Archive
The Comedy Club - Archive
Dominic Frisby
Events: 9
One of the best character comics in the business, Dominic Frisbee is a true comedy legend. Having virtually invented the one-man sketch show, he now focuses more on straight stand-up and, with his own unique, ruthlessly frank, confessional style, is at the very top of the tree. A resident on Radio 4's Loose Ends, he is a true star of both TV and film, he has appeared alongside footballing legend Ian Wright in Spy TV, television non-entity Davina McCall in Sam's Game, and the rather more talented Sandra Bullock, Chris O'Donnell and Sir Richard Attenborough in In Love And War.
Victor Daniels
Events: 4
Victor started his stand-up career in 1999 and hasn't looked back since, becoming a regular in the circuit's top venues such as The Comedy Store, Jongleurs, Comedy Cafe, Comedy Club, Up The Creek and the Hackney Empire.
His comedy has seen him perform in New York and reach the finals of some of the UK's best known comedy competitions. He has also featured as a writer on the BBC's Gina Yashere Show and the Angie Le Mars sketch show 'Big Sister'.
He is the creator, writer and director of the highly successful Hackney Empire The United Colours of Comedy, which is now being developed by the BBC New Comedy Unit.
He is also a regular at the live 'BBC Comedy Presents' shows in the Soho Revue Bar. {loadposition important}
Josh Howie
Events: 4
Adam Ethan Crow
Events: 23
An experienced stand-up comedian for more than a decade, Adam Crow has enjoyed a whole new lease of life in recent years, after first beating cancer and then surviving a heart attack that as well as making him glad to be alive, also helped him put things in perspective.
It could also be explained by a diverse upbringing that saw Adam Crow born in
And then of course there is his desire to always be in the spotlight, first as a model, then as an actor, TV presenter and stand-up comic.
His material, though varied from gig to gig, centres frequently on relationships and the time honoured question of the differences between men and women. Untroubled by political correctness, he can have an audience giggling with understanding and eating out of the palm of his hand one minute and then gaping open-mouthed with shock at the harshness of what he has just said the next.
A truly varied comedian, who can flit from dark to light and back again over a whole host of subjects from the banal, inane and trivial to the deep, personal and political. Adam Crow's calm, measured approach and low, husky voice has seen him sometimes described by critics as lazy, but in reality it has taken years of hard work to be able to appear that calm, laidback and whimsical. Beating death not once but twice helps too.
Much in demand Adam Crow has honed his act to suit any audience, irrespective of race, genre, region or venue. Be it as a compere or comic, at a comedy club or festival, corporate function or charity gig, Adam can appear to be at home as shown at the 1997 Edinburgh Festival when Adam, with Mitch Benn, wrote and performed the surprise sell-out hit The A-Z of Comedy.
A true comedian’s comedian, Adam admits to being pleasantly shocked by the number of get well messages he got from his fellow comics while he was unwell. In his own words, he said: "Wow - really weird how the comedy community gets together when one of our soldiers fall. "
Described by Ricky Gervais as “really funny” his celebrity fans range from the good (Griff Rhys Jones), the bad (Dr Fox) and the ridiculous Gloria Hunniford.
As an actor Adam Crow appeared in such quality dramas as The Dream Team (Sky One), Casualty (BBC 1), Trust (ITV), The Leaflet (BBC2), The Bill (ITV), Lovejoy (BBC 1) and Pirate TV for Sky. He was even an unlikely relationship expert on Channel 4's The Real Dating Show, offering pearls of wisdom to the sad, lonely and desperate of TV land. As a presenter, he co-hosted a pilot for Channel One called After Midnight and hosted a forum style interview with Griff Rhys Jones for Martin Cassini Productions. On radio, he was also the anchor for his own spoof Sunday show for BBC Radio .
Such aptitude and diversity has also kept Adam much in demand for TV warm-up work And here he has covered the whole spectrum of light entertainment - from fellow coffin dodgers on Open House with Gloria Hunniford, to the outlandish lager louts on Channel 5's Night Fever. Still it keeps him sane and pays the bills.
Equally lucrative and successsful is Adam Crow's other sideline. A talented photographer, he specialises in portraits, portfolios and publicity shots and runs his own photographic company www.adamethancrow.com. Among his clients are several of his fellow comics, always keen to make themselves presentable to the press.
But whatever happens, after facing the grim reaper and walking away, Adam Crow is determined to enjoy it and hopes you will too.
As the man said: "No matter what you do in life enjoy it. Don't stop to smell the flowers - after all they are just plants, but do hug those you care about, try and be good to your fellow man/woman - unless they are dicks, then sod them, make no time for morons. As the late great Bill Hicks said: 'Life is just a ride". My addition is "be careful to join the queue for the good rides - we all have choices, good luck with yours.
"And to all, if you get a numb left arm and your GP tells you it's a trapped nerve - get a second opinion. Hey and if nothing else I got some new material out of it!"
WHAT THE COMICS SAID
‘Really funny" - Ricky Gervais
"Great interview, great guy.’ Griff Rhys Jones
“I can’t believe you got them to laugh.” - Gloria Hunniford
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
‘Crow had the audience in stitches!’
“Bloody excellent!” - Karen Kopstick,
‘An entertaining and skilful comedian!’ - Time Out
‘Crow handled the room slickly and confidently while leaving enough room for spontaneity.’ - The Scotsman.{loadposition important}
Alistair Barrie
Events: 3
Actor and stand-up Alistair Barrie first rose to prominence with his sell-out 2002 debut Edinburgh show The Uncertainty Principle - (**** Metro). Having taken a year out from Fringe madness to get married in Ireland (for which he received lots of new material and some Waterford Glass) Alistair continued to consolidate his position in 2003 as one of the rising stars of the national and international circuit, with acclaimed performances at both the Reading and Leeds festivals and headlining shows in Jakarta and Singapore. Alistair has also performed throughout the UK and Ireland and as far afield as Amsterdam, New York, Dubai, Brussels, the Channel Islands, Sydney and Melbourne.
Throughout 2003/4 Alistair also appeared in a high profile advertising campaign across Europe and Asia as the face of Avaya, market leader in the worldwide telecommunications industry.
Recent global events have inspired a wide range of subject matter for this highly topical comedian, who can nonetheless 'drop from the highbrow to the gutter in the draw of a breath' (Metro) when the need arises. Combining a wide range of material and an easy rapport with any audience continues to make Alistair 'a name to look out for' (BBC GLR) in the coming year.
Alistair has recently appeared in Green Wing (Channel 4) and on Radio Ulster's popular panel show The Blame Game. {loadposition important}
Andrew Roper
Events: 38
With over ten years experience, this newcomer to London oozes confidence and charm. His slick appearance conceals a sharp edged style that has delighted audiences all over Australia and New Zealand, both on stage and on radio.
Since relocating he's performed all over the UK and as far afield as Munich, Bahrain, and New York.
Andrew started his career by winning the State Finals of the Triple J "Make me Laugh" Award, and being invited to the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Since then he's featured in five shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and two at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
As well as stand up, Andrew's comedy has been in extremely high demand on the airwaves, where he's worked for 8 years, both performing with, and writing for some of the biggest names in Australian Radio. Most recently he has written for London's HEART Breakfast Show.{loadposition important}
Andy White
Events: 11
Andy White is a Brummie true comedian who escaped from a call centre to become a stand up comic. He combines silly voices and a mad afro to devestating comic effect. Andy's humour embraces silly voices, funny faces, observational humour, topical humour and his mixed race background. He can do comedy material that's clever, cheeky, sick or just silly. His performance can shift from deadpan to loud and physical.
Andy has played to a wide variety of audiences, adults and children, both at home and abroad, in comedy clubs, theatres, universities, Radio and TV shows, and at corporate entertainment events
"The laughs turned to applause many times for Andy" Suzanne Worthington, BBC Cumbria
"Had me exercising my pelvic floor muscles to avoid an accident" Karen Slater, BBC Tees
"Undeniably entertaining" Chortle.co.uk
"Oozes talent" What's On Magazine {loadposition important}
Bob Mills
Events: 29
Bob Mills is a true elder statesman of British stand-up comedy. The man who bridged the gap between the first wave of “alternative comedy” in the mid-eighties and the new laddism of the early ’90s, star Bob Mills is as popular today as when he first strolled on to the comedy circuit in 1985.
Now approaching his silver jubilee as a stand-up comic, Bob is one of the most recognisable and respected comedians in the business. His voice is pretty famous too as not a weekend goes past without Bob and his distinctive cockney drawl getting an airing not once but several times as either a host or guest on the numerous sports, comedy and current affairs that dominate the airwaves.
For although Bob Mills may have been born in
It is his love of football (although not necessarily Orient) and all sport that has enabled Bob as a comedian, to tap into the modern male (and many female) psyche because he is talking the language of the people on the terraces, streets and settees of
He started out as a hotel valet (albeit a slow one) in that salubrious epitome of London, King's Cross, before a visit to his friendly neighbourhood stand-up comedy club turned his world upside down when he discovered he could make people laugh.
It was then that Bob Mills found himself the man-of-the-moment, bringing some much-needed fresh new blood to the now not-so-alternative comedy scene, and at the vanguard of what become known as the “new lad” movement along with his long-term friend and colleague Danny Baker and other torch-bearers like Keith Allen, Chris Evans, Jack Dee and Jonathan Ross.
Bob Mill’s love of football, comedy and modern culture soon saw him splitting his time between life as an acclaimed and in demand stand-up comedian and an equally popular TV host. Hosting the first of cult shows like There’s Only One Brian Moore, Dial Midnight and In Bed With Medinner, which ran for a remarkable four series, all for LWT, and then more mainstream shows like Win, Lose or Draw for ITV and Not A Lot Of People Know That on BBC1.
As well as a successful host and stand-up comedian, Bob Mills is also an acclaimed writer of comedy and drama and so much in between. He created two series of ITV's award winning comedy Bob Martin, starring Michael Barrymore and Keith Allen. He also co-wrote and produced Stan the Man, starring another friend John Thomson and Gaynor Faye, and created the festive flagship drama Christmas Lights and the six-part comedy spin-off Northern Lights, both starring Mark Benton and Robson Green. He has also penned an episode of Shameless and the screenplay for the feature film Pierrepoint, starring Timothy Spall as the infamous hangman of the 20th century.
On his debut as a film producer on My Beautiful Son, Bob Mills helped Julie Walters to a Best Actress BAFTA, and also picked up his own coveted nomination from the Academy along the way.
In 1995, Bob Mills created and starred in what he describes as his own finest work to date, The Show for Channel 4 - eight one hour programme fly-on-the-wall documentary about the making of a real chat show. Like a non-fictional Larry Saunders Show, the show was years ahead of its time and confirmed Mills as one of the finest comic writers of all time. The show is often pinpointed as the template for much of the reality TV that rules the schedules today. So it’s Bob’s fault then.
One of his greatest loves after stand-up comedy and writing is radio. Over the years, Bob has presented his own shows for BBC London, GLR, Talksport and Radio 5Live and he regularly works with and covers for Danny Baker. He's a regular popular guest on Radio 5’s Fighting Talk, The Gabby Logan Show and Loose Ends (BBC Radio 4). He is also co-host of The Christian O'Connell Solution on Sunday mornings
He has also hosted several music and comedy shows on VH-1, including The Vinyl Years, Look Back In Angora, Ten Of The Best, Mills 'n' Tunes amongst others. He also appeared on The Weakest Link Comedian's Special.
CORPORATE TESTIMONIALS
“Just a quick note to thank you for arranging the legend that is Bob Mills for us on Thursday night, all went fantastically and everyone found him really funny. Once again many thanks!” QBE Insurance
"Bob Mills was fantastic. i hope he had just as good time as the Welsh Guards mess members did that evening. Thank you so much for all your help and pass on our utmost gratitude to Bob for the excellent evening’s entertainment." The Welsh Guards
{loadposition important}Chambers and Nettleton
Events: 14
Northern lasses Chambers and Nettleton are emerging triumphant as one of the brightest comic duos on the circuit today. The only female double act cutting it on the live comedy circuit, they are fast gaining a reputation for their warmth, infectious charm and caustic wit. Before a long-term friendship turned into a double act, Lynn sailed the world as a singer and performer and writer of comedy reviews! Sally went from drama school into acting, began improvising characters and onward into stand-up. Their success is not just contained to live work though; a major project with Mediatheme will see the duo performing recorded performances in over 300 venues nationwide, not to mention Lynn's appearance on Churchill's latest TV ad. Campaign.
"Comedy Double Act, divine and very funny" - Time Out
"They'll leave you in hysterics" - The Stage
"They'll surely make prime time TV one day" - Time Out.
Also stars of the major BBC documentarys 'A Funny Business' - 2006 & 2008
View Chambers & Nettleton's showreel at www.comicvoice.com
{loadposition important}
Chris McCausland
Events: 11
"Comedy Brilliance!" - Jasper Carrot
2005 Edinburgh Fringe debut with his one man show "As seen on TV"
After a harebrained idea that went just a bit too far Chris first gave stand-up a go in the summer of 2003. In the 12 months that followed he was not only voted Jongleurs best newcomer but also achieved a top three placing in another three premier national competitions including Channel Four's "So You Think You're Funny?". He's now playing some of the top clubs in London and around the country including Jongleurs and The Comedy Store, and with his services continuing to increase in demand.
Although registered blind, Chris chooses to talk only occasionally about his disability as he believes that the audience should be able to relate to as much of his material as possible. Instead his material spans from the real to the ridiculous - whether it be about university shenanigans or the all too depressing world of the giraffe… and with the odd tale of embarrassment thrown in for good measure!
"An absolute natural!" - Dave Spikey (Phoenix Nights)
"Shining Light!" - Sunday Express
"The new face of comedy in the UK" - London Tonight, ITN
"A stirling set - Elegantly written and engagingly performed" - Chortle {loadposition important}
Cole Parker
Events: 7
Comedian, actor, writer and presenter, Cole Parker exploded onto the comedy circuit in 2000, to great critical acclaim. In the same year he was nominated the UK's best new comedian. Cole now regularly plays the premier comedy clubs throughout the UK & overseas and has earned an enviable reputation as a highly original, crowd-pleasing comic and compere. His intelligent - occasionally dark material, is delivered with generous spoonfuls of charm and he can relate to any audience.
On television Cole recently presented 15 episodes of 'The Ultimate Gambler' for Bravo Television, which sold to 24 countries worldwide and he can currently be seen on Sky Sports as the face of the 2006 International Cricket.
On radio Cole has co-presented a music show with Craig Charles for BBC Radio 6 and appeared as a guest on XFM, BBC London, LBC and BBC Kent. He also performed in BBC 7's 'Spanking New'.
A knowledgeable and passionate music fan, Cole has hosted 'Jersey LIVE!' for four years since its inception in 2003 - performing alongside the cream of the British and international A -list music industry. Having a massive bank of material and being able to relate to a wide demographic has made Cole a popular and regular festival fixture. He has compered the Reading festival for an unprecedented three years running and also played the Glastonbury, Leeds, Edinburgh, Bugjam and Big Chill festivals.
A prolific writer: Cole has four television shows currently in development. He has also written for several top name comedians & played alongside: Harry Hill, Jonny Vegas, Ardal O'Hanlon, Ed Byrne, Sean Lock, Jimmy Carr, Jeff Green, Craig Charles, Al Murray & Ross Noble.
"Quite simply, the finest alternative comedian there is" Ian Cognito
"Consistently funny" The Independent
"Wonderful, upfront, hilarious'" Evening Standard {loadposition important}
Colin Cole
Events: 27
To most comedians starting out, being stopped in the street is something they only dream of.
Not so Colin Cole. Standing at 6''7" in his socks, the usually amiable Aussie comic Colin Cole has been being stopped in the street by perfect strangers on an almost daily basis for nearly all of his life, simply so they can tell him he's tall - and it drives him mad.
"Do they think I don't know?" he says, in that inimitable questioning Australian tone.
Not that Colin Cole doesn't delight in his size. Looming over the stage, and built like a whole block of brick outhouses, he begins his act with the firmly tongue-in-cheek question: "Everybody see me all right?", while his anecdotal tales of life as one of the tallest people on the planet provide some of the core material of a top class comedy act that has wowed punters the world over.
Already one of the biggest names in comedy in
Colin Cole’a natural wit and a winningly mocking manner are enhanced by some enviable performance skills honed in his other field as a dramatic and comic actor.
Indeed he should be a familiar face to fans of good and bad (and my word there's plenty of that) Australian TV. A talented and versatile actor, his CV reads like a "guide to television Down Under" and includes hit shows like Hey Hey, the Max Gillies Show and Bingles - no me neither!
Combining sharp one-liners and a mix of material that ranges from the topical to the observational and all points in-between, with that cuddly, giant Koala persona, Colin Cole has been able to break down barriers around the world and appeal to as wide ranging an audience as it is geographically possible to have.
Having conquered his home nation, Colin is also popular in the
Now based in the
WHAT THE COMICS SAID
"I strongly believe that Colin Cole is one of the funniest comedians on the circuit, I have shared a stage with the big man and believe me audience's love this huge ,funny, big hearted man with more love then most UK people had for Princess Di". - Mac Star
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"He memorised the audience, they only took their eyes off him to laugh" - The
"He comes over from
"Whether it be a gag on a well-worn subject, or something he spotted on the way into town, every punch line was a gem to behold; every joke expertly crafted. This man, you've got to see!" - The
Danny Buckler
Events: 14
One of that rare breed – a magician meets comedian and all things in between - Danny Buckler first started performing his mirth-filled magic on the shop floor of Harrods of all places. Spotted on the floor at Mr Al Fayed’s famous shop by the rich and famous, Danny was soon invited to entertain at exclusive events for the likes of Oasis, Bruce Willis, Kevin Kline and the Sultan of Brunei, before finding his way on to
By now a fully fledged stand-up comedian, Danny Buckler was asked to support Victoria Wood on a nationwide tour and later joined the show Victoria Wood and Friends at
Danny Buckler conjures up the laughs with a unique mix of traditional stand-up, improv, audience participation and a smattering of magic, all combined with an easy-going storytelling style. Danny has already appeared in his own show for Channel 4 – Danny Does Tricks and in 2004 he fronted the BBC 1 prime-time Saturday night special Secrets of Magic. Other TV outings include Funny Business (ITV) and Bedrock (ITV2).
As well his unique niche on the comedy circuit, Danny Buckler keeps his magical hand in by performing in variety shows up and down the country and toured the country in the highly successful and critically-acclaimed production Uri Geller Stopped My Clock.
He has also performed for the troops in such troublespots as
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Puts Houdini to shame." - DAILY MAIL
"Before you knew it he had the whole audience cheering." - THE STAGE
"An endearing air of parodic grandeur." - METRO
{loadposition important}Dave Twentyman
Events: 33
Dave Twentyman is a rising star of North West comedy. Hailing from the town of St Helens, his tales of home, work and the universe are delivered in a stream of conciousness both mesmerizing and friendly.
He started back in Christmas 2002 at Lock 'n' Load comedy club, were out with his mates and completely intoxicated got up on stage for the first time and made people laugh. 10 gigs later he was to make his first and only TV appearance so far on ITV's Made In The North West: "It was a bit of a whirlwind experience but I just wasn't good enough or ready for it at the time, but I was flattered they wanted me on."
Since then, he's packed in the drink and has performed on nearly every North West comedy stage, playing the fool and bantering with audiences who love his chaotic, haphazard style.
He recently won the St Helens Comedian Of The Year competition and was promptly tipped to follow the success of fellow St Helens comic Johnny Vegas.{loadposition important}
Dave Ward
Events: 15
Dave Ward is a friendly, upbeat comic with a cynicism that gives his comedy a unique gentle bite.
Fluid, quick thinking and with an original take on life, Dave's material is both varied and universally popular.
He has worked alongside such impressively, diverse names as Harry Hill, Frank Skinner and Richard Littlejohn. {loadposition important}
Dave Hadingham
Events: 1
Like a mad Phil Daniels, Dave Hadingham is a bulldog of a comedian, and the animal allegories don't stop there. In an affectionately, snarling, ranting and raving set, Dave is not afraid to make you laugh about anything (remember the dogs). At his best in the live arena.
Dave's TV CV is not bad either, having worked alongside the likes of Jonathan Ross and Jack Doherty. {loadposition important}
Dougie Dunlop
Events: 21
Highly talented observational comic, Dougie Dunlop, has the hardest of his audiences sharing his unique take on life. A comedy youngster, Edinburgh boy Dougie was headlining at the Cafe Royal at the Fringe within two years of starting his act. A star of Scottish TV and radio, Dougie has begun the invasion of the south with appearances on The Beat Room, Through the Night and Velvet Cabaret.
He performs at all the major comedy venues in the UK and abroad - as far flung as Shanghai! He headlines in many places, and his relaxed style and widespread appeal makes him much demand at major corporate events and weddings.{loadposition important}
Eddy Brimson
Events: 23
Eddy Brimson is what's known as a geezer and a damn funny one at that, but he is also a great deal more.
Over the past few years, Watford boy Eddy - and you only need to hear him open his mouth and hear his Thames estuary accent to know that - has emerged as one of the most interesting, considered and thoughtful comedians on the stand-up circuit.
And that is quite some achievement for a self-confessed former football hooligan, hunt saboteur and even a one-time terrorist suspect.
But then the dangers of pigeonholing and stereotyping have long been core subjects of Eddy Brimson’s entertaining acts - be the brief 20-minute stand-up sets or one of his introspective Fringe shows like Kids: I Couldn't Eat A Whole One, where he explores the nature and psychology of parenthood and children and despite having any youngsters of his own and having no desire to do so.
A former graphic designer at the same time as he was running riot at football grounds all over
Having turned his back on football violence at around the age of 24, Eddy Brimson and brother Dougie set about writing a series of books about life on the terraces, not so much to glorify the violence but to try and educate people in a post-Heysel and Hillborough world about why people fought over football in the first place and what could be done to stop it.
Seven books later, including one novel, and having set the football world to rights - many of Eddy Brimson's ideas were later put into action as hooliganism went on the wane – Comedian Eddy Brimson turned his attention to television, appearing as an actor in the likes of Thin Blue Line, Casualty, Between The Lines, Silent Witness, Absolutely Fabulous and EastEnders - he was the vicious lout who turned over Frank Butcher's car lot.
He also played a major role as a gang member in the HBO movie The Infiltrator.
But thanks to a fit body and a completely bald head - he started shaving it at the age of 24 - he found his roles were limited: "I was always a thug, a gay guy or a Hare Krishna," Eddy says.
Bored with that, Eddy Brimson tried his hand at presenting, hosting a show on Bravo called The Basement, covering topics ranging from the British Lawn Mower Grand Prix to a live hair transplant - all quality stuff.
He also hosted The Brimson Brothers with (you've guessed it) his brother Dougie on Liberty Radio.
It was round about this time that a friend gave him a leaflet about a course in stand-up comedy with a "resting" comedian. The rest as they say is history as Eddy Brimson has emerged to become one of the leading headline comics in British comedy and around the world.
It's not all been plain sailing as a comedian. Eddy endured one 15-minute slot being heckled by the whole audience before he'd even uttered a word and performing naked to a mixture of "perverts and students" in one of several visits to Edinburgh.
But generally it's been one mighty success story for Eddy Brimson has finally found his niche in life. "Once you've done it - stood up on stage and made people laugh - you've had it - and that's in a good way".
Specialising in what he describes as "observational filth", Eddy Brimson is a regular at all the country's leading venues and is a long-time friend and favourite of The Comedy Club.
As one of
On television, as well as the numerous stand-up comedy shows, Eddy Brimson is one of those ubiquitous talking heads on shows like as I Predict a Riot, The Confessions of Series, 100 Worst Singles and, of course, the Britain’s Toughest Series, while appearing with Richard and Judy to ask the question "is bald sexy?"
Top stand-up Eddy Brimson is a regular radio contributor to shows on BBC Radio 5 and Talksport, and in 1998 Eddy returned, this time with official backing, to the world of football, when he wrote, filmed and presented Teargas & Tantrums for Carlton Video. This no holds barred exposé of life among the travelling English football fans at the France World Cup reached number three in the national video sales chart.
Eddy Brimson is still a geezer and still damn funny.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Quite simply brilliant" - Sky
"Eddy Brimson doesn't muck about" - Three Weeks.
"The crowd loved him" - The Guardian
{loadposition important}Erich McElroy
Events: 29
''Hilariously insightful'' The List, ''A very entertaining act'' Broadway Baby, Edinburgh Comedy Festival 2010 – AAA Show Late
American comedian Erich McElroy started doing stand-up here in Britain five years ago and has performed regularly on the national circuit since. Originally from Seattle, he was a performer with the sketch group 'Up in Your Grill', and has a degree in acting. Shortly after arriving to our shores, Erich took his show ‘Brokeback Britain’ to Edinburgh with Australian stand-up Pete Jonas and together they won the Official Fringe Sell Out Award. (that’s not them selling out their morals, but the seats you understand!)
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:''Hilariously insightful'' The List
''A very entertaining act'' Broadway Baby
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY:
"Friday evening went well...Erich McElroy did a very good job. My dad was pleased with how it went and had a fun evening." 65th Birthday/Retirement
{loadposition important}Frank Honeybone
Events: 5
Frank has been performing on the comedy circuit since the start of 2004. His relaxed, engaging style is coupled with a razor-sharp wit which makes his banter with audiences a joy to watch, whether as an MC or performing a set. No heckler has ever left one of Frank's gigs feeling insulted, just a bit silly.
He has delighted and outraged crowds across the country with his chats about Wales, women and cut-price sado-masochism. He has held audiences rapt as he talks openly and frankly about his family, religion, leaving home and his experiences with IVF, and audiences warm to him immediately.
Not afraid to stage-dive to embrace or kiss hecklers, he thrives on establishing an inclusive atmosphere at any gig he performs at, and is always happy for people to join in.
In addition to this, Frank's gift for impersonation and accents have marked him out as an able performer with the scope to deal with a wide variety of comedy audiences ranging from young urban crowds to more mature gatherings.
At the start of his comedy career Frank appeared in the final of the Laughing Horse New Act Competition 2004, and was a finalist at the London Comedy Festival 2004 New Act Competition and the FHM Holsten Pils New Act Competition 2004. He was also a So You Think You're Funny semi-finalist in 2004.
In 2005, he was the winner of the Home Nations Comedy Championship held at the Rib-Tickla Comedy Club in Havant, beating off strong opposition from his English, Irish and Scottish counterparts.
Over the past few years, Frank has established himself as a much in-demand MC at many venues nationwide, also securing residencies in both Cardiff and Reading. He has also proved himself on the corporate circuit, hosting events for HSBC, RCM and the BBC.
As Frank has bases in both Camden and Cardiff, it gives him ample scope to work on the London circuit, and also venues further afield.
In 2008 Frank appears in the forthcoming four-part BBC documentary "Funny Business" which charts the search for a new Welsh comedian. The show is broadcast from Monday Jan 21st at 10pm on BBC2 Wales/BBC2W, which is available on Sky Channel 991. {loadposition important}
Geoff Norcott
Events: 75
Everything Geoff Norcott does is under-pinned by enthusiasm, optimism and a sharp comic mind. On the comedy circuit, Geoff’s abundance of energy combined with a storming mix of observations, impressions and satire has made him a hugely popular act both in the UK and abroad. On television, Geoff’s profile continues to rise with urge using his sharp one-liners and becoming a popular feature of all manner of debates including many topical and sports related shows. Having briefly worked as main anchor on the WKD Shed Sports Show, Geoff quickly progressed to mixing it with the stars on 2010 Egaming Award nominated Best Programme ‘The 888 Show’, Channel One (formerly Virgin One) interviewing the legendary Shane Warne amongst the famous names. Geoff also takes the afore mentioned qualities into his growing number of radio appearances, including frequent guest spots on Talksport’s ‘Hawksby & Jacobs Show’, where he endeavours to see the funny side of cricket.
Geoff’s expertise isn’t isolated to sports however, having recently filmed a comedy drama pilot for the BBC and playing a key part of the ‘SPOOF’ impressions show line-up on BBC1. As a former teacher, Geoff is a refreshing and humorous commentator on any issues related to education too. Also emerging as a vibrant writer, having written for ‘Parsons & Naylor’ and ‘The Now Show’ on BBC radio & MTV.
PRESS QUOTES:
“Geoff Norcott is a comedian with a big future ahead of him” The Mirror
“Master of anecdotal storytelling” Edinburgh Evening News
"Funny, charming and optimistic, but with enough good quality dark material to make you believe he means what he’s saying." The List
“Geoff Norcott finds fresh ways into his material” The Independent
"Guaranteed to bring the house down at any comedy gig" Manchester Evening News
“An outstanding act who delivers an eclectic mix of smut, impressions and politics, all delivered with a confident smile and boundless energy…” Funny.co.uk
“High energy and satirical” Time Out
“An amiable and quick witted host” Chortle
‘Genuinely entertaining….worth seeing just for the impressions’ Edinburgh Writers Guild
“Geoff did a really great job” Shane Warne
“He made me laugh” Chris Moyles
TOP CORPORATE TESTIMONIALS‘Thank you to the Comedy Club's Geoff Norcott...who had Google UK laughing hard at the Red Nose Day "TGIF" event.' Google UK
‘Geoff was awesome. Everyone went home with smiles on their faces and he gave the event the high point we were looking for.’ Clive Lonie ITV Media Sales
"A great success for Carlsberg...Geoff Norcott was excellent...it cannot be easy performing to wide group of ages put he pulled it off and the feedback from the customers was very positive." Carlsberg
“Geoff was excellent and was well received. Thank you for recommending him” Paul Mills Clarion Gaming.comGeoff Whiting
Events: 7
Gerry K
Events: 128
He who dares wins is the usual phrase, but in the case of reluctant comedian Gerry K it was a case of who is dared wins.
For
And although he did not win on the night, his effort was good enough to secure a paid gig at the venue and launch and unlikely career in stand-up comedy.
Within months there was no looking back as Gerry K scooped a hat-trick of top comic honours by winning the Comedy Store’s prestigious King Gong prize along with the Metrolife Comedy Newcomer and The Comedy Café’s Best Newcomer awards.
Seven years later and at the tender age of 42 Gerry is fast becoming one of the most talked about comics in the business and is breaking some taboos on the way.
Real name Gerry Kyei (pronounced “Chay”), father-of-four Gerry was born in the East End, but grew up in rural Essex as a rare black face in an almost totally white and very parochial area – a million miles away from the traditional Essex stereotype towns like Harlow, Basildon, Romford and Southend.
And comedian Gerry K brings his experiences and unique take on English country life to the stage in an act that is anecdotal, observational and refreshingly honest.
As the man himself says: “It’s all about me. I start from the very beginning, being a black kid growing up in a white town near Colchester. It’s all very tongue in cheek. I move on to families, the wife and kids, and then talk about observational and topical stuff.”
And it’s clearly proving popular as, after a few years on the undercards of the comedy circuit, Gerry K is now appearing on the top of the bill and is much in demand with punters, fellow performers and the big bad world of corporate events.
A regular face at Comedy Clubs around
As an actor he has appeared on The Bill and Angelo’s, both ITV, enjoyed a supporting role on a cameo on Jimmy Carr's Xmas DVD and even hosted the football forum with former England international and I’m A Celebrity bad boy Rodney Marsh and legendary Sky host Jeff Stelling for Zoo Magazine. Gerry's wit has also been heard on BBC Nottingham's 'The Breakfast Show'.
An energetic and likeable personality, with a sure-fire life-enjoying smile that would warm the coldest of nights, Gerry K is a favourite of the Comedy Club and a member of the growing Comic Voice stable of comics that are proving that success with a smile is even sweeter.
As Gerry says: “I love nothing better than - just for a little while, anyway - being at the centre of people’s worlds and making them laugh. It’s a lovely feeling.”
QUOTES:
"We all had a greaaaaaaaaaaat time – Gerry K was fabulous – super entertainer and a lovely guy. We’re all still talking about the evening and remembering some of his jokes – very very funny :o) star player – hope to seem him at 'Live at the Apollo' soooooooooooon. Cheers and thanks again" Proctor & Gamble
“Gerry was fab and everyone thought so. He was very patient when things moved to the right slightly. I have only heard good things from the night and my boss thought he was very good and he is hard to please. Thank Gerry on mine and my guests behalf, he was fab.” 92 Squadron. Hullavington
“Gerry K was also very, very good. I think that this was definitely the best show I have attended at Worcester.” Worcester Warriors
“I was there on the night though and think it went really well! The second act in particular was hilarious – lots of laughter when he was on!” The Cheltenham Chase Hotel
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Harry Denford
Events: 7
Harry Denford is regarded as one of the circuits top comedians, who can be seen headlining each week at Jongleurs venues all over the UK. On stage he is the full SAFFF London geezer, who invites us into his world,a world of stone cladding,gold sovereigns and where owning a holiday caravan in Essex is considered class.
Experience a journey with him as a virtual passenger in the comfort of a top of the range Ford Granada Ghia on the "G" plate of course, as you learn about why Lenor fabric softener is banned in the whole of 'Sarf' London and why he is the only pilot from that part of the world. In fact in real life Harry is a fully qualified commercial pilot and flew Boeing 737's before entering the world of standup.
Harry covers the subject of flying in his set, from the unique angle of the pilot. No one in aviation is missed as you discover why minicab drivers make good captains and just what the ground controller with those orange bats is actually saying.
