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LONDON/ LOS ANGELES / MONTRÉAL, November 21, 2022 – Global leader in comedy, Just For Laughs, in collaboration with leading live entertainment company, AEG Presents, and The O2, the world’s most popular music, leisure and entertainment venue, are thrilled to share details of the first slate of programming to be added to the first-ever edition of Just For Laughs LONDON, a four-day festival being held between March 2-5 2023 inclusive at The O2. Tickets go on sale on Thursday 24th November 2022 at 10.00am (GMT) and are available from www.jfllondon.com.
American Express® Cardmembers’ can get access to presale tickets for Ryan Reynolds “Maximum Effort” from Wednesday 23rd November at 10:00am GMT. O2 and Virgin Media customers can access presale tickets via the Priority app for events taking place in The O2 arena, indigo at The O2 and Superscreen, Cineworld at The O2 from Tuesday 22nd November at 10:00am GMT.
Taking place in various venues covering the full campus of The O2 – from club shows at indigo at The O2 to London’s largest cinema, Cineworld to the installation of Fortuna, an intimate wood and mirror Spiegeltent as an additional performance space as well as the world-famous arena – and featuring a mix of notable headliners, multi-comic shows, live podcast recordings, ‘In Conversations’, cast panels and more, Just for Laughs LONDON promises to deliver larger-than-life laughs as it unites today’s funniest UK and international comedy stars.
Just for Laughs LONDON is joining forces with the major charity Comic Relief, who have been changing lives across the world since 1985. Both our organisations believe in the power of laughter and people coming together to create positive change, so we are thrilled to be working together to program 2-3 shows at the first edition of Just For Laughs LONDON. The comedy festival will raise money to help Comic Relief support people through the toughest times of their lives in the UK and around the world.
Over the last 40 years, the unique and edgy style of British humour has become synonymous with what Just For Laughs is known for. They have introduced prime-time TV audiences to these rising British comedy stars on Channel 4, BBC, Channel 5 and to global audiences.
Bruce Hills, President of Just For Laughs: “Every year, without a doubt, the British contingent of comedians at JFL MONTRÉAL are one of the highlights of our event, which I credit to the comedians’ distinctiveness, originality and a point of view unlike any other. Now is the perfect time for us to bring our festival to shine the international spotlight on the incredible UK scene, while also bringing global comedy stars to join forces in producing one epic comedy celebration”.
Steve Homer, CEO of AEG Presents: “AEG Presents are hugely excited to be building what’s set to be London’s biggest ever comedy festival with the fantastic JFL and The O2 teams. We can’t wait to celebrate everything that’s so unique, quirky and world-renowned about British comedy along with some of the world’s biggest international stars – all gracing The O2’s hallowed stages together next March”.
Emma Bownes, VP of Venue Programming (Europe) at The O2: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with JFL and AEG Presents to bring the very first Just For Laughs LONDON to The O2 in March 2023. From Hollywood royalty with the legendary Ryan Reynolds, to the unstoppable Katherine Ryan, Just For Laughs LONDON will feature the best in stand-up, podcasts, and even wrestling across seven venues all within The O2’s campus. We look forward to hosting Just for Laughs LONDON for many years to come”.
Richard Curtis: “At Comic Relief, we believe in the power of comedy and entertainment to drive positive change across the world. That’s why I’m delighted to be hosting this special show at the very first Just For Laughs festival in the UK, with AEG and The 02. I am incredibly excited about sharing the stage with some of the superstars who’ve helped us raise more than £1.5billion in the last 35 years…and dropping some juicy morsels of backstage gossip into the open mouths – and/or ears – of our lovely audience of diehard comedy fans”.
Graham Norton: “I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing comedy event. I can guarantee people a night of big names and even bigger laughs. London in 2023 just got a whole lot funnier!!”.
