Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website.

# Comicus

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://comicus.co.uk/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Trevor Francis: A Tribute](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/trevor-francis-a-tribute/): With a career that spanned three decades, football striker Trevor Francis was heralded as one of the greatest English players of his era. Retiring in the mid-1990s to move into football management and working as a sports speaker. Francis remained in the public eye and was respected and admiration from fans past and present. Former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore tweeted: &quot;The loveliest of men, humble, humorous, always giving of his time and advice. They say never meet your heroes, well, I met mine and he was an absolute gentleman. One in a million.&#039;
- [Tim Vine is Columbo](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/tim-vine-is-columbo/): Columbo fan and comedian Tim Vine has re-created a number of scenes from various episodes of the famous TV series, often filmed in his own backyard and the local park. For those who know the series the scene parodies are exceptionally funny. All of the extracts contain the exact dialogue from a particular episode scene.
- [Motty: Voice of Football RIP](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/motty-voice-of-football-rip/): John Motson was the son of a Methodist minister who first stimulated his interest in football. He celebrated his 40th anniversary on Match of the Day in October 2011, before retiring in 2018. During his career at the BBC he covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships &amp; 29 FA Cup finals.
- [Sporting memorabilia: World record prices](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/sporting-memorabilia-world-record-prices/): These days, collecting sports memorabilia can be a fun and exciting hobby. Also, a potentially lucrative investment. According to auctioneers collecting sporting memorabilia is on the rise. Traditional commemorative collecting such as football, golf, cricket, tennis, horse racing and baseball has tended to be around pictures, cards, signatures, photographs, paintings and ceramics. But in the last few years shirts and winner medals have fetched incurable prices.
- [Queen Elizabeth II: Royal Comedians](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/queen-elizabeth-ii-royal-comedians/): There are several comedians who have had the privilege of performing in front of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family. The majority of these appearances were at the Royal Variety show. An annual event first started in 1912 to raise money for artistes’ charities.
- [Professor Brian Cox in Horizons: A 21st Century Space Odyssey](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/professor-brian-cox-in-horizons-a-21st-century-space-odyssey/): Professor Brian Cox brings his unique style of scientific presentation to a series of Live Arena events. This Manchester University lecturer known for his highly popular BBC TV series - ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ (BBC 2010) and ‘Wonders of the Universe’ (BBC 2011) takes his gigantic knowledge into a two-and-a-half-hour spectacular show. Supported admirably by mind blowing graphics. Cox takes us on a dazzling cinematic journey through galaxies, black holes and futures. A story of how we came to be and what we can become.
- [Cricket Broadcasters: BBC Radio&#8217;s Test Match Special (Live)](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/cricket-broadcasters-bbc-radios-test-match-special-live/): Broadcaster Terry Wogan once said ‘Radio has a way of getting into people’s heads’. There is no better example as BBC’s Test Match Special; which has been broadcasting the highs and lows of the England cricket team for over 65 years. The chatter and banter heard by a nation often surpassed the cricket being played on the pitch. It became a cult following. Some at home, turning down the TV coverage, while upping the volume on BBC’s Radio 5’s TMS. This post explores the personalities, past and present, that make up the Cricket Broadcasters for Test Match Special (Live).
- [How To Host a Corporate Quiz Event](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/how-to-host-a-corporate-quiz-event/): Over three-quarters of the average UK workforce is not engaged in the organisations that they work for. Employee morale is one of the best ways to improve productivity and efficiency in your workplace. That&#039;s why hosting a corporate quiz event can help you bring your workforce together with a fun and impressive night of entertainment trivia games.
- [Barry Cryer: Friend, Funny &#038; Fantastic](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/barry-cryer-friend-funny-fantastic/): I knew Barry Cryer, &#039;Baz&#039;, for over forty years, while writing on various comedy shows, bumping into him in TV Studio&#039;s, events and the after dinner speaking circuit. We became close friends. The trips to his favourite pub (The Moon &amp; Sixpence), the chat, stories and banter were simply wonderful. I will miss him tremendously. Jack Dee describing him as ‘An honorary uncle to countless comics’
- [Sean Lock: Comedian&#8217;s, comedian](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/sean-lock-comedians-comedian/): Sean Lock was one of the UK’s most highly acclaimed and original comedians; His stand-up was the product of a hyperactive imagination combining hilariously surreal imagery and insightful observations on the human condition. He was probably best known for his role as team captain on Jimmy Carr’s panel show ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’ (2005–2015) and ‘Cats Does Countdown&#039; (2012–2021). Carr commenting &#039;I loved him. I’m watching clips of him right now - laughing &amp; crying. I’ll miss him so much.&#039;
- [Jackie Mason &#8211; Rabbi Comedian](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jackie-mason-rabbi-comedian/): The prototypical borscht belt comedian, Jackie Mason deftly blended self-deprecating humility with abrasive arrogance to acutely dissect the differences between Jewish and Gentile culture. He made his name in Britain with his successful one man show, ‘The World According to Me!’ playing a number of weeks in London’s West End, the successful show having transferred from Broadway. Since then Jackie had been on numerous UK television shows and appeared in The Royal Variety Show 1996.
- [Get Paid to Speak: A Quick Guide to Becoming a Professional Speaker](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/get-paid-to-speak-a-quick-guide-to-becoming-a-professional-speaker/): You have things to say, but you&#039;re not quite sure how you get to say them in a room full of people. This guide can help you become a professional speaker.
- [6 Reasons to Have a Magician at Your Next Corporate Event](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/6-reasons-to-have-a-magician-at-your-next-corporate-event/): Are you looking for something to take your next corporate event up a notch? Then you should consider hiring a different style of entertainment to bring your event up to the next level. Keep reading to learn why hiring a magician for your next event is a great idea.
- [Business: Re-Energise Conference 2020](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/gdb-re-energise-conference/): As we enter a new decade, having been worn down by Brexit issues, facing fresh economic challenges. A Business group felt it was time to Re-Energise. Arranging an appropriately titled Business conference with four speakers ready to light the match and send us all into motivational orbit.
- [5 Famous Football Pundit Gaffes, Mistakes &#038; Shocking Blunders](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/5-famous-football-punditry-gaffes/): In a must win World Cup Qualifier at Wembley in October 1973, England played Poland. Only a win for England would see them through to the World Cup finals in Germany the next year. Brian Clough was a pundit on ITV working on the match. Before the game he insisted the Poland goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski, was hopeless. He called him a clown. The first of our Famous Football Pundit Gaffes.
- [What Is a Keynote Speaker at a Conference?](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-keynote-speaker-at-a-conference/): Are you hosting a gathering or conference sometime in the near future? Do you want to find a way to make sure that whatever you plan resonates with your audience?
- [Kevin Keegan: Love It!](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/kevin-keegan-love-it/): Kevin Keegan was the special guest at the Sussex Cricket Foundation lunch at The Grand, Brighton. However, Kevin had to share top billing with the ICC cricket world cup trophy, so excitingly won by England in July. Thanks to the ECB for loaning such a converted trophy for the occasion.