Away from comedy, Harry has got the ultimate boys toy. A share in a Russian jet fighter. He also has a share in a more mundane flying machine, a Cessna 172 which he often uses to fly to gigs in. {loadposition important}
Harvey Oliver
Events: 14
Jeff Stevenson is more than just a stand-up comedian – he is two stand-up comedians.
Jeff, and his alter-ego Harvey Oliver, cover almost every area of comedy going in a career that has spanned nearly 35 years.
Stand-up Jeff Stevenson first appeared in public consciousness as a child star in the legendary and seminal 1970s' film Bugsy Malone, shining alongside the likes of Jodie Foster, Scott Baio and Dexter Fletcher as Louis, one of Fat Sam’s gang and therefore one of those responsible for providing us with the classic song Good At Being Bad - well the actions at least. And he met up with many of his co-stars just a few years ago in the reunion show After Bugsy on ITV.
As an adult Jeff Stevenson has appeared in two episodes of classic British comedy series Only Fools and Horses, as PC Parker in the Christmas special To Hull and Back and as the stand-up comic at Rodney's stag night.
But then as one of the most flexible comics in the
One of the most in demand comedians for more than 20 years, he has worked with everyone from Shirley Bassey, Johnny Mathis, The Shadows, Howard Keel and Tom Jones to Russ Abbot and Freddie Starr.
It was in the year in the year 2000 that comic Jeff Stevenson first switched over from the cabaret and variety end of the market to the new challenge of the comedy club circuit, adopting the alternative monicker of Harvey Oliver in the process in an attempt to head off people's preconceptions of him as a more mainstream comedian.
He now switches happily between both Jeff and Harvey and the two circuits in a whole new genre of his own he has described somewhat tongue-in-cheek as "midstream".
Now in his mid 40's, comedian Jeff Stevenson just loves performing stand-up whether it be in a comedy club, theatre or a corporate event.
He is equally at home on television, as either a host of everything from LWT variety series Knees Up, two series of the ITV daytime game show Jumble and part of The Entertainers as well as guest outings on such seminal light entertainmentr shows As Barry More, Blankety Blank, Live From Her Majesty's and Win Lose Or Draw.
More recently he has appeared on his own stand-up show on Channel 4 and Stand and Deliver for Sky One, which featured 30 minutes of Jeff Stevenson performing live stand-up at Jongleurs comedy club.
With a relaxed delivery style and diversity of material that can be tailored to his numerous different audiences around the world, Jeff (or Harvey) is also at home in front of American as well as British audiences.
Top stand-up comedian Jeff Stevenson has performed many times on the world's leading cruise ships such asThe QE2 and in 2004 he was honoured to be asked to appear on the maiden voyage of the QM2 alongside Dame Shirley Bassey and Des O’Connor.
Imran Yusuf
Events: 58
“Imran Yusuf's show heralds the birth of a new comedy star” Time Out
"He wittily riffs on people's vain attempts to pigeonhole him ethnically" Telegraph
EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL - FOSTER'S COMEDY AWARDS - BEST NEWCOMER NOMINEE 2010
Imran Yusuf is renowned for his stinging, lyrical street-slang verbiage and super-high energy performance. Fast and furious yet charmingly 
endearing, his is a unique voice on the comedy circuit taking the industry by storm with a 42 date UK tour, self titled sketch show 
The Imran Yusuf Show commissioned with BBC3 and numerous more filming/recording projects taking place through 2011.
Born in Mombasa, Kenya and raised in the UK with a brief stint at school in the USA, Imran has travelled much of the world including Israel/Palestine, Jordan and Saudi Arabia during the Lebanon Crisis in 2006. His work has been inspired by this rich multicultural background, giving him a youthful, energetic and highly original voice that embodies the multi-cultural wealth that exists in modern Britain.
He seamlessly switches between styles with graceful fluidity, repeatedly delivering heavy-weight punch lines with enormous panache. His seemingly light-hearted satire is mixed with hard-hitting topical commentary on contemporary issues that culminate into a tour de force of comedy offering an all-embracing sentiment in his trademark styling.
Imran’s original ambition was to become a video games designer and after working for some of the UK’s top companies, his creative aspirations finally gravitated towards the world of stand-up comedy. Following a period of clinical depression when he was 25 he set out to reclaim his life and career through unwavering self-belief, outrageous ambition and incredible hard work. Over the last few years he has won over the hearts and minds of a very broad audience, illustrating that absolutely anything is possible.
In 2010, Imran presented his debut solo show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show, An Audience with Imran Yusuf, was part of the Laughing Horse Free Festival and it was Imran’s intention to develop his craft and material at the Fringe whilst at the same time keeping under the radar of the UK Comedy Industry and Press. However, word about the show got out and within a week Imran had gained the first of a collection of 5 star reviews, which led to him being nominated for Best Newcomer in the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award 2010 (He was the first performer from The Free Festival to be nominated in the history of the Awards). All of this whilst fasting between sunrise and sunset in observation of Ramadan.
Imran’s TV debut was also made shortly after the festival appearing on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Road Show (BBC1) and the Edinburgh Comedy Gala (BBC3) broadcast in September 2010. Building on this success, Imran has made a series of radio appearances in 2011 including The News Quiz (BBC R4), The Now Show (BBC R4) twice, and Arthur Smith’s Balham Bash (BBC R4 Extra), all prestigious and high profile radio productions focusing on current affairs and satire.
Following quickly on Imran appeared on How TV Ruined Your Life (BBC2) and such is his worldwide appeal, was flown to Canada to record Funny As Hell for BBC America. August 2011 saw Imran return to Edinburgh Festival performing his new show Bring The Thunder to a raft of top reviews plus performances at the 2011 Edinburgh Comedy Gala (BBC3) and BBC Comedy Presents (BBC3), further consolidating Imran’s place at the forefront of the UK comedy industry. Currently working on various TV and radio projects including The Imran Yusuf Show commissioned by BBC3, expect to see and hear a lot more from Imran as he continues to push at the forefront of British comedy.
Currently working on a theatre tour and various TV and radio projects, expect to see and hear a lot more from Imran as he continues to cut at the very edge of British comedy.
QUOTES:
"Imran Yusuf hits the stage with incredible energy and purpose. His riffs are hilarious and his choice of targets is evidence that he’s a comic that has something to say." Mark Breslin, CEO of Yuk Yuk’s International Stand-Up Comedy, Canada
“Imran is something I’ve never ever seen before… he almost rapped his gig… it had the rhythm of a rap. I’ve never ever, ever seen anyone’s delivery like that.” Adam Bloom, BBC Radio 7
“This charismatic Kenyan-born Londoner is so intent on giving audiences a good time, he smuggles through shrewd observations about multiculturalism and modern life without you even noticing.” The Telegraph
"It's like watching Eminem do stand-up" Terry Alderton
“The New KING of Comedy” Eastern Eye
CORPORATE TESTIMONIALS:
“The Comedy Club was very easy to work with and we are very grateful to them for working with our budget. Please pass this message onto Imran Yusuf: Imran, thank you so much for your performance on Wednesday…our crowd really enjoyed watching you and we would love to have you perform at our event again in the New Year.” Muslim Youth Helpline
“On behalf of BT and ‘Save the Children’ I would like to say a massive thank you to Geoff Norcott and Imran Yusuf…they were both so professional and had the audience captivated from the start. They even had members of our audience crying with laughter!” Save the Children / BT
"Imran Yusuf’s jokes were pitched at just the right level…he was very funny.” Yusuf Islam Foundation
EDINBURGH SHOW REVIEWS 2010:
"By not focusing on the obvious racial stereotypes, he wins over the entire audience. His happy, positive personality leaves them feeling uplifted, energised and privileged to have had An Audience With Imran Yusuf” ***** Chortle
"Imran Yusuf's show heralds the birth of a new comedy star. Intelligent, thought provoking and laugh out loud funny it's a glorious debut." **** Time Out
"Imran Yusuf has to be one of the most captivating, energetic, and animated stand up comedians I’ve ever seen" ***** The New Current
"He would be broadly described as 'political comedy', but he in fact comes across not as political but as deeply human...add to this a tremendous physicality and a joyful glint in his eye, and it's easy to see why I came out of the show somewhat in love with him." **** The Skinny
"an hour of cheek and charm" **** The Independent
"...there’s is no doubting his talent. As he says, catch him before you have to pay for the privilege" **** The Arts Desk{loadposition important}
Jeff Innocent
Events: 4
Looking like the bouncer he used to be – even down to the way he pulls at his tie – Jeff Innocent brings you comedy with menace.
But then it’s not surprising really. Born in
As the man himself says with a smirk: “I was always connected. I still get invited to the funerals, if you know what I mean.”
Instead young Jeff Innocent opted to plough a different furrow as a window dresser for a smart chain of 1970’s boutiques in
Giving up on the shops game in the 1980s, the ever-flexible stand-up comic Jeff Innocent headed off to university as a mature student, starting with a BA in cultural studies and ending up with an MA in history and philosophy.
And where better to share this newfound knowledge (and especially the philosophy) than on stage as a stand-up comic – a final career choice that he first lurched into some 10 years ago.
Now very much part of the comedy “firm”, Jeff Innocent uses his background and experience to persuade his audiences to laugh both at and with him – being built like the proverbial brick outhouse helps too.
A comic’s comic, Jeff Innocent is universally acknowledged as one of the one of the most consistent and reliable acts on the circuit, and is literally without compare as a compere. With an engaging manner from the off, he has an unerring ability to entertain comedy clubs all over the world with a particular penchance for the east - including Singapore, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Dubai, Taiwan and Japan.
Jeff Innocent’s many television credits as actor, stand-up and presenter include TV’s 50 Hardest Men (Sky One), Comic relief (BBC1), Edinburgh Nights (BBC1), Later with Jools Holland (BBC 2), The National Lottery Show (BBC1), Time Gentlemen Please (Sky), Real EastEnders (Ch4) and Brief Histories (BBC 3).
Comedian Jeff Innocent’s film roles include that of a publican in It Was an Accident and as if turning the clock back to what might have been when he played a prisoner in Mean Machine alongside Vinnie Jones – Jeff could eat him for breakfast.
A prolific writer, Jeff Innocent writes for everyone from The Independent to The Scotsman as well as working on documentaries and sketch shows for both radio and TV, working alongside the likes of Sandi Toksvig, Phill Jupitus and Roland Rivron. Jeff Innocent also contributed to the “stand-up bible” Sit Down Comedy.
Always a popular player at Edinburgh, Jeff made a welcome return in 2006 with his solo show Eco Worrier, which received rave reviews and made a few ethical and political points at the same time.
At a time when two many comics are floppy-fringed students or shiny-face toffs, Jeff Innocent remains a voice of reason – and a very funny one at that.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
“His gags come from his subversion of ethical values by juxtaposing them with his wide-boy charm." - Metro ****
"Clever, honest, funny, hugely likeable comedy." – writer, comedienne and TV producer Kate Copstick
{loadposition important}Jim Smallman
Events: 3
Jim Smallman has been resolving his own personal issues through the medium of comedy since 2005, bringing his own brand of oddball observations and paranoid illness to stages all over the UK. After stumbling into a comedy workshop in a vain bid to conquer his nerves he somehow found himself onstage several times a week with a microphone in his hand and people listening to his general weirdness. Often, they laughed.
In demand both for his stand-up and increasingly for his compere work, Jim's act touches on his odd life, his obsession for knowledge and his downright childish silliness. A regular compere throughout the UK, since 2006 he has been resident compere at the Giggling Badger clubs in the East Midlands. Performing as an MC has opened up his act to new realms of messing around and making audiences act out his every whim as his enthusiasm takes centre stage.
Jim was a finalist in the Laughing Horse new act competition in 2006 and again a finalist in the Equity Comedian of the Year competition in 2007. He has received critical acclaim around the UK for his comedy and is becoming increasingly in demand on the circuit. This helps his self esteem somewhat, but possibly doesn't help his bizarre outlook on life.
Thus far the high point of Jim's career has been performing in front of 2,000 people at Leicester's De Montfort Hall for the 2007 Leicester Comedy Festival Preview Show alongside Jason Byrne, Rhod Gilbert and Russell Howard.
Jim's debut 1 hour solo show "Hello, My Name is Jim and I Have All The Answers" will be performed at comedy festivals throughout the UK in 2007. This deals with his ridiculous quest for pointless facts, and is notable for illustrating that a man so allegedly obsessed with knowledge can still plumb the depths of finding as many facts about penises as possible.
Press Quotes:
"... Jim Smallman had an impressive stage presence for one so new, holding his own amongst pros... he has great potential." - Chortle review of De Montfort Hall show, 2007
"... Jim Smallman also shone. He's been on the stand-up circuit for less than two years, yet he looked completely at home in this lofty company. A laconic, sarcastic gag machine, he's certainly a comedian to keep an eye on" - Lincolnshire Echo, 2007
"First up was the extremely funny Jim Smallman... he earned lots of laughs with his naughty jokes" - Leicester Mercury, 2006
"...There is something intriguing about him... his outlook is sarcastic and frustrated, which he can, now and then, focus into a perfect gag. His bad taste Pussycat Dolls is an instant classic." - Chortle, 2006
"After a half an hour session... I'd plump for the burning fires with Jim, who was sharp and yet had a warm humility." - Leicester Mercury, 2007
One of the best young and exciting comedians around {loadposition important}
Jo Jo Smith
Events: 4
A BIG star, in more ways than one, Jo Jo Smith is one of the dames of British stand-up, having seen off nearly three generations of has-beens and also rans. At home as both a compere, TV presenter or full-on in yer face ballbusting stand-up, Jo Jo Smith is one of the best in the business and continues to take no prisoners wherever she performs. In the last four years
For the past two years, the Edinburgh Festival saw Jojo working for BBC Scotland's network programme, Edinburgh Nights as Comedy Consultant.
During the 40 episodes of Funny Business which she wrote and presented Jojo made a name for herself as a chat show host of the old school. That is, she let her guests do the talking - everyone form Brian Conley to Lee Evans, Craig Charles to Jimmy Cricket, Jo Brand to Joe Pasquale, and a million more in between.
During the last Comic Relief she made history by becoming one of the first stand-ups to perform on the internet and is now apparently massive in Romania! {loadposition important}
John Ryan
Events: 85
Combining an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the world around him and beyond with an ability to think on stand-up comedian John Ryan feet means he can pluck humour from whatever audience or venue he is facing.
With a mix of
No stranger to either the strange or the norm, he will put an amusing spin on any subject matter going be it Olympic runners being robbed for their trainers in Stratford (yes he knows you nicked it Michael McIntyre!) to the theory of relativity and much more.
As well as being a brilliant stand-up comedian John Ryan is also a prolific writer. While claiming to specialise in social, political and topical material, as well as the popular TV show Tellytubbies, he also wrote for that tale of the naughty and heroic car Brum.
John Ryan also writes and performs the award winning Men's health project Hurt Until It Laughs plus performs his 'Cracking Up' Mental health shows across the country. He has a weekly column in The Irish Post, presents a breakfast show for Liberty Radio and is a writer with the East Cheap Theatre Company in
John Ryan’s television credits include The Weakest Link (BBC), Watchdog (BBC), Bring It On (BBC) and What's the Story (ITV).
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Upbeat, interesting and unique" ITV
"A five star performer" LBC Radio
CORPORATE TESTIMONIALS
"We had an absolutely fantastic time last Friday and John Ryan made our event so very special. Everyone has been talking about it and The Comedy Club since" Eversheds International
"I was particularly impressed with the effort John Ryan put into getting to know the audience prior to the event, he really tapped into what made them tick, another testament to The Comedy Club’s level of service and understanding of the event." Guinness
"John Ryan comedian and Master of Ceremonies for the day drew large crowds where members of the public not only benefitted from a good laugh but gained valuable information as well. The day was a great success thanks to John and it is true that laughter is the best medicine!" NHS Plymouth
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Kevin McCarthy
Events: 43
Once seen never forgotten, Kevin McCarthy remains one of the biggest and most loved performers by comics and audiences alike, compering and headlining at all the major Comedy Clubs in the UK.
With an ever changing act, and the ability to find humour in any subject, Kevin's warm personality and utterly relaxed stage persona puts the audience instantly at ease. His appetite for topical mirth is second to none and he will have even the hardest of crowds eating out of his hand, as well as watching their back for he's as sharp as they come.
Kevin's outstanding career was recently recognised by Club Mirror where he was awarded the honour of Club Mirror Comedian of the Year at a high profile awards ceremony.
His act has taken him as far a field as Afghanistan, Bosnia and the Falklands to perform for the British troops, to performing for large audiences on cruise ships around the world.
Kevin is one of the most experience corporate acts taking part in events such as DVD launches for Sony to worldwide Unilever conventions.
As an accomplished stand-up with many TV appearances such as Saturday Night Live under his belt together with being the regular warm-up act for Later with Jools Holland, he's a massive coup for any event.
{loadposition important}Kevin Precious
Events: 8
Kevin Precious has had something of a long and varied career in the business of show, making his first tentative foray into the world of entertainment as a teenage bass playing dirt bag in the working men's clubs of that northern metropolis, Hull.
Venturing South, he continued his musical adventures in the Big Smoke, playing in all manner of different outfits, the culmination of which saw him perform at the legendary Ronnie Scott's on a couple of occasions. He also managed to gain experience playing abroad in places as far flung as New York and Reykjavik, as well as an extensive tour of Japan.
In the 1990's, Kevin set up a 'Pop Quiz' in a trendy boozer in Camden, which rapidly became laden with celebrities and culminated in him being asked to organise and compere the NME's first national pop quiz. It was these events that would later inspire a move into comedy. Sometime thereafter he took the plunge.
Combining the life of a mature student and comedy, Kevin organized and promoted various events in conjunction with Brighton University. He was also involved in the organisation and compering of two series of 'House of Fun' for Meridian TV. Added to this, he MC'd the Sussex heat of the BBC New Acts Competition for four consecutive years.
In 2005, Kevin finally took the plunge and went full-time/professional, putting aside his former day job as a teacher and head of department (Religious Studies), To date, he has done paid weekends for Jongleurs, Comedy Cafe and Jesters Bristol as well as work for agents such as CKP, the Comedy Company and The Comedy Club. In 2008, he compered the 'Loaded Lafta' awards presenting awards to none other than Jimmy Carr, Adam Buxton and Harry Enfield.
PRESS QUOTES:
"Kevin's stage charisma and poise set him head and shoulders above the previous acts." - The Times
"If he were any more laid back he'd fall over - we fell over laughing." - Evening Standard
"Kevin Precious hosted the proceedings, working the audience with skill and peppering his patter with local references" - Brighton Evening Argus
{loadposition important}Lateef Lovejoy
Events: 1
Lateef is an an extremely gifted entertainer, who made his show business debut as a witty 12 year old on ITV's famous morning gameshow "Mousetrap". After that experience on the big screen he has never looked back. Not many performers can boast of having exceptional skills in all the main areas of the performing arts, lateef has these multi-faceted skills in abundance!
As an Actor he has trained at the legendary Young Actors Theatre ( formerly Anna Scher Theatre) and has had a short spell at the newly established Identity School Of Acting at London's Arcola Theatre, playing the part of jazz singer Lenny Venice to rave reviews in their cutting edge production "Singing me to sleep"
Prior to this he had completed both a Btec 1st and National Diploma In Performing Arts as well as going on to complete a BA Honours Degree in Media And Cultural Studies at North London's Middlesex University. Lateef also has tremendous comedic talent and is one of the most unique and distinctive acts on the comedy circuit, and vastly gaining the reputation of becoming a force to to reckoned with, both on the Black, Mainstream, and International comedy circuits. In 2007 lateef played to sold out shows at the Oude Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam and the Tuschinski Theatre in Amsterdam when he toured Holland and has featured in many of the UK's top comedy clubs and venues.
His skillful blending of Stand-up and impressions has also been showcased on ITV's Young, Gifted, and Broke, and also on national comedy search "take the mike". As well as acting and comedy lateef has also trained as a TV presenter with the media group "So Fresh Productions".
Always looking to explore his boundaries the past year has been an exceptional one for lateef as he was made one of the faces of the Channel 4 Slash Music promotion that's generating heavy rotation on channel 4, E4, and Internet promotions, as well as featuring on their official website and on billboard posters across the UK. He also recently made his musical theatre debut in the popular West End smash hit "Dancing In The Streets" landing the starring role as the MC and swiftly went on to conquer their 2006 UK tour! singing famous Motown Hits Such as Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted" Edwin Star's "Sending Out An SOS" the Temptations hit "Just My Imagination" and Popular Motown hit "Shotgun"
The 2006 "Dancing In The Streets" tour witness lateef playing to thousands of fans in some of the most famous theatre and festival venues in the UK ranging from the Lyceum Theatre (Sheffield), St Georges Hall (Bradford), Southport Theatre (Mersey side), Opera House (Buxton), Grand Opera House (York), Hexagon Theatre (Reading), Congress Theatre (Eastbourne), Alban Arena (St Albans), Ipswich Regent (Ipswich), Swan Theatre High (Wycombe), Caird Hall (Dundee), Playhouse Theatre (Edinburgh), Music Hall (Aberdeen), King's Theatre (Glasgow), City Hall (Wiltshire), Corn Exchange (Cambridge), Grimsby Auditorium (Grimsby), Corn Exchange (Norfolk), Derngate (Northampton), Theatre Royal (Nottingham), Civic Hall (Wolverhampton), The Hawth (Crawley), New Theatre (Oxford), Perdiswell Leisure Centre (worcester), Theatre Royal (Brighton), Cliffs Pavillion (Southend), and also to thousands more at the Wisley Music Festival, Rochester Castle, and at the famous Kew Gardens.
After playing the lead role in "Dancing In The Streets" Lateef was instantly cast in the gripping musical "The Billy Holiday Story" playing the part of musician " Joe Guy" to great reviews alongside Rain Pryor ( Daughter of legendary Hollywood Actor and Comedian Richard Pryor) and UK Actor Louis Emerick known to millions as Mick Johnson in popular TV hit "Brookside" and seen in hit UK feature films "Layercake" and "The Fruit Machine"
Recently Lateef has made his Hollywood feature film debut landing a small role in "The Darknight" sequel to 2005's "Batman Returns" alongside Hollywood A-listers Christian Bale and Heath Ledger, proving his versertile and incredible talent !!!!
Comedy gigs/Credits
The Comedy Store, Jongleurs (various venues) The comedy Cafe, Downstairs At The Kings Head, The Chuckle Club, The Bullion Rooms, Hackney Empire, Soho Theatre, Paul Robeson Theatre, Mirth Control, Tricycle Theatre, Stratford Circus, Croydon ClockTower, Respect Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Arcola Theatre, Theatre Royal Bar, Plus Many Others
Comedy Competitions/Awards
Winner- Comedy Cafe New Act Competition
Runner Up-Laughing Horse Big, Big, Big, New Act Competition
Finalist-King Gong Show Comedy Store
Semi-finalist-All Stars London Comedy Festival
Semi-finalist- Laughing Horse New Act Of The Year
Semi-finalist- Amused Moose Talent Quest
Part of the Amused Moose Hot Starlets Showcase Edinburgh Festival
Nominee BECA Awards Best Male Comedian 2007, 2008
Film/TV/Radio
ITV's Mousetrap
BBC 1's London Comedy Festival
Love Actually(Record Company Boss)
ITV's Take The Mike
If Only ( Feature Film)
Alibi Calton TV ( Stuart)
Goal (Oliver Bernard) Film Factory, Director Danny Cannon
Kansas City Heist, Tiger Aspect Productions
King's Of Comedy C4/E4
Channel 4 Slash Music (Commercial) C4/E4
Sexual Fantasies Channel 5
Dancing In The Streets UK Tour 2006
The Billy Holiday Story UK Tour 2007
The Darknight (Feature Film 2007)
Mistaken Identity ( Short Film 2007)
Pengea Day Commercial 2008 ( International Advertisment)
Crimewatch BBC1 2008
Supporting Roles
Toju "Part 2"
Curtis Walker "Now"
Jocelyn Gee "Wow"
Quotes
"He Looked like a wacky Eddie Murphy with an Afro as he confidently charmed the audience with his unique satire" African Times
"Fantastic From Start to Finish" Life FM
"One of the hottest talents on the comedy circuit" - Theatre Royal Press
" His Multi-Faceted skills are sublime" - Flying Music
"He had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand"- Wisley Music Festival press
{loadposition important}Lee Canterbury
Events: 1
Like a ball of energy bouncing around the stage, Lee's ability to whip up an audience has been admired from Aberdeen to Exeter. Lee started his stand-up career in 1997, when he recieved rave reviews in The Evening Standard after his very first gig. He went on to be runner up in The Hackney Empire New Act of the year in 1998 and was a finalist in The Daily Telegraph open mic competition at Edinburgh in the same year. Sharing the bill with Daniel Kitson in their show The Monkey Touchers, Lee returned with critical acclaim to Edinburgh in 1999.
After a couple more years on the comedy circiut, Lee took a six year break to travel around the globe. But has now returned to his stand up and is ready to take up from where he left off.
"Admirable, amiable and inventive" - The Sotsman
"Brilliant" - Harry Enfield
"The result of a genetic experiment between Eric Morecombe and Speedy Gonzales" - Time Out
{loadposition important}Liam Mullone
Events: 7
Liam Mullone launched his comedy career in October 2002, quickly winning the respect of promoters in and around London with an act which, according to veteran comic Bob Mills, is based around "not really understanding how the world works".
He reached the final stages of several major competitions and appeared on ITV's Take The Mike and the BBC New Talent Awards showcase on BBC Three. Just 10 months after first setting foot on a stage he was spotted by Avalon and joined their Comedy Network team for Autumn 2003. He is now performing all over the UK.
His act relies on his sharp, florid way with words and surreal flights of intellectual fancy that are belied by a faltering, perplexed style.
Based in London, he spent most of his life in Hong Kong, where his schooldays were made difficult by his being "the only punk on the colony'. His father was head of the Leicestershire vice squad and his mother the leader of a fundamentalist Christian movement, both of which have coloured his take on life. These days he speaks eloquently on his key subjects of religion, prostitutes, stuffed toys, Leicestershire and chaffinches, and is really only doing this to get a book published.
He works for The Times, and writes obituaries and travel stories as a freelance writer.
"A clear sign that the cult of laddism may be fading. Mullone deserves credit for shoehorning Victor Hugo and Matisse into his surreal act will hit the bigtime." - Bruce Desau, London Evening Standard
"He discusses masturbation without appalling people, and drugs with neither swagger nor condemnation. Makes a disparate crowd laugh together about life's absurdities" - Leicester Mercury
"Could just be the funniest man in Camden today" - Camden Chronicle
"Has a seriously stupid haircut. I suspect he's quite posh" - Vivienne Clore, Jo Brand's agent
Mandy Muden
Events: 44
Mark Walker
Events: 2
Marlon Davis
Events: 5
Comedian Marlon Davis is 2006's finalist in both the So You Think You're Funny and Laughing Horse new act competitions
You can find Marlon Davis giging aorund the London circuit and he has made an appearence at the Edinburgh Fringe{loadposition important}
Martin Beaumont
Events: 48
Once the scourge of white van men with a sell-out show devoted to the breed at the Edinburgh Festival, Martin Beaumont has expanded his outlook to take on all subjects and find the humour in everything.
With the ability to switch from character comedy to straight old-style stand-up, top stand-up Martin Beaumont’s diversity ensures every show is different.
King of the one-liner, the jokes come relentlessly, like a one-man mirth machine gun.
Described as one of the nicest men in comedy, Martin Beaumont steamrollers the audience into laughter, with a punchline never more than a few seconds away.
A comedian who has clearly leaned his craft from the old masters, Martin Beaumont delights in wearing down the defences of even the hardest of audiences, with his huge array of carefully crafted and expertly delivered jokes inducing fits of the giggles not felt since being at school.
With a wealth of experience behind him and a chatty, easy-going stage manner, he makes friends with every audience before him and is in constant demand as one of the best comperes on the circuit.
A familiar face on television, Martin Beaumont has worked regularly with the famous Chris Tarrant on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, and appeared in three series of Sky TV’s football comedy Dream Team. A talented writer, director and, Martin Beaumont won the Time Out's Critics Choice for his show Sunspots and has also written 60 shows for popular children's production Professor Bubble.
He also appeared as a presenter on Channel 4’s Collectors Lot, three runs of the BBC’s Comedy Nation and the LWT series 'Red Handed as well as various dramas. Top stand-up comedian Martin Beaumont is currently writing a new series for network TV. {loadposition important}Martin Coyote
Events: 24
A true unsung hero of British comedy, Martin Coyote has been at the top of the game for more than a decade. Exuding a warmth and laddish charm, he generates a rare response from comedy audiences - they genuinely like him. A pivotal member of the Comedy Store's flagship topical show, The Cutting Edge, he is also a prolific writer, whose credits include Bring Me The Head Of Light Entertainment, Loose Talk and Radio Five's The Treatment.
Martin has also appeared alongside Lee Hurst on three highly successful UK tours.{loadposition important}
Mary Bourke
Events: 2
Mary Bourke was born in Dublin during a cross fire hurricane. She lives in leafy Buckinghamshire with her comedian husband and her large collection of Betty Page memorabilia. Before she became a comic She was a burlesque dancer and choreographer in San Francisco. She has published numerous romantic novels under the pseudonymn Tara Sundrive.
As well as being an accomplished comedian who has performed all over the world Ms Bourke is also a respected comedy writer .She is most famous for having written "the joke that was heard around the world" ie "My name is Shazia Mirza at least that's what it says on my pilot's licence"
Mary hates over blown bios.{loadposition important}
Matt Rudge
Events: 5
Matt Rudge has the slick, confident energy to engage a crowd, using his cheery manner to create a relaxed, jovial atmosphere Breezy material, some neat lines, all told with upbeat good humour" Chortle.co.uk
Matt is an energetic and charming act, with surreal but often cutting material told with a friendly cheeky smile.
Born to a Glaswegian mother and a Brummie dad, Matt Rudge grew up confused in Somerset.
Matt has appeared numerous times on British TV, including presenting off the wall reports for The Wright Stuff on Channel 5, ITV's Record of the Year. Regularly as a Newspaper reviewer on BBC Breakfast, ITV News and BBC3 News. Matt was the Voice-Over Artist on channel 4's Kings of Comedy. Strangely, Matt has also died twice on BB's hospital drama, Casualty.
Matt was nominated as Comedian of the Year in England's biggest comedy festival, the Leicester Comedy Festival. He also beat hundreds of entrants to make it as a finalist in two major new act competitions, The Laughing Horse New Act of the Year and the Newbury Comedy Festival New Act competition.
in 2007 Matt was chosen to compere the award winning comedy club Amused Moose's Edinburgh Festival show 'Hot Starlets', featuring the best up and coming stand ups from around the UK, having appeared himself the year before. He also starred in International Stand-Up, a show featuring some of the best new comedians from Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Matt's pod casts for Gcap Media (XFM, Capital Radio) shot to the top of their charts with over 20,000 hits in a matter of days. Matt also works behind the scenes in TV as a Producer and Director. Various ideas and programmes he has developed and devised have made it to the small screen, including comedy panel shows, studio entertainment, factual entertainment programmes and narrated documentaries. In 2007 Matt devised the comedy panel show And Then You Die, and appeared regularly as a panellist on it (UKTV)
Matt regularly performs as both a compere and comedian, and has appeared in comedy nights and clubs all over the country.
Nominated Comedian of the Year - Leicester Comedy Festival - 2007
Finalist - Laughing Horse New Act of the Year -2007
Finalist - Newbury Comedy Festival - 2006
Hot Starlet - Amused Moose, Edinburgh Festival - 2006
Semi Finalist - Laughing Horse New Act - 2006
Semi Finalist - Amused Moose Laugh Off 2006
Top Comedy Download - Creation Podcasts 2006
Television
Kings of Comedy - Channel4/E4
BBC Breakfast - Pannelist/reviewer
BBC3 News - Political critic
ITV News - Guest paper reviewer
ITV Record of the Year - Presenter
NTL Digital Channel- Presenter
The Wrights Stuff, Channel 5, - Reporter/Side kick
BBC Casualty - Guest actor
Warm up
Ruby Wax, The Ruby Show
The Wright Stuff
Kings of Comedy
"Matt Rudge has the slick, confident energy to engage a crowd, using his cheery manner to create a relaxed, jovial atmosphere.. Breezy material, some neat lines, all told with upbeat good humour" Chortle.co.uk
"Solid...Likeable...polished and well honed material" Newbury Weekly News
"Great stage presence" Leicester Mercury
"A Truly anarchic and funny set" Leicester Fun House Comedy Club
"The purveyor of surreal and acerbic comedy" Venue Magazine
"Strong & confident.... like watching a much more experienced comic" Off The Kerb Comedy
Not just good, but great! Knuts Comedy Club{loadposition important}
Matt Welcome
Events: 13
Mike Gunn
Events: 25
Mike Gunn is one of the most recognisable acts on the British comedy circuit – and not just because he spends most of the early part of his career dressed like a funeral director.
With a demeanour to match his appearance, Mike Gunn puts his cynical outlook on life down to a misspent youth and a series of grim jobs. A self-confessed pessimist, some contrary part of his make-up drew him to the world of stand-up comedy. As the man himself said "I’m not a natural choice for a career in laughter". However throw aside any pre-conceptions as Mike Gunn has funny bones through and through, take his performance on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow 2010 for example where he stormed it.