THE O2 ARENA
Ryan Reynolds “Maximum Effort” moderated by Rob Delaney I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I The O2 arena I 8:30 PM
Global super-star Ryan Reynolds will transport us into his creative multiverse as he talks about everything from his accomplished acting career to being a producer and screenwriter to a successful entrepreneur. This is sure to be a fun-packed conversation filled with laughter, anecdotes, and insight into the Hollywood superstar. Reynolds’ acting career includes nominations for a Golden Globe and Grammy Awards for his work on the billion-dollar franchise Deadpool. He is the only actor with 3 films on Netflix’s all-time top 10 list (Red Notice, The Adam Project, Six Underground). After beginning his acting career in 1991, Ryan rose to prominence in the comedy series Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place and dozens of films. But there’s more as Reynolds is also an award-winning marketer, creating breakthrough campaigns for Deadpool as well as Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile and the Match Group. And if you think he’s not busy enough, he is also an owner of Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, Wrexham Football Club, Chief Creative Officer of MNTN and a co-founder of Maximum Effort Productions. It’s no wonder that he’s been recognized as one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company, Wall Street Journal and AdWeek among others. Don’t miss this exciting, funny and insightful conversation with Ryan Reynolds as he talks about his passions, future projects, his road to and secrets of his success.
Moderating the conversation will be Ryan’s Deadpool 2 co-star, Rob Delaney. Rob is the Emmy-nominated co-creator and co-star of the critically acclaimed Channel 4 and Amazon Prime comedy Catastrophe and is currently filming Showtime’s drama series The Man Who Fell To Earth. He recently wrapped Judd Apatow’s upcoming comedy The Bubble opposite Karen Gillan, and his stand-up special Rob Delaney: Live at the Bowery Ballroom, is available on Netflix.
Variety Gala hosted by Graham Norton at The O2 arena
*show date and time to be announced shortly
Just For Laughs LONDON is thrilled to announce that for the first time in many years, Graham Norton will be taking the stage to host a special curated variety gala. Full details including line-up and ticket details to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
INDIGO AT THE O2
Katherine Ryan and Friends I Thursday, March 2, 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 9:30 PM
Join the Creator, Writer, Star and EP of Netflix Original hit series, The Duchess (along with two global Netflix comedy specials: In Trouble and Glitter Room) comedian Katherine Ryan as she hosts a very special line-up of brilliant comedians. As seen on Live At The Apollo, Would I Lie To You (BBC), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (Channel 4), and hosting Backstage with Katherine Ryan (Amazon Prime).
Joining Katherine will be the Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and star of Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo (both BBC). Darren Harriott, and more brilliant comedians to be announced soon!
Reggie Watts I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 11:00 PM
Reggie Watts, internationally renowned vocalist, beatboxer, musician, comedian and improvisor amazes audiences with his unpredictable performances, which are created on-the-spot using only his formidable voice and loop pedals. Blending and blurring the lines between comedy and music with his unique lyrical style, LA Weekly calls Reggie “the most wildly inventive new talent of the past five years.”
Reggie’s Netflix comedy special, Spatial, released in 2016 is available worldwide. He also has appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Conan, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, John Oliver’s Stand-Up New York, HBO’s The Yes Men Save The World, IFC, Comedy Central’s Michael and Michael Have Issues, UK’s Funny Or Die, and PBS’ Electric Company.
Comic Relief – The Truth & Everything Except the Truth, Hosted by Richard Curtis, Sunday, March 5 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 4:00pm
Richard Curtis, co-founder of Red Nose Day, is joined by Comic Relief stars as they reveal “Comic Relief – the Truth & Everything Except the Truth” – an afternoon of comedy, memories and mishaps.
Aisling Bea and Friends I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 8:00 PM
Join the Bafta award winning creator and star of Channel 4’s This Way Up, comedian Aisling Bea, as she hosts a starry line-up of fantastic comedians. As seen regularly on QI (BBC), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (Channel 4), and featured on Netflix’s Comedy Line-up. Aisling also can be seen playing one of the leads in the Netflix series, Living With Yourself, starring opposite Paul Rudd.
Joining Aisling will be two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee and Host of The Mash Report (BBC) Nish Kumar, plus more to be announced.
The Horne Section I Friday, March 3, 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 7:30 PM
Following The Horne Section TV Show on Channel 4, their hit BBC Radio 4 series, their own TV Special at the London Palladium, appearances as house band on Save Our Summer Crouchy’s Year Late Euros and The Last Leg, an iTunes chart-topping podcast and many years of sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s West End, don’t miss everyone’s favourite Dictionary Corner regulars on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the first band to ever host Never Mind The Buzzcocks at Just for Laughs London this March.
