alternative stand-up comic Simon Munnery, crime writer Val McDermid, and The Chase star Paul Sinha.

Comedian Miles Jupp will kick off the festival on July 24.

Brand's line-up will feature poet, musician and performer John Hegley, spoken word artist Hollie McNish, poet and playwright Nafeesa Hamid and comedian Lewis MacLeod.

Chaponda's bill will centre on the theme of protest and Adams will present a line-up topped by cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolat.

Sioned Wiliam, commissioning editor for Radio 4 comedy, said: “Our six hosts each have their own brilliant styles but they share comedic excellence which I know listeners will hear in their curations too.

“Radio 4's Summer Comedy Festival hopes to give listeners a little bit of the magic they may be missing whilst most live events aren't taking place.”

Jupp will kick off the festival on July 24, followed by Brand on July 31, Chaponda on August 7, Adams on August 14, Pascoe on August 21 and Harriott on August 28.

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