- [Choosing the Perfect Guest Speaker for Your Event](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/choosing-the-perfect-guest-speaker-for-your-event/): Out of all those events, how many had a guest speaker that bored the audience to tears?
- [How to Get the Best From a Celebrity at Your Event](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-the-best-from-a-celebrity-at-your-event/): The excitement and buzz over a big event gathering can be grand. Adding a guest celebrity to that mix can make the entire ordeal electric.
- [How to Become a Good Motivational Speaker: Your Complete Guide](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-good-motivational-speaker-your-complete-guide/): If you want to make a career as a motivational speaker, there could be a lot of professional opportunities available to you. Bosses often bring in motivational speakers to motivate their employees, which can be a lucrative professional opportunity.
- [Tyson Fury: Tribute to Ricky Jordan](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/tyson-fury-tribute-to-ricky-jordan/): Tyson Fury made a Grand Hotel entrance to pay tribute to Ricky Jordan a former amateur boxer who sadly left us after an illness. The evening raised funds for worldwide Boxing charity ‘WBC Cares UK’ who are dedicated to making a real positive difference to the lives of the UK’s younger generation, their families and their communities.
- [Frank Bruno: Knocks &#8216;Em Out! (Comicus in the Community)](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/frank-bruno-knocks-em-out-comicus-in-the-community/): The Change Foundation in association with The Berkeley Foundation have, in conjunction with local councils, been running the inner-city initiative called ‘Street Elite’ around London’s Tower Hamlets area. This is a ‘training for work’ initiative that uses sport, mentoring and youth engagement; to help young adults living on the edge of gangs and crime get a job or find a place in college.
- [Freddie Starr: A Bright Star Has Gone Out](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/freddie-starr-a-star-has-gone-out/): Freddie Starr was a very talented comedian, impressionist, singer and actor with an extra ordinary self-destructive side which was often present in his performances but even more prevalent in his personal life and on occasions dealing with professional staff and showbusiness executives.
- [Jimmy Hill: Football Pundit &#038; Emergency Linesman](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jimmy-hill-football-pundit-emergency-linesman/): Just imagine, there is no fourth official and the linesman gets injured in an important Premier League football match. No one in the crowd is a qualified referee. Who could replace him? Think. Gary Lineker runs on the pitch offering his services. Then Alan Shearer says ‘I’m available?’ Sounds completely ridiculous? Yet this scenario was once a true event for Jimmy Hill.
- [British Football History: Sky Sports, TV Pundits &#038; Presenters](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/history-of-british-football-tv-coverage-punditry-the-sky-revolution/): ITV’s exclusive British TV football league contract finished at the end of the 1992 season. Since the mid 1980s, talk of a super league of elite English clubs had been frequently mentioned by various footballing bodies. As the 1990’s approached it became more of a reality.
- [British Football History: BBC &#038; ITV, Commentators &#038; Pundits](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/history-of-british-football-tv-coverage-punditry/): The more outspoken they were the more television valued them. The public would switch on not only because they liked what they saw. But also to hate what they heard. Television football coverage and punditry has changed dramatically with the times. It has developed through the need of audience, growth of technology and the mass increase in TV broadcasters with excessive amounts of airtime to fill. Here is a potted history of British Football TV Coverage &amp; Punditry.
- [George Best &#038; Bobby Moore: Thieves?](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/george-best-bobby-moore-thieves/): George Best &amp; Bobby Moore were footballing icons in the sixties and seventies. Bobby picking up the World Cup in 1966 for England and George Best an instrumental part of the great Manchester United side that won the European cup in 1968. Best is still seen by some as arguably the greatest player to grace the British game and Bobby Moore the greatest leader.  These two footballing giants are still spoken about today, with after dinner stories from ex-pro’s, articles in the press, books and TV documentaries still written and produced celebrating them, such was their impact on the game.
- [George Best &#038; Miss World: The Marjorie Wallace Affair](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/george-best-the-marjorie-wallace-affair/): ‘She wanted me because I was George Best and I wanted her because she was Miss World. It wasn’t exactly a meeting of minds, it was a collision of bodies.’ – George Best
- [Bobby Moore: Bogotá Bracelet Arrest Scandal Revisited](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/bobby-moore-the-bogota-bracelet-scandal-revisited/): In preparation for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, one needed to check the England Esso coin collection was complete and the squad poster was neatly pinned to a teenagers wall. The England team left us with a song, &#039;Back Home&#039; appearing on &#039;Top of the Pops&#039; reaching number 1 in the charts on May 16. Staying there for three weeks.
- [Comedy Nights @ The Theatre Royal Lincoln](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/the-theatre-royal-lincoln-comedy-nights/): The New Theatre Royal Lincoln starts their highly popular comedy nights with some of the country’s leading stand up comedians performing at the beautiful Grade 2 listed Victoria theatre built in 1893.
- [Warwick Davis Working With Education (Comicus in the Community)](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/case-study-warwick-davis-comicus-in-the-community/): Nacro caters for young people who, despite being outside of mainstream post-GCSE education, can achieve vocational qualifications in childcare, employment skills, retail and child care, as well as GCSE maths and English. The college recruit all year so students can work towards qualifications at any point in the year. Read on to find out how Warwick Davis got involved with Nacro Education and empowered the students with his stories!
- [Jim Tavaré Touring &#038; Speaking (Deadpan to Bedpan)](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jim-tavare-deadpan-to-bedpan-the-tour/): Jim Tavaré returned to the UK in May 2019 to tour his award winning Edinburgh show – &#039;Deadpan to Bedpan&#039;
- [Gordon Banks: Safe Pair Of Hands](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/gordon-banks-a-safe-pair-of-hands/): Gordon Banks was one of the greatest goalkeepers of his or any other generation and he will forever be remembered for his heroic part in England’s triumphant 1966 World Cup campaign that culminated in the famous 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley in the final.
- [Jeremy Hardy: Said It Straight &#038; Funny](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jeremy-hardy-said-it-straight-and-funny/): Jeremy Hardy was one of the UK’s foremost stand up comedians. His live work included &#039;Just 4 Laughs&#039;, (Montreal Comedy Festival), the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he won the prestigious Perrier Award in 1988. Arthur Smith described him as &#039;a profoundly witty and honourable man&#039;.
- [Ken Dodd: His Writer of 30 Years Speaks Out (Part 2)](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ken-dodd-his-writer-of-30-years-speaks-out-part-2/): Barry Reeves was the comedy writer for Ken Dodd for over 30 years, here he continues talking of their working relationship and close friendship to the very end. If you missed it you can read Part 1 of this article here.