Five outstanding musicians, one non-musical stand up, there’ll be comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing and a lot of mucking about. A unique show from the hugely talented band and Alex Horne, the creator and co-host of The Bafta and Emmy nominated Taskmaster, which won Best Entertainment Show at last year’s Broadcast Awards.
Adam Buxton Best of Bug I Thursday, March 2, 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 7:00 PM
British writer, comedian and podcast host Adam Buxton brings BUG, the long running, sell out BFI music video show to the Indigo stage. Expect a selection of outstanding videos from the last few years, variously unhinged comments from the online community and other nonsense from Adam’s laptop.
Craig Robinson and The Nasty Delicious I Friday, March 3, 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 11:00 PM
Funnyman actor/comedian Craig Robinson (NBC’s The Office/NBC’s Brooklyn 99) introduced his band, The Nasty Delicious, in 2007. The nine-piece crew have been electrifying audiences around the globe with their powerful fusion of Chicago-House, funk, hip hop and R&B, all topped off with Craig’s soulful voice, edgy humour, and improved crowd participation. All the members of the band have their own creative projects, and have also toured and recorded with countless legendary artists across the genres, including Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, Chaka Khan, Beyonce, Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and many more. They have also been featured on Seth Rogen’s Hilarity For Charity on Netflix, NBC’s The Office & Last Comic Standing, just to name a few.
The Receipts Podcast – Live I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 5:00 PM
The Receipts Podcast are thrilled to be part of the Just For Laughs comedy festival 2023. From relationships to situationships and everything in between you can expect unadulterated girl talk with no filter. The girls guarantee you a night of laughter, joy and even some confessions from the dedicated listeners. Hosted by Tolani Shoneye, Milena Sanchez & Audrey Indome, you’ll see the ladies do what they do best in real time including a live performance and other surprises in store, it’s sure to be a fun night!
Max and Ivan’s ‘The Wrestling’ I Sunday, March 5, 2023 I indigo at The O2 I 8:00 PM
The Wrestling is a death-defying, Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning, sell-out mega-show – the grandest, most outrageous spectacle in the comedy universe. Stemming from Max’s misspent youth as the UK’s youngest professional wrestler (Max Voltage, the Human Dynamo), it’s a world of spectacular high-flying action featuring your favourite comedians as you’ve never seen them before. Since The Wrestling began, Aisling Bea has been hurled over the top rope, Sara Pascoe has been carried in on the back of an entire semi-nude team of acrobats, and Max &
Ivan has done battle atop a ladder – all in front of a feral live crowd. Good versus evil. Clotheslines versus punchlines.
Springleaf: James Acaster and Nish Kumar I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 I 6:00 PM
James Acaster is the covert stand-up comedian persona of undercover cop Pat Springleaf. Everyone knows that. And as it’s obligatory for all comedians to have a podcast these days, Pat wants in. When Pat was undercover, he wore his wire 24-7-365. Or 366 if it was a leap year. In this one-off event for Just For Laughs LONDON, Pat talks to Nish Kumar about the true-crime podcast he’s been working on, in which he uses the wire recordings he’s amassed over years of infiltrating criminal gangs to blow wide open the biggest case he ever worked on. A case, it transpires, in which Nish played an unwitting part…
Elis James and John Robins Live I Sunday, March 5, 2023 I Superscreen, Cineworld at The O2 I 7:00 PM
Join Elis James (Fantasy Football League) and John Robins (Live at the Apollo, Edinburgh Comedy Award winner) for an hour of classic Elis and John. PCDs, Retro Oners and Live Vibe Tasters assemble! Elis and John can be heard weekly on their BBC Radio 5Live show, and their award-winning BBC Podcast How Do You Cope?”
Shaparak Khorsandi presents “It Was The 90’s!” I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I O2 Blueroom I 4:00 PM
Ah, the 90s! The decade that Shaparak was in her twenties and ‘ladette’ culture ruled the school. The decade when there was nothing to be done but party, and Shaparak found herself flying about London with hope in her heart, a tenner in her pocket and spare knickers in her handbag. She matched the boys pint-for-pint and frequently woke up in parts of London she’d never heard of. With hindsight though, the way people behaved back then looks like the ultimate in self harm. In those days, ‘mindfulness’ was making sure you had enough money for the night bus and ‘self-care’ was putting your flat shoes in a handbag. This is a show about how we 90s kids are looking to young people to learn how to take care of ourselves.