Such an outlook has clearly not held him back in the comic world. Continuing the death obsession, Mike Gunn's laidback style has been described as "drier than a dead man's bones" but that is only part of the story. Indeed such is the lugubrious and almost apologetic nature of his comedy, that Mike seems able to push the line of what many audiences find acceptable to the absolute limit while making them laugh and smile at the same time.
Despite or perhaps because of such an intrinsically British style and delivery, top stand-up Mike Gunn's humour also translates well internationally and he has performed across the globe, includign a five-week sell-out run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and the unlikely honour of being the first comedian to ever play in Kuantan, East Malaysia.
Comedian Mike Gunn made his debut solo performance at the Edinburgh Festival where he first adopted the character of a funeral director with his show Good Grief and received a host of rave (or were they grave) reviews. He returned to Edinburgh in 2003 with an equally provocative and ground-breaking new show Uncut, which in a departure from straight stand-up, documents the true story of his previous life as a registered heroin addict.
Following the success of that show and in a bid to help tackle the escalating drug problem in Britain, especially among young people, Gunn has developed the show for a teenage audience and regularly takes it to schools around the UK. A informative, amusing and moving story of one man's addiction, Uncut explores Mike's life before, during and after his addiction addiction and subseqent recovery, via a series of hilarious anecdotes, spot-on observations and some hard-hitting and unforgettable images.
Essentially a performance comedian, and certainly happier on stage with a live audience (rather than a dead one) Mike Gunn is no stranger to television and radio. His appearances include the popular Al Murray's sitcom Time Gentlemen Please, Harry Hill's TV Burp and The 11 O'Clock Show, alongside Ricky Gervais, Ali G and Rickey Grover, plus stand-up shows The Gas (CH4), The Comedy Store (LWT) and Live At Jongleurs (CH5). He is a regular contributor to The Guardian and has written for Time Out, The List, and even Match of The Day magazine.
Mike's remaining ambition apparently is to become the comic face of Toilet Duck for the 21st Century. Then off to Hollywood for Toilet Duck-The Movie.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Piercingly and fiendishly funny" - The List
"Mike Gunn will make you die laughing" - The Guardian
"One of the 10 leading stand-ups in Britain"- Independent on Sunday
WHAT CORPORATE CLIENTS SAID
"The Comedy Club’s service was very good and Mike was fantastic; he had us in stitches from start to finish and responded to our brief with a superbly tailored performance. Lots of people came up afterwards to say how much they enjoyed it, which after a long day at conference made this a highly enjoyable and memorable event - Mike was the perfect finale." Johnson’s Apparel Master
"The Comedy Club’s overall service was very good with clear and concise communication. Ian suggested Mike Gunn and this was a highly suitable choice" HGA Creative
"We had a great feedback regarding Mike Gunn’s performance. He was simply brilliant!" Sabre Holdings
"The Comedy Club provided an excellent comedian whose tailored performance received very good feedback from all members of the audience - It was a very conservative crowd so i’m very pleased Mike rained in certain parts of his act for the sake of the night, but I would still love to see him let loose one day! We raised a fantastic amount of money and your service was very good. The Comedy Club called for background research and the comedian provided, Mike Gunn was very personable on the night, a very nice guy." Paper Industry Awards
"Mike Gunn was very good and funny, an excellent service was provided. He controlled the audience in a funny manner. Thanks again." BUPA
"Mike Gunn was absolutely great; everybody laughed and loved his performance. Thank you very much for all your help, I am very impressed." 48th Birthday
{loadposition important}Mike Milligan
Events: 50
Born and Bred in
And that's not the only time Mike Milligan has worked with his heroes. As a regular on the sporting dinner’s circuit, Mike has worked with such footballing legends as Micky Quinn, Bruce Grobbelaar, Norman Whiteside, Duncan McKenzie and Dave Watson. He also refereed a celebrity charity match between world snooker champions John Higgins and Graeme Dott.
A popular and well-known face on the national and international comedy circuit, including comparing at the legendary Comedy Store and Comedy Clubs, top stand-up Mike Milligan is the resident host at
A teacher in a previous existence, Mike Milligan knows all about dealing with fractious audiences and keeping them amused, having honed his unique interactive skills in the classrooms of the north-east.
A man of many talents, all of them funny, comedian Mike Milligan has written and performed for numerous television and radio shows, including further local Geordie legends in Spender, Byker Grove and several Catherine Cookson dramas. Mike Milligan has also worked on
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Top northern stand up". Sunday Times
"One of the top ten comedy clubs in theMike Wilkinson
Events: 14
Miles Crawford
Events: 17
Miles is pure entertainment. He has a big personality, excellent people skills and understands how to make an event run smoothly. His talents span from television presenter, warm up artist, radio broadcaster and corporate host to popular stand-up comedian and comedy consultant. His credits include:
Television Warm Ups:
Daily Cooks Challenge, In It To Win It, Wogan Now and Then, Family Fortunes, Ready Steady Cook, The Price is Right, An Audience... with Take That, Lionel Ritchie, Kylie, Tom Jones, Harry Hill, Brian Conley & Sir Cliff Richard, Parkinson, The Sharon Osborne Show, Test the Nation, Supermarket Sweep, Friend's Like These, Don't Try This At Home, Perseverance, Friday Night's All Wright, Today With Des & Mel, Tomorrows World, National Lottery, Mastermind, A Question of Sport, Call My Bluff, Hale & Pace, A Question of Pop, Comic Relief, Noel's House Party, The Kumar's At No 42, Lucky Numbers, Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie and Children In Need
Television & Corporate Presenting:
Inside Out - BBC1 (South East Region)
The Big L - Radio Presenter
The Knowledge - Corporate DVD & Voice Over
Drumbeat - award winning series (ITV)
Nightlife - factual entertainment (2 series for ITV)
Warehouse - a showcase for new talent (3 series for ITV)
The National Lottery - roving reporter (BBC)
Super Sunday - London Mayor Elections (ITV)
Schofields Quest - reporter, prime-time series (BBC)
1st Night - film reviewer (Channel 4)
Comedy Cafe - contributor, comedy series (Living)
The Look - contributor, magazine series (Living)
Night Fever - panellist, karaoke series (five)
Stand Up Live - comic and performer(Sky)
291 Club - presenter
All You Need is Love - comedy sketch show (ITV)
Glam Detectives - comedy drama series (Channel 4)
Miles has performed at many venues around the world including Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore and has entertained the British troops on tours of Army bases in Bosnia, The Falklands, Kuwait and Belize.
Corporate Hosting & Stand-Up Comedy:
Jongleurs, Ocean Village, Chelsea Harbour Club, Hard Rock Cafe, AST Computers, P&O Cruises, Fosters, The Comedy Store, Walkabout, Combined Services Entertainment, Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery, Regent Inns, Manchester City Football Club, Lark Hill and Pirbright Sergeants Mess, Hurlingham Tennis Club and Heinz. Support Act for Luther Vandross.
Miles is a keen horse rider and is Patron for Tennis for Free charity www.tennisforfree.com.{loadposition important}
Nick Wilty
Events: 29
With his goatee beard and earrings, he is a must for the festivals and as well as, playing Edinburgh six times, has appeared at his spiritual home at Glastonbury five times as well as those in Auckland, Wellington, Melbourne, Adelaide, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, San Francisco, New York, Amsterdam, Cape Town and Hong Kong.
Nick has won several awards, including the Polo Mint Comedy Award, voted by fellow comedians and club owners in England, and Best International Act in San Francisco.
He is also owner of one of the finest review lines ever written.
"Wilty is cack funny, his routine is a fluffy kitten that bites like a lion". BEAT, MELBOURNE. {loadposition important}
Nik Coppin
Events: 57
Based in London and a stand up comic for more than 12 years, Nik Coppin has performed all over the world and developed an international cult following, having performed many solo shows at the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, New Zealand and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals, all over Australia and the inaugural Hollywood Fringe Festival in Los Angeles.
His confident, affable and energetic style of comedy is quick to build audience rapport, as he talks about subjects as wide-ranging as observations on human nature, his experiences in The Antipodes, Europe and Asia, his extensive knowledge of wildlife, superheroes, current affairs and his mixed race up-bringing in London. His mother is English and his father is from Barbados.
As well as becoming one of the most consistent acts on the comedy circuit, his versatility has also made him a much sought after compere. He has the ability to adapt and play to a multitude of audiences and is skillful, observant and affable enough put them immediately at ease.
In additon to this, Nik Coppin is also the creator, producer and MC of the international and hugely popular hit show 'Shaggers', which has experienced sell-out shows in Edinburgh, Adelaide, Melbourne, Darwin and a number of UK cities.
A spin-off from this is the ‘Huggers’ show which is also growing in popularity after it’s first seasons at the international comedy festivals.
International Comedy Festival solo shows:
'Spiders, man!' - Melbourne, Edinburgh 2006, New Zealand 2008.
'Redblak' - Melbourne 2007
'Half Blak' - Edinburgh, New Zealand, 2007
'Stuff' - Melbourne, Edinburgh 2008
'Loquacious' - Adelaide, Melbourne, Edinburgh 2009
'Half Black' - Hollywood Fringe Festival, Los Angeles 2010.
'Pasquinader' - Adelaide, Melbourne, Edinburgh 2010.
Award-Winning Comedian Nik Coppin – Adelaide, Edinburgh 2011, Melbourne 2012.
Review quotes:
“Nik Coppin’s carefree comedy and happy-go-lucky nature are irresistible” – The Pun, Melbourne Comedy Festival 2012
"He bounds across the tiny stage, fiddles with the entrance music, talks at 100mph and generates an irresistible atmosphere of good old-fashioned fun" - Chortle.co.uk, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2010
"Fun and amazing" (4 stars) - Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010.
"Could Nik Coppin be any more spectacular? Fast paced, witty, fun and amazing, all without any pretension. The guy you want to be seen at, seen with." (Shaggers, 5 stars) - Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010.
"Amazingly funny stories, wickedly clever insights and a sense of fun that will drag anyone in. Super funny, super fun and charisma up the wazoo, Nik's awesome! 9/10 - Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2009.
"The banter is slick and engaging. He goes off on the sort of wild tangents beloved of messers Izzard and Noble" - Chortle.co.uk, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
"A rapid fire non-stop act full of energy. His hour went so quick, his charming smile and easy manner had the audience eating out of his hand and wanting more. Go and see him" - 9/10 - Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2006
"My Dad has seen Richard Pryor roll out back in the day, and another relative has told me tales of what it was like to see Lenny Bruce both before anyone knew he was as well as Bruce at his prime. I have always been so jealous of them for that. But now, because of what I saw of Coppin's uber-pro performance in Hollywood, I can brag at them as they have at me!" (5 stars) - Audience member Chortle post, Hollywood Fringe Festival 2010
{loadposition important}
Ninia Benjamin
Events: 7
Best-loved as one third of BBC’s award-winning hidden-camera comedy show 3 Non-Blondes, Ninia Benjamin has branched out on her own in stand-up and is already going down a storm.
Described by one journalist as the "Comedy Assassin", Ninia Benjamin certainly takes no prisoners, but armed with a big smile, a lot of cheek and a huge amount of wit, she maims her audiences with mirth and then kills them with kindness.
Exuding confidence and natural warmth, her performances are exuberance personified in a style first unveiled in the early 90's as one-half of the successful female comedy duo, M&N Society, who honed their talents on their home islands of Dominica and Jamaica before heading across the waters to wow punters in the UK and earn themselves the warm-up slot for the seminal BBC2 show The Real McKoy.
As a solo act, female comic Ninia Benjamin is already wowing punters from east
Ninia's talents don't stop at stand-up. She played the lead role in the record-breaking run of Waiting to Inhale at the Theatre Royal,
On television, as well as the award-winning 3 Non-Blondes, she starred in the BBC Three drama Spinechillers and featured in Lenny Henry's BBC One show Len on the One. She also filmed a BBC Three show Gory Greek Gods in
She is also becoming a reality TV regular, appearing in Sky One’s Cirque Du Celebrity as both a contestant and a personal trainer for Kenzie and then winning BBC Three's Celebrity Scissorhands, both in 2007. She was one of the contestants in Celebrity Masterchef 2008 and has appeared on BBC 1's prime-time Saturday night game show Hole In The Wall on controversial dancer Anton de Beke's team.
Top female stand-up Ninia Benjamin’s other TV appearances include Michael Barrymore's My Kind of People and BBC2's Black Briton and The Day The Changed My Life.
{loadposition important}Otiz Cannelloni
Events: 7
In a world where every comedian claims or strives to be unique, Otiz Cannelloni is just that - and not only because of that stupid name.
Billed a reluctant messiah and man of the people, with an O-level in woodwork, Otiz Cannelloni is probably best summed up as a mix of a crazy children's entertainer meeting an even madder messed-up magician, Otiz's act defies description and beggars belief - and audiences can't get enough of it. And neither can his peers. Otiz is loved and revered in the business as "a comics’ comic", and wherever he performs, his usually cynical fellow comedians can be caught at the rear of the room, spellbound by his lunacy and laughing manically and with a jealous if appreciative glint in their eye.
Like Tommy Cooper before him, Otiz combines the illusion of magic and the reality of stand up to produce a hybrid variety that shifts effortlessly between the three pillars of sheer genius, outright lunacy and utter stupidity. Just as you begin to suspect Otiz doesn’t have a clue what he is doing on stage, he proves it for you beyond all doubt. But then it has taken him years of practice to make something so utterly straight-forward look quite so difficult.
Citing influences as diverse as Laurel and Hardy, Dean Martin, Phil Silvers, William Shatner, Mae West, Chrissie Hynde, Bob Marley and Charles Darwin, it is no surprise that Canneloni is as mixed up as he is.
Although stand-up Otiz Cannelloni’s act is best seen live and in the flesh, Otiz has been allowed the odd (and indeed they were) appearance on television, having dismantled proceedings on The Stand Up Show for BBC 1 and Stuff The White Rabbit on BBC 2 although most of the producers are still struggling to come to terms with what they saw.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
“Master of mirth and minimalist magic …delightful.” TIME OUT
“A magical wag - bewitching.” THE GUARDIAN
“Sheer hilarity that no one wanted to see end.” THE STAGE
“Don’t we have laws against this sort of thing?”
Paddy Lennox
Events: 9
Padraig Hyland
Events: 26
Padraig is a comedian, specialist event writer and actor. Padraig is based in
It’s Padraig’s natural ability to interact with the audience that is so compelling, inviting all to come with him on his journey throughout the performance. Allowing the audience to relax, Padraig quickly takes his performance to the next level leaving all audiences ‘giggling like five-year-olds’.
He has performed in the
“Hyland had us giggling like five-year-olds…” - The Scotsman
“The honey-voiced Padraig Hyland captivated the audience in a charming conversational act as if he was talking to a mate in the pub.” - The Public Reviews
“… some fabulous lines…” www.fringereport.com
{loadposition important}Patrick Monahan
Events: 1
Patrick Monahan is one of a very rare breed - an Irish/Iranian/Geordie stand-up comedian - and is currently number one in his field winning ITV's huge 2011 stand-up talent competition, Show Me The Funny.
Born in Ahvaz, Iran in 1976 to an Irish father and an Iranian mother he grew up in Teeside which is where he first developed that unique accent and the ability to make people laugh.
Learning the ropes on the notorious Irish/Iranian/Geordie stand-up circuit, Patrick Monahan soon developed the chatty and friendly, story telling style that is still entertaining people today.
Despite, or perhaps because, of his diverse upbringing, Patrick Monahan has developed an almost old-fashioned, everyman persona for himself, with his versatility and likeable stage persona making him a popular comedian with all ages, genres and backgrounds.
Once likened to the "nice guy at the wedding who flirts with the bridesmaids, tops up the aunties' glasses and breakdances to amuse the kids", Patrick Monahan's comedy offers something for everyone, all delivered with cheeky grin.
An original writer, performer and clever improviser with a mastery in audience interaction, he engages the audience with a delightful mix of local banter and universal issues, combined with animated tales of his own experiences of growing up in the north east of
In Patrick Monahan’s most recent solo outing, Cowboys and Iranians, at
It completed a run of eight straight years at the festival, six of them as a solo comedian, after his first outing as part of the Comedy Clone line-up in 2002 and an acclaimed double bill with fellow "ethnic" comic Shazia Mirza in 2003.
His previous solo
Now a regular on the UK comedy circuit, playing clubs and universities from Newcastle to Devon, as well as in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Jersey, Patrick Monahan’s humour also travels well on the International comedy scene, including shows in France, Monaco, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
Top stand-up Patrick Monahan is proving equally popular and versatile on television and is much in demand as performer, guest, presenter, panel member and pundit.
After winning the inaugural series of Take The Mike on ITV in 2001, he was one of the star performers of Asian stand-up show Mega Malai - Cream Of Comedy on BBC2 in 2002 and followed that in 2004 with Malai Monologues, a six part comedy series for BBC3 that took comedians to a range of everyday locations to perform live to street audiences across the UK.
Showing a serious side, Patrick was a guest on BBC 2's flagship news programme Newsnight to discuss the government's new religious hatred bill, August 2005, but, at the other end of the spectrum, was also a talking head on Sky TV's Football’s Hardest Away Days and a panel member on celebrity game show Street Cred Sudoku on UKTV.
Patrick Monahan presented a Playing Away, a five-part Travel Show for ITV1 and narrated an oft-repeated 11-part kids show
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
“A one man ethnic melting pot, a star in the making” - Daily Telegraph
"He moves around the stage like a boxer working a ring, covering all angles and staying light on his feet. He is a walking advert for world harmony. Hearts will be broken, socks will be laughed off." - The Scottish Herald
{loadposition important}Phil Butler
Events: 28
Phil Butler has always been a popular act, even in the early days when he was serving his apprenticeship in holiday parks, end of the pier shows, pantos and cruise ships. These were happy times for Phil, especially being part of big production shows, where he could show off his other talents like singing and dancing. Soon he found himself starring in these big shows, playing the comic lead in pantomime and seeing his name in lights with shows such as 'Phil Butler's Christmas Party' in Blackpool and 'Seaside Special' which is the UKs number one summer show.
Wanting to explore other avenues and experience new challenges, in 2001 he joined the UK comedy circuit, where he is now found closing the show at all the major comedy clubs such as 'Jongleurs Comedy Clubs', 'The Comedy Club', 'The Glee Club' & 'The Banana Comedy Club'. Phil has also had the great honor of performing for our British troops in Iraq and more recently Afghanistan.
Dipping his toe into an acting career he had a cameo role in BBCs 'Hotel Babylon' and a TV advert for the AA. He is currently producing and hosting a Podcast called 'THE GREEN ROOM' which is recorded backstage on the comedy circuit with interviews and clips of the show. It's a free podcast available at www.philbutler.co.uk or on itunes.
Phil is looking forward to the online release of his 21st anniversary DVD toward the end of this year.
"Phil Butler's got it all ... unique, original and hilarious" - The Stage and Television Today
"Without doubt, one of the most exciting and original finds in comedy in recent years" - The Guardian
"Phil brought the house down with a truly original and riotous act of visual comedy" The Mirror
Also a star of the major BBC documentary 'A Funny Business' - 2006
{loadposition important}
Pierre Hollins
Events: 19
A genuine unsung hero of comedy, Pierre Hollins has been wowing them in the aisles for too many years for you and him to mention.
A crowd favourite with a stage presence and delivery style that is the envy of many of his peers, he still appears as fresh today as the day he started.
Described by the Daily Mirror as "comedy rock and roll heaven", his act is enhanced by the marvellous invention of an electric squash racket that allows him to fulfill every wannabe rock star's dream - and then destroy it.
Described by himself as "far fetched and slightly dangerous", Pierre remains a little bit of both - and bloody funny to boot.
{loadposition important}Quincy
Events: 7
Despite being named after a 1970s medical examiner, and playing at the ill-fated Millennium Dome, Quincy has emerged unscathed to be one of the happiest and boldest new acts in the business.
Highly sought-after as a stand-up, presenter and compere, Quincy hosts his own chat show Q's Club, and is a regular guest presenter on a host of radio and TV shows.
He has worked with such big names as John Simmit, Angie Le Mar and Jocelyn Gee and is currently working on a TV pilot.
{loadposition important}Richard Morton
Events: 39
Described as "possibly
This livewire Geordie comic is full of surprises and manic energy, bounding around the stage like an overgrown child on a massive sugar rush.
A former winner of Time Out Comedian of the Year, Richard Morton’s amiable manner belies a razor sharp talent and with some acutely witty and well-defined and varied observations, he tackles a plethora of life's situations in gags, tales, and some of his hilarious and occasional risque songs. No subject matter is clearly safe from being put to a tune.
A big favourite at the Edinburgh Festival since making his debut in 1998, Richard Morton has enjoyed a host of sell-out runs at the famous Assembly Rooms while also whipping up other comedy festivals including
A founder member of The Comedy Store’s Cutting Edge Show and a consumate comedian, Richard Morton can play to and entertain audiences of any size, from corporate laugh-ins to sweaty clubs and sold-out theatres. He has enjoyed and endured several nationwide
A favourite of Channel 5 from its inception, he even hosted his own show Richard Morton Live At The Comedy Store
(Channel 5), as well as appearing on many of its regular staples like The Jack Docherty Chat Show, Wow, Fab, Groovy, Tibs & Fibs, Live & Dangerous, and Bring Me The Head Of Light Entertainment and the monster that is Night Fever, alongside living legend Suggs. Richard Morton also hosted two quiz series Move On Up, and Win Beadle’s Money.
In the hunt for larger audiences he has also appeared on the likes of Jack Dee's Saturday Night, Funny Business and Good Stuff as well as his own Richard Morton Christmas Special, all for ITV, and the brilliant Gag Tag (remember that?), Edinburgh Nights, I Love The 90’s and Never Mind The Buzzcocks for the BBC. He also landed a straight acting role, alongside every other Geordie who can stand up and talk at the same time, in BBC's seminal rites of passage drama Our Friends In The North. He also enjoyed several different acting roles in C4’s Jack and Jeremy’s Real Lives comedy series.
On radio Richard Morton is a regular favorite on those hotbeds of rapier wit and clever comedy, Loose Ends, Front Row, The Locker Room and Pick Of The Week for BBC Radio 4 as well as being a guest on the legendary Just A Minute. He was a team captain with Caroline Quentin for comedy quiz show CrossQuestioned and was proud recently to present a critically acclaimed series on the history of Geordie comedy called Ho’way The Laughs.
On the new cool Radio 2, he hosted a series of Stand Up 2, and appeared in a special gala performance of Full Steam A-Hudd, as well as performing music and comedy in three series of the highly-rated show, ‘Jammin’.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Comic genius"- The Daily Express
"A great stand up. Audiences laughed longer and louder at Morton than any other act on the Fringe." - Sunday Times
"His hilarious songs give musical comedy a good name" - The Guardian
{loadposition important}
Rick Right
Events: 3
"The Rock & Roll Comic", Rick Right is a unique comic and musical talent who stands in a class by himself.
With the uncanny to sing and play any song that has been a major hit over the past 50 years, even if he has never played it before, and has observations and sly as you like sardonic witticisms to undermine every artist hat goes with it. No artist who has ever charted, good or bad, is safe from Rick's barbs.
With a working knowledge of some 10,000 songs, one of the most astonishing parts of his act is the "Stump The Band" section where he is nightly challenged to show how much he does know! This is definitely not your typical "guitar comic" act.
{loadposition important}Rudi Lickwood
Events: 68
With a super confident playful personality oozing charisma, Rudi’s infectious charm has made him a desirable commodity. Using his sense of humour and razor sharp material, Rudi has built an outstanding list of Radio and Television projects alongside his headline performances at esteemed venues across the UK. Recent television and media projects include; Get me the Producer (Ch4) and Funny Business (BBC2), plus a nationwide project with Mediatheme hosting the most comprehensive comedy entertainment system to date. Rudi is currently working the series ‘Lickwood’ with BAFTA award winning writer Sharon Foster.
Working closely with the Combined Forces Entertainment (CSE), Rudi has toured in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia, keeping the troops entertained all over the world. A charming character, Rudi is loved wherever he performs.Rudi has also presented awards and performed at high profile events for companies such as American Express, British Telecom Heinz, Diageo and Coca-Cola.
PRESS QUOTES
‘Irresistible...he's going to be massive' The Guardian
“Wembley should just about contain him” The Stage
'Easily the funniest new comic I've seen this year' GLR
“Observant engaging interactive comic whose routines roll out like warm custard over Spotted Dick.” The Independent
CORPORATE QUOTES
"Rudi Lickwood was fab on Friday, the audience loved him, so did we he was hilarious and so topical! We were extremely pleased with your service and Rudi’s performance...Thanks again, I hope to work with you again in the future!" Ethnic Minority Business Awards
"Rudi was awesome, would highly recommend him...Thanks for helping us out last minute"Trend Micro EMEA GB LTD
"Rudi Lickwood is an absolute Gentleman, not only a great comedian he gave us his time and did not just rush off. He is absolutely fabulous and I would recommend him to anyone else. There were lots of influential people and don’t be surprised if they get in contact to book him in the future." Barnet FC
“Rudi was amazing and made the night great success and your services where outstanding and would recommend the service. Once again thank to you and your team for making the Peros party a night to remember.” Peros Ltd (Fairtrade Food Service)
{loadposition important}Sam Avery
Events: 28
Sam Avery wanted to be a rock star. It nearly happened.
Despite being signed up by BMG Records at the age of 17 (he had to resign from his beloved paper round), and subsequent tours with Motorhead and Ice T, the story soon took a familiar turn. Contracts were anulled, money was stolen and before he knew it he was back at the paper shop asking for his fluorescent bag back. He had crap hair anyway.
Subsequent jobs (including a brief stint as a stockbroker) failed to excite him the way the smell of sweat and snakebite had and it wasn't long before he turned to stand-up.
Friendly and enthusiastic, his observational style instantly puts audiences at ease allowing him to regale them with his tales of everyday life.
Sam has gained a reputation for being able to spark the dullest of rooms into life with his warm, infectious humour and quick wit which makes him ideal as either an act or compere.
What do the people say?
"Works the crowd with verve and confidence�you could scarcely ask for a better opening act" - GIGGLE & FUNK
"Likeably irreverent" - DAILY POST
"A comic you just know is gonna be big." -MANCHESTERCOMEDY.COM
"Always guaranteed laughs from this audience-friendly stand up." - AGRAMAN, BUZZ COMEDY
"One of the brightest up and coming comics in the North West' - BBC RADIO MERSEYSIDE
"His material is performed at a slick, fluid pace with jokes smoothly fired off before the audience knows what's hit them�" - DE.BEES.COM
CITY LIFE NORTH-WEST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP
LEICESTER MERCURY COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST
Where has he been?
Rawhide, Comedy Central (Liverpool), HiFi, House of Fun (Leeds), The Comedy Club Ltd, Buzz Comedy Clubs, Frog & Bucket, XS Malarkeys, The Comedy Store (Manchester), The Unity Theatre (Liverpool), The Caper Club (Sheffield), Jesters (Bristol), Alexanders (Chester), 53 Degrees (Preston), The Y Theatre, Summer Sundae Festival (Leicester), Funny Bones Comedy. Sam is also resident MC at Liverpool's Rawhide Raw and appeared at the Best of Liverpool show in the 2008 Lpool Comedy Festival.
TV Credits
The Comedy Report, 4Laughs, Aug 08
Les Dennis�s Liverpool, ITV, July 08
Sioe Gelf, S4C, June 08
North V South, Nuts TV, September 07
Comedian of the Year, Channel M, October 05
Radio Credits
The Sullivan Show, City Talk, resident weekly comedian.
The Anita Anand Show, Radio 5Live
Michelle Mullane Show, XFM
{loadposition important}Stephen Grant
Events: 3
Described as "brilliant" by no lesser judge than Harry Enfield, and looking like someone out of Steps or S Club, baby-faced comic Stephen Grant is one of the success stories of modern British comedy.
Widely regarded as one of the best comperes on the UK circuit, he plays host to over 500 people at his own club every weekend in Brighton.
In August 1998 he made his Edinburgh debut to sell out audiences at the Pleasance theatre, where he was the main subject of the six-part TV series Edinburgh or Bust.
When he's not performing, Stephen is a prolific and highly successful writer, having been the lead comedy writer for Radio since 1999 and has written for everyone from Zoe Ball to the late John Peel, and Mark & Lard. Additionally, Stephen has also written for BBC1 Saturday flagship show Live & Kicking as well as providing material for artists as diverse as Lily Savage to S-Club 7. He has also presented three series for BBC 2 in Stephen Grant's journey to the Wasteland, The 29 Steps and The Estate We're In.
{loadposition important}Steve Best
Events: 8
Steve Best is very immature and very proud of it.
A stunning visual comedian, his unique form of slapstick comedy is backed up with astounding variety of talents. A truly excellent guitarist, with a particular penchant for the flamenco, he is fluent in Serbo-Croatian and claims to be able to juggle five pilchards while driving a purple tractor.
Stand-up Steve Best’s own comedic talent is augmented and abetted by a mind-boggling array of gadgets and props to keep his equally immature audience in seat-wetting stitches. Certifiably insane, Steve Best’s act can feature anything from blowing up a woman while playing the theme tune from The Deer Hunter to eating balloons and defecating hankies, to DIY dentistry, cutting off his own hand and doing press-ups on his penis.
Comedian Steve Best describes himself as "a very funny badger" and claims to very rarely wear underpants unless travelling by hedgehog and even goes so far as to prove the fact live on stage but fortunately without the hedgehog.
A truly diverse comedian, he is equally at home in a sweaty club or a shiny cabaret stage. A particular favourite of The Comedy Club, his performance at the inaugural Comedy Club Variety Night in 1998 is legendary to all who saw it or were regaled by those who did.
A veteran of the comedy circuit in
Steve Best has also taken his unique style of comedy all over the world, performing in such places as Bali,
Talented Steve Best co-produced the show Abnormally Funny People in 2005, conceived to incorporate disabled comedians and actors into the mainstream arena. Steve is the token non-disabled act and is one of two directors of Abnormally Funny People Ltd, set up in 2006.
Having already made a documentary about the project for Sky, Steve Best is in discussion with the BBC among others, about putting the show on television. Previous TV credits include The Stand-up Show for BBC1, The Big Stage for C5, Weapons of Mass Distraction for ITV and the short film Life as We Know It for Channel 4 plus numerous others which he hasn't got round to logging yet.
The creative Steve Best is currently in the middle of a funny project starring himself, as The Gonk. Watch out for it on YouTube anytime soon.
As a talented flamenco guitarist himself, Steve Best names Paco De Lucia as his hero while othher musical faves include Tom Waits, The Beatles, Schubert's impromptu D935 in F minor. Despite claiming not to have a television, he is a fan of Scrubs, The Sopranos and anything else beginning with 'S', which might also explain his professed interest in socks and swinging but not that for any kind of milk products.
Steve Best is very immature and we can be thankful for it.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"In a class of his own." - The Times
"Reminiscent of the late Charlie Chaplin, Best successfully pairs modern anagrams and classic slapstick antics." a mix of brilliant cartoonish slapstick and visual humour that is an outstanding display of comic virtuosity" - Cape Times (South Africa)
"Steve Best would have made a great medieval court jester. His act is a wonderfully daft succession of stupid props and silly pratfalls - a welcome break from straight stand-up." - The Guardian
"Like a children's party entertainer from hell, he seems to be on a mission to squeeze every last laugh out of the crowd with his non-stop gaggery, magic tricks, sound effects, guitar playing, and wonderfully random zaniness. Comparisons with Tommy Cooper are a no-brainer, but Best captures the fervent energy and the utter bonkers hilarity of the late fez-wearing funnyman with aplomb" - BBC
{loadposition important}Steve Day
Events: 62
Steve Day is a truly unique comedian - warm, witty and engaging whilst dealing with the dilemmas of being a deaf man in a hearing world.
His stories of multiple children, wearing a suit and the problems caused by not knowing how words are pronounced will have audiences in raptures, and his uplifting tales of overcoming the obstacles in his path will leave crowds feeling inspired.
Steve is a favourite at many venues across the UK and abroad, and is quickly establishing himself as one of the most popular and respected acts on the circuit.
He has become a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4, contributing regular to 'You and Yours', featuring in a half-hour special of 'No Triumph, No Tragedy' and starring alongside Caroline Quentin and Patricia Routledge in 'The Sound Barrier'. Steve was also a staff writer on Radio 2's long-running 'The News Huddlines' and has appeared on numerous TV shows, most notable Channel 4's 'Natural Born Talent' and Sky's 'Abnormally Funny People'. He is currently working on a sitcom, and early treatments for an adaptation of his stage show 'A Night At The Pictures' have met with enthusiasm and excitement.
In 2005 Steve went on his first national tour of arts centres and theatres, with an updated version of his Edinburgh Fringe show 'Deaf In The Afternoon'. This tour was so successful that it went on the road again later in the same year, in total playing to over 30 venues around the UK, Denmark, Ireland and Italy. In 2006 Steve took his latest show 'A Night At The Pictures' on the road for a mini-tour, playing 10 dates around the UK to both audience and critical acclaim, with a further stand-up tour planned for 2008.