- [Ken Dodd: His Writer of 30 Years Speaks Out (Part 1)](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ken-dodd-his-writer-of-30-years-speaks-out-part-1/): Barry Reeves was Ken Dodd’s comedy writer for over 30 years, keeping himself in the background, while serving up some of Doddy’s most favourite routines. Barry was never one for the personal limelight. Modest in attitude but talented with pen. Their working relationship turned to a close family friendship. Here in this two-part series, Barry (himself) speaks for the first time about working with the Liverpudlian comedy master – Ken Dodd.
- [Book Review: George Best A Memoir by Michael Parkinson](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/george-best-a-memoir-by-michael-parkinson/): Michael Parkinson was friends with George Best (1946-2005) for over 30 years; if anyone could shed light on this genesis of a footballer surely, he could. Yet throughout the book (George Best: A Memoir) it contains memories as the title suggests, but does not shed any new light on this complex but highly charismatic footballer.
- [Tour Review: Jasper Carrott &#038; Alistair McGowan](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jasper-carrot-alistair-mcgowan-on-tour/): Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan, the bacon and eggs pairing, are a surprising mixture of comedy talent touring the country together with their different but complementary styles of stand up.
- [Book Review: Kevin Keegan My Life in Football](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/kevin-keegan-my-life-in-football-review/): It’s more than 40 years since Kevin Keegan was the face of Brut, Pirelli slippers, Smith’s crisps and the Green Cross Code. He possessed the most famous autograph in football. Kevin was England’s golden boy. The best player in the country. At a time of under achievement for the nation at international level. He followed on from George Best one of the most naturally gifted players Britain has produced and arguably the most self destructive. Keegan has always accepted he didn’t have Best’s ability. What Kevin achieved was through hard work and attitude. Having a personality which was infectious, enthusiastic and responsible.
- [10 Comical Tips For Business Presentation Success (Seriously)](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/10-top-tips-for-a-successful-presentation-learning-from-stand-up-comedians/): Some of the facets of stand up comedy can be used in a business presentation context. Learning from stand ups can help structure and prepare executives for an important business presentation. With these great Tips For Successful Business Presentations, there&#039;s always a little space for some comedy in business.
- [6 Top Tips On Public Speaking From King Of Corporate Events](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/bob-monkhouse-6-tips-for-speaking-at-a-corporate-event/): Here are six tips and advice for speaking at events, Bob Monkhouse was generous to offer to those that wanted to learn from a master.
- [Peter Brackley: Sports Commentator With Several Voices](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/peter-brackley-sports-commentator-with-several-voices/): Peter Brackley began his radio and TV career as a very young sports editor on BBC Radio Brighton in the seventies, before following fellow Brighton fan Des Lynam to BBC National Radio, where he became a presenter and football commentator on Radio 2’s legendary ‘Sport on 2’, where he first met a young Garry Richardson.
- [Jim Tavare: ‘From Deadpan to Bedpan’](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jim-tavare-from-deadpan-to-bedpan/): What does one do when you’ve had the most horrific car crash, come close to death three times in the operating theatre and told by the doctors to contact your children to say goodbye? Well, you write jokes. Jim Tavare sat back on his bed facing a year of convalescing, an uncertain future with major restriction in body movement and a career crushed in the remnants of his car. After a while, he began to tap out his experience on a laptop which developed into a show, which he brought to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018.
- [Edinburgh Fringe festival 2018: A week of show reviews](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/edinburgh-fringe-festival-2018-a-week-of-show-reviews/): Sunday
- [Carol Cleveland: Monty Python&#8217;s Forgotten Female 7th Member](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/monty-pythons-forgotten-seventh-member/): ‘Monty Python&#039;s flying Circus’ (BBC 1969 -1974) was a surreal TV programme which changed the face of comedy not only in Britain but the world. Its popularity stretched across Europe and The United States. Many of its famous sketches, which often mocked the establishment, are still re-run on television today; besides DVD’s, albums, several books plus screen documentaries discussing the programmes influence. With its six famous members John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman (1941 – 1989) all Cambridge &amp; Oxford graduates. With Terry Gilliam providing the clever, entertaining and innovative animation in the series which was often used to break up the sketches. But what of the female cast members? Carol Cleveland tells about her time with the &quot;Python Boys&quot;.
- [Pete Conway &#038; Robbie Williams: Like Father Like Son](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/robbie-williams-like-father-like-son/): Robbie Williams is recognised as one of the best selling music artists of all time, having sold 75 million records worldwide. Six of his albums are in the top 100 biggest selling records in the UK; four of which are in the top 60. But some of that magic may well have come from his dad. Pete Conway (Peter Williams) who is Robbie’s father, and believes he saw the ‘X Factor’ in his son at an early age.
- [Private Charter Comedy Cruise Events](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/comicus-private-charter-cruise-event/): Comicus is associated as pioneers in the cruise ship event world - Comedians On Cruise Ships. Being the first to integrate modern, new comedians onto traditional cruise ships. An artistic comedy development our Director first implemented in holiday resorts, then moving the concept to the oceans of the world for several multinational cruise companies. Such careful booking with a studied team of performers is now being appreciated by several private cruise clients.
- [Football Nostalgia: National Daily Express 5-A-Side Competition](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/football-nostalgia-the-daily-express-5-a-side-competition/): 5-A-Side football is often seen today as a training method, used by clubs to keep players fit and practicing moving the ball quickly. What is often forgotten is this form of the beautiful game once had its own special competition. Leading teams would compete on a knock out basis in single evening of five-a-side football for a converted indoor trophy. Sir Stanley Rous President of FIFA (1961-1974)  described the championship as &#039;one of the great indoor sporting events of the year&#039;.
- [Football Nostalgia: London Evening Standard 5-A-Side Tournament](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/football-nostalgia-the-london-evening-standard-5-a-side-tournament/): The London Evening Standard 5-a-side tournament (organised by the Sports Council now called Sport England) was first introduced in 1954.  And the last time in 1995. The competition, was usually played towards the end of the season (April, May). It featured the capitals league clubs. Roger Hillier says. ‘Initially the tournament ran for seven years before taking a six-year break from 1961 to 1966. Re-introduced in 1967. It then ran for 19 consecutive years before taking another short interlude this time from 1986 to 1992. In 1993 the tournament returned for a final three years before it discontinued after the 1995 event. In the latter years the competition was opened up to football league clubs outside London with Wycombe Wanderers the victors in the final year.&#039;
- [Open Tennis Speakers Benefit From Boom](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/tennis-speakers-benefit-from-the-boom/): It is more than fifty years since Tennis went ‘Open’. This change allowed professional and amateur open tennis players to compete together at major Grand slam championships. Namely the US Open, French Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon (the oldest Tennis competition in the world). Since 1968 the game has soared in popularity. With millions watching on TV and thousands attending the tennis open events often attended by some of our tennis speakers.