All Killa No Filla Podcast I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I Superscreen, Cineworld at The O2 I 7:00 PM
Rachel Fairburn and Kiri Pritchard-McLean are co-presenters of the hit true crime podcast All Killa no Filla. With millions of downloads, sold out tours of the UK and an American tour behind them the pair thought it was about time they brought their unique blend of murder facts and humour to Canada but couldn’t get visas so are delighted to be taking part in the Just for Laughs Festival LONDON festival.
A Gay and A NonGay Podcast I Sunday, March 5, 2023 I Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 I 4:00 PM
In a time when we’re all threatened by a rhetoric of hate from the people in power, A Gay and A NonGay challenges our differences head on and proves that no matter who you are, or what you’re into, love is love and Gays and NonGays can be Friends. A new episode is released every Wednesday, where James and Dan dive into conversations around day-to-day life, differences in perceptions, homophobia, coming out, mental health and lighter topics like dating and Dan learning all about douching. It’s always been their mission to talk openly, promote equality, freedom and friendship whilst making our listeners laugh. Hosted by comedians James Barr and Dan Hudson (James is Gay, Dan is NonGay), the A Gay and A NonGay is the UK’s #1 award winning LGBTQ+ podcast.
Stamptown hosted by Zach Zucker I Friday, March 3, 2023 I Fortuna Spiegeltent I 9:00 PM
Zach Zucker is an award-winning, performer/producer based in London and LA. He is the creator of the Stamptown and one half of Norwegian-American comedy duo, Zach & Viggo. Zach also runs the late-night, variety show Stamptown Comedy Night and hopes to fulfil his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA.
Luisa Omielan presents “Ten” I Thursday, March 2, 2023 I Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 I 8:30 PM
Luisa Omielan creates iconic one woman shows. She was the first comedian to receive a Bafta Breakthrough for stand up. Not the first female comedian, the first ever. Now, 10 years after What Would Beyonce Do?! propelled her into the spotlight. Featuring jokes from Am I right Ladies, Politics for Bitches and God is a Woman. Expect cow impressions, thigh gaps, Mary Magdalene and relationship boat analogies. Authentic, raw, honest and timeless, it’s the only show that can make you laugh your head off and cry your eyes out simultaneously.
Craig Robinson In Conversation I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 4:00 PM
Notable actor, writer, performer, Craig Robinson is best known for his role in the U.S. version of NBC’s The Office, as well as his roles in such blockbuster movies as Knocked Up, This is the End, Hot Tub Time Machine, Hot Tub Time Machine 2, just to name a few! In addition to his acting career, he travels the world performing with his band “The Nasty Delicious.”
Come hear directly from Craig as he shares hilarious career stories, discussing his journey to comedy stardom with hit global TV and film roles which have been ranked some of the most binged- watched comedy series and films in history.
Randy Feltface I Friday, March 3, 2023 I Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 I 6:00 PM
Randy Feltface has spent over fifteen years carving out a unique niche on the international comedy circuit. He was nominated for best comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, sold out in London and New York, and featured several times at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. He has released five comedy specials and made his US television debut as a crowd favourite on NBC’s Bring The Funny. His live show is a high energy existential crisis full of the kind of amusing anecdotes and biting observations that have earned him the title of World’s Most Entertaining Non-Human Comedian.
Jessica Fostekew presents “Wench” I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I All Bar One at The O2 I 6:00 PM
A show about sexy things (awkward), private things (oh no) and a woman trying to sit on the face of time to keep it still (hot, right?). You’ve seen Jess on Live at the Apollo, QI and on Harry Hill’s Clubnite amongst other TV shows. She’s a regular co-host of The Guilty Feminist Podcast, the host and creator of The Hoovering Podcast and you hear her regularly on BBC R4’s News Quiz and Now Show. Jess was nominated for the Dave Edinburgh Comedy Award – Best Show 2019 with her last show Hench, and she won Best Breakthrough Act in the Chortle Awards 2020.
