Tom Neenan is one of the most inventive comedians working in British comedy today. Known for his sharp writing, clever storytelling, and memorable character performances, he has built a reputation as a performer who combines intelligence with genuine humour. Beyond stand-up, Neenan has worked as a writer, actor, and script editor across television, radio, and podcasts.
One of his most celebrated projects is The Hauntening, a comedy-horror series for BBC Radio 4 that showcases his talent for blending suspense with comedy. He has also contributed writing to major comedy programmes, including The Mash Report and The Last Leg, demonstrating his versatility as both a performer and behind-the-scenes creative force.
Live at XS Malarkey
What makes Tom Neenan stand out is his ability to craft imaginative stories packed with unexpected twists, while maintaining a warm and relatable comic style.
Whether performing live at the Edinburgh Fringe or writing for television and radio, he continues to be a unique and respected voice in modern British comedy.
For comedy fans looking for something witty, inventive, and a little different, Tom Neenan is a performer well worth discovering.
There’s a particular kind of comedian who makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a secret — someone whose observations cut so clean and so fast that you’re still laughing when you realise you’ve also been made to think. Sophie Duker is that kind of comedian.
From Oxford to the Edinburgh Fringe Born in London to first-generation West African immigrants — her mother from Cameroon, her father from Ghana — Duker studied French and English at Wadham College, Oxford, where she first caught the comedy bug with the Oxford Imps improv troupe. What started as a university hobby quickly became a calling.
By 2015, she had been shortlisted for the prestigious Funny Women award. By 2018, she was performing her debut solo stand-up show, Diet Woke, on the Edinburgh circuit. Her follow-up, Venus, earned her a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 and a sold-out run at London’s Soho Theatre — cementing her as one of the most exciting voices to emerge from the British comedy scene in years.
What makes Sophie stand out is both her material and her delivery. Her comedy is fearless, sharp, and proudly subversive — she tackles race, gender, queerness, and power with a wit that never feels preachy, only dazzlingly precise. She has the rare ability to make an audience feel uncomfortable and delighted at exactly the same time.
That quality has translated into a packed TV career: she’s appeared on Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, and The Last Leg, among many others. In 2022, she won Series 13 of Taskmaster outright — a fitting tribute to a performer whose brain works at a different speed from everyone else in the room.
Sophie is no one-trick pony. As a writer, she has contributed to Horrible Histories, Spitting Image, The BAFTAs, and Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle, and won the 2021 Funny Women Best Comedy Writer Award. As an improviser, she performs regularly with the legendary Comedy Store Players. In 2025, she took her show BUT DADDY, I LOVE HER! on a tour across three continents.
And she’s not stopping there. After a competitive auction, her debut novel, DONG, was acquired by Borough Press (HarperCollins), due for publication in 2027.
Sophie Duker is the kind of act you want to catch before everyone else does — except, increasingly, everyone already has. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, her Edinburgh shows, Soho Theatre runs, and television appearances are the perfect entry points into a comedy career that’s only getting started.
Watch this space. Actually — just watch Sophie Duker.
In a comedy world crowded with loud personalities and familiar routines, Devin Gray has carved out a unique space through sharp writing, relatable storytelling, and a playful sense of humour.
Originally from South Africa, Gray has spent more than a decade performing across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the UK, building a reputation as a truly international comedian.
Gray’s comedy blends observational humour with personal experiences, often exploring relationships, marriage, cultural differences, and the awkward moments that connect people across backgrounds.
His energetic delivery and rapid-fire joke writing have earned praise from critics and audiences alike. His Edinburgh Fringe debut, How To Get Away With Marriage, was described by reviewers as a “masterclass in writing,” with an impressive pace and consistency of laughs throughout the show.
A Comedy Central-featured performer and Roast Battle winner, Gray has also shared stages with major comedy names including Jeffrey Ross and Hannibal Buress. His growing list of festival appearances and international tours has helped establish him as one of the rising voices in contemporary stand-up.
More recently, Gray has continued to explore personal themes in shows such as May Divorce Be With You and Golden Retriever Energy, combining honesty, vulnerability, and humour in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
Whether performing in a packed theatre or an intimate comedy club, Devin Gray’s ability to turn everyday life into big laughs makes him a comedian worth watching.
It was good to watch him at the latest Testing Testing show at 53two, very funny and tall!
Charlotte Cropper is one of the most exciting emerging talents on the UK comedy circuit. Based in Manchester, she has built a reputation for her playful, conversational style, blending sharp observations with self-aware humour and an infectious stage presence.
Originally from Mansfield, Charlotte developed her comedy and performance skills while studying Media and Performance at the University of Salford. During her university years, she gained recognition as a finalist in the Chortle Student Comedy Awards and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of SalFUNNI, the university’s comedy showcase.
In recent years, her profile has continued to grow. She is a two-time Chortle award-winning comedian, as well as a presenter, writer, actor, and workshop facilitator. Critics and audiences alike have praised her relatable storytelling, imaginative humour, and warm energy on stage. Her work has been described as “viscerally relatable” and marked by a “playful charm with razor wit.”