- [Explorers: Following the footsteps of Captain Scott](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/explorers-following-in-the-footsteps-of-captain-scott/): As a child, one of my favourite Ladybird Books was ‘Captain Scott’ a true dramatic story of a naval officer and explorer, who died attempting to be the first to reach the South Pole. The story of Captain’s Scott’s journey to the Antarctic tells of the courage, determination and devotion of five very brave men who sacrificed their lives in a great adventure.
- [A Streetcar for the Modern Age](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/a-streetcar-for-the-modern-age-nst-city/): Richard Inverne vigorously approves of Chelsea Walker&#039;s new production of the Tennessee Williams classic, currently running at NST City, Southampton.
- [Cricket&#8217;s Gillespie: Sends Sussex Dizzy](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jason-gillespie-sends-sussex-dizzy/): There is a sense of excitement and hope around the county ground nowadays. After two rather miserable years on the field and plenty of challenges off it. The professional game of cricket continues to change. Getting it right off the pitch often reflects what happens on it. Rob Andrew is a determined chief executive, focused on making a success. He&#039;s determined to guide Sussex through the sporting maze. This being new leagues and potential championship re-structuring. In so doing last Autumn, he made a team coaching change. Bringing in Jason Gillespie the former Australian bowler and highly successful past coach of Yorkshire. Gillespie tipped as a possible future international coach, addressing the members of Sussex’s Boundary club. He said ‘I really wanted to come.&#039;
- [Ray Wilkins 1956-2018](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ray-wilkins/): Raymond Colin Wilkins MBE, often known as &quot;Butch&quot; Wilkins at the start of his career, was an English former footballer and at present a television pundit. He was a key midfielder for the England national football team during the 1980s, and enjoyed success at various clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, A.C. Milan, Queens Park Rangers and Rangers. Ray Wilkins went on to manage QPR &amp; Fulham as well as being an assistant coach at Chelsea, Watford &amp; Aston Villa. Sir Alex Ferguson said &quot;Ray was a great football man who was well respected and liked by all who knew him and he always had a kind word and time for people&#039;.
- [Doddy Finally Leaves The Stage](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ken-dodd-finally-leaves-stage/): Ken Dodd was undoubtedly a comedian’s comedian. A true master of his art. A life dedicated to making people laugh. What a legacy of comedy he has left us. At his best few comics could live with him on stage. Dodd used all forms of humour to get his laughs, visual, one liners, musical routines and his own form of language known as Doddisms including ‘tattifalarious’ and ‘discomknockerating’. He was knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment &amp; charity, he received the O.B.E. in 1981 saying he was ‘delighted and full of plumptiousness’.
- [Imperium: the RSC&#8217;s imperious view of Cicero’s Rome](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/imperium-royal-shakespeare-company-imperious-view-ciceros-rome/): In 2014, Mike Poulton adapted Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall novels for the Royal Shakespeare Company. The result was a huge success, garnering such plaudits as ‘As in Mantel&#039;s book, you feel this is history made manifest’ (Michael Billington, The Guardian) and ‘an adaptation that knows exactly when to speak and when to stay silent and by performances that show the RSC&#039;s ensemble strength at its best’ (Sarah Crompton, The Telegraph).
- [Delegates Held Hostage by 4 Speakers](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/delegates-held-hostage-by-4-speakers-luise-usiskin-tori-james-dr-james-bellini-kirk-kinnell/): A Business Speakers Conference provided its members with a group of diverse, interesting and thought-provoking guest speakers (Luise Usiskin, Tori James, Dr. James Bellini &amp; Kirk Kinnell) at South Lodge, Hotel tackling a number of interesting subjects. The team met as a panel to discuss delegates questions, with the conference hosted by BBC reporter / compere John Young
- [Alan Ayckbourn: ‘How the other half Loves’](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/alan-ayckbourn-how-the-other-half-loves/): In ‘How the other half Loves’, Alan Ayckbourn explores the different social attitudes to supposed infidelity. This, six hander play (three couples), set in the 1960’s, contains all the hallmarks of strong comic plotting with moments of extreme farce. Originally written by Ayckbourn in 1970, being his second work, much waited for after the success of his first ‘Relatively Speaking’ (1967), receiving just as much acclaim, proving Ayckbourn was no one hit wonder, but a writer of genuine talent.
- [Warwick Davis: One Big Man](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/warwick-davis-one-big-man/): Actor Warwick Davis joined a group of Sussex Executives to enjoy the start of the Beaujolais Nouveau season and raise funds for his charity ‘Little People’ UK. This small man has made a major impact in important films such ‘Star Wars’ &amp; ‘Harry Potter’ as well as guesting and presenting many other TV shows and film roles both in the UK and Hollywood.
- [Ken Dodd: Comedy Masterclass](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ken-dodd-a-comedy-masterclass/): On November 8th, Ken Dodd turned 90 years old. This master of stand-up comedy has transcended generations of comedians, including cultural changes in entertainment from variety theatre (where he started), to the social &amp; cabaret club scene and the now comedy club circuit. Yet he still applies his art today in often packed-out theatres around the country. He may sometimes need a chair, the delivery slower, occasionally repeats a joke he told earlier but no one cares as there is still so much to enjoy and delight in with this constant comic who simply can’t give up his stage and audience.
- [Life &#038; Chimes: The Pompey Story](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/the-pompey-story-life-and-chimes/): The Chimes of Pompey rang out to all Portsmouth fans to come to the Kings Theatre to watch a potted amusing, informative theatrical history of their football club: The Pompey Story. This highly entertaining show was introduced by BT Sports commentator Ian Darke with the help of Peter Brackley bringing his now famous caretaker character back on stage to observe some of the more funnier moments in a history of a club which contained drama, take overs, fall outs and some success on the pitch. What better ingredients to underpin a two-hour, extravaganza of memories, moments and sadness’s of Portsmouth F.C.
- [Sunday Night At&#8230;](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/sunday-night-at/): NOT Sunday Night at the London Palladium! But Sunday Night at the Theatre Royal Brighton with all the glamour, glitz and talent associated with the London Theatre, along with the variety talent which had many switching on their TV sets in the 50’s and 60’s, but now making their way to Brighton for the same experience.
- [Connections &#038; Relationships: Meeting With Peter Hall](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/peter-hall/): In his Guardian obituary of 12 September, Michael Billington suggests that Sir Peter Hall, who has died at the age of 86, was &#039;the single most influential figure in modern British theatre.&#039; As well as leading the RSC and then the National Theatre through the 1960s, &#039;70s and &#039;80s, Hall was a formidable artistic director for six years at Glyndebourne in the &#039;80s, also directing opera at the Royal Opera, the Met, Bayreuth and elsewhere.