FOC It Up! Comedy Club I Saturday, March 4, 2023 I O2 Blueroom, 2:00 PM
The FOC IT UP! Comedy Club, founded by American comic Kemah Bob, unapologetically celebrates and centres the perspectives of comedians of colour that are not cis-men! Join Kemah and her incredibly hilarious comrades in comedy for a night the Evening Standard calls “a riot of positivity and inclusivity”. Since 2018 FOC IT UP! has brought its revolutionary energy to sold out shows in London, the Edinburgh Fringe, Latitude and Southbank Festival. Hot off recording the first season of the FOC IT UP! Podcast, featuring stand-up from over 50 comedians, the Femmes of Colour Comedy club is excited to be a part of Just For Laughs London. “The Femmes of Color Comedy Club is the freshest & most important new outfit in the British comedy landscape” – Deborah Frances-White of The Guilty Feminist. White audience members are encouraged to check their privilege at the door! Kemah (she/they) is a comedian, presenter, writer, actor, drag artist and producer. In addition to being featured on Dave, iTV, Channel 4, Comedy Central and the BBC, she has supported Hannah Gadsby, Nish Kumar, Desiree Burch and The Guilty Feminist on tour.
| DAY | DATE | ARTIST | VENUE | SHOWTIME |
| Thursday | March 2 | Adam Buxton “Best of Bug” | indigo at The O2 | 7:00PM |
| Thursday | March 2 | Luisa Omielan “Ten” | Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 | 8:30PM |
| Thursday | March 2 | Katherine Ryan and Friends | indigo at The O2 | 9:30PM |
| Friday | March 3 | Randy Feltface | Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 | 6:00PM |
| Friday | March 3 | Stamptown hosted by Zach Zucker | Fortuna Spiegeltent | 9:00PM |
| Friday | March 3 | Craig Robinson and The Nasty Delicious | indigo at The O2 | 11:00PM |
| Friday | March 3 | The Horne Section | indigo at The O2 | 7:30PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | Shaparak Khorsandi: “It Was The 90s!” | O2 Blueroom | 4:00PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | FOC It Up! Comedy Club | O2 Blueroom | 2:00 PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | Craig Robinson In Conversation | Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 | 4:00PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | The Receipts Podcast – Live | indigo at The O2 | 5:00PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | Springleaf: James Acaster & Nish Kumar | Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 | 6:00PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | Jessica Fostekew “Wench” | All Bar One at The O2 | 6:00PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | All Killa No Filla Podcast | Superscreen, Cineworld at The O2 | 7:00PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | Aisling Bea and Friends | indigo at The O2 | 8:00PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | Ryan Reynolds “Maximum Effort” moderated by Rob Delaney | The O2 arena | 8:30PM |
| Saturday | March 4 | Reggie Watts | indigo at The O2 | 11:00PM |
| Sunday | March 5 | A Gay and A NonGay Podcast | Screen 16, Cineworld at The O2 | 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | March 5 | Comic Relief – The Truth & Everything Except the Truth, Hosted by Richard Curtis | indigo at The O2 | 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | March 5 | Elis James and John Robins Live | Superscreen, Cineworld at The O2 | 7:00PM |
| Sunday | March 5 | Max and Ivan “The Wrestling” | indigo at The O2 | 8:00PM |
FESTIVAL VENUES INCLUDE:
THE O2 ARENA
Located at the heart of the world’s most popular music, comedy, entertainment and leisure venue.
INDIGO AT THE O2
Sitting under the roof of an iconic London landmark, indigo at The O2 is a 1800 – 2800 capacity entertainment venue located at the front of The O2’s Entertainment District.
CINEWORLD AT THE O2
London’s biggest cinema.
O2 BLUEROOM
O2’s exclusive lounge for good vibes pre and post show.
FORTUNA SPIEGELTENT
Tented area located in The Quadrant just outside the main entrance of The O2. A stylish space for drinks and small plates.
FESTIVAL TICKET DETAILS:
Tickets go on sale this Thursday, November 24 at 10:00 AM GMT
All tickets and passes for JFL LONDON can be purchased at www.jfllondon.com
According to reports, CBS is developing The Hilsons, a multi-camera family comedy from The Neighborhood team of writer/actor Malik Sanon and star/executive producer Cedric the Entertainer, production companies Kapital Entertainment and TrillTV, and studio CBS Studios.
In The Hilsons, Written by Sanon, a mother and her two adult sons thought they knew each other until they are forced to live under the same roof for the first time in more than twenty years and discover they have all been keeping secrets from one another. Now, this seemingly loving family must learn to live together again and accept each other for who they are, and not who they were pretending to be.
