Showtown’s first major exhibition is opening this July!
'I Photograph Comedians' by British photographer, Andy Hollingworth is an exhibition celebrating the people that make Britain laugh!
The exhibition will include 50 prints of Andy's photographs as well as objects of comedy memorabilia from his personal collection.
Andy Hollingworth has always had a unique connection with his subjects, capturing rare contemplative moments off-stage, creative studio portraits as well as documenting unparalleled access to their electric stage performances.
Andy has worked with comedy legends including Rowan Atkinson, Steve Martin, Rik Mayall and Victoria Wood.
He is the go-to photographer for many contemporary favourites including; Rosie Jones, Kevin Bridges, Johnny Vegas, Sindhu Vee and Romesh Ranganathan. With themes of stand-up comedy, portraits of sitcom greats, live performance, and humourabilia.
Andy Hollingworth said: “This retrospective of my work over the last 30 years reflects the changing faces of comedy in the UK and my interaction with them. I’m delighted that it’s being displayed at Showtown in Blackpool – the very heart of British entertainment for the last 100 years!”
Jill Carruthers, Exhibition Manager said “Andy Hollingworth’s photography is perfectly suited to being Showtown’s first major temporary exhibition. His unique connection with the comedians he works with is evident in the intimacy and playfulness of his photographs. Andy has a distinctive style that captures the combination of onstage antics, and backstage nerves and excitement that resonates with what Showtown is all about – celebrating performers and inviting our audiences for a different point of view.”
A programme of events exploring comedy and laughter will complement the exhibition through to February 2025, including a series of exhibition talks and tours with Andy as he shares anecdotes about each act, examines what it means to be famous and funny.
Screenings of the film, ‘Laurel & Hardy: Last Dance of The Cuckoos’ a documentary which follows his obsession with Laurel and Hardy.
Families can have a giggle at several free comedy themed activities throughout the run of the summer.
‘I Photograph Comedians’ launches on 13 July as part of Blackpool Comedy Festival and will continue until 23 February 2025.