"a perfect festival show � the laughs come thick and fast" ***** Chortle
"a truly lovely little show � it doesn't really get much better" **** The Scotsman
"funny and moving" Sunday Times Pick Of The Week
"funny, insightful and illuminating" **** Three Weeks
"very funny, warm but without tiresome sentimentality, and intelligently life-affirming" **** Chortle
"absolutely wonderful � Day has moved up to the premier league of stand-up" The Stage
"effortlessly funny and refreshing to watch - his storytelling is hilarious" **** Three Weeks
"revelatory and very funny" The Guardian
"brilliant and endearing" TimeOut
"Day's remarkably hilarious take on his own deafness was particularly entertaining and original" Three Weeks
"wonderful" Bath Chronicle
"warm, funny, frank and thought-provoking" The Scotsman
"the best comedy often comes from real-life observations, something that Day had down to a T" Brighton Argus
"a very different kind of comedy ... something which Day seems particularly proud of, and so he should be" Three Weeks
"a hilarious, hard-of-hearing, heavenly host" Time Out Comic's Choice
"has a self-effacing charm which endears him to audiences" Chortle
Live Work
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
August 2008 / Edinburgh Fringe
Deafy's Island Discs
January-June 2008 / national tour
Deafy's Island Discs
August 2007 / Edinburgh Fringe
Comprehensive
August 2006 / Edinburgh Fringe
A Night At The Pictures
February-March 2006 / national tour
A Night At The Pictures
August 2005 / Edinburgh Fringe
Deaf In The Evening
September-November 2005 / national tour
Deaf In The Evening
February-May 2005 / national tour
Deaf In The Afternoon
August 2002 / Edinburgh Fringe
Credits
The News Quiz
BBC Radio 4 / February 2009 / guest writer
Richard Bacon Show
BBC Radio 5 Live / July 2008 - current / regular guest
Evening Paper Review
Sky News / July 2008 - current / regular guest
Trisha Goddard Show
Radio City (Liverpool) / May 2008 / guest
Leicester Comedy Festival Gala Launch
BBC7 / January 2008 / performer
Deafy's Island Discs
BBC Radio 4 / August 2007 / writer-performer
Ian Collins Show
TalkSport Radio / Spring 2007 " current / guest
Disability Rights Commission
internet ad campaign / Spring 2007 / performer
Movie Caf�
BBC Radio Scotland / March 2007 / reviewer
Quiet London
TimeOut London / 27th June 2006 / writer
The Sound Barrier
BBC Radio 4 / October 2005 / "Colin" (lead role)
Steve Day Column
One in Seven / RNID / June 2005 - current / writer
Abnormally Funny People
Outline Productions for Sky TV / January 2006 / performer
You and Yours
BBC Radio 4 / June 2005 - current / writer-contributor
No Triumph, No Tragedy
BBC Radio 4 / February 2005 / performer
All Fingers And Thumbs
Above The Title for BBC Radio 4 / December 2004 / "Michael"
Raspberry Ripple (pilot)
Outline Productions for BBC Three / April 2004 / writer-performer
Natural Born Talent
Channel 4 / 2003 / performer
The News Huddlines
BBC Radio 2 / 1999-2001 / writer
Private and Corporate Work
Home Office, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London School of Economics, EDS, Redhill Analysts, Thompson Holidays, Barclays Bank, Citizens� Advice Bureau, all major political party conferences, various Primary Care Trusts, numerous Disability and Equality events.
{loadposition important}Steve Gribbin
Events: 7
Steve Gribbin is a rock'n'roll comedian in more ways than one. As one half of Skint Video, he was one of the hits of many a festival throughout the early 1990s and his treatment of Billy Bragg was little short of brilliant. They also starred on countless television programmes such as Saturday Live, radio such as The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and had their own show Songlines on Radio One.
Since branching out on his own, professional Scouser Steve has continued to keep his feet firmly in both camps. A great musician, his songs are exactly that, combining razor sharp lyrics with annoyingly catchy tunes and devastatingly funny humour.
Add to this some disarmingly accurate and off the wall observations and you have a real must-see act.
Steve's original comedy songs combining that put their foot in the door of your Steve is a regular member of the Loos Ends and Weekending teams on Radio 4 and The Treatment on Radio 5 Live.
{loadposition important}Steve Harris
Events: 8
Steve Harris has something for everyone, mixing as he does puns, musical comedy, observational humour and straightforward gags
It's a real crowd-pleasing comedy, straightforward and undemanding, and performed by in an assured, take-no-prisoners way.
{loadposition important}Terry Alderton
Events: 2
A full-on 100mph comedian, stand-up comic Terry Alderton uses his body and an immense and unique vocal range to hurtle audiences through an ad-libbed riot of exuberant, loose-limbed physical comedy at its very best. From the moment Terry Alderton was spotted at the legendary Joker Comedy Club in Southend – also home to Lee Evans among others – comedy star Terry Alderton has always been something special.
With a set full of extraordinary caricatures – including his own nasty alter-ego – some stunningly acute impressions and observations and a hyperactive delivery, Stand-up performer Terry Alderton is loved by comics and fans alike. Indeed, top TV comedian Eddie Izzard said of him: “He’s a very funny man with a ‘fantastic comedy mind, but someone who really ought to seek some sort of professional help”. Essex boy Terry Alderton has, by his own admission, enjoyed something of an up-and-down television career since exploding on the scene with a Perrier nomination back in 1999. On the back of that Perrier nomination, the former Southend goalkeeper (as he is referred to in every article about him) found himself suddenly centre-stage and hosting the BBC’s flagship Saturday night Lottery show with Lulu of all people. As Terry Alderton himself says of that experience:”Well, I didn’t know did I?” For while Red Alert took Terry Alderton into the mainstream it also took him away from the cutting edge of live stand-up comedy that he loves and does best. That's where Terry Alderton's performance on 2010's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow (BBC) and 2011's Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live (Ch4) brought everything back into place.
A versatile performer, comedian Terry Alderton has also enjoyed considerable success as both a comic and straight actor, appearing as a fireman in long-running hit ITV drama London’s Burning in 2002, Holby City, The Bill and Waking The Dead and as a yardie gangster in Guy Ritchie’s seminal Brit-flick Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.The multi-talented comedian Terry Alderton has also used his footballer’s knowledge and experience to host in his own radio show, Terry's Turnstiles on London's Capital Radio FM and as a football presenter on the now defunct Setanta Sports News Channel. Following an impressive display in goal for the celebrity’s team in the Sky One reality television series, The Match, Terry Alderton even briefly returned to playing football with Southend when the club re-signed him, after injuries weakened their squad, He currently presents a number of video shows on Virgin Media Sport. His characters include Mr Sheepskin and TV hard-man Danny Dire.
But it is the live arena that Terry Alderton moves best as shown with a series of rapturous reviews for his recent Edinburgh shows and his subsequent return to the capital. Older and wiser he may be, but stand-up comedian Terry Alderton is still as madly funny as ever. Born in Southend in 1970, Terry lives with his wife and best friend Dee, and is soon to become a father.
Other television appearances have included Ian Wright's Friday Night's All Wright’ (ITV), ‘Stupid Punts’ (BBC2), The Stand UP Show (BBC1) The World Stands Up(paramount) World Comedy Tour Australia(paramount) Question of TV(BBC1) Shoot The Messenger(Paramount) , Saturday Live (ITV),Night Fever (Channel 5), two series of The Comedy Store (Channel 5) The Lads ITV Jack Dee’s Sunday Service. Bring me the head of light entertainment (CH5). The Harry Hill Show (CH4). The Jonathan Ross Show. Edinburgh or Bust (CH4) Wogan BBC. Des & Mel (ITV). The Wright Stuff (CH5).The Royal Variety Performance (ITV). It Shouldn’t happen to an Awards Presenter (ITV) The Brian Connelly Show. His film work has included, Black Ball (directed by Mel Smith) and Keeping Mum, The Jam, The Bird House, Oblivious…
Terry Saunders
Events: 3
Chortle Award Nominee 2008 - Breakthrough Act
Chortle Award Nominee 2008 - Best Show
Chortle Award Winner 2008 - Innovation in Comedy
Terry Saunders is often told he's a storyteller by people that write about him. This is mainly due to the fact he tells stories for a living and isn't really that friendly with punchlines or one-liners (though he does have one, and it is a fucking corker).
Doing his schtick in stand-up sets tends to see him telling stories about his own life and his own rubbishness at dealing with life's mainly pathetic challenges.
Fast becoming an Edinburgh Fringe stalwart, 2007 saw him do his third show, Missed Connections - a story show about a girl obsessed with the adverts people write to try and track down the strangers they've seen. 2006 was his first proper story show, Pulp Boy, about a teenage boy who spoke only in the lyrics of Jarvis Cocker. 2005's show was a bit rubbish. There'll undoubtedly be another show about loneliness in 2008, and it might be about Elliot Smith.
Terry is also the co-creator of laughterinoddplaces, the comedy thing that takes comedy from some of the best and most interesting comedians in the country out of beery pubs and puts them in strange places, like charity shops, the museum of london and Bruce Dessau's living room.
Terry is getting more arrogant as the years wear on, catch him before he peaks and then invariably disappoints.
"amazingly accomplished comic storyteller sublime" TimeOut
"effortlessly funny a gentle but genius hour" **** Metro
"Saunders is certainly a skilful exponent of beguiling, whimsical comedy" Chortle
"a first class storyteller and raconteur Saunders creates entire worlds of whimsy that an audience falls into only to emerge, as if from a gorgeous dream, an hour or so later brilliant and heartwarming" TimeOut
"Saunders is successfully carving his own stand-up niche, and one that all romantics and emotional cripples should shyly gravitate towards" The Scotsman
"A fulfilling, grown up piece of comedic artistry" Chortle
"What could be fey or indulgent in someone else's hands is poignant and funny in his" Metro
"An hour of unapologetic, melancholic whimsy" The Scotsman
"Complex and witty, fast-paced and heartwarming" Such Small Portions
"Saunders seems a bit like some kind of renegade Jackanory revivalist" National Student Magazine
Live Work
"Figure 8" Edinburgh Fringe 2008, Baby Belly
"Sitting on a Rug" monthly residency throughout 2008, Brighton
"Missed Connections national tour 2007/08
"Missed Connections Edinburgh Fringe 2007, Baby Belly
"Stories of a Lovelorn Idiot mini tour 2007
"Pulp Boy Edinburgh Fringe 2006, Baby Belly
"Romantic Comedy" Edinburgh Fringe 2005, C Venues
Brighton Fringe 2007, 2008
Brighton Comedy Fringe 2007
Buxton Fringe 2007, 2008
Henley Fringe 2008
Leicester Comedy Festival 2006, 2007, 2008
Manchester Comedy Festival 2006, 2007, 2008
TV, Radio and Writing Work
The Nemone Show / BBC Radio 6Music / January 2009 / guest
The Richard Bacon Show / BBC Radio Five Live / December 2008 / guest
iRate / BBC Online and Hat Trick Productions / December 2008 / co-host (pilot)
Dad Designs / BBC Radio 4 / August 2008 / writer-performer
Out To Lunch / BBC Radio 2 and Avalon / May 2008 / performer
Five Live Formula One / BBC Radio 5 Live and USP / March 2008 - current / writer-performer
Missed Connections / Tiger Aspect / Oct 2007 -May 2008 / script development
Not Another F1 Podcast / self-produced / March 2007 - current / writer-performer
Indie Cops / Resonance FM / 2006 - current / presenter-performer
28 Acts in 28 Minutes / BBC Radio 4 / 2006 / performer
{loadposition important}The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue
Events: 18
The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue simply have to be seen to be believed. They are the without a doubt the maddest, silliest, stupidest, cleverest, strangest and everything else-ist as well as the funniest double act of comedians on the circuit.
The unlikely combination of mad nerdy uncle Mr Timpkins, complete with cycle helmet, glasses and dinner jacket, and beanie-hatted stupid mute nephew called (you've guessed it) Raymond. Continue in their quest to defy description, and to unflinchingly split infinitives wherever they go - and all set to a musical backbeat, sometimes performed on that long forgottten musical instrument The Stylophone.
Lyrics and catchphrases or misheard lines from rock anthems and pop classics are carved up and then served up in manic and insane style, inspired by much physical tomfoolery, a bucketful of ingenious props and a variety of printed signs not seen since Bob Dylan first taught us how to read on that video. In a mirth-filled cross between Catchphrase and Name That Tune, you are led by the funny bone through some of the greatest puns in musical and comic history, you will have trouble to hold on to your bladder as nothing is sacred from Robbie Williams, Queen, and the Blues Brothers to Oasis, Kula Shaker and REM and even Chariots of Fire. There's an absolute corking carve up of Corner shop that causes many a rib to break.
After nearly 20 years on the comedy circuit - because don't doubt it these boys are great comedians as well as complete idiots - Raymond and Mr Timpkins continuously change their set list with new rearrangements to catch out even the biggest musical know-it-all in the audience.
With TV interest and a radio murder mystery simmering nicely on the back burner, Raymond and his sadistic though kindly uncle Mr 'it's all got to do with respect my boy' Timpkins, still find time to jet about the globe, entertaining the troops of her Majesty as they go. A corporate booker’s dream ticket to satisfaction heaven. Don't believe me? Then just ask such top-hole agencies as Jongleurs, JLA and Sledge, to name but three. Go on, ask them! The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue is available to perform at private functions, parties and corporate events, subject to other commitments.
Somehow, and no one really knows how or why, Raymond and Mr Timpkins have carved an unlikely comedic career out of such ridiculous behaviour. Together since 1992, the insane satire of their shows has made them favourites and regulars in universities and comedy clubs around the country, including appearances at the
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
"Knockabout duo - really out there!" - The Guardian
"Enough silliness to fill a pillow" - Evening Standard
"Explosively abrasive and buttock clenchingly funny as ever......amazingly rabidly good, just go and see them." - 3 Weeks
"Absolutely hilarious." - Viz
{loadposition important}Tim Clark
Events: 26
Tim Clark has one of the most recognisable faces in British comedy – and not just because he is very tall, pale and completely bald. As a comedian, Tim Clark has been working for nearly 20 years honing his craft as a straight stand-up, a much-in-demand compere and a regular corporate host. He is also a successful writer and actor.
As a host, comic Tim Clark has travelled the length and breadth of Britain and worked with almost every comic in the business in his 20 years. In January, 1990 Tim Clark helped bring comedy to the west country by launching the first Pillar Talk show at the Pillar Room in the Cheltenham Town Hall, an entertainment venue which has was to play a major part in the careers of some of the top TV acts in the UK including Simon Pegg, Mark Lamarr, Bill Bailey and Frank Skinner, comedians with whom Tim Clark later toured.
Tim Clark has toured extensively throughout the UK, Europe (including Kosovo and Bosnia and in Asia. In 1995, comedian became the first western comic to perform in Beijing, China.
Alongside Danny Kelly, Tim Clark co-hosted the sports phone-in show Under the Moon on Channel 4 in 1997 and in the same year hosted the BBC revival of Give Us a Clue.Tim Clark is also a writer on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards and was co-writer with the legendary comedian Barry Cryer for the BBC comedy series The Stand-up Show. He has also written material for many well known entertainers and comedians including stand-up turned television presenter Jonathan Ross, Phill Jupitus and Mark Lamarr.
His sporting knowledge has also seen comedian Tim Clark appear as a guest several times on BBC Radio 5 Live's sporting comedy quiz show Fighting Talk. It has also enabled him to write speeches for former football manager Graham ‘Do I Not Like That’ Taylor, former Liverpool, West Ham and England footballer and I’m A Celebrity star Neil Ruddock. Less easy to explain is how he came to write speeches for Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
As part of Channel 4 sitcom Festival in 1995, comic Tim Clark also wrote the play The Beautiful Game, a 30-minute piece about two football fans, which was later performed in front of a live audience at the Riverside Studios, London. Tim Clark has had further plays produced at the Liverpool Playhouse and at London's and in London, including Six Pack, with fellow comic Mickey Hutton.
At the 2002 Edinburgh Fringe, Tim performed his one-man drama, Talking to Ted, about a small-time comedian talking to his daughter’s teddy bear about his problems including a cocaine habit and an illegittmate son courtesy of his Welsh mistress. The show was later broadcast in 2004 on BBC Radio 4 with TV presenter and comedian Les Dennis taking up the main role.
Tim Clark returned to Edinburgh in in an acting role in 2006 with the Fringe First production of What I Heard About Iraq, using direct quotes and statistics from the people and events that surrounded the war on Iraq.
Tim Clark also became easily recognised as the face of death for a while from his appearance as The Grim Reaper on the Virgin Atlantic TV adverts. By way of contrast he took the role of Santa (although it is an anagram of Satan) in the 2006 short film The Bed Guy.
Again not just assigned to stand-up comedy, Tim Clark starred alongside Nina Pasale in Graeme Cole's Pilot for a 22nd Century Sitcom as a scientist whose wife has stopped doing the house work fearing an impending nuclear war.
He has recently completed his first book he Shot about the rivalry between a burnt-out stand-up comedian and his former friend, a big shot TV celebrity and entertainer.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
'Loved it' The Sunday People
''An unsung hero of stand-up comedy - the current master of this underrated art' The Guardian
"...hides his considerable skill behind a blokeish mask of bonhomie which appears absolutely effortless in construction” The Guardian
WHAT CORPORATE CLIENTS SAID
"I contacted The Comedy Club at short notice to book Tim Clark, they were very helpful in securing his services and responded with efficiency and speed to any questions" L’Oreal
"Everything was perfect – thanks" NTL World
Tom Price
Events: 36
Fresh-faced comedian stroke actor Tom Price is getting big and is going to be a lot bigger.
Not happy with an award-winning start to his stand-up career, Tom Price also gets to fight aliens alongside John Barrowman and co in Torchwood, the popular "adult" spin-off from Doctor Who. Tom Price also got to play comic giant (literally in many ways) John Cleese in the biopic of Cleese's fellow Python Graham Chapman A Very Naughty Boy.
Now 29, comedian Tom Price has been a regular on the
Not ashamed of his own schooldays and public school background, comedian Tom Price bounds on stage with boyish enthusiasm and wide-eyed, toothy grin and proceeds to regale the crowds with tales of his posh upbringing, boarding school, class clashes, and an assumed genial naivety about "real life" and popular culture - all in a terribly posh dialect, but with a wicked side that keeps the laughter rolling and the audience thinking.
And whether he's laughing at them, himself or the whole world, the audiences lap it up. As either compere or guest comic, his warm and inclusive nature as he works the crowd is amazing for someone who looks so young. And it has been recognised too.
Top stand-up Tom Price reached the final of the Daily Telegraph Open Mic in 2001, and in 2002 was a finalist in both the Take the Mic and the Paramount New Act of the Year comedy competitions. He didn't win any of them, but then Tom would not like to be thought of as greedy.
A man of many talents, Tom Price is equally at home as a sketch show comedian or comic actor. One of the stars of Five comedy sketch show Swinging and both Destination Three and The Wrong Door for BBC Three. He also starred in three series of Radio 4's acclaimed comedy series Rigor Mortis, where he plays Gordon, a hopeless drunken shambles of a doctor, alongside Peter Davison and Geoffrey Whitehead.
As a straight actor, he has appeared on and off as PC Andy Davidson, an old friend of Gwen Owen in three series of Torchwood also played the role of Darrin Stephens in the new UK remake of Bewitched.
But perhaps Tom Price’s greatest role is as the voice of Monkey in the PG Tips advert alongside Jonny Vegas or as the bloke sitting on the floor on the Cadbury's indent before Coronation Street.
When not working, Tom Prices interests include looking cute, books, films, golf, detox, praying, yoga and fighting robbers. Not all of these are true.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
“Outstanding" - Evening News
“Crowd-pleasing but with enough twists to satisfy the more discerning comedy connoisseur. One to watch” - Chortle
“A joy to behold...” - The List
“.Endlessly inventive and brilliantly funny” - The Scotsman
Tony Gerrard
Events: 31
As a professional comedian for more than 40 years, it is amazing to think that Tony Gerard has never done stand-up. But then that's because he has been confined to a wheelchair since the age of four after contracting childhood polio.
Never one to let his disability get in his way, Tony Gerrard first started performing as long ago as 1968 alongside the likes of Bernard Manning, Frank Carson and Mike Reid. Indeed he is probably the only comedian still performing on the modern stand-up circuit who has now performed in six different decades.
Ever evolving, he is equally at home in today's comedy clubs as he was in the working men's clubs of the 60s and 70s and the "alternative" scene of the 1980s and 90s.
Self-billed as the world's greatest sit-down comedian, Tony Gerrard is one of the sharpest comics on the circuit, with much of his material and style belying his age and background, while mining it well for influence and subject matter.
Still the only professional comedian working from a wheelchair, Tony Gerrard uses his experiences of disability and discrimination not just because of the wheelchair but because he is Jewish to boot. Much of his material centres around the subject of intolerance, language and the dangers of social tabboos, all delivered with a rapid, quick-fire style.
A true all-rounder, Tony Gerrard is also a first class rock and jazz saxophonist, Tony is equally happy performing summer seasons at Butlin's or overseas with Holiday Club International with whom he did four years in Tenerife, corporate, private and after-dinner shows at some of London and the world's top hotels The Hilton, The Waldorf and the Savoy.
A regular on the CIU circuit, he is also a perfect and popular choice at numerous charity shows and dinners for the Variety Club of Great Britain. Tony Gerrard has also entertained the troops abroad in
Tony Gerrard has enjoyed numerous television appearances during his long career including such legendary shows Celebrity Squares and The Comedians as well as Not On Your Telly, Dial Midnight, the Derek Jameson Show, Sky Star Search, Help and Laugh Till I Cried.
As a straight actor and professional cockney, Tony Gerrard has appeared twice in both EastEnders and The Bill, but is perhaps most proud of his work on two programmes about disability in the self-deprecating Raspberry Ripple and his first film, 1983's Skin Horse, a ground-breaking documentary, which won the Most Original Programme prize at the RTS Television Awards in 1984 and the prestigious Peabody Award for films in 1986.
Top comedian Tony Gerrard has a DVD, and video for fellow oldsters, on general release called Tony Gerrard Live as well as starring in a much sought after Best of The Comedians offering from 1992
As well as music, his hobbies include weightlifting, stamp collecting and table tennis for which was once Paraplegic Table Tennis Singles champion, but he admits to being a very bad dancer.
{loadposition important}Tony Hendriks
Events: 7
A household name in Jamaica, voted Best Jamaican Comedian 1999 & 2000, and with several TV appearances on British and Jamaican TV, Tony "Paleface" Hendriks is a talented comedian, actor and personality quickly making his mark in Britain.
Tony Hendriks established himself as a household name in Jamaica due to five seasons of the hit TV show Paleface Point Of View (CVM TV) and the award winning comedy revue Laugh Jamaica which he wrote, produced and starred in and which sold out at over 100 shows in Jamaica with subsequent tours in the US and UK. Due to its success Laugh Jamaica went on to be broadcast on British TV and to date the video has sold over 50,000 copies in Jamaica, the US and the UK.
After being voted Best Jamaican Comedian 1999 and 2000, Tony decided to move to the UK where he has appeared as 'Uncle Bertie' in The Crouches (BBC1), won a Race In Media Award as co-host of I Love Carnival (BBC Radio London), and performed his multi-character, one-man play Brixton Road Portraits to packed houses at the Hackney Empire (Bullion Room) and all over the UK.
He won the ITI Best Actor Award for his work in Derek Walcott's "Pantomime", Best Supporting Actor for Edgar White's "I, Marcus Garvey" and has appeared films such as The Lunatic (Island), The Firm (Paramount) and Going to Extremes (Lorimar). TV credits include Caribbean Uncovered (SKY) and Brain Candy (BBC3).
In addition, Tony is on Island Stylee (Air Jamaica's in flight TV show) and headlines shows as a comedian all over the USA, UK, Europe and Caribbean, including many corporate functions.
Winner of the Best Jamaica Comedian
"fast paced routine hardly gives you time to catch a breath" The Voice
"charisma and presence ... genuinely fascinating" Chortle.com
{loadposition important}Wayne Deakin
Events: 15
A regular headliner at all Australian comedy venues, Wayne also tours constantly throughout the USA and Canada. With a likeable laconic style to draw you in and biting social commentary, Wayne will have you laughing and thinking.
As well as his solo Melbourne Comedy Festival shows, Wayne was chosen to open for Jimmy 'JJ' Walker (Good Times) and support Kenny Kramer (Seinfeld) in the Kramer All Stars tour. His New York tours included consecutive nights at Carolines, New Yorks premier comedy venue and headlining New York Improv. Wayne also opened for Corey Holkum (finalist 2004 Last Comic Standing) at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Casino. Performing at the Montreal Comedy Festival and doing a week as MC at the world famous Laff Trax in Las Vegas are current career highlights. Wayne also performed in front of 10,000 people at the 2004 and 2006 Meredith Music Festival and 14,000 at 2005 The Falls Festival.
{loadposition important}Windsor
Events: 43
Having developed and honed his act as a street performer - hence perhaps being named after one of the most responsive venues for buskers - Windsor has taken the world of stand-up with an act that is unique in both its abrasiveness and its brilliance. He's also very good with hecklers and mean people.
By transferring his street experience of audience control and off-the-cuff humour, Windsor became a highly skilled and professional comedy circuit compere and stand-up comic almost overnight a comedian with a well-crafted and instinctive ability to involve and warm up any audience.
Moving apace, Windsor has now set his sights on the world of television and has already worked with such big stars (in more ways than one) as Jack Docherty, The Midland Bank (HSBC to you) and Melinda Messenger.
Windsors TV warm-ups and appearances include; Ch5's Jack Doherty Show Action Time - Net.Comedy and Ch5's Melinda's Big Night In.
"Windsor, a master of putdown, warmed-up and flushed out the hecklers...an abrasive and skilled compere, Windsor...delvers hot material with rare skill." The Stage
"A very good act with excellent control of his audience." Melbourne Age (Main National Daily)
{loadposition important}Zeron Gibson
Events: 6
To say Zeron Gibson has enjoyed a chequered and varied career en route to becoming one of the world's most loved and "respected" comedians is an understatement - and certainly not something you would expect from his comic alter-ego, the popular and unforgettable streetwise Valentine Flyguy.
Born in
Leaving school with four GCSEs and the title of
Zeron Gibson's next plan was to become a movie stuntman via, he hoped, a diploma course in acting at the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama or MADD as it is more aptly known especially in Zeron Gibson's case. It was at MADD that he realised he could get paid for being funny and while the stunt world missed out on his talents, so was born Zeron Gibson stand-up comedian.
An amazingly versatile comedian, Zeron Gibson is perhaps best known and loved for his comic creation - the outrageous, over the top, wise cracking 70s dude Valentine Flyguy or Valentine F - the man who "Blings the Yank into the UK". Think Shaft meets Austin Powers via Richard Pryor and you're in the right ballpark, but to see the man is to truly believe.
The unique nature of Zeron's Flyguy act and its fresh take on bringing
Zeron Gibson was particularly humbled and delighted to receive the accolade of being the first international black comedian to play
Always keen to test himself, Zeron Gibson achieved another world first when he took part in television's first-ever live sperm race in a packed pub of cheering punters and screened on BBC3 as part of its Lab Rats series.
As co-presenter, Zeron Gibson put both his body and humour to the test by watching his sperm race against those of fellow volunteer Dr Mike Leahy in a bid to see if men with the biggest tackle have the strongest, fittest and fastest sperm.
The bizarre contest was filmed under a microscope inside two tiny glass capillary tubes, but screened in a pub in front of a cheering crowd and on television under the cracking banner Able-Bodied Semen aka The Great Sperm Race. Zeron Gibson won after a photo-finish and "coming from behind to win”.
Zeron Gibson was also one of the stars of BBC 3's Mega Malai Presents and Malai Monologues where a bunch of stand-up comedians were given the task of performing stand-up comedy in different settings on the streets of London. In Sky TV's Secrets of the Sex Gods and
No stranger to such shenanighans, he was once involved in a pilot show called The Naked Chef, long before Jamie Oliver's programme of the same name - the difference being that Zeron Gibson's version actually had genuine nude cooks.
When starting out as an actor/comedian he also got a part in a film called The Token King, which he lives in fear of it rearing its ugly head if he gets too famous.
On the flipside, literally, he won rave reviews and "nuff respect" for writing and creating the six part hip-hop sitcom Trexx N’ Flipside for the BBC in 2008. Starring Pete Dalton, David Ajala and Rich Fulcher, aka The Mighty Boosh's Bob Fossil, it was first aired on BBC3 in 2008 and then on BBC2 in 2009.
What lies next for top stand-up comedian Zeron Gibsonis anyone's guess but he lists his current passions as psychology, history and World War Two while keeping his hand in with the martial arts roller-blading, ice-skating, running and basketball so watch out for a new act or show that contains all or any of those subject matters and you might find Mr Gibson.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Zeron Gibson delivers his jokes with such exhilaration that the audience filed out in noisy joyousness” - The Scotsman
"The most infectious comic I’ve seen in a long time" - Daily Telegraph
"A fine OTT comic character.. outrageous.. hilarious." Chortle
{loadposition important}
Jim Tavare
Events: 2
Jim Tavaré is not only very funny, but he is also one of the nicest men in the world of stand-up comedy plus comedian Jim Tavare also holds the distinction of being the only overseas act ever to reach the final of NBC's ‘Last Comic Standing’.
As well as one of the most inidividual and unique comedians on the circuit, Jim Tavaré is also a classically trained actor, having graduated from Rada alongside Ralph Fiennes in 1987, and a skilled musician, having learned to play the double bass as a child. "It meant my parents would meet me at the school gate and give me a lift home," he recalls in typically self-effacing style.
Those lessons were to come in surprisingly handy in his early days as a stand-up comedian, when Bassie, as he calls him, became the unlikely other half of one of the most successful and original double acts in modern comedy history. Dressed in tails and a white bowtie - the uniform of the classical musician - often top stand-up Jim Tavare would drag the cumbersome instrument from gig to gig for just one joke.
But as Bassie's role got bigger so did Jim's performances and his popularity. Jim Tavaré appeared three times at The Royal Variety Performance and subsequently became Prince Charles' comedian of choice, working for him and the Queen on several private and public engagements, including Chas' private Christmas Party in 2001.
And the rock royalty were impressed too. Having narrowly missed out on a role with Joy Division, when growing up as a teenager, Jim Tavaré and Bassie then performed and unlikely duet with the late, great Kurt Cobain on the piano after bumping into him in the bar of The Holiday Inn on Sunset Boulevard.
After many successful years on the stand-up circuit and fleeting television appearances as a guest comic, Tavaré enjoyed his first "real" appearance in the critically acclaimed comedy show Beethoven's Not Dead on BBC2, which combined his love of comedy and music. This was followed by his own series on BBC2, Jim Tavare Pictures Presents ... a series of short films starring Jim and Bassie, which invoked memories for many of the great Buster Keaton.
In 1999 comedian Jim starred in the 12 part comedy series The Jim Tavaré Show, co-written with Ricky Gervais, for Channel 5, while an episode of the American series Wings was written entirely around his bass act. He was also one of the headline stars in two series of the BAFTA award winning The Sketch Show, alongside Lee Mack, Ronnie Ancona and Tim Vine.
Now splitting his time between London and Los Angeles, Jim Tavaré was the winner of International Starsearch in the US, he was one of five stand-up comedians to feature on the Last Comic Standing tour across the US
A father of two, his children were most proud however when he played the role of Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, in the Harry Potter films.
And finally, for the trivia fans, Jim is the cousin of former
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID…
""The natural heir to Tommy Cooper Fez. His comic presence and off-the-wall material makes him one of the funniest and most original performers around." - THE INDEPENDENT
"Makes you laugh out loud." - THE TIMES
"Fresh, funny and imaginative without a trace of elitism." - THE GUARDIAN
"Go and see him before he's bigger than Boyzone." - THE SUN
Noel Britten
Events: 7
From the days when he first walked on to the nation's comedic stages some 15 years ago, Noel Britten has been splitting, amusing and confusing audiences up and down the country and further afield.
But he has been entertaining people for far longer as a magician since he was a little boy growing up in the west country
Early on noel Britten was described as "the country's finest emerging stand-up talent" by the now sadly defunct Comedy Review magazine and in 1996 completed an impressive award double as winner of the prestigious Hackney Empire New Act of the Year and Ha Bloody Ha New Act of the Year gongs.
Comedian Noel Britten's mix of quick witted dry humour with a smattering of good and bad magic tricks has led to comparisons with the late, great Tommy Cooper. He delivers a series of fast paced gags with razor sharp timing while retaining a sense of the bizarre and something beyond control – something only really possible from a seasoned professional in full control of his act and his audience.
A regular at the all-conquering Comedy Club among others across
Back in the west country, he is infamous for the Bizarre Bath comedy tours of his home city which have been running nightly through the summer months for more than 10 years. Despite promising “no facts, no figures and no history” and being described as a “walking game show” complete with cash prizes, it is recommended by all the major tourist books, rough guides, travelogues and websites both at home and abroad. Now seen as a "must do" for visitors to
Top comic Noel Britten is also a street performer by day and a regular at many festivals including near neighbour
In between trawling the streets of
Among the occupational hazards Noel Britten can do without are councils with strict rules concerning flames and animals on stage and ... "I have a low tolerance for acts that use confetti," he says. And you can't argue with that.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Magic" - The Comedian
"Comedic" - The Magician
"Has to be the funniest comedy Magician since Tommy Cooper… had everyone rocking with laughter." - The Stage
"Something of a hot property" - Venue
"Brilliantly unforgettable" -
"Noel Britten brilliantly combines very funny material and visual gags with abundant self-effacing charm." - Channel 4's Gas
Brendan Riley
Events: 6
A star of both Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, he has also produced a series of documentaries, both spoof and straight, on his second love of motorbikes. He is a fully qualified mechanic and track racer.