Sanon executive produces with Aaron Kaplan and Melanie Frankel for Kapital, Wendi Trilling for her TrillTV, Cedric the Entertainer and Eric Rhone for A Bird and A Bear Entertainment and Peter Principato and Kevin Parker for Artists First. Kevin Marco oversees for Kapital. CBS Studios is the studio.
There is no acting deal in place but if the project goes forward, Sanon could play a supporting role.
This marks the second year in a row that Sanon has sold a multi-camera comedy to CBS with the same creative team. Last year, he had in the works The Monroes & Tony, also from Cedric The Entertainer, Kapital Entertainment, TrillTV, and CBS Studios.
Sanon currently is supervising producer on CBS’ hit The Neighborhood, on which he also recurs in the role of Trey. His previous writing credits include #BlackAF and Cedric’s The Soul Man, in which he also had a recurring role.
In addition to The Neighborhood, which is currently airing its fifth season, Cedric also is executive producing dramedy series Finding Happy, set to premiere later this year on Bounce TV. On the film side, he recently portrayed civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy in the feature Son of the South, and appeared in The Opening Act.
This marks the latest broadcast sale to CBS for TrillTV and Kapital this season, following They’re With Me, a blended family multi-cam comedy with Dana Klein and Mat Harawitz; Book Club, a single-cam comedy with Me, Myself and I duo Dan Kopelman and Susanna Wolf; and a reboot of The Bad News Bears, based on the 1976 film, with Corey Nickerson.
Source: Deadline
In this episode of The Box Seats Sports Comedy Talk Show, we discuss the Dallas Cowboys‘ win over the Minnesota Vikings, plus the Kansas City Chief’s comeback victory, the Philadelphia Eagles’ win, and the rest of the games in the NFL! We also talk about the return of Ben Simmons with the Brooklyn Nets, and the other hot topics in sports!
The newest comedy club coming to Detroit is transforming the face of the local entertainment industry and being led by none other than comedian Mike Epps is bringing the funny every time.
One Mike Enterprises recently announced plans to open a new entertainment venue in Downtown Detroit at 1331 Broadway. Headed by world-renown entertainer Epps, One Mike Detroit will feature live music, spoken word, and stand-up comedy from nationally renowned artists. The new venue (formerly the Punch Bowl Social location) will also help new and upcoming talent break into the industry.
“Detroit has always been a great city for comedy and a second home to me,” said Mike Epps. “I’m excited to announce the flagship location for the One Mike brand in Downtown Detroit. We’re bringing superb dining and premier comedy experiences to 1331 Broadway.”
In addition to showcasing top local, regional and national talent, One Mike Detroit will offer a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience through its restaurant partnership with 7th Floor Hospitality Group. The restaurant, Savour 42 will feature seafood, lamb, beef, chicken, and vegan options guaranteed to make your mouth water in anticipation. Savour 42 is curated by a team of hospitality industry leaders, from some of the best fine dining establishments in the country, with over 100 years of combined experience.
“Being a Detroit native, it’s a privilege to be a part of a project that will add something special to Detroit’s entertainment and hospitality scene, said Louis Morgan, III, president, 7th Floor Hospitality Group.“In 1919 Horace Sr. & Georgia Sheffield, my grandparents, fled Georgia with their three-year-old son, Horace L. Sheffield, Jr. for a better life in Detroit. Since then, through my grandparents, my parents, and now my daughter, Council President Mary Sheffield, my family has lent its time and talent to every imaginable way to make things better for others. Today, through One Mike, the Sheffield family carries that family engagement forward in a new way.”
Another unique feature of the establishment is an upper loft called The Luxe Lounge that will feature all Black-owned wine and spirits brands. One of the brands featured will be Mike Epps’ own spirits brand from his newly launched Eppic Spirits.
“The first product under the Eppic Spirits brand to be launched is a handcrafted vodka called Michael Elliott, Ltd., said Rhashad Hicks, VP of Operations, One Mike Enterprises. “This gluten-free vodka is refreshing and fragrant, with the exotic essence of the lychee. There is also another flavor that features an espresso fusion of rich smoky notes of roasted coffee beans.”
One Mike Detroit will be located at Bedrock’s 1331 Broadway Street and is set to open in the spring with renovations beginning in December.