- [Bruce Forsyth: Song &#038; Dance Man](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/bruce-forsyth-song-dance-man/): Bruce Forsyth was the last of the great entertainers, schooled in variety theatre making his name known to the public through early Television, in particular on ‘Sunday Night at the London Palladium’ a flagship entertainment show of the time. His ability to chat effortlessly and entertainingly to the general public came through in his compering of the show and presenting the ‘Beat the Clock’ spot in the same programme, requiring strong banter, instructions and command which led to his first catchphrase – ‘I’m in charge’. His overall skill with audiences led to Bill Cotton speaking to him about taking on ‘The Generation Game’ a new family gameshow involving members of the public folding hats, creating paintings, making clay pots on a wheel among many other such simple but amusing tasks allowing things to go wrong and for Bruce to jump in with the humour. Always important to any game show the catchphrase ‘Good game good game’ was used to encourage audience enthusiasm, and ‘Give us a twirl’ was his invitation to Anthea Redfern, his hostess and later to become his second wife, to display her dress of the week. The show was a massive success and led to Bruce being described by one critic as the’ countries most important entertainer’.
- [Professional Writing: Comedy Plots From Real Life](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/real-life-professional-writing-comedy-plots/): A recent real life event drew my thoughts to how writing comedy plots often takes from real life experiences. It was 4:00am, only six people left in the bar at the Metropole Hilton, after a great ‘Hire a Hero’ event. Time to collect my coat from the bands changing room and home. Entering the area upstairs, it had been completely cleared and cleaned. My Anorak was nowhere to be seen.
- [Hire a Hero – Gala Charity Night](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/hire-hero-gala-charity-night/): You’ve fought in the Falklands, completed trips to Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, perhaps seen awful things that many of us in our life will fortunately never see. Yet what does one do when leaving the service? How does one cope adjusting to what most of us consider everyday life? The yearly average net outflow from the armed forces is around 20,000. These individuals make the transition to civilian life, often with skills not recognised by employers. The organisation &#039;Hire a Hero&#039; provides support for those who have worked in the armed forces and are now adopting to a regular life with possible employment issues, needing career guidance, training, welfare and maybe housing.
- [Backstage: Tavaré All-Star Comedy Benefit Night](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/backstage-jim-tavare-benefit-night/): Over 500 people packed into the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury avenue, to enjoy a Comedy Benefit Night show that only comes around once in a lifetime. There seemed more stars than the night sky. All giving their time free to support their colleague Jim Tavare who had been through an horrendous car accident and now faced with medical bills which would make even Lord Sugar shiver.
- [Roger Moore: Bond A Personal Memory by Matthew Willetts](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/roger-moore-a-personal-memory/): To Michael Caine he was a very close friend, saying ‘I am devastated at losing one of my oldest and closest friends ROGER MOORE, my world will never be the same again’. To me he was part of my TV &amp; Film childhood popping up constantly in ‘The Saint’, ‘The Persuaders’ and the first James Bond film I ever saw ‘Live and Let Die’. Which from my cinema seat, I thought was fantastic. His constant on screen presence, was soon to become a reality; when beginning my own showbiz career.
- [Jim Tavare: All-Star Comedy Benefit show](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jim-tavare-all-star-comedy-benefit-show/): We are pleased to announce a Comedy Benefit night for Jim Tavare at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London on Monday 12th June 2017. The support from his colleagues has been amazing and the bill of comics performing that evening reads like a who’s who of modern stand up. Dara O Briain, Jo Brand, Harry Hill, Paul Zerdin, Stewart Lee, Alan Davies, Milton Jones, Paul Chowdhry, Dave Johns, Gina Yashere, Arthur Smith, Zoe Lyons, Hal Cruttenden with one or two more to be announced.Tickets are expected to sell fast.
- [Comedy Impressions: Making An Impression In The Modern World](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-an-impression/): Nowadays, Comedy Impressions and Impressionists are a rare sight on stage and screen. This art form has been left behind with flared trousers and the eighties word processor. Comedians are now more observational, chatty, satirical and find no room for impressionism within their acts. A vocal jamboree of celebrity characters is seen as ‘old hat’ and been overtaken by comics doing character voices to help illustrate a gag.
- [Best of British Farce: Ray Cooney&#8217;s &#8216;Out of Order&#8217;](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/order-best-british/): Farce is never an easy form of theatre to succeed in. Yet Ray Cooney has made it his lifetimes ambition and work to create some of our best loved and well written British Farce. ‘Out of Order’ is not one of Cooney’s best (even though it won an Laurence Oliver award for Best Comedy 1991) but it certainly contains all the hallmarks of a very good and well plotted script which was first performed in 1990.
- [Andrew Speaks During Chocolate Pot Exchange](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/rob-andrew-speaks-during-chocolate-pot-exchange/): The wet mist descended slowly across the empty County Ground, as a small tractor moved across the moist grass while business people sipped champagne over light conversation in the Focus conference room. This can only mean one thing: the start of the English cricket season. The 2017 squad of Sussex players mixed socially with corporate supporters in positive preparation for the new season ahead. Joining the assembled group was new chief executive, former England Rugby player Rob Andrew, now running a professional cricket club.
- [Chris Nash Testimonial: Grand Opening For Cricketer&#8217;s Year!](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/chris-nash-testimonial-a-grand-opening/): The Grand Hotel in Brighton was the venue for the opening event of Chris Nash: Sussex Cricketer&#039;s testimonial year. The turnout was excellent; with a supporting cast of fellow team mates including captain Luke Wright, joining in the chat and banter.
- [Theatre Review: Play That Goes Wrong by Lewis, Shields &#038; Sayer](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/the-play-that-goes-wrong/): Following its humble beginning at the Old Red Lion, Islington (2012) ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ is drawing strong audiences in its West End run. It further gained attention after appearing on the Royal Variety Show and has since gone from strength to strength. This is the play that turns slapstick comedy into an intelligent, well thought out performance.
- [Welsh Football&#8217;s John Hartson: Big Heart &#038; Balls](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/john-hartson/): What better way to celebrate St. David&#039;s day than in the company of Welsh footballing legend John Hartson who joined a lunch on behalf of the Sussex cricket Foundation to celebrate the occasion. The former footballer, now turned television soccer pundit on BBC and BT Sports, addressed a keen audience on his career and life. John’s successfully played for Luton Town (1992-95), Arsenal (1995-97), West Ham (1997-99), Wimbledon (1999-2001), Celtic (2001-06), and West Bromwich Albion (2006-08). He was a strong centre forward who came from Swansea, Wales where he freely admitted is a Rugby country.
- [8 Tips On How To Survive The End Of The World &#8211; According To Hollywood](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/hollywood-how-to-survive-the-end-of-the-world/): In the weekend of the Oscars, millions are glued to their screens awaiting the much-coveted awards. Once a film becomes popular, the genre is often copied by others. In recent years, the human race has become more enamoured with the idea of How To Survive The End Of The World.