Paul F Taylor
Events: 6
Big Value 2008
King Gong June 2007
Paul F Taylor is one of the most exciting comedians to hit the UK comedy circuit.
A very unique performer, Paul excels in recounting his hilarious surreal observations. He leaves audiences crying with laughter, gasping for air and wondering ''What the F? It's Paul F. Taylor!''
Paul is very much in demand and has performed extensively across the UK and abroad at such venues as The Comedy Cafe, The Frog and Bucket, Downstairs at the King's Head, Just the Tonic, Up the Creek, Guildfest 2008 and The English Comedy Club in Munich.Rhodri Rhys
Events: 16
Before becoming a comedian Rhod qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and became a property entrepreneur in Eastern Europe. From 1990 to 2002 he lived in Prague enjoying business success and the unique hedonistic social life of that interesting era!
His skill in performing developed during these years when he lectured on property, hosted and comp ﾩred at regular business, diplomatic and charity events and went on to perform alongside established visiting British comedians. Encouraged by these performers, and with a hat full of plundered east European gold, he moved back to London to pursue a comedy career.
Rhodri has been the subject of a number of TV and radio programmes in Welsh, Czech and English (S4C, TV Nova, BBC Wales). He has done comedy gigs in Warsaw, Moscow, New York, Budapest, Prague and Bahrain.
With a business and commercial background, he is also in demand for corporate work (Promax Advertising Awards, RICS Eastern Europe Forum, Prague Chamber of Commerce).
Rhodri's act combines sharp wit and observation with a natural geniality. His material is broad and colourful, drawing on his own experiences in his unusual path to a comedy career, while deftly seaming in religion, business, sport and history too.
Press
Prague Post: ''success, the audience love it, he's killing them''
Chamber of Commerce, Prague: ''Fantastic MC, we wont be able to afford him next year''
TO: ''He's one great act to watch for the future''
TV
Jangles: HTV
Gwyn ai fyd: S4C
Pete Jonas
Events: 3
''A sleek, professional act...the pace, emphasis and rhythm of his delivery is spot-on. A rock-solid act guaranteed to entertain'' CHORTLE
Pete's debut Edinburgh stand-up show in 2006, Brokeback Britain, received 4-star reviews and the 'Official Fringe Sell Out Award'.
He is currently performing for the following clubs and promoters across the UK; The Comedy Store, The Banana Cabaret, The Comedy Caf ɬ�, Off The Kerb, Jongleurs, Bound & Gagged, Komedia, CKP, The Kings Head, Frog & Bucket, Jesters and The Comedy Tree (Resident MC) and now the renouned Comedy Club.
''An engaging comic whose laid back style is easy to warm to, with a genuine talent at building a rapport with the audience.'' THE AUSTRALIAN TIMES
Joe Bor
Events: 26
WINNER Comedy Store Gong Show April 2007
WINNER Comedy Cafe New Act Night March 2007
Finalist Comedy Factor 2007
Hotstarlets 2007
Amused Moose Semi Finalist 2007
Joe is an energetic observational character comedian, whose act consists of annecdotes from working in a school to his impressions of rugby players. Joe has written and starred in the sketch show 'Oi Over Here' which played at The Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh 2005 and is being developed for TV. He has acted in many short films for the BBC and written for TV and theatre including Newsrevue(Canal Cafe), The Comedy Business(Paramount Comedy) and Animus(Paramount Comedy).Joe's graduation animation 'My Third Arm' was screened at festivals around the world including Edinburgh, Cardiff and Berlin. He has performed at the Comedy Store, Comedy Cafe, Lee Hurst's Backyard, Mirth Control(various), Downstairs at the Kings Head, Outside The Box, Monkey Business,Theatre Royal Stratford East, and Electric Mouse(various).
''Bor has a convincing natural stage presence and comedic skill that keeps even the most stubborn audience members happy throughout his unfortunately short set.'' Three Weeks 2007
''Hugely talented character comic, very funny and memorably charismatic'' The Scotsman
''Joe Bor excels'' www.fringereport.com
''Very Funny...excellent young comic actor'' Three Weeks
''His observational comedy reminded me of Adam Bloom and he had some good gags. His many voices and routine on rugby was ideal...it went down a storm.'' www.bbc.co.uk
John Warburton
Events: 6
When he’s not warming-up audiences for BBC sitcoms, you can catch John at the UK’s top comedy venues every weekend: Jongleurs, Highlight, The Glee Club, The Comedy Store, John plays them all. Recently seen on Coronation Street, as Barry Sidwell, John made his big screen debut in 2010 alongside Robert Carlyle, in big budget action thriller The Tournament.
Before turning to comedy John was a tabloid journalist, although he says he wasn’t very
good at it. Which is a shame because he did it for bloody ages.
Touched by fame from an early age as a child he was baptised by the father of Timmy
Mallett (apologies to anyone born after 1990 who won’t have a clue what that means),
and was taught biology at Altrincham Grammar school by Fred Talbot (again, apologies).
These days when John’s not performing comedy he writes it, with credits across network
TV and radio including commissioned pilots of his own sitcom and Radio 4 sketch show.
“His set bursts with clever wordplay and smart-Alec asides.”
“Rock’n’roll and very, very funny.
“Brilliant, brilliant. Watch out McIntyre.”
“A brilliant comedy mind.”
Steve Royle
Events: 7
4 years running as principal comic in Preston Charter Theatre Pantomime. (This year playing 'Buttons')
Supported Mick Miller at The Winter Gardens, Pavilion Theatre, Blackpool 2001.
Compered for Bernie Clifton and The Bachelors at the North Pier, Blackpool 2001.
Cabaret at The Blackpool Tower 2001 and nominated 'Best Newcomer' at The Leisure Parcs Awards.
Regular Support to Peter Kay.
Finalist in the Bachelors Cup-a-Soup Comedy Challenge hosted by Jonathan Ross.
Recent Television: 'Stand-Up Britain', 'Phoenix Nights', 'Give Your Mate A Break', and 'Medicash' commercial.
Founder of 'Slaughterhouse-live' alternative comedy nights, Manchester and The Lowry Theatre, Salford.
Phil Walker
Events: 4
This year Phil was proud to entertain over 4000 troops in war torn Afghanistan as part of the CSE comedy club which he describes as, ''I've played to some tough crowds in my time but they where never armed to the teeth with machine guns before, thank God they liked me! His act has become a firm favorite with the armed forces & has seen him touring places as far afield as The Falkland Islands, Kosovo, Kuwait, Bosnia & Germany, appearing with such megastars as eighties icons Tony Hadley & Bucks Fizz!
Phil's television credits to date include, Granada TV`s The Comedians ,Talking telephone numbers, Live at Jongleurs, The Big Stage, & more recently Today with Des & Mel where was asked back to appear three times!
Karen Bayley
Events: 89
If you were to pick just one word to describe rising female comedian Karen Bayley then “saucy” would do just fine – although “savvy” wouldn’t be a bad runner-up.
Brummie girl Karen first started treading the stand-up comedy boards and sharing her unique outlook on life, love and sex in 2000.
Within a year, Karen Bayley was running her own club The Comedy Junction at an old pub in Sutton Coldfield, which soon became one of the premier comedy venues in the midland's and is still going strong today. A young Alan Carr was a regular while The Junction also played host to the likes of Ross Noble, Russell Howard, Lee Mack, Reginald D Hunter and in a major coup Neil Innes. Local legend Jasper Carrot was also keen to give his backing to
A second club followed in Solihull s resident compere Karen Bayley was able to hone her own burgeoning talent as a comedian and was soon picking up acclaim, plaudits and prizes around the
A semi-finalist in the BBC New Comedy Awards and winner of the 2001 Komedia New Act prize, Karen Bayley followed that in 2003 by becoming the first ever female winner of the prestigious Comedy Store King Gong award as well as reaching the finals of both the BBC New Comedy Awards Showcase and Babycham Funny Women.
From her earliest appearances, stand-up Karen Bayley was clearly something special. Delightfully saucy, her friendly and confident stage presence, combined with a killer wit, an infectious giggle (or boom depending on her levels of excitement) and some devastating one-liners make her a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Warm and welcoming but also slightly scary with that delightfully saucy and spiky edge, her bold, no nonsense attitude strikes a perfect pitch with men and women alike, while her self-penned material surprises and delights with its variety, combining inspired and sparkling punchlines, with a sense of comic timing that is little short of brilliant.
Equally at home compering or as a headline comedian, on her own or as part of a team, in 2004 Karen Bayley made her debut at the Edinburgh Festival with Susan Murray, and walked away with glowing reviews and a big smile on her face.
Already popular at stand-up venues up and down the country and a favourite of The Comedy Club, Karen Bayley proved she's ready to step up as one of the nation's premier performers when she signed to leading comedy stable Comic Voice Management, already home to some of the brightest comedians in the business of which Karen Bayley is clearly one.
On television, as well as enjoying the accompanying coverage for those two BBC Best Comedy awards, she has appeared on two aptly titled shows for our Karen - The Last Word on ITV1 and Sex on the Job for Sky 1 and been a talking head on those ubiquitous Channel 4 countdown shows including 100 Greatest Cartoons where she got paid to watch cartoons for the day.
Demonstrating a rare serious side, Karen also appeared in the award-winning docu-drama Longford about prison reformer Lord Longford, first shown on Channel 4 in 2006.
On radio, Karen Bayley has demonstrated both a two-way mutual love of the BBC and a clear lack of regional bigotry with appearances on shows with the top man or woman of the airwaves around the country - The Malcolm Boyden Show (BBC Radio Wm), The Fred Macauley Show (BBC Radio Scotland), The Michelle Mallone Show (BBC Greater Manchester Radio), The Martin Kellner show (BBC Radio Leeds) and The Jimmy Franks Show (BBC Radio WM).
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Bayley's material surprises with inspired and sparkling punchlines…with comic timing that is rarely less than brilliant. An assured performer who doesn't have much trouble getting audiences laughing." - Chortle
"I saw her recently and she blew my socks off. She doesn't dwell too much on "lady issues". Funny in her own right, she was brilliant, clever and she's gonna be huge." BBC Online.
"Likeable headstrong persona- packing a considerable performing punch." The List
“the night's star attraction” Tamworth Herald
TOP CORPORATE TESTIMONIALS
"Just to say would you please pass on my enormous thanks to Karen for last night...Karen was brilliant and a huge success, I had some great feedback" The Charity Brain Trust
"I'd just like to say I'm so glad I did this, Karen Bayley was great and she had the guests roaring with laughter. It was nice that she incorporated the personal info I sent over too. Plus I have to say that dealing with you has been very easy, you've always been quick to reply to my emails and very helpful. I knew exactly what was expected and when and compared to some other people I've worked with during the wedding planning you have been one of the best!!" Private Wedding Reception
Kevin Shepherd
Events: 30
Michael Legge
Events: 1
Gordon Southern
Events: 4
Milton Jones
Events: 1
Welsh wizard Milton Jones is the simply the king of one-liner comedy. The likes of Jimmy Carr and Tim Vine might also have a pen chance for the quick, seemingly off the cuff gag, but
He may have been born and grown up in Kew, west London, and still lives just a step down the road in Richmond, but thanks to the influence of his father and so many grandfathers before, this latest Mr Jones is very much a boy from the valleys although at times it seems as if he lives in a world completely of his own making.
Billed as the "sultan of the surreal", his stage act, be it a full one-hour theatre performance or a short 20-minute club set is a non-stop barrage of puns, gags, jokes, one-liners, call them what you will, with only slight pauses to allow Jones to draw breath and his audience to catch up with the punch lines that hit them so incessantly. Because much of the delight of watching or listening to Milton Jones is in the joy that your brain is on the same wavelength as his - although whether you would want to be there full time is another matter.
In fact so sure is Milton Jones of his audience, and so keen to get on to the next one liner, that he doesn't even finish many of his gags, but leaves them to tail off in a sort of vocal ellipses ... sure that his audience will sort out the punch line for themselves.
And even if you have seen Milton Jones and heard one or two of those gems before, such is their beauty it is like renewing your acquaintance with a favoured friend, food or drink that you’d half forgotten, but still love.
Now 45 and married with three children, Milton Jones' career has been a relative slow-burner - unlike his act.
Milton Jones made his Edinburgh debut back in 1996 with the show Head and immediately scooped the prestigious Perrier Best Newcomer Award and followed it just a year later to become a 1997 Perrier Nominee and enjoy back-to-back appearances in the Pick of the Fringe shows at Her Majesty's Theatre.
In 1998 top stand-up comedian Milton Jones was nominated for a British Comedy Award for his show The Very World of Milton Jones and then in 2003 was the winner of the Time Out Best Comedy Performance 2003.
By then, as well as conquering the stand-up comedy circuit either on his own or with political impressionist supremo Rory Bremner, he had also come to the notice of those discerning chaps at BBC Radio 4.
After early outings alongside Phill Jupitus and John Shuttleworth, The Very World of Milton Jones was signed up for the first of three series to date, earning that British Comedy Award nomination for Best Radio Series along the way. The House of Milton Jones followed in 2003 followed by two series of Another Case of Milton Jones in 2005 and 2006 as well as other work alongside fellow radio loving comedians like Lee Mack and Griff Rhys Jones.
Milton Jones is no stranger to television either, kicking off with a spot in seminal ITV show Saturday Live back in 1996 and continuing on the likes of Planet Mirth, The Stand-Up Show (BBC), three series of The Comedy Store and as a panelist on both Tibs and Fibs and Bring Me The Head of Light Entertainment for Channel 5. He also starred as The Supervisor in Sky 1's sitcom, The Strangerers.
A couple of successful outings on the BBC's flagship current affairs comedy quiz, the launch pad for many a modern British comedian, have seen him called back for further outings in the current and future series. In a show where the one-liner rules and puns are applauded like mannah from heaven, born again Christian Milton is like a comic messiah.
His new novel Where Do Comedians Go When They Die is out now as is the DVD Milton Jones Live Universe. Both of them are of course puntastic.
WHAT
"I'd just like to say to the old man who was wearing camouflage gear and using crutches, who stole my wallet earlier - you can hide, but you can't run."
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"The master of the oneliner" - Telegraph
Paul Pirie
Events: 75
“a brilliant natural comedian…” Edinburgh Evening News
Paul Pirie began his stand-up career in 2006 quickly establishing himself on the Scottish comedy circuit. With a driving force for achievement Paul worked his way into the London clubs and was launched onto the UK comedy scene, emerging as one of the biggest Scottish acts on the UK comedy circuit. Paul’s career has encompassed TV, (appearing in Ikea's April 2011 comedy based TV advert), Film and Radio alongside his burgeoning skill as a stand-up.His hilarity and comedic ability has earned him huge popularity with comedy goers and bookers across the world, gigging as far abroad as Australia and for diverse audiences such as The Armed Forces. Pauls work is superbly individual and put simply, delivers a refreshing burst of laugh out loud comedy that leaves audiences in raptures.
Now living in Essex, Paul Pirie is a unique, vibrant comedian who appears regularly at all the main comedy clubs in the UK to include: The Comedy Club (venues nationwide), Jongleurs, Highlight, Baby Blue, Rawhide, Last Laugh, Bristol Jesters, Komedia, Comedy Café, Big Night Out comedy clubs in and around London as well as The Stand in Glasgow and Edinburgh, plus many many more.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
• "…a most impressive physical comedian…" - Chortle
• "…a hilarious rubber faced clown…" - The Scotsman
• "Fizzing with energy and spewing out one-liners like he had just scoffed a dodgy prawn, Pirie is a man we will be seeing more of" - Daily Record
• "His delivery is superb" - Chortle
• "a class act" - Herald
• "Supremely clever and very entertaining" - Shetland Today
• "…he has 'comedian' written all over him" - Chortle
• "His clowning and quick fire gags will win him fans and his physical mannerisms have a touch of Eric Morecambe" - Daily Record
• **** (Edinburgh Festival 2005) - Three Weeks
• "fast-talking" - Daily Record
• "…the excellent Paul Pirie…" - music OMH.com
• ****(Edinburgh Festival 2006) - Edinburgh Guide
• "…a brisk, energetic delivery. A fine act, for sure." - Chortle.co.uk
• "…inherently funny Paul Pirie…" - Edinburgh Guide
TV, FILM & RADIO CREDITS
Dance Monkey Boy, Dance (BBC Radio Sct)
Close (BBC Radio Sct)
Young persons Guide to Becoming a Rock Star (CH4)
Ikea Advert (National)
Rebus (ITV)
Terry McIntyre Classy Bitch (BBC)
Littlewoods Lottery Advert (STV)
Yabba Yabba Ding Ding (CH4)
CORPORATE QUOTES
“Brilliant...he stuck close to the E&D policy which we are very grateful for, also thank you for your hard work in finding some comedians which would best suit our audience.” Colchester Institute
"Paul Pirie gave a great performance...He worked the crowd well and his audience interaction was just right. He is a very likeable comedian and was also very professional. " BALI – British Association of Landscape Industries
Jools Constant
Events: 13
Jools has now done over 220 gigs and has made 2008 his year to get his name properly established on the comedy circuit. Currently doing MC spots, Openers and Headlining countrywide. Sets up to 1 hour long.
Now delivering a series of fresh, original, topical observations and funny stories, he has emerged as a performer ready for a range of audiences, from small clubs through to corporate events and universities.
As semi finalist in the 2007 BBC 'Funny Business' competition, (televised BBC Jan 2008,) there is clearly a big future for this relatively new comic whose career is progressing very quickly. This progress is thanks to his unique style, excellent stagecraft and warm rapport with his audience. He is fluid, energetic and engaging.
Several Appearances on Sky Tv during 2008
Jools is resident MC at the monthly Larfalot comedy night in Le Pub, Newport S-Wales.
'A real ideas man.' Rudi Lickwood
'The funniest Man in the City today.' South Wales Argus
‘Jools is fluid, energetic and engaging.’ Voice magazine
'A top performer.' Kate Smurthwaite
'A born entertainer with a big future.' Newport City Mayor
‘ A very original and entertaining guy.’ Sol Bernstein (Comic)
Duncan Oakley
Events: 11
Richard Brophy
Brophy's been a strong contender in several national comedy competitions and a presenter and panellist of topical comedy show This Week on Earth... Brophy also formed one third of International Stand-Up , a sell-out show at the Edinburgh Fringe 2007
Drawing on his experiences from a dusty childhood, a reckless adolescence, and world travels, Brophy finds an original strand of insight and humour that seldom fails to amuse and entertain.
''...the real star of the show was Richard Brophy, whose dry wit and painfully funny routine went down a storm. If comedy hasn't been Brophy's full time occupation to date, it almost certainly will be.'' -Three Weeks
''...a very laid-back style and some very funny and surreal comedy... he's well worth seeing.'' -The Groggy Sqirrel
Amused Moose Hot Starlet, Edinburgh Fringe 2007
Winner, Lions Den New Act Competition 2007
Finalist, Stand-Up or Die 2006
State Finalist, Raw Comedy 2004
John Robins
Events: 1
Barry Castagnola
Events: 19
He has been performing stand-up in the UK and internationally for over 6 years since blagging his way onto the stage at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
His easy-going (yet very physical) style, mixing personal anecdotes with some sharp topical and political comment, enthuses audiences at most of the major comedy clubs in the UK.
As well as being a popular compere, Barry regularly headlines gigs around the country. He has performed in New York, Ireland, The Melbourne Comedy Festival, Glastonbury and The Reading Festival. TV stand up includes The Stand Up Show (BBC1) and Net.Comedy (Carlton).
Susan Murray
Events: 5
funny, cheeky, in your face, sometimes surreal and always a bit twisted.
winner of the first ever jongelurs competition and a seasoned regular on the circuit, susan has emerged as one of the best female stand-ups around. susan is working nationally; comedy store, jongleurs, up the creek, banana cabaret, lee hurst's backyard, the comedy club and comedy cafe and internationally; quatar, dubai, abu dabi, china, indonesia, germany. her versatility means that as well as corporates and tv warm up, susan has handled biker festivals, music festivals inc. glastonbury. after her sell out edinburgh show in 2004 ''happy hour'' she is writing andperforming for radio 1 on the milk run and has just received a writing bursary from the bbc and is writing several projects for them.
Addy van Der Borgh
Events: 2
Addy Borgh - or Addy Van Der Borgh to give him his full monicker - makes audiences laugh from the moment he steps on stage. It may be helped by the comically large nose, mad eyes and manic expression, but it is principally that Addy Borgh is a very funny man and great stand-up comedian. As someone who spent his student life studying clowning (oh yes) at LAMDA, Addy Borgh is a physical comedian - in every aspect of the words. Combining brilliant comic timing with a diverse and dysfunctional set of voices and characters, stand-up Addy Borgh brings to life those worlds of the nerd - computers, museums and libraries.
His mix of mimicry, observations and slapstick comedy have won him outings on TV’s The Stand-up Show and Live at Jongleurs and three sell-out years at the Edinburgh Festival. Described as an “unassuming comic genius” by those on the prestigious comedy circuit, he is a regular fixture at comedy festivals across the globe and has a growing army of fans not just in Britain (The Comedy Club, Comedy Store, Jongleurs, Comedy Cafe etc) but also in Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.
A star of BBC 3’s Brain Candy and Sky‘s TV Meltdown (with Kirsty Gallagher), Addy Van Der Borgh appeared at the Edinburgh stand-up comedy festival in 1998 as part of the Screaming Blue Murder comedy showcase, and in 2000 with his own sell-out show 21st Century Fool. He returned in 2002 with Hearing Voices. He also played the lead in his first film, Little Things, for Pandelic.
What the critics said:
"With a potent mix of brilliant mimicry, offbeat character comedy and hilarious observations, Addy takes you on a journey of the mind to the many voices in your head, that come together in a brilliant combination. Addy's excellent. His flights of fancy and gentle manner are a brilliant combination" - Time Out
"Comic genius" - The Scotsman, Metro, Clown Weekly …..
Paul Sinha
Events: 4
Paul is a regular headliner at Hyena Comedy Cafe , Newcastle, XS Malarkey, Manchester, Frog and Bucket, Manchester, Hi Fi Club Leeds, The Wharf Cardiff, Bearcat Comedy Club London, Last Laugh Comedy Club Sheffield. He is a regular at the Backyard Comedy Club London, Comedy Cafe London, Hampstead Comedy Club, Brixton Comedy Club, Glee Club, Laughterhouse Liverpool, Belfast Empire and The Stand Edinburgh/Glasgow
TV credits include The Stand up Show , The Comedy Store and being voted fourth off on The Weakest Link.
Stuart Black
Events: 10
Stuart has performed at venues all over the UK including: The Comedy Store, Jongleurs, Frog & Bucket Manchester, Glee Club Birmingham, Komedia Brighton...
PRESS QUOTES
"He's often tipped as being one to watch for the future - it surely won't be long until the future is now." chortle.co.uk
"Warm, engaging and dangerously funny." Rip it up Magazine, Adelaide
"...skilful delivery, matched with a care in choosing his language and imagery… one to watch." chortle.co.uk
"...elegant writing and relaxed style." chortle.co.uk
"The punchlines are enhanced by the fact you can almost never see them coming." chortle.co.uk
"Black takes on the down side of ordinary life and its infuriating issues and turns them into something all at once shocking, amazing, impossible and fantastic... " DB Magazine - Adelaide
"he says things you won't have heard before in an interesting, witty way, with lashings of aloof attitude." chortle.co.uk
TELEVISION
The world Stands Up Season 5 - for Paramount/Comedy Central
Stand Up Australia - Melbourne Festival on Foxtel
FESTIVALS
Stuart Blacks debut solo show Pale & Confused was performed at Adelaide, Melbourne and Edinburgh in 2008.
Raymond Mearns
Events: 4
Having earned his spurs hosting comedy nights at some of the most improbable venues in the country, Raymond has now hit the big time as a much sought-after compere. He regularly hosts nights at some of the biggest Comedy Clubs in the UK including The Stand Comedy Clubs - where he is now one of the resident MC's. Other clubs including the massive Jongleurs chain, The Hyena, The Frog and Bucket and The Glee regularly use his services as well as his stint as a festival headliner at the very prestigious New York Underground Comedy Festival in 2005. Outside of his hosting duties, his natural rapport with an audience and unerring ability to work a gag have made him one of the most popular solo acts, capable of producing a tightly structured set but with a remarkably free-flowing style.
Raymond's appetite for performing is rivalled only by his appetite for hot pies. Since starting his career in Glasgo's infamous Comedy Cellar, (then hosted by one Ed Byrne), Raymond has gobbled up the gigs, including a highly successful tour of the Scottish Highlands in 2002, playing to every type of crowd in every type of venue. The result is that he is now one of the most adaptable of all comedians, as quick with his brain as he is with his tongue and ready to dish out a belly-full of laughs to hungry audiences everywhere.
Following a succession of sell out one-man shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and Glasgow International Comedy Festival - Raymond has made a smooth transition onto the airwaves as a regular contributor to the 'Fred MacAulay Show' (BBC Radio). Additionally Raymond adopted a number of guises on the 'Live Floor Show', (BBC1) throughout 2002/3. During 2005/6 Raymond has appeared on shows as diverse as John Thompson Stands Up for Comedy (Sky/Bravo), The Smith Lectures (BBC RADIO 2) and soon to be heard radio version of the hit improv show Dance Monkey Boy Dance!
Raymond is also an accomplished actor having appeared on both stage and screen - memorably in the BAFTA Award winning short film 'Home' in 1999 - and more recently in Ken Loach ��Ǩ�Ѣs critically acclaimed 'Ae Fond Kiss' which was released in September 2004. In 2006 Raymond was seen in the new BBC Scotland sitcom ''Legit''' and in the ITV cop drama REBUS.
Mark Maier
Events: 5
Mark Maier is a bit of a clever clogs. Having found his way to the top of one profession, advertising, he decided to try and dominate another in the world of stand-up comedy.
Before pursuing his lifelong dream to become a comedian, Mark Maier had written and performed in numerous radio commercials – the lifeblood of American broadcasting And a long way from Sheila’s Wheels - and won a whole host of writing awards, including the impressive sounding World's Best Broadcasting Advertisement at the 1987 Hollywood Radio & Television Awards.
Such a start clearly stood him in good stead and Comedian Mark Maier continues to be in demand for voice over work, thanks especially to an extensive range of regional and international accents, including his natural one of Jewish Geordie. You will have heard Mark’s voice on everything from
Since turning to comedy, Mark Maier has proved himself equally successful in more than one field, gaining fans and plaudits for his stand-up, his writing and his broadcasting and performance work. A master of the ad lib and improvisation, having learned the art in America, he runs master classes in improvisational comedy in London and regularly appears with the likes of Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney and Paul Merton in the famous Comedy Players. He also founded the critically acclaimed group MadLib which performed at the Edinburgh Festival as long ago as 1994 and is still with us today.
As a straight stand-up comedian, Mark Maier has worked the world over on the national and international comedy circuits, appearing in Germany, Holland, Ireland, Hong Kong, Bahamas, South Africa, America, Australia and New Zealand - and even in between through a series of at sea gigs on the famous QE2.
A regular at
A big fan of radio – as it is of him – Mark Maier has written and performed numerous hit shows for that bastion of cultured comedy, BBC Radio 4. His roll of honour includes three series of Trapped, a talking heads series called Inner Voices of Men, the sitcom Quando, Quando, Quando, Six Geese A' Laying and the aforementioned Object Lessons adaptation of his Edinburgh show. He also worked on the brilliant Liar with Paul Kaye for Talkback in 2002.
Comedian Mark Maier’s television appearances include guest outings on Bring Me The Head of Light Entertainment, GMTV and, despite being happily married and a father, an appearance on ITV’s reality confrontation relationship show Dating The Enemy, as well as every live stand-up comedy show you could mention including Edinburgh Nights, Live At Jongleurs, The Stand Up Show and The World Stands Up. As a comic actor, he appeared alongside Ardal O’Hanlon and Hugh Dennis in the BBC’s long-running sitcom My Hero and also worked with Rory Bremner on Who Else?
Mark Maiers advertising background and his ability to tailor material to almost any subject or audience has also made him very popular on the corporate and after dinner comedy circuit.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
“Talent to burn” - Mail On Sunday
"A multi-talented, mercurial comedian" - The Independent
“'Smoothly cynical with pathos, poignancy, wit and wisdom” - Evening Standard
“There aren’t many comedians as good as him who haven’t been rewarded with a TV series” - The GuardianJunior Simpson
Events: 8
Junior's television work includes; Night Fever (CH5), Never Mind The Buzzcocks Series 5 (BBC), In The Dark With Junior Simpson (CH5), The Stand Up Show (BBC1), Night Out at the Empire Series 2 (CH4), Bring Me The Head Of Light Entertainment (CH5), The Comedy Network (CH5), Saturday Live (LWT), The Real McCoy (BBC2).
Junior also has an impressive credits list for Radio and Writing; You Call That Quiz (GLR), Stand Up Two (Radio 2), The Beaton Generation (Radio 4), Lover Man (Hackney Empire and Lewisham Theatre), Jo Brand's Commercial Breakdown (Celador), Comic Relief (BBC), Never Mind The Buzzcocks (BBC), Gas (CH4), In Exile (CH4), Saturday Live (LWT) and The Frank Skinner Show.
Rex Boyd
Events: 1
Rex started doing comedy in his hometown of Kansas City in 1986 and after a few years globe trotting, made his base in England in 1994, where he has been an unusual highlight of the comedy club circuit ever since.
After 17 years as a variety act, in 2003 Rex decided to add a dose of straight stand-up into his already popular while continuing to close the show with the afore-mentioned Robin Hood show. The move worked and he is now possibly the best ''new'' act on the comedy circuit.
Sol Bernstein
Events: 4
The legend that is Sol Bernstein escaped the Pogroms in Russia, the Nazis in Germany, and went on to become the World's 1st all-round entertainer.
He's a song and dance man, a comedian, a magician, an actor, a Jazz musician (Sol was rated ''BEST TRIANGLE'' player in the USA in the 50's by performers like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington ). Also rated the best impersonator EVER !!
''One part Alf Garnett, two parts Mel Brooks, and three parts like nothing you've ever heard'' - The Guardian
Ian Stone
Events: 5
Intelligent, self-deprecating and most importantly, funny, he describes himself as ''a low-class, ill-mannered Jew'', he can make light of almost anything - including the ongoing situation in the Middle East. As he puts it: ''There's a lot of horrible stuff that's been going on and it's been very good for me!''
Ian's many television appearances include The World Stands Up, Never Mind The Buzzcocks , The Stand-Up Show and The 11 O'clock Show .
On radio, he has hosted his own chat show The Big Schmooze, on BBC London, where he interviewed the likes of Jeremy Issacs, Terry Hall, Anthony Sher and Esther Rantzen and worked with Jackie Mason on Radio 4. He was the first British stand-up to perform in Moscow.
Dave Johns
Events: 5
Dave has been invited to perform in festivals in this country and abroad Glastonbury, Leeds, Hong Kong, Norway Holland, Bangkok; He has hosted shows at the Kilkenny Comedy festival in Ireland 1997.Aswell as opening for American comedian Andy Kindler. Dave has had three successful sell out shows, performing at the Melbourne international comedy festival in Australia 1998,1999 & 2001 ''He bounds on stage singing snippets from musicals and has the audience in the palm of his hand within seconds. What follows was forty minutes of the most enjoyable comedy, I have seen so far in this festival. Oh yes we do need you Mr Johns'' (The Age)'' the star of the show'' (Beat) Dave has also performed at the Adelaide Comedy Festival.
He has toured with Johnny Vegas, as well as doing an opening for him at the Regents Park open-air theatre. He has hosted Euro 96 I his native Newcastle in front of 7000 football fans, for the last eight years Dave has hosted the Gala Show for the Newcastle Comedy Festival at the City Hall. He is also a regular Performer at the Comedy store London. July 2001 saw Dave perform at the prestigious'' Just For Laughs'' comedy festival in Montreal.
Mandy Knight
Events: 4
Once described as “as frisky as a terrier on heat”, Mandy Knight is a true dame of British stand-up comedy.
The first female comedian to compere that bastion of old-school stand-up The Comedy Store, our Mandy has been breaking down barriers all her life.
After a traumatic childhood of abuse and social uncare, she attended the famous Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. After becoming fully-trained as a classical actress, and then using her diploma to spend four years in the traditional acting alternative career as a waitress, Mandy Knight decided to ditch the period frocks and the pinafore and enter the world of stand up comedy. When asked why, Mandy said it was due to an irrational fear of a life in fringe theatre, exploring her inner child by pretending to be an oak tree, a fridge or a tambourine.
It is a decision she has never regretted. After almost 20 years as a comedian, Mandy Knight remains one of the most respected and loved stand-ups in the business by both fellow comics, promoters and punters alike.
As a stand up Mandy Knight has headlined all over the world and has deservedly scooped the Best Female Comedian title at a host of different awards ceremonies over the years, including most recently the Time Out Best Female Comic gong.
A brilliant compere, host and stand-up, as well of course as an actress, she has used her combined talents to perform three one-woman shows in Edinburgh, London and Sydney with the brilliant titles of I Might Be Single - but The Voices Keep Me Company , Some of My Best Friends are Ginger and "I'm In Love with the Singer from Pulp.