“Detroit has long been known as a city with tremendous local talent that has provided world-class entertainment,” said Ivy Greaner, Bedrock’s Chief Operating Officer. “One Mike Detroit is set to provide a stage for local talent to continue to shine on an elevated platform, and for legends from around the globe to showcase their magic to our City.”
One Mike Detroit is co-owned by Rev. Horace Sheffield, III. The new establishment will be run by Robert Schultz, Kimberly I. Moore, and Rhashad Hicks- all Detroit locals.
By Sherri Kolade/Michigan Chronicle
Natasha Rothwell is striking out on her own.
The Insecure and White Lotus alum will star in, write, and co-showrun How to Die Alone, a comedy that has been ordered straight to series at Hulu. The project hails from Onyx Collective, the Tara Duncan-led studio focused on underrepresented voices, and ABC Signature and stems from an overall deal with both that Rothwell signed earlier this year.
Hulu and Onyx say How to Die Alone will follow Melissa (Rothwell), “a fat, black, neurotic woman who has never been in love. After a comical brush with death, she refuses to settle for anything less than the life she wants, catapulting her on a journey to becoming ‘100 percent that bitch’ in real life by any means necessary.”
Rothwell and Vera Santamaria (Hulu’s Pen15) serve as co-showrunners on How to Die Alone. Both will exec produce alongside Desiree Akhaven (The Bisexual). The project is the first to come from Rothwell’s Big Hattie Productions at Onyx and ABC Signature.
Die Alone marks a turning point for Rothwell as she moves from the supporting to lead role after her Emmy-nominated turn in the first season of Mike White’s Emmy-winning anthology The White Lotus. Her credits include Wonka and Disney’s upcoming animated feature Wish. She’s best known for her series regular role on HBO’s Insecure, on which she had a series regular role and doubled as a writer and producer. Her writing credits also include Saturday Night Live and on-screen gigs in Love, Simon as well as Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Wonder Woman 1984. She’s repped by CAA, Edna Cowan Management and Jackoway Austen.
Santamaria is with CAA, Meridian Artists and Morris Yorn.
Onyx Collective was launched last year by Duncan, who also serves as president of Disney’s younger-skewing cable network Freeform. Since its launch, Duncan has recruited an impressive group of talent with overall deals including Rothwell, Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi) and Insecure showrunner Prentice Penny, among others. Onyx, whose originals stream exclusively on Hulu, recently launched its first scripted drama, the Kerry Washington-produced Reasonable Doubt, and also counts The Hair Tales, The Plot, and Unprisoned.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Bounce, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, today announced a partnership with MGM to produce a new original series, “Act Your Age.”
The multiple-camera, half-hour comedy tells the story of three vibrant, successful Washington D.C./Northern Virginia-area women in their 50’s who are each at a personal crossroads and who decide the best way forward in life is together. “Act Your Age” stars Kym Whitley (“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Next Friday,” “Young and Hungry”) and Tisha Campbell (“Uncoupled,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Dr. Ken”) with special guest star Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community,” “The Mayor,” “Big Shot”).
Whitley plays Bernadette, a successful, no-nonsense real estate developer. Campbell plays Keisha, the wild card of the group who is always up to something, and Brown plays Angela, the former First Lady of Norfolk, Virginia, who is looking to redefine her life after being widowed by her husband, a revered career politician.
The multi-generational sitcom also features Mariah Robinson (“The Wrong Valentine”) and Nathan Anderson (“All About the Washingtons,” “Richie Rich,”) as the 20-something children of Angela and Bernadette, respectively.
Alyson Fouse (“Big Shot,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Wanda Sykes Show”) created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. The series is produced by Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick and Bradley Gardner (“Hot in Cleveland”) and co-executive producer Ken Ornstein (“Everybody Loves Raymond”).
The 16-episode first season of “Act Your Age” has begun production in Los Angeles and will premiere on Bounce in the spring of 2023.
“The opportunity to do ‘Act Your Age’ with Kym, Tisha and Yvette on Bounce, a network that has made me feel so comfortable being my authentic self, means the world to me,” said Fouse. “We’ve built a world where the stories of Black women in the prime of their lives can be both funny and heartfelt; a world where individually they shine but they also show support for one another. ‘Act Your Age’ is a celebration of the Black women who have loved, raised, befriended and held me up through the years and it honors and salutes the ones who have inspired me.”