- [Seagulls The Goldstone Days &#8211; Brighton &#038; Hove Albion 20 Years On](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/brighton-hove-albion-20-years-on/): Brighton &amp; Hove Albion are sitting at the top of the championship, expectation around the city is cautiously positive. The Seagulls have knocked on the door of promotion (through the play off’s) three times in the last five years. Last year success seemed finally on the way, yet more heartache. This season confidence is high and expectation is quietly up beat. Now was the time to reflect on how far this club had come in the last few years from being almost completely finished as a football team, with no ground and nearly bankrupt to arriving in a new Amex Premiership style stadium awaiting more glory.
- [Comedy Ads: Horses Laugh Hysterically at Bad Car Parking](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/horses-laugh-hysterically-at-bad-car-parking-volkswagen/): Laughter is infectious. Even more so when the laughter is coming from a group of animated horses. These horses are the stars of a new Volkswagen commercial advertising the trailer assist feature of the new Tiguan car. The hilarious Volkswagen advert was published onto their YouTube channel on the 12th October and now has over 89,000 views.
- [Royal Shakespeare Company&#8217;s High Tech Tempest &#8211; Does It Work?](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/royal-shakespeare-company-high-tech-tempest/): Did the RSC’s high-tech The Tempest work with or against Shakespeare’s dark, enigmatic comedy?
- [Graham Taylor: Do I Not Like That](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/do-i-not-like-that/): Graham Taylor was a former Football manager of Watford, Aston Villa, Wolves and England. He was also Chairman of Watford Football Club, having formerly been a football pundit, ex-football manager, and a former player.
- [A German Company, A French Comedian &#038; 50 Scots](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/a-german-company-a-french-comedian-and-50-scots/): At the end of a conference it is refreshing for delegates to look forward to the evening dinner and entertainment. At this event, a German company, with a subsidiary in Britain, organised a French comedian to entertain its 90% male UK workforce containing an abundance of Scotsmen, Irish and a some English, all in relaxed mode, ready for a laugh and a song.
- [Liz Smith: Nation’s Favourite Grandma Says Goodbye](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/liz-smith-the-nations-favourite-grandma-says-goodbye/): Liz Smith was one of those actresses you immediately recognise, then struggle to think what she has been in. ‘Oh she was in .. that .. er? It is because she appeared in so many parts in TV &amp; Film in the last forty years we don’t always necessarily identify her with just one or two roles.
- [Milton Jones Interview: Keeping Up With The Joneses](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/keeping-up-with-milton-jones/): Milton Jones ticks all the boxes to be a great stand up comedian. He is quiet, introverted, unassuming plus when off stage he never does material. He’s not a gossip or seldom speaks unless spoken to, but you know something deep is going on in that head.
- [John Lloyd: Comedy Producer In Conversation](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/john-lloyd-in-conversation/): Those of you who remember ‘Not the Nine O’clock News’ (BBC 1979 -83), ‘Spitting Image’ (ITV 1984 -96) and the ‘The Blackadder’ sitcom series (BBC 1983-89) may not realise what these shows had in common. Well, all of them were originally produced by John Lloyd.  Who went on to make some of the most important comedy shows in the decade. More recently he was the inventor of ‘QI’ (BBC 2003 to present) starring Stephen Fry and Alan Davies. Lloyd made some interesting insights while sitting down in front of a keen audience to discuss these programmes and his career, as a guest of the Royal Television Society.
- [Book Review: Ian Wright ‘A life In Football’](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ian-wright-life-football-autobiography/): Ex footballer Ian Wright plots his rise from a South London Council Estate to Summariser on ‘Match of the Day.’ In his autobiography ‘A life in Football’. He lifts the lid on his career and personal life. In a very honest and self-critical publication.
- [Cricket Masterclass: Rogues On The Road](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/rogues-on-the-road-a-cricketing-masterclass/): Observing Ian Botham coming towards you in a very aggressive mood at an airport, is not a pretty site on tour, but this was one of many stories told by darling cricket commentator Henry Blofeld in a short tour of shows with his old BBC Test Match special (TMS) producer Peter Baxter who joined in the fun and storytelling at Cranleigh Arts Centre. ‘Rogues on the Road’ is a title demonstrating the many scraps these two cricketing wombats have got themselves into all over the globe, with 80 years’ experience in the commentary box between them, dealing with lost passports, misplaced visas and knifes for chocolate cake.
- [French Beaujolais Meets English Humour](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/french-beaujolais-meets-english-humour/): The first bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau were gently mixed with some comedy, light music and Camembert cheese at the county ground on Thursday 17th November. This being the first day of the season for such a celebrated French wine, much loved around the world, particularly in its home country where corks were pulled in great anticipation of this popular event. Beaujolais is one of France’s most famous festivals, hence the tricolour flags adorned the tables and roof space of this flexible, functional corporate suite creating an ambiance in keeping with the occasion.
- [Ian Moore Interview: Moore, Moore, Moore! How Do You Like It?](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ian-moore-interview-moore-moore-moore/): ‘Doing the actual job of being a stand up comedian isn’t the problem,’ experienced comic Ian Moore once told me. ‘It’s all the bloody travelling which gets in the way’ he said. Well, have a look at this travel itinerary:
- [Chamber of Commerce 2nd Business Leaders Conference: Sign of the times? Or just sad?](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/business-leaders-conference/): The Chamber of Commerce produced their second Business Leaders Conference with a nicely diversified team of speakers, each addressing different issues in the world of commerce, keeping their audience informed and entertained.
- [Sussex Business: The Eagle Has Landed!](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/sussex-business-the-eagle-has-landed/): Britain’s first and last ski jumper, landed softly in a room full of Sussex Business people, ready to hear a story which was, moving, endearing and profound. This was the second in a series of Business conferences organised by the Chamber of Commerce with a number of interesting speakers each with their own distinct personal message to a Sussex membership eager to listen.
- [Event Review: You Say You Want A Revolution? Well&#8230; Let Me Finish My Tea First](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/want-a-revolution-let-me-finish-my-tea-first/): ‘Want a revolution?’ she said. ‘Well okay, but let me finish my tea first’ was the flippant reply to the attendant checking my entrance ticket; to a new and explosive exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum. Celebrating the culture change and movements of the 60’s entitled &#039;You Say You Want A Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970&#039;.
- [Jimmy Perry: Calls Halt on Army of Comedy Scripts](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/jimmy-perry-calls-halt-on-an-army-of-comedy-scripts/): Jimmy Perry was best known as an influential TV comedy writer of the 60’, 70’s and 80’s. His writing partnership with David Croft (1922-2011) formed the backbone of so much of BBC sitcom in that period. The two wrote together Dad&#039;s Army (1968–1977), It Ain&#039;t Half Hot Mum (1974–1981), Hi-De-Hi (1980–1988) and You Rang M&#039;Lord? (1988–1993).
- [Terry Wogan: Remembered](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/terry-wogan-remembered/): Terry Wogan to many was just as much part of breakfast as marmalade on toast. He was the cheery voice in the car among all that early morning traffic. BBC Radio2 broadcast ‘Wake up to Wogan’ (1972–84 &amp; 1993–2009) to over eight million regular listeners. Terry made everyone feel he was their friend, he was chatting to them personally. As a university student my landlady had the show on, and would talk to him while hoovering the front room. ‘That’s right Terry … it is like that’ or ‘I know Terry’ prompting me to respect the power of a gifted broadcaster and to find somewhere else to live.
