Rich Hall to appear at Whitchurch Comedy Festival this summer

The comedian – famed for his grouchy deadpan style and the inspiration behind Simpsons character Moe Szyslak – will headline a show in the marquee on the lawns at The Dodington Lodge Hotel on Friday, September 10.

In a stellar career spanning five decades, Hall has appeared on the likes of 'Live At The Apollo', 'Have I Got News For You', 'Never Mind The Buzzcocks', 'QI' and '8 Out of 10 Cats' as well as presenting a number of BBC documentaries.

He is one of a select few comics to claim the prized Perrier Award, winning it in 2000 as his alter-ego Otis Lee Crenshaw and following in the footsteps of the likes of Frank Skinner and Steve Coogan.

Hall will be supported on the night by Britain's Got Talent finalist Micky P Kerr and hotly-tipped Brummie sketch duo Good Kids.

The festival will take place throughout July, August and September with most of the shows taking place at the Dodington Lodge.

It is being put on by Black Country comedy promoters Funny Beeseness, who said there was one more big-name announcement to come.

Wayne Beese, director of Funny Beeseness, said: "We're delighted to be welcoming Rich Hall to Whitchurch as part of the festival.

"He has built a reputation as being one of the best live acts out there and has been at the top of his game for a long, long time.

"When he appeared in Halesowen and Whitchurch for us a couple of years ago we got the best feedback from audience members we have had for a long time.

"He is amazing.

"We've got one more big name up our sleeves and we'll be announcing them to our mailing list first, so get signed up if you are not on it already to find out first who else will be appearing.

"We've been blown away by the level of support for the festival, with more than 600 tickets gone already.

"I would urge people to get in quick and book to enjoy some incredible live comedy on their doorsteps."

To book for any of the shows or to sign up to the mailing list, go to www.funnybeeseness.co.uk