Description

The Overdue Comedy Club is a midweek night of stand-up comedy in the heart of Leeds City Centre. From the unique surroundings of the oldest surviving subscription library in the British Isles, it promises to be a truly unique night of first-class entertainment. 

Housed within the beautiful Georgian building of The Leeds Library and surrounded by our stunning collection of rare and unique books, it provides a perfect, intimate experience for both the audience and the acts. May contain bad language and adult content. Not for the easily offended. 

Book your seats early to avoid disappointment. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. 

Headline Act: Sol Bernstein 

The world’s oldest living Jewish Comedian. 

When a legend reaches a certain point in their career, it’s time to ease up on doing legendary things and reflect on an exemplary life. Sol Bernstein has reached that point, and he invites us to listen to his tales of the high life with the biggest names in showbiz, musings on how the world has changed, and being just an ordinary Jew with world-beating wit, unbounded talent and death-defying chutzpah. 

Singer, dancer, comedian, magician, actor and musician Sol Bernstein was born in Ukraine. Having been rated Best Triangle Player by Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington in the 1950s, he went on to perform across the globe at venues such as The London Palladium, New York’s Carnegie Hall, The Paris Olympia, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and Scunthorpe Working Men’s Club.

But despite such a life, Sol has suffered unforgivable injustice. Heard of Elvis Presley? No? How about The Beatles? Really? Ok then, surely Marcel Marceau? Good. Well, Sol Bernstein launched the careers of these greats and many more, and what did he get for it? Nada. Nothing, not even a ‘thank you’. But having escaped the Pogroms in Russia and the Nazis in Germany as a child, Bernstein is no stranger to pain and hardship – in all their forms – have made the man what he is. Such struggles – be they life-threatening or female nagging – give Sol Bernstein not only the inspiration to face each new day but the material for his limitless supply of comedy shtick. The resulting performances have given the man good reason to enjoy fame and build friendships with the likes of Burt Bacharach, James Brown and Harry Hill. He’s still waiting for the fame.

Sol Bernstein has got so much to say and being now in his 80s, so little time to say it. Catch this legend and genius while you still have the chance. 

“Simply my favourite comic – the funniest hour you’ll spend this summer” – Harry Hill 

Opening Act: Ant Dewson 

Ant Dewson is a comedian, mediocre piano player and singer of silly songs. Many of which are rude. He’s a regular performer at the UK’s best comedy clubs including Up The Creek, The Stand, Funhouse Comedy, Top Secret, Angel Comedy, Out of Bounds, The Stand Up Club… to name but a few. 

Ant has shared the stage with some of the country’s finest comedians including Michael McIntyre, Micky Flanagan and Lee Mack. He’s also performed with some shockers, all of whom he is too polite to mention here. He has also written comedy for BBC Radio 4 and Sky TV, and commercials for many household brands. He performs on BBC Radio London and is the co-host of Carpet Martin’s Comedy Market on Riverside Radio. 

“A musical comedy feast” – The Skinny 

Middle Act: Sallyann Fellowes 

Neuro diverse comedian Sallyann Fellowes has very unique outlook on the world … unique and VERY funny.  

– Finalist in 2Northdown 2021 

– Semi Finalist LGBTQ + Comedian of the year 2022

“Sallyann will surprise you at every turn with hilarious real-life anecdotes and spirited delivery” – Martin Willis, founder of Objectively Funny 

Hosted by: Chris Lumb 

One of the warmest MC’s on the circuit, Chris is also an actor, writer, director, producer, editor, comedian, and legendary improviser. His shows include The Discount Comedy Checkout and The Halls of the Ridiculous (both at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe). 

Chris is also a talented impressionist and featured on Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC Three) and Britain’s Got Talent (ITV 1). 

A note about accessibility – Unfortunately, our Grade II* listed building is not currently fully accessible. We have a stair lift from the ground floor foyer to the first floor but are unable to install a through-floor lift due to the building’s historic status. Please email us on enquiries@theleedslibrary.org.uk if you have any questions around access, and we will do everything that we can to accommodate you.  

The Leeds Library is committed to making its building and collections accessible to everyone in our current capital building works project The Next Chapter Project. To find out more, please visit the website HERE.