Also as an actress, Mandy Knight appeared as one of the main characters in Jo Brand's popular TV series Like it or Lump it and worked with David Baddiel on his series The Baddiel Syndrome.
Other television credits include hosting Live Time, a magazine type show a la Richard and Judy but without the smugness or falling out breasts, where she held riveting interviews with people about things like National Cheese Week. Mandy Knight has also written for various other television shows, including another smug pair in Des and Mel and appeared on The Little Big Woman Radio Show.
What draws many people to top comedienne Mandy Knight, on stage, screen and radio, is the personal nature of much of her comedy as in between the laughs she shares with the audience some of her memories of a less happy past that included alcoholism, drugs and relationship train-wrecks. But, as the lady says, it wasn't all laughs…
And although those past demons are still with her, but now they appear on stage as a supporting cast in a comedy routine that has taken her around the world and back again.
Mandy Knight has even put her past pain into print, both via the amusing blogs and tweets on her delightful website but, in greater detail, in a new book where she recounts her dark days, as an angry and abused little girl turned drama school wild child, to the alcoholic who wished for cancer as more acceptable way out than cancer.
But if all that’s sounds too depressing, the journey back from the bottom and ending up on the top of a tree as much-loved comedian is a joy to behold.
Mandy Knight, dame of British comedy … god bless her.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
“Inspired comedy” - Time Out
“A virtuoso comedienne” - The Independent
“A stream of priceless gems” - The Guardian
Kerry Godliman
Events: 6
Bryan Lacey
Events: 9
Since starting on the circuit he has fast become a club favourite and he easily mixes some slick material with quick wit and improvisational skills making him a truly solid act and an excellent MC for any evening.
Bryan has written for and appeared on BBC radio and is currently writing and acting in a pilot sketch show for MTV
Rich Wilson
Events: 44
With subject matters ranging from being a young father to observational material on the absurdities of life in general, comedian Rich Wilson has rapidly become one of the most in demand comedians in the country. Plus with an exceptional ability to think on his feet, Rich has proved to be a top compere able to tame even the toughest of crowds with his likable, charming manner. With Rich Wilson you are guaranteed a fantastic evening of top class entertainment.
Rich Wilson has loved comedy ever since his older nextdoor neighbour gave him a cassette of Eddie Murphy-Delirious."It was the most mind blowing thing I'd ever heard. My young ears had never heard language like it." His comedy aspirations lay dormant until he got a job as a barman at a comedy club in Greenwich, South London, called Up The Creek. After getting friendly with a few of the comics, a couple of them suggested that he should give comedy a go himself and so in October of 2004, Rich took his first steps onto the stage and into the limelight. Since then Rich hasn't looked back. He is a regular at all the major comedy clubs up and down the country and has become a firm favourite entertaining troops across the world as part of the armed forces entertainment service.
QUOTES
"Highly entertaining" Time Out
"He's a very very funny man" Frank Skinner
"I thoroughly enjoyed myself." Damon Hill, ex Formula One
Gary Coleman
Events: 1
After 14 years as an army doctor he quit just before the last Gulf War (the secret of comedy… timing) and now shares his discontented genius with you as he considers the big issues... life... love... and puppy spunk. "All is fair in love and war... although in both cases... the use of chemical's frowned upon"
'... FEARLESSLY FUNNY...' GQ -July 09
...HIGHLY INVENTIVE AND VERY FUNNY...' Frank Skinner- Aug 09
Gary has performed all over the UK, from the London Comedy Store to the Edinburgh Festival and in was finalist in ‘New Act of the Year 2009’ at the Hackney Empire. He is an accomplished comic actor (his Macbeth… hilarious) and was nominated Best Comic Actor in ‘2Days Laughter Short Comedy Festival 2008’. His comic play ‘Salvation Army’ was produced by First Draft Theatre Company in various theatres in London. This is his first one hour stand-up comedy show.
Anthony King
Events: 21
I moved down to London from my hometown of Leicester with the intention of getting involved in a comedy double act or sketch group. I did both but then discovered stand-up in a small club off Tottenham Court Road. After that I never looked back. I couldn't! It was horrible.
Even though, occasionally, Anthony slips back into the third person I try not to let it affect my everyday life.
Anthony King is an outwardly normal looking man who turned to comedy after he was disowned by the Catholic Church for confessing in too much detail. Having finally found a use for his twisted sense of humour, Anthony has gone on to perform at all the major comedy clubs across the UK and beyond, including performances in the Netherlands, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
Anthony's devilishly droll deadpan humour, masterful timing and delivery of a stream of one-liners combine to make him one of the most polished performers on the circuit. His act is a combination of his own true-life experiences mixed in with a whole bunch of lies.
Anthony's gigs have not been confined to the small stage; he has also made numerous appearances on TV. These include Granada's MAD FOR IT, Meridian's HOUSE OF FUN, UK Gold's LIVE AT JONGLEURS and he also took part in a live internet broadcast called LIVE FROM LONDON.
As well as his stand-up performances, Anthony is also well known for his writing skills. Credits include a sketch show for Granada, a series of bizarre short stories and a pilot sitcom for Radio 4. Anthony was also chosen to be part of THE COMEDY FACTORY, which was a team of writers brought together by Carlton and KDR Productions to develop and script various ideas for television. Projects included a sketch show, a quiz show, a cabaret show, a sitcom and a very tongue-in-cheek documentary.
After being approached by the city council, Anthony has also been running a series of comedy workshops in his hometown of Leicester.
The Noise Next Door
Events: 73
This charming fivesome will blow you away with their razor sharp improvised comedy, transforming audience suggestions into fantastically funny scenes and songs in the blink of an eye. Taking the country by storm in 2010, The Noise Next Door continue to draw no end of superlatives from the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, plus enjoying the prestige of headlining the finest Comedy Club venues across the UK and regularly performing for such prestigious clients as Channel 5 and Marriott Hotels. 2011 saw the release of their first DVD, Their Finest Hour, performances at Bug Jam & Download festivals and recording performances for CSE Radio broadcast to the armed forces across the world. TV interest and numerous media projects again ensure The Noise Next Door’s rise to become a become household name is imminent.
Billed as an improvised comedy troupe and performing together since 2005, The Noise Next Door will have you in stitches with their perfect blend of ludicrous characters, witty one-liners, epic stories and musical mayhem. These five slightly posh blokes are based in Brighton, but are touring venues around the world, with their distinctive brand of off-the-cuff humour.
The Noise Next Door have enjoyed sell out shows across the UK and regularly appear on the bill alongside comedy giants such as Harry Hill and Ed Byrne. With no two shows the same, audiences return again and again for a dose of their unique brand of off-the-cuff humour.
QUOTES
Winner of US Weekly News 100 star award
***** "A comic masterpiece" ThreeWeeks
***** "Pure genius" Fringe Review
**** "What sets them apart is their great chemistry and genuine sense of joy they bring to the stage" The List
'Five slick improvisers...No one can fail to be engaged by the vivacious sense of fun' Steve Bennett, Chortle
"No superlatives do justice to the fresh‐faced quintet who, directed almost entirely by audience interaction, deliver hilarity on demand from spontaneous cues." Three Weeks
"A very funny bunch of guys...original improv" Ed Byrne
"More laughs per show than any other group I've seen" Lucy Porter
EDINBURGH 2010 REVIEWS
"It’s very rare to see improv comedy so consistently hit the mark." **** The List
"their astounding physical, facial, verbal, and lyrical dexterity is impressive and consistently entertaining." **** Broadway Baby
"Chaos Control is most definitely worth more than the price of a ticket, and I recommend you all pen it into you Fringe planners.” **** ScotsGay
CORPORATE TESTIMONIALS
“The boys were great. Very very funny and they were exactly what we needed to get the party started!” Channel 5
“The Noise Next Door were absolutely fantastic! They were the best live comedy I have ever seen! It was a perfect end to a great day.” Office Friendly Dealers Associates
"We are very excited to have The Noise Next Door back for this event!" Marriott Hotels
“The Noise Next Door came and completely ripped it, got two encores (only Ross Noble and Tim Vine have done that before) and the audience left absolutely exhilarated. After last night's performance I (and everyone there) really think they are going to be massive.” Comedy Junction
Ryan McDonnell
Events: 97
2010 saw Ryan make his debut at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival in the prestigious Pleasance Courtyard from which critics at Three Weeks acclaimed his stand-up as “Apollo quality live comedy”.
Ryan was a runner up in the 2009 Amused Moose Laugh Off final in Edinburgh and a 2008 Magners Comedy Awards finalist. Other notable events have included Bloom Festival On Tour at Camden’s Koko in front of over a thousand people and playing to a packed and loving crowd in the Electric Picnic's ladies toilets. Venturing to the Edinburgh Festival in 2008 and 2009 he headlined various Fringe events. Constantly refining his art, Ryan is definitely one comedian you should not miss.
QUOTES
"First on was Irishman Ryan McDonnell, a witty and incredibly brave comic, who brought up a number of taboo subjects and rode over them with ease...If you want some Apollo-quality live comedy, then brave the heat of the Cellar" Three Weeks (Edinburgh - AAA Stand-up Late 2010)
'McDonnell's candid and incisive brand of comedy will have you nodding in agreement while at the same time you're trying to hold your sides in. And although you tell yourself you shouldn't be enjoying his non-PC rib-ticklers, just like a car crash you'll be unable to look away.' The Irish Post
'For a small nation Ireland doesn't half generate a huge percentage of the world's comedians. Ryan is the latest addition to the Craic Pack, another swift minded, silver tongued funster from the Emerald Isle. A man with the charm and comic timing of someone who's tongued the Blarney Stone. Watch out for Ryan he's certainly only going to get better, to be sure, to be sure' The Gag Factory, Guildford.
John Newton
Events: 54
John Newton began his comedy career in 2003, he fast became known for his inventive writing, covering a massive spectrum of subjects from the surreal to the hard hitting, yet still managing to remember that "the gag" comes first. In that respect, he's an old fashioned gag teller/writer and proud of it.
A very versatile act, Johns works on both the alternative club scene as well as the Cruise Ship / Holiday Resort circuit, going down a storm on both making him a must see act.
John is an extremely well travelled comedian. Travelling from continent to continent has given John a wealth of experience to draw from, in the last year alone he's worked in places such as :
Abu Dhabi
Amsterdam
Bahrain
Barcelona
Crete
Dubai
Russia
South Africa
Switzerland
The Caribbean
Quotes :
"John sucks you into his world with obscurely brilliant comedy" - The Comedy Vibe
" Slick a professional gag teller in the traditional mode, Newton is fast of mind and sharp of tongue. Worked the audience skilfully and professionally as a craftsman should" - The Comedy Pad
"John Newton does not need gimmicks stage characters or personas as he has something of more value to any comedian, good old fashioned solid gags" - Funny.co.uk
Simon Bligh
Events: 9
Hecklers should beware of heckling Northern comedian Simon Bligh – he is 4th Dan black belt in Karate, who continues to practise and compete in the martial art in between travelling the world in the equally high-octane world of stand-up comedy. Born in
But after seeing a Richard Pryor film in a deserted
Ten years down the track, Simon Bligh is one of the leading and most in demand comedians in
Simon has worked all over the globe and has made appearances as far and wide as
A regular on all the famous TV stand-up comedy shows like The Stand–Up Show (BBC1), Edinburgh Nights (BBC2), Saturday Live (ITV), Not The Jack Docherty Show (Five), Good Stuff Comedy (ITV), and That’s Showbusiness (BBC1). Using his experience, Simon Bligh was able to combine his two loves and talents – when Channel 4 entitled ‘Dojo Rising’, invited him to investigate and report on all aspects of martial arts from karate to video games, all with a comic and sideways look.
A people’s stand-up comedian and entertainer, northern comic Simon Bligh will be around for a long time to come – and if he isn’t he will come and find you.
WHAT THE CRTICS SAID
“A truly great comedian – in yer face and very funny.” – The Gazette & Press
“A truly great fighter” - Karate Weekly
Dominic Holland
Events: 5
Despite still looking like he should be at school, comedian Dominic Holland has been performing stand-up for nearly 20 years and offers a very slick, corporate comedy performance.
A true comic's comic, he is of the most highly regarded comedians of his generation, and the late, great Bob Monkhouse said of him: “He is Britain’s funniest not yet famous comedian”. Dominic Holland has since done his best to amend the “not yet” bit.
Dominic Holland started out as a stand-up back in 1991, with his debut gig at the Comedy Café in London, where racked by nerves, he in his own words “died”.
Two years later, he was walking off with the Perrier Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Festival having wowed national critics and fellow comics alike with his debut appearance at the comedy festival.
Dominic Holland’s own comic heroes Eddie Izzard, Frank Skinner and John Hegley came to see him on consecutive nights and he recalls “I now realise that this was my happiest time doing stand up”, while reassuring fans that he has spent every year and gig since trying to recapture that happiness.
He managed it again four years down the line with a nomination for the full Perrier on a list that also included famous TV comedian Bill Bailey, American comedian Rich Hall, cult British comedy act Armstrong & Miller, Al Murray and eventual winner Dylan Moran – an almost who’s who of British comedy both then and now.
His first ever TV appearance was for Central TV in 1992, a 20 minute set alongside a young Harry Hill (he hadn't even changed his name from Harry Hall then). It was broadcast at 2.30am for a fee of £200 each.
Still going strong 16 years later, Dominic Holland has made countless TV appearances, including hosting Have I Got News For You and as a guest on Rob Brydon's Annually Retentive. Comedian Dominic Holland is also a regular guest pundit on opinionated TV chat show The Wright Stuff.
Dominic Holland wrote and hosted two series of Bring Me The Head of Light Entertainment for Channel 5.
Christian Reilly
Events: 7
Dominic Woodward
Events: 10
Michael Smiley
Events: 1
Dour-faced Irish comedian Michael Smiley has been amusing, informing and entertaining punters for nearly 20 years. He first broke into public in 1993, when he took the runners-up sot in the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny new act competition at the Edinburgh Festival.
Michael Smiley has since become a popular and regular face at
Born in
An anecdotal comic, Michael Smiley ploughs a fertile furrow of amusing material from both his own childhood and that of his children with wife Miranda.
Also the master of the one-liners, delivered in a disarmingly lateral style, Michael Smiley keeps his audience guessing his mix of the serious, the surreal and the stupendously funny.
A cycle courier in a previous life (hence the contsant look of fear), his doomladen and world-weary expression warms him to audiences from the word go, leaving them ready for the surprise of a sudden burst of anger when he vents his spleen at some incident from the past, the present or even the future.
A regular face on TV stand-up shows like The Comedy Store and Live at Jongleurs, top stand-up Michael Smiley has also taken his laconic look into the world of acting and comedy drama, with appearances as cycle courier Tyres O'Flaherty in Spaced, a handful of different roles in Al Murray’s Time Gentleman Please, an Irish itinerant in Sean Lock’s 15 Storeys High and even a dash for Dickens as Phil Squod in the 2005 adaptation of Bleak House.
WHAT THE CRTICS SAID
"Not many comedians have the skill to talk about terrorism and not only convince you that they know what they're talking about but also to make it funny! The slow, Belfast drawl and the appearance of being trapped in one of the worst hangovers ever known to man, does make you warm to Michael Smiley quickly!"
- www.funny.co.uk
Sean Percival
Events: 7
But what she did get right is that Percival's humour is ''not surreal, it's not wacky, it's just bloody funny
A festival regular and must-see, he performs at the Edinburgh, Glastonbury and Reading Festivals every season and is and also much demand as a scrpt writer, working regularly with likes of Johnny Vaughan for the Capital Radio group.
Sally-Anne Hayward
Events: 19
Sally has developed a unique brand of sweet young lady cum sharp-witted fox, wrapped in layers of eminently likeable stage persona.
Currently performing at major venues up and down the country and regular compere at Jesters Comedy Club in Bristol, Sally is in high demand across the UK. As well as working as a comedian, Sally is an accomplished radio presenter and stage and television actress.
Quotes
"Hayward is a bubbly stream of comedy anecdotes…a delightfully chatty act…an immensely likeable stage manner." Chortle on line review
"Small time country posh life versus young lady breaking into the stand-up circuit. Fabulous." - BBC London Live
"This comedienne has developed a sharp, incisive style, making her a delight to watch…Has been singled out as a star for the future." Roar with Laughter on line review
Radio
Bristol Star 107.2 Weekday breakfast show co-presenter
BBC Five Live Guest on the Matthew Bannister show
LBC London Guest on the Caroline Feraday show
Television
Channel 5 '100 Greatest animations of all time' (Talking Head)
BBC TV 'Absolutely Fabulous' Series 4
A Saunders and French Production directed by Bob Spiers
BBC Choice BBC New Talent Showcase
Theatre
'The Wind in the Willows' QE2 Cruise Liner, directed by Simon Barry
'Aladdin' Exmouth Pavilion, directed by Richard Frost
'Skin Flint' (devised) Pegasus Theatre, directed by the Right Size Theatre Company
'Personality Crisis' (devised) Pegasus Theatre, directed by Volcano Theatre Company
'Swim' (devised) Pegasus Theatre, directed by Emma Webb
Andi Osho
Events: 2
In a short space of time, Andi has made a big impression on the comedy circuit, reaching the final of five major new talent competitions (Nivea Funny Women, Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, Hackney Empire New Act of the Year, Laughing Horse New Act Competition and Amused Moose Laugh Off). After four months and just 40 gigs she won The Nivea Funny Women Award.
Since then, she has gone from strength to strength performing at top comedy venues including The Comedy Store, The Comedy Café, The Pleasance Dome, Jongleurs and The Hackney Empire and appeared on TV Comedy Shows such as Russell Brand and Friends, Comedy Lab, FAQ U and most recently Mock the Week in February 2010.
Stefano Paolini
Events: 14
Since receiving the runner-up accolade in Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny Award 2001 and in BBC's New Comedy Award 2002, Stefano has had a constant stream of TV and radio work, which he manages to juggle with gigging 4/5 nights a week.
He's currently recording BROMWELL HIGH - a new animation series for Channel 4, where he voices over 20 different characters. Last year he voiced various personalities, including Tony Blair, in BBC 2's DOUBLE TAKE (1 series & a Christmas special). He's also voiced other celebrities in THE RALPH LITTLE SHOW (BBC 3).
On radio he has appeared as a special guest on DEAD RINGERS (BBC Radio 4). He voiced a variety of characters in the DREEM TEEM XMAS PANTO (BBC Radio 1 - two specials) and on TALK RADIO he appeared in five episodes of DO YOU LOOK LIKE HIM OR WHAT, which he also wrote. He has guested on LOOSE ENDS (BBC Radio 4), THE JO WHILEY SHOW (BBC Radio 1), LBC and BBC London . More recently he featured in THE PROBLEM WITH ADAM BLOOM (BBC Radio 4), SPANKING NEW (BBC Radio 7) and THE MILK RUN for BBC Radio 1. He is currently developing his own series 'BRITALIANS' for BBC Radio 4.
Stefano is a popular face on the UK comedy circuit and recently performed in Croatia and Singapore. He also speaks fluent Italian and recently performed his whole show in Italy, in Italian. He can also mimic a variety of animal and musical sounds, including a wicked beat box!
''A remarkable repertoire of voices and sounds'' - The Stage, August 2002
''ACE.an obvious star'' - ***** The Scotsman, August 2002
Special P
Events: 14
He began working on his goal part time, for two years he learnt about comedy, watched other artist perform and he also used stage time to fulfil his aim. He became quickly recognised. During his first two years as a comic, he appeared on Channel fours “so you think you are funny”; he was a finalist in the Wilkinson sword competition and achieved a BECA award for best newcomer in 2002.
In my second semester my plan was to be recognised as a strong talented comic, by appearing in major venues, theatres and being billed with brand named comics/comedians, which he accomplished. He continually wrote and performed his own material, testing the comical boundaries and was awarded with another BECA award for ‘the most original material’ in 2004.
Despite being sort after to do comedy abroad Special P knew within himself he was not totally ready because of other commitments. Several agents approached and advised him to take up comedy as a full time career, he knew there was still a lot more to experience and realised that comedy is a never ending learning process. A crucial point came when he was asked to tour Germany in October 2006, to date he has been back to Germany performed in Sweden, Holland and the USA, he has regularly been chosen to perform for The Army and the RAF. Recently he has performed in Hollywood (USA) in the more established venues such as, The Laugh Factory, The Improv, The Comedy Store and other mainstream and alternative comedy clubs. Special P is now recognised as International Comedian.
Angie McEvoy
Angie launched her comedy career Edinburgh Festival in 2000, when she was voted runner-up in the BBC New Comedy Awards. Since that time, she has become a skilled performer and achieved critical acclaim as both writer and performer.
A regular comedy guest on Richard & Judy and one of the few success stories to emerge from Channel 4's ill-fated RI:SE, she is also a regular contributor to the Vanessa Feltz Show (BBC London) and has written topical material for The Jeremy Vine Show (BBC Radio 2).
Trevor Crook
Events: 3
Within 18 months he was headlining regularly at the Comedy Store and touring with the likes of Jimeoin, Ben Elton and David Strassman. His television career also blossomed, performing on shows like The Midday Show, Tonight Live, and Hey Hey Saturday.
After an acclaimed visit to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1996, Trevor began working extensively in England and Europe. He is the first Australian comic to have performed in the arctic circle, and has performed in France, Holland, Scandinavia, Hong Kong and China.
His UK TV Credits include Live at Jongleurs (four series), the Stand Up Show (BBC1) and amongst his radio credits is Stand Up Two for BBC Radio 2.
What they say about Trevor:
''Was that you getting all those laughs'' - Ben Elton
''My all time favourite funny man!, Superb totally unique'' - Rick Wakeman
''Shines Like A Diamond'' - Edinburgh Evening News
''One of those once in a lifetime finds'' - London Evening Standard
Jeremy O'Donnell
Events: 7
''Excellent observational comedy'' London Live 94.9fm
''Excellent MC'' Time Out
As an act or compere, Jeremy O'Donnell mixes sharp one liners with friendly story telling and sparkling off the cuff wit. His cheeky smile and friendly nature have endeared him to audiences all over Britain and as far a field as Berlin, Bahrain, Paris and Zurich
Jeremy has a reputation for reliably strong performances at major comedy clubs nationwide including Jongleurs and The Comedy Cafe. He also tailors his act for regular corporate shows. Jeremy is currently working on a pilot show for Channel 4
TV / Radio Appearances:
Hooch Advert - ITV
Documentary on Comedy -BBC2
Young, Gifted and Broke - ITV
BBC Open Mic Competition - BBC
Take the Mike - ITV
Takeover TV - E4
BBC London Live (various) - 94.9fm
Digiclip TV - five
Writing Credits
The Johnny Vaughan Show - BBC1
News Huddlines - BBC Radio
Takeover TV - E4
The Afternoon Show - Radio
Digiclip TV - five
''Best act of the night, by far, was Jeremy O'Donnell. Cutting edge funny'' The Daily Mirror
''A natural comedian'' South London Press
''Best English comedian we have had'' Blue Monday club, (Berlin)
''Brilliant headliner'' Hollywoods Comedy (Cologne)
''Brilliant, funny and so very fast'' Gulf Weekly (Bahrain)
Paul B Edwards
Events: 7
''Pretty damn funny'' - Scottish Daily Mail
''The terrific Rock'n'Roll Poet, Paul B Edwards'' - Southern Cross Magazine
''If talent still plays a part in stardom, Paul B Edwards will be huge'' - Jester Magazine
Paul B Edwards is one of the most sought after comics on the circuit. His genial combination of jokes, songs, poetry (''sometimes a bit childish, sometimes a bit rude'') make him a great compere, a strong support and a rocking headline act. Some of his songs have become cult hits with audience members shouting requests, in particular his moving tribute to Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and his ability to get whole audiences to sing along is quite something.
''Rock 'n' Roll poet and compere Paul B Edwards knew exactly how to work the crowd - this likeable comedian got away with some quite risque material in between delighting the audience'' - Buxton Comedy Festival Review
Jamie Sutherland
Events: 5
Since launching himself into the comedy world two years ago, Jamie has established himself on the comedy circuit, and is now resident compere at two clubs, Global Comedy and The Brinsop Comedy Club
An act who has the ability to adapt to suit any event, Jamie has played to audiences of four, up to four hundred. His act is enjoyed by many, and he is very well received playing to mixed rooms.
Jamie is good for headline spots or to MC a night either he is completly at ease with
Finalist in Frog and Bucket World series 2005
Finalist, Tongue in Cheek, Liverpool 2006
Danny McLoughlin
Events: 2
Danny has performed at or is booked for the following gigs/promoters: Rawhide, Agraman, Frog & Bucket, XS Malarkey, Uni gigs, Lincoln Comedy Festival and many North West promoters.
Danny also MC’s his own regular Chester Uni gig alongside top class pro acts.
Credits:
Finalist in Chortle Student Comedian of the Year 2008
Craig Murray
Events: 10
Craig cut his comedy teeth as resident compere at award-winning London comedy club 'The Funny Side...of Covent Garden', sharing a stage with some of the very best comedy acts in the business including Harry Hill, Stewart Lee and even Hollywood legend Robin Williams. He rapidly became a master of the compere's art; able to turn any crowd from a lacklustre mob into a clapping, cheering, delirious audience ready to laugh all night.
Having honed his talents as an MC introducing others, in 2008 he began bringing his impressive stage presence and flair for audience banter to his very own stand-up set. Since then, his rise through the comedy ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. Within just 1 month he had reached the final of The Other Side New Act of the Year competition and within 3, the final of the coveted Hackney Empire New Act of the Year. In the last two years he has also appeared in a comedy film alongside Adam Hills and Brendon Burns and recorded a comedy pilot for the BBC.
An instant crowd pleaser with a charismatic, mock-confrontational style, Craig is now highly a sought-after act and compere, performing all over the UK.
CLUBS: A range of clubs/promoters including: FYMFYG Bar (20s, Headlining), Jesters (20s), Rawhide (20s) , Mirth Control (20min sets, 40min sets & MCing), The Funny Side (20s, headlining, MCing), Comedy Club Ltd (20s) So Comedy (MCing) Hilarious! (headlining, 20s & MCing) C69/Cuda Comedy (Headlining, 20s & MCing), Terry the Stand-Up (20s & headlining) , Porthole Comedy Club (20s), Rob Riley - various (20s, MCing). He has also graduated to paid work at both the Frog and Bucket and XS Malarkey
FESTIVALS: Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2008 ('The Magical Diamond of Ramtutiti', 'Spank'), Endorse It In Dorset 2009, Wivenhoe May Fair 2009
CORPORATE: Also in demand on the corporate circuit, Craig has performed for clients such as: Goldman Sachs, Bird & Bird, VK Direct & No.5 Chambers,
Press Quotes
“…a great line in Northern humour” – Spoonfed.co.uk
“Craig Murray knows his comedy roots… his material was well presented [and] recognisably funny” – Chortle.co.uk
“Bloody funny” – Jo Brand
Colin Owens
Events: 7
Since then Colin has had a number of small tv parts, including Sharron Horgan's sitcom Angelos, various Jimmy Carr sketches and was "Popcorn man" in Sky One film show "Popcorn".
On Radio, Colin had a weekly Saturday morning slot providing comical irreverence to a morning coffee and chat type show on his local station BBC Radio South for over a year, and in 2006 was recorded by BBC Radio 7 at the Brighton Comedy Festival.
Colin was a finalist in the Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year Show and appeared in the Big Value Comedy Show Edinburgh 2006. He has done live work with the Mighty Boosh guys, including performing at their Boosh Festival in 2008 and as well as running his own comedy night at The Orange Rooms in Southampton, Colin is now gigging regularly at most of the comedy clubs throughout the UK.
Described as 'laconic and charming', Colin talks about his failings, inadequacies, mistakes and general stupidity, all tinged with an air of paranoia and insecurity but delivered with supreme confidence and sexual edginess! Sounds like a proper mish-mash, but is charming and funny.
quotes:
"A comedian who's star is set to shine brightly" (Guardian 2009)
"Colin Owens, an effusive act beneath his scraggly hair. His embarrassing anecdote – about a Fray Bentos meat pie – is brilliant if true, even better if he made it up." (Chortle 2009)
"Big voiced Colin Owens, a good storyteller of his own life – he clearly had the ability to grab and keep the attention of an audience" (Chortle 2009)
"Really good material" (Big Value Edinburgh Review - Three weeks Aug 2006)
"rough around the edges … a self-confessed disaster zone with some memorable stories" (The Stage 2009)
"Genuinely Brilliant' (Jimmy Carr)
"Nice DIY story' (Ricky Gervais)
"Lovely Tight Material' (Jeff Green)
"I knew he’d be funny and he was" (Michael McIntyre)
"Impossible not to like" (Russell Brand)
"Brilliant performer" (Frank Skinner)
"Brilliant, like a funny neighbour" (Tim Vine)
"Really really good new act, actually made me laugh out loud" (Dave at Banana Cabaret 2006)
Ron G
Events: 1
Ron G began his stand up career in Atlanta, GA, and was crowned 1st place winner of the 2005 Sierra Mist Late Night Laff Off. After moving to Los Angeles to further his career as a comedian and actor, he was a finalist on the new hit TV show Bill Bellamy's "Who's Got Jokes" and was also a finalist on the most recent season of NBC's Last Comic Standing. And if that wasn't enough, on his very first commercial audition, he booked a gig as national Spokesperson for Checker's & Rally's Restaurants. Having Martin Lawrence tell him he was funny is one of Ron G's career highlights so far, and after receiving his first standing ovation only eight months in the game, he knew he had found his calling.
Ron G says, "I want to represent the new generation of comedians that get overlooked. I'd like to show the world the new generation is just as funny, clever and talented.
Zoe Lyons
Events: 2
She more than fulfilled expectations, by winning the Babycham Newcomer of the Year prize, and becoming a finalist in another and has since taken big strides to become a household name following appearances on Mock the Week (BBC 2011), The Wright Stuff (C5 2011), The Blame Game (BBC Northern Ireland 2011), This Week (BBC News 2011) and Michael McIntyre's Roadshow (BBC1 2010) to name a few
Having started out as an actress, but deciding that was too tame, Zoe takes a sideways view of life, picking out the many absurdities and turning them into hilarious routines which she delivers with tremendous energy, drawing on her acting skills to provide a kaleidoscope of voices and faces throughout the act.
Zoe is still recognised after demonstrating her ability to laugh in the face of adversity, as a contestant on ITV's Survivor programme - she also became a dab hand spearing sting rays!
Other TV credits include Dan & Dusty and Weapons of Mass Distraction for ITV.
Anil Desai
Events: 15
As a comedian Anil Desai began his career starring in the Award winning BBC sketch show series Goodness Gracious Me. As a fan of pop-culture, he followed this by creating his own comedy sketch group The Giant Pineapple Boys, performing in London and Edinburgh Festivals (2001 - 2004), co-hosted on the ever popular live late show Spank! (Edfest 2004 - 2007), created his original comedy characters Rajesh - Bollywood Lounge singer & Candice the Fluffer Girl continually performing on the cabaret, variety & burlesque circuit since 2006, and has had over 25,000 hits on Comedybox online with his awe-inspiring act of performing 52 impressions in just 5 minutes!
Since 2008, he has become known as 'the Stand-Up Chameleon' and had a smashing 2009 Edinburgh festival run with his show of the same title, earning him a commission by BBC Comedy Extra for a 4 sketch mini series entitled How To Impersonate. Since then he has been headlining comedy shows in London, and bigger shows around the UK. In March 2010 he was the audience choice winner of the Waterman's Asian Comedy Slam!
In the Spring of 2010, Anil thrilled audiences around the globe on his first international shows, breaking culture boundaries with his Stand up chameleon solo show and gigging his much loved comedy and impressions. He is one of the few acts that has crossed over into performing on the Comedy, Cabaret, Variety, Burlesque and Magic circuits all over the UK, he has also performed in Slovenia, Germany, Singapore and Australia, most notably at the Sydney Comedy Festival, where he opened for Tony Woods and Dom Errera at the Sydney Comedy Store. He was also invited to perform at some of the biggest summer festivals in the UK including Latitude, Electric Picnic and Bestival for the second year running.
His second solo show, Anil Desai: "Hey, Impressions Guy!" gained him more industry engagements, found new audiences and earned him more favourable reviews at the Gilded Balloon - Edinburgh Comedy Festival 2010. This lead on to a recent two week tour in India, before returning back to the Comedy Store in Sydney, Australia for the Best of International Comedy showcase, and being invited to appear on Australian TV’s biggest Variety show for 30 years – ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday!’ (Channel 9) – seen by millions of viewers nationwide. He was also selected to be one of only 25 international comedians at the Bulmer’s Comedy Festival 2010 in Tipperary, Ireland.
Backing up his comedy career Anil has worked as a professional actor since 1995, and has worked in the films –Phoenix (BBC Crucial Films), Re-Ignited (Ideal World Films/C4), Decreed (HTV), The Drive (Anglia TV), Dead Eyes (Wysiwyg Films). He also worked in various TV series including the Award winning 'Goodness Gracious Me' 'Mr.Charity' & 'Doctors' (BBC), 'The Bill', 'Barbara' & 'Headcases' (ITV).
British Theatre productions include 'The Adventures of Tintin' (The Playhouse Theatre/UK Tour), 'The Fortune Club' (Tricycle Theatre), 'As You Like It' (Watford Palace) and many more at theatres including, The Birmingham Rep, Leicester Haymarket, Soho Theatre, The Young Vic, The Cockpit, The Meinier Chocolate Factory and The Hen & Chickens. He has starred in various Radio Plays for BBC Radio.
