Persistence, determination and being a self-confessed “stalker” has paid off for Paul Palmer – who has bagged top comedian Michael McIntyre for a show at Margate’s Winter Gardens.
The Thanet booking – for Saturday August 15 – is a feather in the seafront theatre’s cap, said Paul, who is entertainments and facilities manager there.
The show is a warm-up for Michael McIntyre’s 30-date UK arena tour this autumn, and follows his success on TV, stage and DVD. He took the comedy world by storm last year selling out shows around the UK including an impressive five nights at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. His hugely successful debut DVD release, Michael McIntyre Live & Laughing, became the fastest-selling debut stand-up comedy DVD of all time selling nearly 600,000 copies to-date and rising.
“I’m a huge fan, and was determined to get him to the Winter Gardens,” said Paul. “My method was to keep emailing his agent on a regular basis – almost stalking – and it worked.
“It’s a great coup for us, and follows other top acts we’ve featured so far this year, including the Stereophonics, Kasabian, The Enemy, and LeMar. We’ve also got The Kooks playing next month and that’s sold out already.”
Also on comedy fan Paul’s wish list are three of his favourite funnymen, Russell Brand, Lee Evans and Eddie Izzard, and already booked for later this year are Joe Pasquale and Jimmy Carr.
If you are looking for something to counteract the gloom of credit crunch and swine flu, check out what’s coming up at the Winter Gardens atwww.leisureforce.co.ukor call the box office on 01843 296111/292795.