On 5 November, our new season of evening performances, Beyond the Frame, kicks off with Comedy Night: Sophie Duker & Friends. For one night only, Aesthetica Film Festival and York Theatre Royal are hosting the sharpest, boldest voices in stand-up. The all-women line-up features Sophie Duker, Eleanor Tiernan and Bella Hull: three fearless comedians known for delivering sharp, witty, and unforgettable performances that capture the zeitgeist through humour. The event is part of a milestone year for Aesthetica; with Beyond the Frame, we are evolving beyond a traditional film festival. This season of events, taking place at York Theatre Royal from 5-8 November, broadens our programming beyond screenings – blending comedy, conversation, cinema and music into a dynamic, multi-dimensional experience. Sophie Duker and Friends is the first of these events, uniting three brilliant women for one electric night. Learn more about them here:

Sophie Duker
Headliner Sophie Duker is a comedy force of nature. A Taskmaster champion and star of Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, Duker’s award-nominated Edinburgh show Venus earned five-star reviews and a sold-out Soho Theatre run. She’s also the winner of the 2021 Funny Women Best Comedy Writer Award and a breakout star on the international stage. In 2023, her sell-out show Hag had to be extended for a second leg to meet phenomenal demand.

Eleanor Tiernan
Support comes from Eleanor Tiernan, whose dry, acerbic humour and intelligent writing have earned her praise across the UK and beyond. With appearances on BBC3’s Stand Up For Live Comedy, Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and support slots for Ardal O’Hanlon, Jason Byrne, Jason Manford, Reginald D Hunter, Stewart Lee and Tig Notaro, Eleanor is a comic’s comic with serious bite. “Tiernan boasts a magnificent curl in her lip and snarl in her voice,” says The Sunday Times.

Bella Hull
MC Bella Hull brings energy, charm, and a razor-sharp tongue. As seen on Comedy Central Live, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show, and BBC’s Stand Up for Live Comedy, Bella is a rising star and podcast host who’s supported Russell Howard, Phil Wang and Paul Chowdhry, and wowed the Edinburgh Fringe with her hit shows Babycakes and Piggie. Described as “a new template for generations to follow” by Rolling Stone, Hull is one of the UK’s most exciting young comedians.

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Join us for Comedy Night: Sophie Duker & Friends at York Theatre Royal on 5 November. Book Your Tickets Here.

Discover the full Beyond the Frame programme here.

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