Kettering comedian James Acaster set for three-night hometown gig run at Wicksteed Park starting tonight

Kettering’s most famous comedy talent returns to one of his old haunts today to start a three-night stint at the town’s most beloved and iconic venue.

James Acaster will take to the stage at Kettering’s Wicksteed Park Pavilion as part of his UK ‘Hecklers Welcome’ tour that sees him on the road for nearly a year.

The Wicksteed gigs replace the four nights that had been planned for the Lighthouse Theatre but had to be cancelled when the venue temporarily closed.

Ticket holders have been asked by promoter Little Wander to be at the venue in good time for the 7.30pm start each night – seats are unreserved.

A spokesman said: “A reminder that doors are at 6.30pm for a prompt 7.30pm start and it is unreserved seating so arrive in good time to sit together. It is a sold out event so you will be asked to fill rows as directed by the ushers."

Fans of Mr Acaster, 38, will be able to see the stand-up flex his acting muscles next year in a Hollywood blockbusting franchise Ghostbusters, when he stars in its latest incarnation.

Dan Aykroyd, who will reprise his iconic role in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, gave the Kettering star his seal of approval describing him as ‘great’, ‘very funny’ and ‘wonderful’.

Mr Aykroyd also confirmed that Mr Acaster would be playing one of the developers of new ghostbusting equipment.

A newly-released trailer for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire shows a bespectacled James Acaster complete with a ghostbusting red anorak, as well as leading actors Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Logan Kim, Celeste O’Connor, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts.

It’s a far cry from when James worked at Wicksteed Park as a teenager. Since then he has made no secret of his love for the venue – with an infamous meringue confection depicting Wicky Bear for a Stand Up to Cancer Great British Bake Off special and appearing with a goat named in his honour at Wicky’s Farmyard. He also interviewed Wicky Bear for the Hold the Front Page comedy series.

The Wicksteed Park gigs are sold out but new dates for Northampton’s Royal & Derngate in July 2024 have been announced.

For tickets go to https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/james-acaster/