WILLIAMSBURG — A new comedy festival coming to Williamsburg Jan. 25-28 will showcase dozens of stand-up comedians and improv teams from around the country — including headliners from Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City — alongside local performers.
Headlining performances for The Last Word Comedy Festival include:
- Improvised Jane Austen — The ladies of Improvised Jane Austen tell a tale, on the spot, in the style of the most beloved 19th century authoress. They perform on Friday, Jan. 26 at the Williamsburg Regional Library theater.
- Hitch*Cocktails — Recognized by The Chicago Reader as the “Best Improv Troupe in Chicago,” Hitch*Cocktails creates a full-length thriller in the style of Alfred Hitchcock… while partaking in beverages from an on-stage wet bar. They perform on Friday, Jan. 26 at Last Word Theater, otherwise known as the Williamsburg Community Building.
- Clued In — Inspired by the works of Agatha Christie and the cases of Sherlock Holmes, this improvised murder mystery show has been performing to sold-out audiences at Chicago’s Second City since 2016, and has been the theater’s longest-running and most popular cabaret show. Clued In is performing on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Last Word Theater.
- RIFF: Chicago’s Improv Music Party — This show takes the fast-paced games of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” as energized by a full band in a wild musical comedy showcase. RIFF will perform during brunch service at Culture Cafe on Jan. 28.
Additional improv shows will take place at the Williamsburg Community Building and Culture Cafe, which are both being turned into comedy club venues for the festival weekend.
Four free stand-up comedy showcases will take place at Precarious Beer Project on Jan. 26 and 27 featuring a total of 23 performers, including headlining NYC comedian Steve Howze, who will be hosting all four shows.
The primary sponsor of the festival is the City of Williamsburg, and the event is being produced by AVAdventure Productions, a Williamsburg production company.
“In addition to our headlining acts, we’re proud to showcase some amazing local talent in the festival,” said Liz Sykes, event producer. “Performers from Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Richmond will all be taking the stage. It’s going to be a great weekend!”
The full festival schedule, tickets available for purchase, and additional details are available at the festival website at lastwordfestival.com.