One of Charlotte’s most notable projects is CroppaChoppa’s Slumber Party, a Manchester-based alternative comedy night that combines nostalgia, feminism, audience interaction, and stand-up comedy. The show has developed a loyal following and earned recognition by winning Chortle’s Best Comedy Format award.
Beyond performing, Charlotte also works with young people through comedy workshops that encourage confidence, creativity, and self-expression. Her ability to combine entertainment with community engagement reflects the versatility that has made her stand out among a new generation of comedians.
Some names carry a quiet charm, and Molly McGuiness is one of them. Whether known for creativity, resilience, or a strong sense of community, Molly represents the kind of personality that leaves a lasting impression on the people around her.
In today’s fast-moving world, authentic voices stand out more than ever. Molly’s story reflects determination, individuality, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
From personal achievements to the way she connects with others, her influence is both inspiring and relatable.
What makes Molly McGuiness especially memorable is her balance of ambition and authenticity. She reminds us that success is not only about accomplishments, but also about character, kindness, and the ability to positively impact those around us.
As more people search for meaningful role models and genuine stories, Molly McGuiness continues to represent exactly that — a modern example of confidence, purpose, and connection.
Vix Leyton has quickly become one of the most distinctive voices on the UK comedy circuit. Known for her sharp storytelling, self-deprecating humour, and infectious stage presence, Leyton has built a reputation for turning everyday chaos into memorable comedy.
Originally from Wales 🏴 and now based in London, Leyton’s journey into stand-up began in an unusual way. After joining a comedy challenge organised by Mark Watson, she discovered a talent for connecting with audiences through candid, relatable stories. What started as a way to overcome a fear of public speaking soon developed into a thriving comedy career.
Beyond stand-up, Leyton is the creator and host of the comedy panel podcast The Comedy Arcade, which grew from a lockdown project into a successful live show that has appeared at major comedy festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe. Critics and fellow comedians have praised her energetic style and natural charisma.
Her solo shows, including Antihero, blend personal stories with observational comedy, exploring family dynamics, modern life, and the awkward realities of growing older with warmth and wit.
As her profile continues to grow through festival appearances, podcasting, and live performances, Vix Leyton remains a comedian to watch—bringing humour, honesty, and a uniquely playful perspective to every stage she steps onto.
In a comedy landscape crowded with safe voices and predictable punchlines, John Meagher stands out like a thunderclap.
The Northern Irish stand-up has been turning heads — and bringing down rooms — across the UK and Ireland with a style that is equal parts furious and tender, sharp and self-deprecating.
Whether you’ve caught him at a club night in London or stumbled across a glowing review from the Edinburgh Fringe, one thing is clear: John Meagher is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of.
Rolling Stone Magazine has already christened him “The Next Great Irish Comedian,” and anyone who has witnessed one of his high-octane sets will understand exactly why.
John Meagher’s route into comedy is, to put it mildly, unconventional. Before he was making audiences howl, he was making opponents submit. By the age of 17, Meagher was an Irish champion martial artist, competing at the World Karate Championships and going on to train in boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts.
When injuries began to take their toll, Meagher swapped being punched in the face for telling jokes. It turns out the discipline, physical commitment, and competitive hunger he’d forged on the mat translated beautifully to the stage. He approached comedy the way an athlete approaches training: with ferocious dedication and a willingness to take risks. The result was a meteoric rise through the stand-up circuit.
What makes Meagher truly compelling is the combustible mix at the heart of his comedy. He channels genuine rage and dissatisfaction with the world — the British class system, geopolitical chaos, the absurdities of modern life — and transforms them into something riotously funny. He takes topics as vast and heavy as the Troubles in Northern Ireland and personal heartbreak, and somehow renders them intimate, hilarious, and oddly moving.
His delivery is loud, fast, and punchy — Chortle describes him as someone who “grabbed the gig by the scruff of its neck” — but there is always a craftsman’s intelligence underneath the bluster.
John’s debut solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe, Big Year, was one of the standout events of the festival. Directed by rising comedy star Vittorio Angelone, the show arrived with critical momentum and left with five-star raves. Rolling Stone praised it as “a furious, tender, brutal, loving and most of all hilarious hour that confounds your presumptions at every turn.” The Daily Express awarded it five stars; the Mail on Sunday and Entertainment Now both gave four.
The industry has taken notice in no uncertain terms. Meagher has racked up an impressive roster of nominations and wins for someone still considered a rising talent. He was nominated for the BBC New Comedy Award and the Irish Comedian of the Year, reached the finals of the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year and the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year, and in 2022 was the runner-up in the prestigious Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. That same year, he won the Panel Prize at the Edinburgh Fringe as part of Best in Class, the celebrated working-class stand-up showcase.
The recognition has cemented his reputation as not just a funny comic, but an important voice — one that speaks authentically from a working-class, Northern Irish perspective at a time when such voices are urgently needed.
Beyond the Fringe, Meagher has built an impressive live presence across the UK and Ireland.
His media footprint is growing too, with appearances on BBC radio, TV3 in Ireland, and shows including Loose Ends, Oliver Callan Bins the Border, Newsquick, and Divils Own.