MEDIA / PRESS QUOTES
“The audience roared with laughter…Our beloved ‘Chameleon’ drew a huge
thunderous applause from the audience”
News
“The success of Desai’s act is a measure of how much the world has changed, he manages to connect across cultures”
The Hindu Metro – India LOL Tour
"Pure Genius"
NRI Website – India LOL Tour
“He’s so enthusiastic and irrepressible it’s hard not to like him”
– The Late Late Show
"A possessed schizophrenic tour-de-force...more than an impressionist, combining typical observational stand up with voices making him a force to be reckoned with...a highly entertaining and worthwhile night out...catch him before you are too far back in the arena to enjoy him."
* * * * Hairline
"Mr.Desai is a master...talent is here in spades...the ultimate cabaret act"
* * * * FreshAir FM
"Skill, elegance and confidence...a technically impressive performance, it deserves a lot of respect...if you love impressions, you'll love this!"
Chortle 2010
"This madcap show of impressions and stand up hits some pretty hilarious peaks...impressive...truly brilliant"
The Fest
"An Impressionist with a difference...a funny man...Desai proved to be a hard act to follow, whipping up the crowds enthusiasm"
Fringe Report 2010
"Desai is spot on! I actually did that rocking-with-laughter off my chair thing." Inpress Magazine
"A Tour-de-force of impressions...side-splittingly funny... Desai is ridiculously talented...his ability to change his face, voice and physicality is undeniably astounding…Stardom is beckoning"
* * * * Edinburgh Guide
"Uniquely entertaining...consistently funny and memorable"
* * * * Three Weeks
"Impressionist triumphs in his latest show" * * * * The Fest
"A Very funny show" * * * * One4Review
* * * * The List
"...his mimics are exceptionally good..." Chortle
"It's not just clever, but utterly hilarious...one to watch"
Edinburgh Evening News
Simon Feilder
Events: 53
Launching headlong onto the stage, at once energetic and quirkily self-deprecating, he set about taking over the clubs of London, five minutes at a time... He subsequently performed in Edinburgh in the Amused Moose Hot Starlets show and at universities up and down the country as part of the Avalon Comedy Network...
His affable demeanour and high-energy approach brought him to the attention of many promoters, and he has been gigging regularly since, from Torquay to St Andrews...
In the period between his birth and today, Simon was also highly commended by The Royal Television Society for the romantic comedy short film, 'Full Circle', which he wrote, directed and acted in; was awarded a gold medal (with honours) in acting by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and spent six months as a member of an improv comedy troupe, Absolunacy, based in Muncie, Indiana, USA...
More recently Simon has lent his wild enthusiasm and vocal talents to kids' shows ''Jim Jam & Sunny'' for CITV, and ''Yo Gabba Gabba'' for NickJr...
QUOTES:
"Highly entertaining" TimeOut
"His nervy, excitable, simmering energy is compelling to watch lifted further by some nice little touches and subtle nuances that demonstrate a keen attention to detail.'' Chortle.co.uk
''A natural performer with a lot of energy and some great material, he also has the ability to think on his feet and responds well to audience reactions.'' ComedyLounge.co.uk
A stand-out stand-up act Watch this space.'' Richmond & Twickenham Times
CORPORATE QUOTES:
"The event was a great success last night. Everybody was impressed with Simon Feilder's performance, he was hilarious! A really nice guy off stage as well. We have all been talking about him this morning in the office." Volvo
"Simon Feilder was fantastic at Get Comedy...we had great responses from everyone. We would love to work with him again if the opportunity arose. The event was hugely successful in raising both funds and awareness of Get Connected." Get Connected
"Just to say a MASSIVE thank you to Simon Feilder for last night – he was fab" Balloon Dog
Roger Monkhouse
Events: 4
Joseph Wilson
Events: 4
Joseph is a likeable stand up and impressionist whose energetic, physical and improvised style, is receives positive reactions from audiences, fellow jesters and promoters alike.
Joseph can be found performing regular 20 minute sets and MC gigs all over the UK such as The Comedy Cafe, Covent Garden Comedy Club, Lee Hurst's, Jesters, The Avalon Network, Off the Kerb, The Stand Comedy Club, Christian Knowles Productions. Joseph even has gigged at New York clubs such as Caroline's, Ha! Comedy Club, Joe Franklin's and Comixs.
Joseph has been signed by Yakety Yak, a top voice over agency. www.yaketyyak.co.uk
Joseph starred in an award-winning short film opposite 'Green Wing''s Karl Theobald and "Pyschoville"'s Debbie Chazen, 'I am Ruthie Segal, Hear me Roar' (Minkie Spiro/UK/2009/Third Man Films). This film will be shown at the UK's Jewish Film Festival then it travels across to all major film festivals.
Gary Delaney
Events: 3
Respected by peers and audiences alike his often dark and always amusing lines leave audiences struggling to remember all the ones they want to tell later.
Gary was part of Avalon's Comedy Zone at the 2002 Edinburgh festival and headlined the late show at the Big Value Comedy Show in 2003.
A finalist in the BBC New Act competitions in 2002, he has also worked alongside Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned.
Ivan Brackenbury
Events: 1
In 1999 the readers of Melody Maker voted 'Tom Binns Breakfast' on London's XFM as one of their Top Ten Radio shows of the year.
One of the sketches Tom wrote for 'Trigger Happy TV' made it into both the BBC and Channel 4 polls for best comedy moment and TV moment of 2001.
In 2002 while Tom was presenting 'Ri:se' the live breakfast show on Channel 4, readers of More magazine voted him the 25th sexiest man in the world, leaving George Clooney trailing behind at number 33.
Joan Rivers recently worked with Tom when he hosted a very expensive pilot episode of 'Celebrity Squares' for So TV and Five.
Tom is currently writing a sitcom, DJing on BRMB radio, developing TV shows, performing stand-up and sailing catamarans.
Chris Brooker
Events: 1
Now a firmly established force on the Manchester comedy circuit, Chris has a reputation as a superb compere with an infectious amiability that can liven even the coldest rooms.
''Very funny... Very quick... On the spot humour.'' BBC.co.uk
''The funniest act of the night, his quick wit silencing hecklers and getting plenty of laughs.'' Cumberland News
''A fitting finale... The audience was in fits of laughter.'' StudentDirect
''Brooker had the quick wit and affability required to win the audience around... A very entertaining and arresting show.'' Manchestercomedy.com on Chris Brooker's Path Of Least Resistance.
Mike Newall
Events: 2
A gentle, amiable power-house of a comic, Mike's timing is the envy of performers with ten times the experience and is living proof that you can't learn to be funny, some people just are. Since making his debut in 2003, he has toured the country honing his skills and is now a force to be reckoned with. A talent who audiences, colleagues and industry-types alike are really sitting up and taking notice of, Mike Newall is the future of the Manchester scene, as cheering crowds from Penzance to Inverness will happily testify.
Quotes
'Very funny that' - Matthew Corbett
'Someone to look out for' - Stephen Grant
'Destined for stardom' - Ents24.com
'That laid back he's practally horizontal' - Stockton Fringe
'Oozes charisma. Liam Gallagher with wit. And a vocabulary' - Caper Club
'Well structured comedy' - Gary Delaney
Johnny Kats
Events: 8
Johnny is currently co-host of the fast paced, top rating, irreverent and hilarious NOVA night show (DMG radio) with Johnny and Jody (7pm-10pm Weeknights) broadcast throughout Melbourne.
On the Stand Up comedy scene, Johnny has had sold out shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He has won several Stand up comedy competitions including the Anglers Tavern ''Angling for a Laugh'' hosted by Russell Gilbert and first prize in the same year in the Comics Lounge ''So you think your funny'' (2004).
In 2004 Johnny Kats travelled to New York City to perform his unique brand of comedy at some of the most popular comedy clubs and attended a five-week workshop at the American Comedy Institute.
Johnny Kats was Co-Host with Dave Hughes for ''Make poverty History'' at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl (2006). Johnny is also a regular 'fill in' for the NOVA breakfast show 'Hughsey and Kate', when the team are on holidays.
Johnny was also a support act for American Comedian Dave Chappelle at the Boston Comedy Club in New York City (2004).
Chris Mayo
Events: 13
In 2008, Chris moved to London to persue his stand up career, and is fast becoming a well known and popular act on the comedy circuit.
Regularly performing paid sets and MCing gigs.
Chris has also supported Jason Byrne, Trevor Lock, Scott Capurro and Tony Law on one man shows and tours.
As well as being a comedian, Chris also works as a freelance actor, supporting artist and radio presenter, having recently been given a monthly hour show with comedian Hannah George on Portsmouths ExpressFM, which is also a downloadable podcast.
Tony Simpson
Events: 11
Energy and positivity are his guilds on this journey and loves nothing more than taking the audiences hand and dragging them along.
His love of life and failings to find love are subjects which he will touch on. But not how you would normally expect, his ideas of how people can find love with have you laughing and cringing.
Tonys likeable persona endears him to a wide range of audiences this also enables him to prove to be a strong compare who enjoys engaging the audience, and making them feel like everyone has gone round to this house for the night out! Brazen but warm people always like Tonys interaction. Having compared around the country for various promoters over the years Tony has connected with wide ranges of audiences.
Currently working regularly for several promoters doing 20’s (opening and middles) and compering.
Away from stand up, Tony has a wide range of different experiences within radio, as guest presenter, social commentator and sports related programs also presenting a weekly rally show on totalrally.com
Stations appeared on BBC Radio 4 , BBC Radio Merseyside, Juice FM, Shock FM and various other local and student stations.
What do People Say?
“One of the best comedy prospects we have seen for a long time” John Marshall Buzz
“Tony Simpson got to grips with the crowd” - Liverpool Echo
"Tony Simpson closed the night beautifully. Cheeky and charming in equal measure" - Speakeasy
LEICESTER MECURY COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2008
Chris Roche
Events: 1
Oldham comedian Chris Roche started performing stand-up in April 2003. His cheeky tales of growing up in Oldham, the frustrations of fatherhood allied to sharp observational and topical humour have been a hit with audiences far and wide
Chris can do opening 20’s or main support and recently supported Jason Manford on the tour of his Perrier nominated show Urban Legend.
Recent paid work includes The Frog and Bucket, XS Malarkey, The Iguana Bar (Manchester) The Stand (Edinburgh), Jesters (Bristol) The Glee (Cardiff) and a variety of Mirth Control venues
In 1999-2000 he was a topical writer on 2 Channel 4 comedy shows - The 11 O’clock Show and The Richard Blackwood Show.
Chris was a finalist in the City Life North West Comedian of the Year 2003 & 2004
Finalist Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2004.
Semi-finalist in So You Think You're Funny 2004
Semi finalist BBC New Comedy Award 2004
“best act of the night by far, totally ripped the roof off” Guardian
"Impressed with his neat, clinical delivery." - Steve Bennett, Chortle
Henning Wehn
Events: 1
He took office in October 2003 after watching an open mic night that left him convinced that he would do better. Since then he has done 20minute warm-up sets for comedians as diverse as Jo Brand and Jerry Sadowitz.
Though unfamiliar with the concept of stand-up comedy he gathered plenty of stage experience compering various tourist events for a German tour operator. Furthermore, he had his own comedy format on local radio station Antenne Munster.
''You want to urge him not to mention the war, but he surely does.'' (Steve Bennett)
Joe Rowntree
Events: 22
Joe’s television career started back in 2001 writing put-downs for Anne Robinson on the Weakest Link. Recently he has completed presenting a UK Tour of Brainiac Live after appearing in all 6 series of the award winning hit TV show Brainiac: Science Abuse (Sky One) which saw him take part in live and highly dangerous scientific experiments. Joe’s other television appearances include: The Sack Race (BBC 2), In Your Face (Bravo), 1970’s Office (Sky One), The Richard Hammond Show (ITV) and Richard and Judy (Channel 4).
Paul Ricketts
Events: 10
In 2006 Paul co-hosted his first Edinburgh fringe show -- 'Peter Friends' at the Roxy Art House. A year later he was part of a late night show as part of the Laughing Horse free festival, performed at the Smirnoff Underbelly and MC-d 'Pretty Dirty Things' which received a four star review from ONE4REVIEW.COM. In 2008 Paul hosted 'Up The Arts Comedy Lock-In' to packed audience as part of the PBH Free Fringe and performed his first solo hour show 'Paul Ricketts & Buff Wood - Wood Pushers' awarded five stars from THREE WEEKS.
Paul also made the Laughing Horse New Act of The Year 2007 semi-final, Beat The Gong @ The Comedy Store 2007, Comedy Cafe New Act winner 2008 and appeared on 'The Weakest Link' - voted out second.
Quotes:
'survives on Richmond fags and double whiskies' TIME OUT (2006)
'irreverent, rude fun' SAMPLE CLERKENWELL (2006)
'a funny set on the youth of today' SURREY MIRROR (2007)
'great gags' ADAM BLOOM (2007)
'innovative style of comedy... gentle but amusing novel opening set' ONE4REVIEW.COM (2007)
'a lovegod' ANNE ROBINSON (2007)
'well above the standard' PETERFIELD POST (2008)
'a really funny comic' ED BYRNE (2008)
'Ricketts excels as a natural story-teller, with an amusing eloquence that would make you smile even if he was the one telling you that your granny's just died.' THREE WEEKS (2008)
'always amusing' TIME OUT (2008)
Nathan Caton
Events: 1
Star of Paramount's 'The Nathan Caton Show'
Chortle Student Comic of the Year 2005
Amused Moose Comedy Runner-up 2005
Broadcast Hotshot 2007
'Caton's a slick performer with an unbeatable stage attitude and the confident air of someone much more experienced.' -Chortle
'He also has a little more originality in his act, smartly exploring racial stereotypes from a youthful angle.' -Three weeks
'For a writer still in his early 20's, he's brilliant at punching up material.' -Laurence Bowen, Feelgood Fiction
Nathan Caton is a young, rising black-British comic, gigging on the circuit since late 2004.
Since his comedy career began Nathan has gone on to win various awards, accolades and built himself a solid reputation on the comedy scene. He has played at many different venues across Britain, including the Edinburgh Fringe in 2005, where he was a hot startlet, and then returning in 2007 to perform in his 2-man stand-up show entitled 'The Honky and The Wog', which was praised by reviewers such as Three Weeks and The Scotsman.
In 2007, he also wrote and starred in his own pilot sketch comedy show for Paramount The Nathan Caton show, where Nathan guises as different comedy characters. His writing skills for the sketches earned him a 'hotshot' memento from Broadcast magazine.
TV apps:
The Nathan Caton Show- Paramount
Richard Hammond's 5 o'clock show- ITV
BAFTA nominated 'Little Miss Joycelyn'- BBC3
Comedy Cuts- ITV2
Radio apps:
Christmas Comedy Skits- BBC Radio 1xtra
Living With the Enemy- BBC Radio 4
Stand-up Comedy- BBC Radio 7
Bare All- BBC 1xtra
Gareth Berliner
Events: 2
Irresistibly amiable Gareth's act touches on his odd life and perspective. Berliner almost died long before ever becoming a stand-up and this affords him the ability to tell some intricately woven anecdotes and sharply crafted gags with an edge.
In 2005 he used this edge when he performed his first Solo show GUTLESS, covering every subject from Superheroes to Suicide, at The Melbourne Comedy Festival before taking it to the Edinburgh festival and receiving 4 stars from The Metro. He then went on to perform the show at The Adalaide Comedy Festival as well as at a corporate level elsewhere in the UK.
He also works with Abnormally Funny People in a show that has toured universities around the UK as well as having a sell-out run at The Soho Theatre in Londons West-End.
Also utilising his experiences he performs stand-up in an NHS funded show called Cracking Up.
With regular appearances performing sets or compering at comedy clubs across the UK, working for major agencies and promoters Gareth Berliner is a reliable, hardworking and professional act to deal with.
His warm cheeky personality and high energy mark him out as an ideal Compere, Stand-up or Presenter for a comedy club, radio, t.v or corporate event.
''The lovely Gareth Berliner'' Time-Out
''Gareth Berliner saved the night.'' Bruce Dessau / Evening Standard
''Berliner is a natural storyteller with more soul than 100 other comedians.'' Metro Edinburgh
''Gareth Berliner...Worth looking out for.'' Evening Standard-Bruce Dessau
''He's cheaper than Prozac and, by the end of the show, you feel that you've made a new friend.'' Helen Razer / The Age Melbourne
''Gutless, takes its audience from sympathy to tears and then on to loud laughter...harrowing, yet hilarious, show .'' Ian Aitch / The Telegraph
''GARETH Berliner is an engaging guy... handles the klaxon-blowing motorist outside the door of the venue brilliantly'' Kate Copstick / The Scotsman
Festivals : Endorse It In Dorset Festival, Cornbury Music Festival, Limmud Festival, The Big Chill, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Adalaide Fringe Festival (Rhino Room Late Show), Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Phatcave, Spank, Phatspank, Paul Provensa's Talk of the Fest) , Whitstable Comedy Festival
Corporates: London Disabled Lawyers Group, Motorbility, London Jewish Youth and Community Centre, Liberal Democrats Party Conference, Conservative Party Conference, Exeter University, Bath University, University College of London, London Institute of Actuaries, Turnpike Press Ltd, Limmud Fest,
TV Credits: What Can Science Do For Me (Presenter)
Writing Credits: Disability Now Magazine, Transport Angency Disability Training Film,
Radio Credits: SW1 Internet Radio (DJ and Host of regular slow)
Paul Garvey
Events: 12
Danny Deegan
Events: 5
But at his best, he's a skilful raconteur, telling entertaining tales of his backwards pal's encounter with a prostitute or of the unlikely fate of Eighties TV star Jan-Michael Vincent, of Airwolf fame.
You can find Danny Deegan giging up and down the country, heres just a few from his list:
The Comedy Club Chelsford
The Comedy Club Milton keynes
The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, Manchester
The Buzz, Manchester
The Original Oak, Leeds
Funny Magnet, Stockton on Tees
Funny Bones Comedy Clubs in Newcastle, Saltburn, Sunderland, Washington and Hartlepool
Laughing Gas Comedy Clubs in Carlisle, Ambleside, Sunderland, Kendal Brewery arts centre and Newcastle.
Spot on Comedy Club, Carlisle
XS Malarkey, Manchester
Superfly Comedy, Liverpool
The Pilgrim Comedy Club, Liverpool
Radio Work
Midnight with Michelle, GMR. Topical chat show discussing the days news.
The Breakfast show, Radio Revolution. Guest presenter.
The Banter hour, Fuse FM. Student station phone in show.
TV Work
v Stand up Britain, ITV 2002.
v Made in the North, ITV 2002.
v The Basement, Channel M 2003.
v One Season, BBC 3 2004.
And here's what the press say...
''Charming, witty and most importantly funny'' Metro
''Oozes Confidence and Charisma'' Manchester Online
''Can Command any Audience'' Chortle
''Full of confidence and brimming with ideas'' Durham21.co.uk
Matt Price
Events: 2
He was resident MC of Cardiff's Yellow Kangaroo Comedy Club for 18 months, and then took over at the city's Wharf comedy club. He was also a finalist in the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year competition in 2004.
Price planned to take his debut solo show, The Nimble Mammoth to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2006, but arrived in the Scottish capital to find that his venue didn't exist, so spent the month compering gigs.
Mark Simmons
Events: 2
2009
So you think your funny? - Finalist
Amused Moose Laugh Off - Finalist
English comedian of the year - Finalist
Portsmouth Laughing Gear New Act Competition - Winner
Kent New Face Comedy Award Competition - Winner
Laughing Horse New Act of The Year - Semi-finalist
2008
Newbury Comedy Festival New Act Competition - Finalist Runner-up
Reviews/Quotes
‘Fantastic’ Tim Vine
‘Great conviction in performance’ Mark Dolan
‘Engagingly upbeat delivery and a good smattering of decent material’ Chortle
‘Likeable...imaginative lines’ The Scotsman
Festivals
Seann Walsh, Paul Mccaffrey and Mark Simmons - Get On With It (Edinburgh Festival 2009)
Amused Moose Hot Starlet 2009 (Edinburgh Festival 2009)
Amused Moose Hot Starlets 2008 (Edinburgh 2008)
Phil Ellis
Events: 4
‘Ellis sets such a cracking pace… he flits around the audience with his frisky, easy banter spreading a feeling of good-humoured fun.’ - chortle
'Ellis is a likeable figure... your funniest mate' - Three Weeks
'a great 70s-style slide-show' - fringereport.com
‘hilariously frank family tales, bizarre wit and amazing flights of fancy.’ – Huddersfield daily examiner
‘he led us through a genuinely heart-warming and frequently hilarious procession of gently twisted tales about family life… something of a show-stopper’ - Worksop guardian
‘Phil introduced us to the weird and wonderful members of his family… very funny.’ - Wakefield Express
Anvil Springstein
Events: 2
Bored with culture and damp clothing, Anvil returned to jolly old England and ''blagged'' the first of two further education grants: ''I loved being a student...'' says Anvil, ''...saved so much money on soap!'' Does he have any 'tips' for future University students leaving home for the first time? ''Yeah... get yer mam to buy you one of these 'indicator toothbrushes' and throw it in the bath. After a few months, when the colour runs out, it's time to clean the bath!''
Following his degree, Anvil fell into various ''dead end jobs; Barman, Social Worker, Journalist, Teacher etc'.'' It was at this low ebb in his life that Anvil, out walking, decided to toss a coin: ''Stay in teaching? Or follow a career in stand-up comedy and writing?''
Jonathan Elston
Events: 37
At just 22 years of age, Jonathan Elston is a fresh, punchy, gag-driven comic who combines sharp joke writing and quirky observations with a youthful likability that charms his audience and endears him to any room. However as with many top comics, success means is Jonathan rarely to be found out of a coach or car. The carbon footprint that Jonathan has created since his career began is big enough to have destroyed a football pitch sized hole in the Brazilian rainforest! Despite the havoc he is wreaking on the rainforests, Jonathan is steadfast in his focus and continues to be one of the most sought after young acts working the circuit.
espite the havoc he is wreaking on the rainforests, Jonathan is steadfast in his focus and continues to be one of the most sought after young acts working the circuit.
COMEDY VEUNES APPEARED/APPEARING AT:
The Comedy Club – Various Nationwide, Just the Tonic, The Frog & Bucket, The Comedy Store, Last Laugh, Bottle Rocket Comedy, Jesterlaugh, Sidesplitters, Komedia, Barnstormers, Baby Blue, & more
FESTIVALS:
AAA Stand-up Late @ Pleasance Courtyard - Edinburgh Festival 2011
QUOTES
“One of the best new acts i have seen in recent years” Gary Delaney
“An act of his age with this amount of stagecraft and quality material will undoubtedly be a mainstay of the circuit for years to come.” Toby Hadoke
‘Has the tools to go all the way, an excellent prospect filled with potential’
“A young comic with incredible talent and a natural warmth. If he carries on like this his success is certain.” Black Cat Comedy
“An excellent act – good jokes, well-delivered – reminiscent of a young, cheaper Ricky Gervais” Paul Kerensa
Paul T Eyres
Events: 1
''Cracking material!'' - Matt Kirshen
''I wish I'd written that joke.'' - Reg D. Hunter
Paul T. Eyres was so bored of middle-class values that he converted to Buddhism, only to win the title of world's rudest Buddhist. Despite his everyman appearance, Paul rallies against the stereotypes and assumptions that are ingrained into our culture.
Having run a number of comedy nights himself, Paul is also a lively and engaging compere who is much in demand for his ability to get a room going.
With his relentless high energy humour and rapid fire delivery, Paul breaks down barriers in way which is often challenging and frequently shocking - inspiring his audiences to laugh, gasp, then laugh some more!
Paul has performed at venues around the UK, including:
The Comedy Cafe (paid spots)
Mirth Control (including Exeter, Plymouth and Birmingham)
Just The Tonic (Nottingham)
The Comedy Store (Thursday nights)
Capital Comedy (Ayre, Carlisle)
Downstairs at the King's Head
The Soho Comedy Club
TV and Film:
Commissioned by BBC New Talent (Urban Sketch Writers Team)
Winner of Nottingham's Shots in the Dark Short Film
Competition for Officide (written and directed by Paul
T. Eyres)
Awards:
Winner of Best New Act at the Comedy Cafe (Feb. 2006)
Semi-Finalist in Amused Moose 2006
Semi-Finalist in So You Think You're Funny 2006
Runner-Up in Canal Cafe Theatre Grand-Final
Brian Damage and Krysstal
Events: 6
Right now they are back in London after a very successful Edinburgh Festival 2005. Brian & Krysstal are not just comedians they are also musicians and are available for comedy nights, cabaret shows, theme nights, company functions, weddings funerals, TV & radio in fact anywhere there is an audience in need of entertainment. They can provide anything from a storming 20 minute set to a couple of hours entertainment depending on your requirements.
James Redmond
Events: 15
He has a track record as a model and actor and is best known for seminal roles in ‘Hollyoaks’ (C4) and ‘Casualty’ (BBC 1) as well as having presented CD UK alongside Cat Deeley and appeared as a guest on ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ (BBC 2), Celebrity Who wants to be a Millionaire; (ITV 1) and ‘Soccer AM’ (Sky 1).
James has now done over 120 gigs in his first 10 months of stand up throughout the UK including:
The Comedy Store, Conan O'Brien's 'The Tonight Show' Talent Search (as MC), Jongleurs Camden, The BBC Club, Guernsey Comedy Festival, Exeter Comedy Festival, Bristol Comedy Festival, Bristol, Bath & Huddersfield Universities, Amused Moose Soho, Bracknell Comedy Cellar, The 100 Club, Rawhide, Liverpool, The Funny Side of Covent Garden, The Ginglik &Swindon Old Vic Theatre, and at a range of clubs for the UK’s largest comedy booker, Mirth Control Ltd.
He also runs and is resident MC at a charity comedy club in Hampstead and has hosted charity events at Shoreditch House, Bristol Cathedral & the Indigo O2.
He made his debut at the Edinburgh Festival this year in a show called The Monumental Joke Disco’ at Espionage.
‘Fresh-off-the-telly James Redmond has the makings of a really good comic. His tales of texting, girlfriends and Barry from Bristol are quality stuff.’ - Kate Copstick for Fringe Magazine – Edinburgh Festival Show 2010
Major TV Appearances
Celebrity Mastermind (BBC1) 2010
Celebrity Wipeout (BBC1) 2010
Celebrity Come Dine With Me (C4) 2010
Casualty (BBC) 2003-2008
Mile High (Sky 1) 2002
SM TV & CD UK (ITV 1) with Cat Deeley
The Holiday Programme 2001(BBC)
Hollyoaks (C4) 1998 – 2002
Debra Jane Appelby
Events: 1
Radio/TV
The World Stands Up - Paramount Comedy
28 Acts In 28 Minutes - BBC Radio 4
Jonny Sawers, BBC Radio 5 Live
Up all night, BBC Radio 5 Live
Anita Anand, BBC Radio 5 Live
Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 4
Worriker Programme, Five Live
Phil Dinsdale
Events: 1
Clubs Performed At:
Laughing Horse Empire (South East)
Up The Creek Greenwitch
Downstairs At The Kings Head
Comedy Cafe
Theatre Royal Bar Stratford
Edinburgh Free Fringe 2006:
Lyndsays Bar Comedy Selection
Meadow Bar Late Night Comedy
Canons Gait Pick Of The Fringe
Phil regularly performs on the Rugby After Dinner Circuit, and has followed some big names including:Rory Underwood, David Trick and John Gallagher.
Quotes:
''Frighteningly funny'' (John Gallagher, ex New Zealand All Black & Barbarians)
''Its nice to see someone on stage with arms as big as that'' (Alun Cochrane)
'' One not to miss'' (The Last Bus Home)
''A snack consisting of two wafer fingers covered in chocolate'' (Time Out)
Carl Hutchinson
Events: 1
“His overriding quality was his reactive nature to the audience.” Open Mic Productions
“Hutchinson’s trump card is the way he interacts with the audience, rolling with every ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ his material generated, giving a dynamism and spontaneity to his performance.” Steve Bennett
“His act was very dry but immensely sharp with an underlying energy which wasn’t obviously rehearsed like many others I have seen on the circuit.” Weekend Post
“The phrase ‘One to watch’ gets bandied around a lot on the comedy circuit, but Carl is one of a few new comedians where it actually applies.” Evening Gazette
“His tone and manner was very funny as he was almost argumentative.” BBC Comedy
"Hutchinson held a 200-strong crowd in the palm of his hand." The Publican
Matthew Osborne
Events: 1
Chris Stokes
Events: 1
Chris’ calm, laid back demeanour, combined with an hilarious and erudite turn of phrase, has seen his act flourish in the last year, in numerous venues across the country. Equipped with superb material, and the style to match, his is an act both extremely funny and original.
Already graduating to paid middle spots, whether chatting freely with the crowd, sharing his thoughts on various original subjects or dishing out his observations on observational comedy, Chris is quite happy, and more than capable of, making a room full of people laugh, both with their heads and their bellies, inways and out loud.
“Sharp wit” - Chronicle
“Genius… Cheek-achingly funny” - Seren
References:
Toby Hadoke [XS Malarkey]
Peter Vincent [Ten Feet Tall]
Clubs played include:
XS Malarkey
Frog & Bucket (‘Beat the Frog’ gong show winner multiple times)
Comedy Balloon
Catch-22 (Ten Feet Tall)
Mirth Control (Various)
Hilarity Bites
Vinyl
Sporadic Laughter (Various)
and others
Andre King
Events: 2
Andre King is a stand up comedian from Auckland New Zealand and a veteran of the NZ comedy circuit. He started off in 2000 as a magician and in an effort to move from childrens parties to a more mature audience took to stand up comedy as a method of improving his patter. However, since making the move, he discovered a love for stand up and a passion for the stage. Since then he has performed all over New Zealand and Australia.
Since making the leap to Stand up comedy, Andre has also secured roles as an actor in critically acclaimed NZ shows such as Eating Media Lunch, Shortland Street and two seasons of "The Pretender" which saw him nominated in the Qantas Film & Television awards 2009 for "Best Supporting Actor".
That role as "Johnny Green - Campaign Manager" also secured a New Zealand Comedy Guild Award for "Best Comedy Performance on NZ Television" 2005 and he won the award again in 2008 for Season Two of "The Pretender" against stiff competition from Dai Henwood, Cory Gonzales Macuer and Rhys Dharby.
Andre King is currently involved in the Victor Roger Play "The Village People" and is set to play the iconic Billy T James role of "The Tainuia Kid" in the musical stage version of "Came a Hot Friday" . He has also just finished working on Season one of the New Zealand version of "The Real Hustle" and has been approached about working on Season 3 of The Pretender in 2011.
In addition to this, Andre is also developing two movie scripts and a television series of his own.
NZ Comedy Guild Awards / Nominations
2004
Best Sketch Writer
2005
Best Comedic Performance on NZ TV
Best Sketch
Most Offensive Gag (Nominee)
2006
Most Offensive Gag (Nominee)
2007
Best MC (Nominee)
Best Industry Friend
2008
Best Comedic Performance on NZ TV
Qantas Film & Television Awards
2009 Best Supporting Actor (Nominee)
Film & Television Credits
Pulp Comedy (TVD) Phoenix Productions
Role: Stand Up Comedian
Director: Mandy Toogood
Eating Media Lunch (TVD)
Great Southern Television
Role: Al Gorely
The Pretender (TVD)
Great Southern Television
Role: Jon Green
Director: Jon Brough & Peter Burger
More Moaning (SF)
Windsor Castle Productions
Role: Lead
Director: Steve King
AotearoHa (TVD) TV3/Laugh!
Role: Comedian
The Pretender - Series 2 (TVD) Great Southern Television
Role: Jon Green
Director: Jon Brough & Peter Burger
Shortland Street (TVD)
South Pacific Pictures
Role: Vince 'Pig Dog' Laws
A Night At The Classic (TVD)
Two Heads Productions
Role: Stand Up Comedian
Director: Josh Thomson
The Great Debate - Waitangi Day Broadcast (Presenter)
Maori Television
Role: Debator
The Real Hustle (TVD)
Endemol Southern Star Pty Ltd
Role: Hustler
Bloodlines (FF)
Screentime NZ Limited - Tele Feature Film
Role: Detective Parker Director: Peter Burger
Producer: Philly De Lacey
John Gavin
Events: 1
In September 2009 he won the “Scottish comedian of the year”.
He offers tales of his home life with a wife and 3 young daughters, essentially a 6ft tattooed man who has been subjected to far too much High School Musical and pink fluffy toys.
“John Gavin’s great strength is that he has a clear sense of identity…effortless likeability and unaffected charm…all the makings of a class act” – Chortle
“Very impressive” – The Scotsman
“Brilliant” – Sunday Mail
“I want more” – The Skinny
Sunday Mail Comedy Champ 2008
So You Think You’re Funny Finalist – 2008
Scottish Comedian of the Year - 2009
Neil McFarlane
Events: 1
Relentlessly and unspeakably middle class, Neil has given up claiming in his act that he comes from Glasgow because he actually comes from Bearsden, which is a posh suburb of that city and therefore doesn't count. He has a reasonable day job, comes from a very secure and stable background with a good education and a high standard of living, and his parents are both still alive and happily married - all of which, from the perspective of artistic integrity and creative angst, are matters of intense irritation to him.