- [Charity Quiz Night: Sinitta Wins! Despite Late Taxi &#038; Shepherd’s Pie](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/sinitta-wins/): The Ivy restaurant and club played host to another charity quiz night for members with friends, bathed in an exciting atmosphere of expectation and nostalgia.
- [Sunday Night at the London Palladium Pt.2](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/pt2-sunday-night-at-the-london-palladium/): The ‘Beat the clock’ section of the show was a product of American television. Manager of the Palladium Jack Parnell saw it, liked the idea of audience participation that it involved, and clinched a deal to sandwich ‘Beat the clock’ between the show’s two commercial breaks. The concept was simple but very effective with the audience at home. Basically ‘Beat the clock’ was a series of party games played by members of the audience on stage. They consisted of throwing balls at targets, balancing cups and saucers, keeping balloons in the air while clambering into baggy trousers or Wellington boots, or negotiating blindfold a simple obstacle course. One game required two blind fold contestants to locate each other and kiss within sixty seconds, making only kissing sounds to guide them towards each other.
- [Sunday Night at the London Palladium Pt.1](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/pt1-sunday-night-at-the-london-palladium/): Sunday Night at the London Palladium began at 8:00pm on September 23 1955 with Gracie Fields and Guy Mitchell sharing top billing. The TV audience was estimated at around 350,000 a figure that today would not excite producers of a small cable channel, but then ITV was just three years old and available only in the London area.
- [The mecca for entertainers: The London Palladium](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/the-mecca-for-entertainers-the-london-palladium/): The London Palladium is one of the most well-known theatres in the world. It is situated in London’s West End, Argyll street, just off Oxford Circus. its proud columns pay tribute to the kings of comedy and entertainment who have worked this now famous grade two listed building which was first built in 1910 by Walter Gibbons. The 2,286 seater theatre was erected to compete against The London Hippodrome owned by Moss and The London Coliseum run by Stoll, all similar in size and stator. In 1960 these two competing giants merged to become Stoll-Moss Empires who then took over the Palladium. Just four years later famous impresario Lew Grades Associated Television bought a controlling interest in the company (Stoll-Moss) and with it the Palladium theatre.
- [Arnold Palmer makes his final swing](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/arnold-palmer/): Arnold Palmer was one of the game of golf’s most colourful and charismatic figures. It was Palmer&#039;s magnificent ability and the way he played the game in the late fifties and sixties that drew the crowds and eventually the TV cameras to the sport.
- [The Great British Bake off raises issues on BBC business](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/the-great-british-bake-off-raises-the-broadcasting-issues/): The news of ‘The Great British Bake off’, one of BBC’s flagship programmes, leaving its comfortable TV home to attempt untried terrestrial territory, has raised questions and underlined the broadcasting world we now live in. The negotiations between The BBC and the owners of ‘Bake off’ reached stalemate, enter Channel 4 who outbid Auntie by £10 million for the rights to ‘The Great British Bake off’. It’s those who own the intellectual property of programmes that are increasingly in the driving seat with modern broadcasting, due to the increasing number of distribution players in the TV industry and the need for audiences. In the past all the channels had the power, nowadays increasingly they are just customers for TV shows to retail to the public.
- [‘Game of Thrones’ Craster Holds Court](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/game-of-thrones-craster-holds-court/): Welsh actor Robert Pugh joined a business lunch to discuss his substantial career as an actor. Not necessarily a household name but a performer who has worked with the best and continued to work. He is known to all ‘Game of Thrones’ fans as ‘Craster’ the evil one. Bob mentioned recently ‘Kids come up to me and point at me and say… “Craster! Game of Thrones!&quot;... apparently it’s quite big’. Indeed, the series has been a huge success, worldwide and reached cult status. At the Emmy’s in Los Angeles ‘Game of Thrones’ broke the record for the highest number of Emmy Awards won by any fictional series. This HBO fantasy drama triumphed in three categories including outstanding drama series. The show&#039;s total number of awards now stands at 38, which means it has beaten the sit-com Frasier&#039;s previous record of 37. Bob never thought it would be such a success, and soon after his part was aired, was surprised to be recognised by a man in Glasgow - ‘You&#039;re Craster!’ - who then wanted to fight him.
- [Making Brighton’s i360 Into A Pier](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/making-brightons-i360-a-pier/): Brighton’s new i360 has been controversial in its conception and now completed, forms a strong feature on the seafront landscape. Most are in positive mood for this new £46 million tourist attraction housed in front of the old West Pier which closed in 1975. The crumbling, rusting iron work of the famous pier has become a Brighton landmark.
- [Gene Wilder: Wild about Gene](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/gene-wilder-wild-about-gene/): Anyone who wants to perform comedy would dream of having facial features like Gene Wilder, wonderfully expressive with eyes that communicated great emotion often combined with a classical acting technique approach to his in work. Comedian Jim Carrey described Wilder as ‘one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form’.
- [Interview: Martin Beaumont &#8216;Chitty, Chitty, Cruise, Cruise&#8217;](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/martin-beaumont-interview/): Having been pushed to the back as a child actor during the filming of ‘Chitty Chitty, Bang, Bang’ as he looked too healthy for a starving child in the famous cave scene, Martin Beaumont went on to star on Saturday night TV in the eighties. When the show was cancelled Martin redefined himself as a comedian performing in all the major comedy clubs in Britain and abroad.
- [Classic Quiz Show Contestant Bloomers, Slip Ups &#038; Gaffes #2](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/quiz-show-contestant-bloomers-pt2/): Check out some of the funniest and most comical Quiz Show Contestant Bloomers, gaffes, errors, mistakes and slip ups.
- [Classic Quiz Show Contestant Gaffes, Slip Ups &#038; Bloomers #1](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/quiz-show-contestant-bloomers/): Check out some of the funniest and most comical Quiz Show Contestant Gaffes, bloomers, errors, mistakes and slip ups.
- [Book Review: Arthur Smith &#8211; My Name is Daphne Fairfax](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/arthur-smith-my-name-is-daphne-fairfax/): Having over five hundred autobiographies on my office shelf of various sports stars, show-business personalities in particular comedians and the odd politician, there is always some book I come across which for some reason has passed me by. One such publication was Arthur Smith’s entitled ‘My name is Daphne Fairfax’ (2009) in reference to a gag Smith used to do on stage ‘My name is Arthur Smith ... unless there’s anyone in from the Streatham tax office, in which case I am Daphne Fairfax’.
- [5 Ways to Enjoy Comedy by Shakespeare and His Mates](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/5-ways-to-enjoy-comedy-with-shakespeare/): Richard Inverne visits Stratford-upon-Avon, in search of some Comedy by Shakespeare.
