Get ready to chuckle, Birmingham! A brand new photographic exhibition celebrating the giants of British comedy is about to grace the Gas Hall in Birmingham's Museum and Art Gallery, and it's packed with familiar faces and hilarious memorabilia. This is a must-see for anyone who loves a good laugh!
Opening its doors from February 18th to May 31st, 'I photograph comedians!' will showcase the work of British photographer Andy Hollingsworth, featuring a whopping 80 studio portraits of some of the UK's most beloved comedians.
Prepare to see the likes of Birmingham's own Jasper Carrott, Jo Enright, Shazia Mirza, and Joe Lycett, alongside Stewart Lee from Wellington, and Lenny Henry, who hails from Dudley. But that's not all!
Beyond the stunning photographs, the exhibition will feature some truly unique items. You can expect to see a tour jacket worn by Lenny Henry during his 1984 tour, a signed pair of Rik Mayall's underpants (yes, really!), and the iconic teddy suit worn by Joe Lycett on 'Late Night Lycett'.
Andy Hollingsworth himself says, "This retrospective of my work over the last 30 years reflects the changing faces of comedy in the UK and my interaction with them." He's thrilled to bring the exhibition to Birmingham, a city with a rich comedy history and a vibrant scene.
But here's where it gets controversial... The exhibition will also highlight the contributions of the West Midlands to popular culture, showcasing items connected to venues like the Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Odeon, and Wolverhampton's Wulfrun and Civic Halls.
Co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, are particularly excited about celebrating local talent, featuring comedians from different generations.
The exhibition will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00 GMT.
What do you think? Are you excited to see this celebration of British comedy? Which comedian are you most looking forward to seeing featured? Let us know in the comments!