Neil reached the Scottish semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Awards in 2001, so technically that means he's been on the telly (for the 7 people who had BBC THREE at the time). If you really want to stretch the point, he's also been on 15 to 1 twice, and has the dubious honour of being the only contestant in the show's history to have been told off by William G. Stewart for slouching. He has never had a review, and yet he suspects he is under surveillance...
First Open Spot:
Blackfriar's Comedy Club, Glasgow, September 1999. Now gigging regularly on the Scottish circuit, and occasionally further afield. Wholly original material.
Support (10-25 mins): Offshore Comedy Club, Glasgow
Crazy Ape Comedy Club, Glasgow Reg Anderson's Comedy Cellar, Christie's, Edinburgh
Canvas Comedy Club, Arta, Glasgow
Vigorous Lime Comedy Club, Nice 'n' Sleazy, Glasgow
Queen Margaret Student Union, Glasgow University
Glasgow University Postgraduate Research Club
Madcap Comedy Club, The State Bar, Glasgow
Jongleurs Scottish Talent Showcase, Edinburgh Fringe 2001
Bruce Morton Presents, The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow
Bruce Morton Presents, The Stand Comedy Club, Edinburgh
Fred MacAulay Presents, The Stand Comedy Club, Edinburgh
The Empire Laughs Back, The Empire, Belfast
Fin McCool's, Edinburgh
The Comic Club, Blackfriars, Glasgow
Craic at the Sac, Cul de Sac, Glasgow
Aberdeen North College Student's Union
The Comedy Module, Solid Rock Caf ﾩ in the West, Glasgow
Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline
Stirling Comedy Club
The Stand Comedy Club, Edinburgh
The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow
The Live Floor Show (rehearsals), BBC Scotland, at The Stand Glasgow
Abertay University Union, Dundee
The Comic Club at the Brunswick Hotel, Glasgow
The Comic Club at The Duke, Dennistoun, Glasgow
The Laughing Horse Comedy Club, Richmond, London
The Laughing Horse Comedy Club, King's Cross, London
Monty's, Dunfermline
Bonkerz, Altamont Springs Holiday Inn, Florida
Spirit Aid Laugh for Peace, Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow
Cobb's Comedy Club, San Francisco CA
Brainwash Comedy Club, San Francisco CA
Jongleurs, Glasgow
XS Malarky, Bar XS, Manchester
The Iguana, Manchester
Wildcat @ The Blue Cat Caf ﾩ, Manchester
Laugh @ The Union, Strathclyde University Student Union
Rawhide, Liverpool
Comp ﾮre Work:
Vigorous Lime Comedy Club, Nice 'n' Sleazy, Glasgow
Bulbous Fish Comedy Club, Strathclyde University, Glasgow
Angel Eye Scotland (Purple Vision), Edinburgh. (Comp ﾮring for Jason Byrne)
Crieff Hydro Hotel Staff Social Club, Perthshire
The Comedy Coop, O'Neill's Merchant City, Glasgow
The Comedy Module, Solid Rock Caf ﾩ West, Glasgow
Red Raw, The Stand Comedy Club (Edinburgh)
Madcap Comedy Club, The State Bar, Glasgow
Fringe 1999: Performed in profit-share production Scotland 2010: An Independent Country? Sketch and music.
Fringe 2000: Performed in and co-wrote Tone Dead, comedy play with music, at Gilded Balloon.
Extra Work and Small Film/TV Roles: One Life Stand (feature, Elemental Films)
Vids (TV Series, Ideal World for Channel 4)
Leonard (Stella Maris Films for Scottish TV)
Something Else (lo-budget sitcom pilot, supporting role)
Jeff Stevenson
Events: 8
Stand-up Jeff Stevenson first appeared in public consciousness as a child star in the legendary and seminal 1970s' film Bugsy Malone, shining alongside the likes of Jodie Foster, Scott Baio and Dexter Fletcher as Louis, one of Fat Sam’s gang and therefore one of those responsible for providing us with the classic song Good At Being Bad - well the actions at least. And he met up with many of his co-stars just a few years ago in the reunion show After Bugsy on ITV.
As an adult Jeff Stevenson has appeared in two episodes of classic British comedy series Only Fools and Horses, as PC Parker in the Christmas special To Hull and Back and as the stand-up comic at Rodney's stag night.
But then as one of the most flexible comics in the
One of the most in demand comedians for more than 20 years, he has worked with everyone from Shirley Bassey, Johnny Mathis, The Shadows, Howard Keel and Tom Jones to Russ Abbot and Freddie Starr.
It was in the year in the year 2000 that comic Jeff Stevenson first switched over from the cabaret and variety end of the market to the new challenge of the comedy club circuit.
Now in his mid 40's, comedian Jeff Stevenson just loves performing stand-up whether it be in a comedy club, theatre or a corporate event.
He is equally at home on television, as either a host of everything from LWT variety series Knees Up, two series of the ITV daytime game show Jumble and part of The Entertainers as well as guest outings on such seminal light entertainment shows As Barry More, Blankety Blank, Live From Her Majesty's and Win Lose Or Draw.
More recently he has appeared on his own stand-up show on Channel 4 and Stand and Deliver for Sky One, which featured 30 minutes of Jeff Stevenson performing live stand-up at Jongleurs comedy club.
With a relaxed delivery style and diversity of material that can be tailored to his numerous different audiences around the world, Jeff is also at home in front of American as well as British audiences.
Top stand-up comedian Jeff Stevenson has performed many times on the world's leading cruise ships such asThe QE2 and in 2004 he was honoured to be asked to appear on the maiden voyage of the QM2 alongside Dame Shirley Bassey and Des O’Connor.
By way of contrast, Jeff Stevenson has also travelled the world entertaining British and American troops in The Falklands,Caimh McDonnell
Events: 3
''blessed with natural charm'' - BBC
''superb'' - Manchester Evening News
Genial white-haired Irishman Caimh (pronounced 'Queeve') McDonnell has quickly established himself as one of the circuit's most amiable and friendly acts. Equally at home performing a set or compering, Caimh is a regular at most major UK venues, and his gentle yet incisive humour makes any audience feel involved whilst playing with their expectations - sucking them in with his chatty, playful stage presence before metaphorically slapping them in the face with an unexpected punchline.
Although rarely seen on the screen or on the air, Caimh is much in demand as a writer - from cult animated satire 2DTV (ITV) to his own childrens' sitcom currently in development. He has also written for the BBC ('The Crust'), Channel 4 ('Don't Worry') and RTE Radio ('Dead Air', nominated for the PJ O'Connor Award for New Radio Drama)
The Caimh has also appeared overseas in France, Germany, Ireland and the Middle East.
Tony Cowards
Events: 1
A quickfire gag merchant (described by the List magazine as a “Pun-osaurus”) whose one-liners and short stories cover a wide spectrum of subjects, his quick wit has made him a sought after act and compere by Christian Knowles, The Comedy Company, Mirth Control and other promoters around the UK; performing opening, middle and, increasingly, headline spots.
Tony’s likable ‘everyman’ character and wide ranging humour (mostly clean) means he is comfortable in front of any audience and is regularly booked to host comedy nights for the military (entertaining various regiments, from the Irish Guards to the Royal Army Dental Corps) as well as universities, football clubs, festivals and for corporate work. Tony is also the regular MC at several clubs in London, Essex and the South-West.
As well as performing, Tony is also a prolific writer; his credits include “Watson’s Wind Up” for BBC Radio Scotland, “Newsjack” for BBC7 and he is also the chief comedy writer for Bristol based Jack FM. In 2008 he co-scripted a series of popular Christmas podcasts featuring Tony Blackburn, Christopher Biggins and Lesley Joseph and he regularly contributes to satirical news website “The Daily Mash” and TV comedian, Mark Watson’s football site, “Back of the Net”.
Tony has taken his hour-long shows, “Festival of Football 1 & 2 and ‘Everyman’” to the Edinburgh Fringe, which were well received by critics and audiences alike. He has since performed them at many different festivals and football clubs and continues to tour with them across the country.
Quotes;
"Tony Cowards is a great new MC who sets the audience up perfectly, with a nice self deprecating manner" - Jo Caulfield, Radio 4 and ‘Mock the Week’
“Tony Cowards makes stupid jokes that are funny” – Ava Vidal, BBC1’s ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’
“Tony Cowards is an easy going MC who puts the audience at ease and then hits them with killer punchlines” – Richard Minnis, Out of Bounds Comedy.
“My favourite joke of the Festival so far was told to me by a Suffolk stand-up comedian and die-hard Ipswich fan Tony Cowards’ – Hardeep Singh Kohli, The Scotsman on Sunday (and BBC1’s “The ONE Show”)
“Tony Cowards as the MC skilfully whipped the full house into a state of rapture in anticipation of the evening's special guest”’ – Three Weeks review, Edinburgh Festival 2009
“Tony Cowards got the evening off to an uproarious start, with our loudest crowd ever. Tony’s laddish, relaxed story telling style went down a treat.” – John Jacklin, Big Jack’s Laughter Club, Reading
Bethany Black
Events: 1
TV Work
ITV 1 - Richard Hammond's 5 O'clock Show
Channel 5 - Modern life is Rubbish (pilot)
Rayguns Look Real Enough
Events: 1
In a nutshell they take the best bits of classic rock and pop songs and fuse them together into hilarious new mixes. Using only one guitar, vocals, percussion and the world's only set of invisible panpipes, they deliver all the peacock strutting bravado of a massive stadium rock show in a space the size of a hatchback!
Well established on the comedy, cabaret and music scenes, they have played at venues as varied as Cafe de Paris, E4 Udderbelly, Download festival 2010, the Millenium Centre Cardiff, St. Mary's Stadium and an array of regular (and irregular) comedy nights. They also play private functions like weddings, private parties and corporate events etc
Last August they took a sell out show called "Set to Stun" to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
www.raygunslookrealenough.com/page6.htmlToday, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune, transcending genres and entertaining audiences everywhere. Their ongoing mission, to seek out new worlds and civilisations, to rock them like noone hase rocked before. Leaping from song to song hoping that the next leap... will be the leap home.
Jason Patterson
Events: 31
Black stand-up comedian Jason Patterson is an Award Winning Comedian who started out in comedy in 2006 and since then he’s performed at comedy clubs all over the UK including: Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby to name a few. Jason Patterson also won the Comedy Store Gong show (March 2008) and has gone on to perform a series of impressive spots there. Jason's strong performances have led to him being nominated for Best Newcomer at the Black Entertainment Comedy Awards 2008.In 2009 Jason reached The Hackney Empire New Act Of The Final and delivered a storming set (previous finalists include: Gina Yashere, Russell Brand, Eddie Izzard etc) he also reached The Laughing Horse New Act Of The Year Final 2009. In 2009 Jason Patterson made his TV debut with a set on Kojo's Comedy Funhouse which aired on MTV Base. In 2010 Jason Starred in a new comedy sketch show for Brown Eyed Boy which aired on BBC3. Jason was also a runner up in the CDN/Channel 4 Stand Up Search 2010. Jason is currently performing sets at major comedy clubs including The Comedy Store, Comedy Cafe, The Comedy Club, Jongleurs, Off The Kerb, The Glee Club and Banana Cabaret. In 2010 Jason Patterson won the Loaded Laftas Rising Star Comedy Award. With the confidence and stage presence of a seasoned pro this award winning comedian is definitely one to watch out for.
TELEVISION:
Laughter Shock (BBC3)
Kojo's Comedy Funhouse (MTV Base)
QUOTES
“Brilliant observations backed by a perfectly measured delivery and an assured stage presence make Jason Patterson a popular regular at the country’s leading comedy clubs” Comedy Central Live
“Jason Patterson absolutely sounds the part. He’s got a rich, deep voice that oozes confidence, and a perfectly measured delivery that gives him instant authority.” Chortle
Danny Ward
Events: 4
Danny Ward's observational humour is up-beat and well honed, and his easy-going style both endearing and very funny. One of the new breed of comics with a high energy set not reliant on smut or swearing, Danny started comedy in late 2008 and has since established himself as an up and coming comic to watch.
He is booked at clubs across the UK from University gigs to 300 capacity Arts Centres as tour support to many big name acts such as Shappi Khorsandi and Mike Wilmot. Autumn 2010 Danny is performing to returning troops as part of the Decompression Tour in Cyprus for CSE.
Danny is also booked as a compere and hosted the Reading Comedy Festival New Act Competition finals in 2009 and 2010, as well as London heats of the 2010 So You Think You're Funny comedy competition and the Jongleurs Joke Box competitions.
Edinburgh: 2010 he performed “Danny Ward + 1” as part of the PBH Free Fringe to critical acclaim: "If there is better stand up elsewhere for free then I want to know about it, because it really would have to be world class to top this show. Danny Ward's observational humour is brilliantly delivered ... This is top quality stand up that should have filled the venue twice over. I implore you to go and see it!" (Three Weeks, 4 stars, Edinburgh Festival Aug 2010)
Press: "Danny Ward clicked with the capacity crowd immediately and his brilliantly-timed, slightly manic approach was bolstered by some really tight, strong material. His often hilarious riffs on everyday shopping at discount stores created a thread that worked brilliantly throughout, with a killer ending". (Bournmouth Echo, Oct 2010)
Mark Felgate
Events: 3
Performing without a dummy, Mark 'throws' his voice to create side-splitting routines on freaking out drunks and pallbearers or the vagaries of censorship. His performances include a slew of silly voices, noises and vocal acrobatics.
Mark returned to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for his sixth season this year. He appeared in a sketch comedy show with Noel James and Steve Best at the Gilded Balloon after a successful run last year with Noel at the Tron. Mark also performed his individual form of stand up in the Midnight Show at the Gilded Balloon. His first Edinburgh Festival was spent performing in a sketch show with Perrier Nominee Lee Mack. Mark is also an International performer being booked for runs of shows in Amsterdam, Ireland and Jersey.
Mark is an accomplished actor and presenter. He recently appeared in a short film Arthur's Amazing Things directed by Martin Gooch with Emily Booth, Lindsey Dawn McKenzie and Leslie Philips. He was a member of the performing and writing team for Take It To The Limit (Play UK) and was the winning comedian on Gagging For It (Channel 5). He has also applied his comic talents to an advertising campaign for Stimerol in the Netherlands, which meant having to endure filming in Cuba with ten glamorous models and also a campaign including several voiceovers for Royal Bank of Scotland which was far less glamorous.
''...right on the funny bone and his voice throwing talents are very original'' - The Stage
''He's a good mix of stand-up, silly voices, noises and verbal acrobatics'' - Time Out
AWARDS
Runner up Hackney Empire, New Act of the Year Awards
RADIO
The Wendy Lloyd Show LBC Film reviews
The Mark Dolan Show LBC Current affairs commentator
London Live Robert Elms Show
Radio 5 Sunday Service
Sully O'Sullivan
Events: 1
He’s been declared a highlight of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival by The NZ Herald, a highlight of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival by The Scotsman, won Canada’s Master’s of the Universe Improv Competition, and featured on Australian TV’s The Comedy Channel.
“wicked sense of humour, gets the audience involved from the kick off” - BBC (UK)
“a blast of hilarity” - Manchester Evening News (UK)
“I gasp with laughter and a small amount of beer tries to escape through my nose.” - Manchester Evening News (UK)
“unforgettable comedy” - Three Weeks (UK)
"slickly combines quintessentially Kiwi comedy with vocal and physical audience participation" - The Press (NZ)
“a vitriol which makes Richard Dawkins look like the Archbishop of Canterbury.” - The Scotsman (UK)
“Sully's booming self confidence and no-nonsense delivery refreshed the whole genre.” - Huddersfield Daily Examiner (UK)
“booming stage presence” - The Comedy Digest (UK)
Steve N Allen
Events: 3
Quotes:
''Very funny'' - Time Out
''Charming and witty'' - Chortle.co.uk
''Likeable'', ''very appealing'' - Hannah Chambers, Comedy Caf ﾩ (on 'Live With... Chris Moyles')
Steve's writing credits include:
11 O'clock Show (Channel 4)
The Big Stage (Channel 5)
The Way It Is (Radio 4)
True Lies (Radio 4)
Heart FM breakfast show (Heart FM)
TV & Radio appearances include:
'Live With... Chris Moyles' (Channel 5)
Take The Mike (ITV)
New Talent Awards (BBC)
TalkSPORT (National)
LBC (London)
Ste Porter
Events: 1
Ste Porter is represented by Paula at tongue in cheek comedy.
John Hastings
Events: 4
∞ I was the winner of the 2010 Irwin Barker Award at Canadian Homegrown Comedy Competition as part of the 2010 Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal
∞ I was nominated for a 2010 Canadian Comedy Award in the category of best new-comer
∞ I was named as one of the 5 comedians to watch by the Comedy Network
∞ One of the first Comedians signed to Canada’s first and only Stand-up Comedy Record Label: Comedy Records. I was also featured on their debut release “Comedy Records Presents”
∞ I have been a finalist for the 2009 and 2010 XM Canada’s “Next Top Comedian in Canada Competition”
Stuart Mitchell
Events: 5
Early in 2009 Stuart Mitchell was tipped to have a promising future after his first ever gig when the judging panel of the UK's biggest comedy competition gave him special mention for an "amazing performance" - opening with a line acknowledged by one of the judges to be "possibly the best first line of a first gig ever".
Since then Stuart has performed across the UK and in 2010 won The Leicester Comedy Festival New Act of The Year Competition (Funhouse). In May 2010 Mitchell became an "internet sensation" (Daily Record) after he appeared on Frank Skinner's Opinionated TV show receiving a standing ovation by panel members Patrick Kielty, Sarah Millican and Skinner with the BBC using it as one of their highlight videos on YouTube.
"Stuart Mitchell held the crowd’s attention with clever anecdotes that sent his audience one way then another before hitting them with a quick succession of punch lines and call-backs that were genuinely surprising and amusing"
Giggle Beats
As well as being a comedy performer and writer Stuart is studying acting at Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and has a number of TV appearances including being the focus of a Channel 4 documentary "Tricky Business" in 2006 and was recently the face of a Organ Donation campaign across Scotland.
Mundo Jazz
Events: 1
Richard Thompson
“Fabulous.”
Suzanne Vega
“The single biggest influence
in my life, and a political
inspiration to millions”
Gruff Rhys, Super Furry Animals
“The Syd Barrets of Afro-Latin Rock”
Robyn Hitchcock
“Ludicrously brave and truly unique. Kill for a ticket (but not with guns)!”
The Scotsman
“...combine genuinely thrilling harmonies and killer songs with side-splitting gags. Their solution to Third World debt is the best joke I’ve ever heard. Period.”
The Times
Mitch Benn
Events: 1
On TV, Mitch appears regularly on BBC1's ''The One Show'' as the writer and arranger of ''The Complaints Choir''. Mitch contributes occasional songs to Channel 4's ''Bremner Bird And Fortune''. He has also appeared on ''The Last Word'' for More4, ''Gas'' for Channel 4, ''Live at Jongleurs'', ''The Warehouse'' and ''Today With Des & Mel'' for ITV, ''The Comedy Store'' for Channel 5, ''The World Stands Up'' for Paramount and ''Raymaan Is Laat'' for Dutch TV. He was the presenter of the paranormal discussion show ''Out There'' for Carlton World.
In 2003 Mitch formed the band Mitch Benn & The Distractions with Kirsty Newton and Tash Baylis; after a successful run at the 2003 Edinburgh Fringe they took up a residency at The Bedford in Balham in October 2003. Mitch Benn & The Distractions completed a successful national UK tour in autumn 2004, to coincide with the release of their album ''Too Late To Cancel''
Mitch brought a reconvened Mitch Benn And The Distractions back to the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2007, performing a nightly two-hour show - The Mitch Benn Music Club - at the prestigious Reid Hall concert venue (the ''Cow Barn''). A live album, recorded on the last night of the festival, entitled ''Official Bootleg Edinburgh 2007'' (or ''The Brown Album'') was released in October 2007 to coincide with the start of another national tour, which concluded in December 2007. A new studio album and accompanying single release are planned for 2008. {loadposition important}
Bruce Fummey
Events: 1
Informed by his multicultural background and his obvious girth, Bruce has been making people laugh since an early age. This man is going to be huge!
He has a cheeky and vivacious comedy style which has been appreciated by comedy audiences in the UK and internationally.
At the outset of his career he was a semi finalist in Channel 4 So you Think You’re Funny in 2004 (turns out he was) and BBC Talent in 2005. Bruce has performed in Jongleurs, The Comedy Store, The Stand and many other clubs up and down the country. He has also performed in more traditional settings for company Christmas parties, large festivals and corporate dinners, as well as theatre tours of his own one man shows.
Running and comperes his own ‘Just Laugh’ comedy clubs in three permanent locations of Dundee, Perth and Stirling, as well as taking the shows on occasional jaunts as far afield as the highlands of Scotland to the Middle East Bruce is an excellent compere with a wonderful ability to engage an audience.
Bruce Fummey had the crowd belly-laughing in seconds …….
Herald & Post quote
Radio
Bruce has written for and appeared in comedy and magazine programs on Radio Scotland, such as Watson’s Wind up and Summer Supplement.
Edinburgh Fringe
With three Edinburgh Fringe runs under his belt Bruce is now a regular fixture in the Fringe calendar with shows that have an educational slant as well as being laugh out loud funny. Each fringe run has been followed by a theatre tour to growing audience numbers and venue locations.
2005 ‘The Greek the Apple and the Time Machine’ brought humor to the history of physics.
has a sharp stand-up brain
Thumpingly well-delivered, this superbly-crafted script explains complex theories in easy-to-understand similes and tops off each explanation with beautifully-timed comic punchlines… Chortle
Philberto
Events: 4
'A must see' - Mirror
'His act was a comedy masterpiece' - The Stratford Telegraph
Pat Burtscher
Events: 1
FINALIST HACKNEY EMPIRE NEW ACT 2008
SEMI FINALIST SO YOU THINK YOU’RE FUNNY 2008
An exciting and inspiring newer act Burtscher is taking the circuit by storm. His supremely confident delivery wins over the toughest of audiences and his cleverly crafted material guarantees the laughs come hard and fast.
LIVE WORK
Pat regularly gigs for OTK, Mirth Control, Banana Cabaret and is gaining repeat work from the spots he has done for XS Malarky, Frog & bucket, The Comedy Store and CKP along with numerous other clubs around the country.
FESTIVALS
Burtscher, Goldstein And Howell Live At The Phoenix – Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2008
Underground Comedy – Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007
ADVERTS
Saving Private Ryan's Number, Orange - 2009
FILM
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan – (extra) - Four by Two, Everyman Pictures, Dune Entertainment (in association with), Major Studio Partners (in association with), One America
PRESS
“undeniably funny” Chortle
"very, very funny" ThreeWeeks
"very talented" TimeOut
“he not only had good gags, he had the balls to take on heckler man and actually shut him up like a complete pro, earning a phenomenal round of applause from the audience and lifting the mood. His dark, cool brand of comedy should get him booked steadily and soon, if he’s got plenty more where that came from.” Chortle
“he had the audience in stitches…Burtscher's delivery was dry and just the right side of cynical.” Spoonfed.co.uk
Steve Shanyaski
Events: 1
Steve walked out on a mind numbing office job and straight onto a comedy stage in the beginning of 2003, and has not looked back since.
Within half a year of his comedic birth he had made it through to the semi-finals of the BBC New Comedian of the Year, the North West Comedian of the Year Final, and later that year he had the honour of appearing on the BBC7 Radio Showcase “Spanking New”.
Since then he has added to his list of accolades by being named the Holsten Pils Comedian of the Year 2005, and the Birmingham Comedy Festival’s best breaking talent 2005.
Steve has more strings in his bow than Nicanor Zabaleta (THE world famous harpist!). A very charismatic and silly performer with a natural talent for spinning yarns, a fertile imagination, and a skilled musical background, his act combines as many elements as Steve can muster.
Media Appearences
BBC7 ‘Spanking New’ Series 2003 (a showcase for Britains best new stand-up comics).
BBC3 New Comedian of the Year. Semi-Finals 2003.
Channel M
Radio
Breakfast Show on 96.2 Revolution FM.
BBC GMR (co presenter “I should CoCo”)
Awards
Holsten Pils Comedian of the Year 2005
BBC3 New Comedy Awards. Semi-Finalist 2003.
Birmingham Comedy Festival Breakthrough Talent 2005 Winner
City Life Comedian of the Year – FINALIST 2003/2005
Comedy Store – King Gong Winner.
Frog&Bucket – Red Hot Raw Winner & ‘Beat the Frog’ Winner.
Live Work
Steve has appeared at most major comedy clubs in the country including The Frog and Bucket, The Stand, The Glees, The Lescar and The Comedy Store. Check local press for details.
Press
"Like a mixture between Eddie Izzard and Peter Kay... with a guitar." - - Stockport Express
"The key to his act is that his vision is a delightfully skewed one." - - Manchester Online
Ricky Grover
Events: 1
Ricky Grover is quite literally and in more ways than one, one of the biggest names in modern British comedy. Born and bred in the East End of London, Ricky tried his hand at such diverse occupations as hairdressing and boxing before almost staggering into the comedy business. Now a prolific and award-winning writer, as well as an acclaimed actor appearing as Andrew on Eastenders (BBC 2011) and as the lead role in his 2011 film 'Big Fat Gypsy Gangster' plus presenter and stand-up comedian, it is hard to believe that top comic Ricky Grover was illiterate until he was in his early thirties.
Primarily a stand-up comedian, Ricky Grover is responsible for some of the most memorable moments on British comedy stages in the past 20 years. His Diet Coke break pastiche has to be seen to be believed as his does his affectionate tribute to the late, great Luciano Pavarotti and his Nessun Dorma routine.
As well as appearing as himself to great effect, Ricky Grover is also an acclaimed character comedian. One of his favourite and most popular comic roles is the character of Bulla, a violent offender/minder/bouncer who first came to nationwide prominence on The 11 O'clock Show, also the launch pad for Ali G and Ricky Gervais. Ricky Grover’s ‘Bulla’ was even interviewed on BBC TV by one of Bulla's biggest fans - the one-and-only chat show host Michael Parkinson. He was also reincarnated to great effect in the BBC2 comedy series ‘Orrible, alongside Johnny Vaughan.
Ricky Grover has also appeared as a guest, comedian and actor in such landmark British comedy television programmes as Red Dwarf, Fist of Fun and Black Books. Not one to stick to the straight and narrow, Ricky Grover also provided the voice for the character of Yangus in the PlayStation 2 game Dragon Quest VIII.
Ricky Grover’s talent as an actor, comedian and writer is second to none and has been recognised the world over. In 1996 his short film Punch won the Silver Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. In 2000, Ricky Grover won the Best Actor award at the Brest European Short Film Festival for his performance in the film Hungry. Never shy to discuss his own problems, in 2006, Ricky Grover wrote and hosted the BBC documentary F*** Off I'm Fat as part of the BBC’s first "Body Image" season. In 2007, the comedian presented a peak-time Tonight With Trevor McDonald report on obesity. In July 2009 he starred in the BBC4 sitcom Getting On, directed by Peter Capaldi and in the Vampire film Dead Cert under the direction from the famous Steven Lawson. Ricky Grover also appeared in Guy Ritchie's movie Revolver and in documentary maker Clive Gordon's feature film debut Cargo.
Ricky Grover’s first love however, as the outlet that gave him his break, is comedy and particularly stand-up. In order to give something back, he recently hosted a BBC Two episode of Grandad's Back in Business in which Ricky Grover mentored two stand-up comedians.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
"Hilarious" - The Sun
"Thank god for Ricky Grover" - Evening Standard
"The funniest person I've ever seen"- The IndependentJames Cook
Events: 1
He performs for The Glee Clubs, Highlight, Off The Kerb, Kill For A Seat, The Last Laugh and The Comedy Company among many others and is one third of the News With Jokes podcast that was named one of the Top Ten funniest in The Guardian. http://newswithjokes.podbean.com
His act has been described as "truly original" (Danny Wallace (off of the telly)), whereas he’s been called "suave and chirpy" by the world famous Bromsgrove Advertiser, and a "sarcastic raconteur" by the Leeds Metro.
For some reason, this means that he has been likened to "the future Frank Skinner" (Birmingham Metro) and "Dylan Moran’s younger brother" (The Stage). How this is possible remains a mystery.
A slightly less lazy journalist said that he "shows scant regard for the hackneyed conventions of stand-up" (The Scotsman) which, he’s been assured, is a Good Thing. His two favourite quotes are that he "destroyed my concrete belief that all comperes are twats" (eyeonmoseley.com) and that "his quick tongue and dry sense of humour kept me laughing" (BBC Tees).
James won a Jongleurs/Spike Milligan award for Stand-up in 2003. He's been onstage with A-ha, presented Lenny Henry with his Walk Of Fame Star and been a guest judge on the Dancing On Ice tour at the Nottingham Arena in front of 10,000 people.
Sam Gore
Events: 1
Sam's unique combination of cleverly crafted, punchy gags and vitriolic bile-fuelled rants has made him a multi-award winning comedian and a genuinely hot prospect in the future of standup.
Awards:
Beat the Frog World Series 2008 (Winner)
Tenfoot City Comedian of the Year 2008 (Winner)
Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year 2008 (Winner)
Anything for Laffs 2008 (Winner)
Press Quotes:
''In his pinstripe waistcoat, Sam Gore looks more like a snooker referee than a stand-up, but it certainly helps the aloof demeanour that defines his high-status act. He's a young Marcus Brigstocke, aloof and uncompromising in his distain for all that displeases him, letting rip with a savage battery of acrid bile. The insults are extravagant, but it's the sheer relentlessness of the attacks that raise the laughs. While his attitude is unrelentingly intolerant, the well-crafted punchlines are so strong that his lack of empathy is no obstacle. Such strong writing means he has the makings of a class act indeed.'' - Steve Bennett, Chortle.co.uk
''A sharp and fast-paced young stand-up from Leeds who is clearly not afraid to take risks... the material he delivered was clever and acerbic. I was not the only audience member who would have liked to have seen more from this brave and edgy performer.'' - The Worksop Guardian
''Our first success in the fledgling Yorkshire comedy scene... he's good, so we've adopted him - okay? Keep an eye out for Sam, flying the flag for Yorkshire.'' - The Leeds Guide
Joe Bromehead
Events: 1
"Well done! brilliant job tonight!!" Sarah Millican COMEDIAN
"Joe is a rare thing, a total comedy natural!" Richard Hirst LOVE COMEDY
"Your performance was EXCELLENT!" Martin mullaney COMEDYCV.CO.UK and THE CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY CLUB
"Thankyou for creating such a LOVELY gig tonight! really enjoyed it and got so much positive feedback from the audience! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!" Mike Taylor CONCEPT COMEDY
"One of the best openings I have ever seen" Jim Smallman COMEDIAN
"THE best opening to a set I have ever seen!" Gareth Urwin ABBCOM COMEDY CLUBS
"prop- and stunt-based comedian whose commitment to a joke can’t be faulted, as he goes well beyond the call of duty for a laugh." chortle
An instant hit with the audience with a completely unique and hilarious opening which places the audience in the palm of his hand right from the start.
A regular choice of compere and regular act for Jongleurs and has performed around the Uk at many comedy clubs including The comedy store, Glee clubs and having booked to play to a 100,000 strong crowd for the X factor Finalist charity concert the future will certainly be prosperous.
Joe has exploded onto the comedy circuit and as an amateur won three competitions back to back including the prestigious 'BEAT THE FROG' at the frog and bucket and the feared and revered 'KING GONG' at the comedy store earning him a reputation with comedy promoters and a fast track ticket to the world of professional comedy.
Energetic, quick witted and naturally funny making him a solid, dependable compere, opening act or headliner for any bill.
combining a natural likability with cheeky audience banter and silly audience participation games always creates a warm and energy charged atmosphere that sets the tone for a successful night as a result of this Joe has numerous residencies as a compère.
Lenny Peters
Events: 9
diverse as Algernon in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Malvolio in 12TH NIGHT, Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM and a big fat monkey in APES SOCIETY.
As a stand up Lenny has appeared at many clubs including The Comedy Store, Up The Creek, The Comedy Cafe, The Glee, Rawhide, The Frog and Bucket, Jesters, Downstairs At The Kings Head, Upstairs At The Queens Head, Theatre Royal Stratford East, The Chuckle Club, Mirth Control(various venues), Laughing Horse (various venues), The Amused Moose and numerous universities and clubs around the country.
Also an excellent Compere Lenny was resident MC at Curly Whirly Comedy Club. He has been MC at many clubs including The Comedy Brewhouse, Amused Moose Camden, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Hogwash, Gigglers. He regularly MC's up and down the country in clubs from Tunbridge Wells to Truro.
His Edinburgh show in 2007 ,a mix of stand up, sketches and improv, ''COMEDY COCKTAIL'' was a sell out success.
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I would like to thank The Comedy Club for this great night which sold out at 200 tickets! The Feedback has been great and would recommend The Comedy Club to anyone, as you are a very well organised and professional in delivering a great night out. I m so happy i booked The Official Comedy Club.
The Comedy Club Holbeach @ Holbeach Community Centre - May 2012
I would like to thank you at The Comedy Club for your help in making our comedy night a huge success. The comedians were absolutely fantastic and went down a storm.It could not have gone better.
The Comedy Club @ Brize Norton - May 2012
Thursday show was very successful, it was one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen!
The Comedy Club Colchester @ Colchester FC - May 2012