He also hosts The John Meagher Show podcast, in which he riffs on life, the universe, and everything in between — a natural extension of the conversational intimacy that makes his stand-up so compelling.
The comedy world is full of performers who are technically accomplished but leave you cold. John Meagher is not one of them. There is genuine heat in everything he does — a sense that the stakes are real, that he means it, and that the laughs have been hard-won.
Whether you come for the jokes, stay for the storytelling, or leave slightly shaken by how unexpectedly moving a comedy show can be, John Meagher delivers.
I have watched him twice at the Frog and Bucket and he delivered every time and was very funny.
Women comedians — including trans and non-binary performers — do far more than make people laugh. They challenge stereotypes, open minds, and bring fresh perspectives to comedy that audiences may never have heard before.
For years, mainstream comedy often reflected a narrow point of view. Today, comedians from diverse gender identities are reshaping the industry with bold storytelling, sharp observations, and unapologetic honesty. They speak about identity, relationships, work, family, social pressure, and everyday life in ways that are relatable, fearless, and deeply human.
Trans and non-binary comedians, in particular, bring visibility to experiences that are still misunderstood or underrepresented. Through humor, they create connection, reduce stigma, and remind audiences that comedy can build empathy as well as entertainment.
Representation matters in every form of media. When audiences see women succeeding in comedy, it broadens the idea of who can be funny, confident, and influential. Young girls watching stand-up specials or comedy shows can now imagine themselves in spaces that once seemed inaccessible.
Women prove that the funniest stories often come from real experiences and unique viewpoints. By owning the stage and telling their truths, they make comedy richer, smarter, and more inclusive.
In the end, women comedians of all identities make a difference because laughter has power. It can challenge prejudice, spark conversation, and help people feel seen — all while delivering a great punchline.
Scott Bennett has built a reputation as one of the most relatable voices in British comedy. Known for his warm storytelling style and sharp observations about family life, parenting, and modern living, Bennett has become a favourite on the UK stand-up circuit.
What makes Scott stand out is his ability to find humour in ordinary situations. Whether he’s talking about raising children, awkward social encounters, or the small frustrations of adulthood, his comedy feels honest and familiar. Audiences often connect with him because his material reflects real life rather than exaggerated characters or shock humour.
Bennett’s rise in comedy has been steady and well-earned. He has appeared on major radio and television programmes while also performing at comedy festivals and sold-out live tours across the UK. I loved his debut on Mock the Week this year. His relaxed stage presence allows him to deliver punchlines naturally, making audiences feel as though they are listening to a funny friend rather than a performer reciting a routine.
Another reason for his growing popularity is his balance between clever writing and approachable humour. He avoids being overly complicated while still delivering smart, well-crafted jokes. This combination has helped him appeal to both dedicated comedy fans and casual audiences alike.
In an entertainment world often focused on controversy or spectacle, Scott Bennett proves that simple, well-observed comedy still has enormous power. His success shows that people continue to appreciate humour that is authentic, thoughtful, and genuinely funny.
His latest show at the Lowry was one of his biggest audiences and a sell out. It was brilliant and he made it looked effortless, and was very funny.
Scott is still on tour and grab a ticket while you can.
If you had to describe Declan Kennedy in a single phrase, you’d struggle — and that’s precisely the point. He is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian (British Comedy Guide) who has carved out a niche on the UK comedy circuit by defying easy categorisation. His own biography cheekily admits that he has been honing his craft for a good number of years, though it isn’t immediately apparent what that craft might be. Self-deprecating? Absolutely. Accurate? Probably not.
Declan has been a fixture on the comedy circuit around London and beyond, appearing on many comedy rosters including Jester Jester’s, Big Red Comedy, Big Nose Comedy, Laugh a Minute, Jericho Comedy, Hilarity In Shoes, Hello Comedy, and Late Train Comedy. He’s not just a London act either — he has been part of the Edinburgh Festival and taken the mic in Oxford and Manchester too.
His reputation for quick wit is well-earned. A YouTube clip from 2023 describes him as an improv maestro when it comes to dealing with hecklers. If you’ve ever seen a comedian truly own a difficult room, you’ll understand why that skill sets someone apart.
His background is in writing and radio production, and those roots show in the craft of his material. He has also appeared in two separate comedy programmes, including BBC Comedy Feeds. His mouth has been pressed into service on TalkRadio and The Radio Collective proving he’s as comfortable behind a microphone as in front of a live crowd.
One Edinburgh reviewer from Broadway Baby memorably likened him to a “geography teacher on a field trip” (Opencomedy) — but also called him “mad and good.”High praise, by comedy standards.
Declan Kennedy is the kind of act that rewards those willing to venture beyond the well-known names. He describes himself simply as “a contradiction in a coat” — and if that makes you curious, it should. Seek him out next time he’s on a bill near you.
I saw him recently at XS Malarkey and he is definitely worth a watch, hopefully he will be back again!
He completely destroyed a TV celebrity for me with a very funny and unexpected joke 🦍