“Partnering with MGM Television, working with top showrunner Alyson Fouse, and attracting immensely popular and talented actors Kym Whitley, Tisha Campbell and Yvette Nicole Brown are game-changing and huge steps forward for Bounce originals,” said David Hudson, vice president of original programming, Scripps Networks.
“Act Your Age” is the newest Bounce original series, joining “Johnson,” the critically acclaimed hit show focusing on four lifelong best friends, and “Finding Happy,” starring B. Simone as a mid-30s woman determined to change her life for the better. Both of these shows come from Eric C. Rhone’s & Cedric The Entertainer’s production company, A Bird And A Bear Entertainment.
In this episode of The Box Seats Sports Comedy Talk Show, we discuss the Golden State Warriors losing their 8th game on the road and if there is a sense of panic on the team, plus we discuss the upcoming Thursday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans, the drama coming from the Brooklyn Nets about the conversation Kevin Durant had, and the other hot topics in sports!
Watch the new episode below;
Apple Original Films revealed today the trailer for the highly anticipated film “Emancipation,” directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “The Equalizer”) and starring and produced by Will Smith (“King Richard,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Ali”).
“Emancipation” tells the triumphant story of Peter (Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery. The film will premiere in theaters on December 2, 2022, and globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, December 9, 2022.
“Emancipation” is directed by Antoine Fuqua, from a script by William N. Collage. The film is produced by Will Smith and Jon Mone through Westbrook Studios, Joey McFarland through McFarland Entertainment, and Todd Black through Escape Artists. Chris Brigham, Antoine Fuqua, James Lassiter, Heather Washington, Cliff Roberts, Glen Basner, and Scott Greenberg are executive producing.
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Cast: Will Smith, Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Owuor, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, Grant Harvey, Ronnie Gene Bivens, Jayson Warner Smith, Jabbar Lewis, Michael Luwoye, Aaron Moten and Imani Pullum
Writer: William N. CollageProducers: Will Smith and Jon Mone through Westbrook Studios, Joey McFarland through McFarland Entertainment and Todd Black through Escape Artists
Exec. Producers: Chris Brigham, Antoine Fuqua, James Lassiter, Heather Washington, Cliff Roberts, Glen Basner, and Scott Greenberg
News dropped today from Hollywood circles that actresses Gabrielle Union and Eva Longoria are developing an LGBTQ wedding comedy feature for Amazon Studios. They’ll not only produce the film but likely star as dueling soon-to-be mothers-in-law whose sons are getting married.
“Eva and I try to take over their wedding [planning] and make it the wedding of our dreams versus theirs,” Union said on Nov. 13 at a tastemaker screening of “The Inspection.” The untitled project is being written by Ricardo Gamboa and produced by Macro Film Studios, Union’s I’ll Have Another Productions, and Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment.
Union also gave an update on “Got to Be,” a Billy Porter-directed road trip movie she’s producing about three Rhode Island high schoolers who travel to New York City for their first Pride parade. It was inspired by Union and husband Dwyane Wade’s daughter Zaya asking to attend Miami Pride when she was 10 years old. “It’s a group of diverse kids. One is a chubby Asian, another is a Black nonbinary — I don’t want to say a diva or divo, but an extravagant, dynamic larger personality — and then there’s a white bisexual boy,” Union says, adding that she hopes the film features authentic casting. “I believe that it is important to have real representation so we’re not play-acting at what it is to be queer,” she says.
Union was also on hand at the premiere of “Strange World,” Disney’s new animated family adventure film, on Tuesday in Hollywood. She and Jake Gyllenhaal star as the parents of a gay teen (Jaboukie Young-White). “A lot of folks are trying to erase whole chunks of our population and trying to reimagine reality without LGBTQIA folks,” Union said. “The reality is, we exist everywhere, every part of the globe.”
Young-White said of his character’s queerness, “It’s beautiful… It’s not self-congratulatory, it’s not announcing itself, it’s just accepting it as a normal reflection of our reality.”
In this episode of the Box Seats Sports Comedy Talk Show, we discuss the news that DeShaun Watson is returning to the Cleveland Browns, plus the news that the Brooklyn Nets are already frustrated with Ben Simmons! Plus we discuss the hottest topics in sports!