- [Romford Pelé: Arsenal’s Parlour Games](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/arsenals-parlour-games/): The Romford Pelé better known as former footballer Ray Parlour ‘rabona-ed’ an audience of sports fans at Sussex Cricket Club with highly amusing anecdotes from a playing career with Arsenal lasting 12 years (1992-2004). Appearing in 333 games for the club and winning three Premier League titles (1997-98, 2001-02, 2003-04), four FA Cup wins (1993, 1998, 2002, 2003) and a UEFA Cup winners medal (1994) among other trophies.
- [Caprice Does The Business For Female Speakers!](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/caprice-does-the-business/): Four interesting and varied keynote speakers opened the first in a series of business seminars; entitled Grow, Develop, Discover and Influence by Sussex Chamber of Commerce at the Jury’s Waterfront Hotel. With Caprice Bourret leading the way for female speakers at business events.
- [Charity Sports Quiz: The Ivy Restaurant](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ivy-charity-sports-quiz/): Having attended a few meetings and late night dinners at The Ivy restaurant &amp; club over the years. It was intriguing to be invited to a small intimate gathering of British Olympic Athletes for a charity sports quiz night event. Raising funds for the Diana Award Charity which is a legacy to Princess Diana’s belief; that young people have the power to change the world for the better.
- [Caroline Aherne: Royally Bows Out](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/caroline-aherne/): Caroline Aherne was a character actress and comedian who made some wonderful original TV shows in the nineties. ‘Royal Family’ and ‘Mrs Merton’ were probably her most noted but she also starred in the cast of ‘The Fast show’ from 1994-1997, becoming known for the catchphrase ‘Scorchio’ delivered by her foreign weather girl character. Comedian Omid Djalili remarked ‘such a funny and talented woman’.
- [Humour At Work #5 – Office Comedy Case Study](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/humour-in-the-office-case-study-part-5/): Southwest Airlines president &amp; CEO, Herbert D. Kelleher was dubbed by Fortune Magazine as the &#039;High Priest of Ha Ha&#039;. His beliefs and attitude has spread right through the company; showing how Office Comedy can enhance staff-management relations, customer service and profits.
- [Humour At Work #4 – Fun in the Office Practitioners](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/humour-in-the-office-part-4/): US company Ben &amp; Jerry ice cream manufacturer, have pushed fun in the office to extremes. With employees looking forward to Barry Manilow or Elvis days; on which everyone is encouraged to dress as Barry or Elvis and their music is blasted through the building.
- [Humour At Work #3 &#8211; Clowning, Teasing &#038; Satire in the Office](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/humour-in-the-office-part-3/): Ackroyd &amp; Thompson believed the struggle for identity, is often played out through misbehaviour and joking in the work place. They identified three types of humour in work, labelling them as Clowning, Teasing and Satire in the Office.
- [Humour At Work #2 &#8211; Workplace Comedy Research](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/humour-office-part-2/): The same happens in workplace comedy, where a satirical comment can cut through to the truth of a matter; causing laughter, which in turn relieves the pressure and stress of the very real situation.
- [Humour At Work #1 &#8211; 8 Benefits of Comedy in the Office](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/humour-in-the-office-8-benefits/): In many offices, pinned on noticeboards or over people&#039;s desks, you can often read... ‘You don’t have to be mad to work here, but it helps’. It became a rather irritating cliché, put on display in several work environments, by the employees. Let&#039;s discuss the Benefits of Comedy in the workplace.
- [Parody in Ads: 5 Creative Advertising Comedy Tips](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/parody/): Parody is a well tried and tested form of humour used in many comedy sketch shows, films and indeed advertising. It is an artistic form within its self, sometimes called a spoof and has elements similar to pastiche.
- [Graham Gooch: Speaks Out!](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/graham-gooch-speaks/): The only time I played truant as a teenager from school, sneaking back into the house, switching on the TV, was to watch Graham Gooch bat in his first Test Match against Australia at Edgbaston in 1975. No one noticed my brief absence as I was back at school quicker than a Jeff Thompson delivery. Gooch being out for a duck in both innings.
- [Muhammad Ali: The Greatest](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/muhammad-ali-the-greatest/): Muhammad Ali is the only person in my adulthood, who I queued, three hours in the rain, outside a London bookshop, to briefly meet to get his signature on his latest autobiography. Such was his immense respect, impact and likeability to millions.
- [Carla Lane: Last Slice of Bread](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/the-last-slice-of-bread-carla-lane-tribute/): Carla Lane, the award-winning writer of television comedy dramas including the ‘Liver Birds’ (co-creator, 1969–78), ‘Butterflies’ (1978–82) and ‘Bread’ (1986–91), has died at the age of 87. Chris Sussman Head of BBC Comedy Production said of her ‘ A different voice in comedy, like all the best writers. Much loved by so many.’
- [Book Review: Lawrie McMenemy &#8216;A Lifetime’s Obsession&#8217;](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/lawrie-mcmenemy-a-lifetimes-obsession-autobiography/): Lawrie McMenemy was a man who came from the lower reaches of football to reach the very top. His personal journey is wonderfully told in ‘A Lifetime’s Obsession’ a well overdue autobiography.
- [BFI Preserves Valued Video Arts Comedy Training Short Films](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/video-arts/): Corporate training videos featuring comedians are to be preserved by the British Film Institute. Anyone who recalls being a delegate at a corporate conference in the late seventies or sitting in a bland training room in the eighties, will probably remember being exposed to at least one of John Cleese’s Video Arts training films. Such videos were popular with audiences and managers. The material dealt with topics including sales, leadership, customer service and workplace skills.
- [Image Rights Explained: Entertainers &#038; Show Business](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/image-rights-showbusiness/): A very bitter John Cleese recently complained of an Australian theatre company who had a “shameless rip-off” of ‘Fawlty Towers’ using all the characters from the TV comedy in a show which has a residency in London and abroad. Although there still maybe a case of copyright infringement, Cleese may have been better off taking out image ‘rights’ on the characters. This would have involved some form of royalty for the artistes who played those TV characters but it certainly would have given him more protection than he seems to have at the moment.
- [Image Rights Explained: Sport Stars](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/image-rights-explained-sport/): So Manchester United finally got their man. Jose Mourinho becomes the clubs third manager since Alex Ferguson left at the end of 2013 season. Discussions to bring Mourinho to United took over three days, with his agent, Jorge Mendes, and United officials thrashing out a deal. So what was the hold up? The delay in negotiations was not over money or contract. It was image rights.
- [Donna Fraser: Never Caught Short](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/donna-fraser-never-caught-short/): Encouraged by her primary school teacher, Donna Fraser went on to have a successful Athletics career both on and off the track. She is currently the Vice President of British Athletics and involved in Breast cancer awareness with a number of leading charities.
- [Four Boxing Champs, A Drunk &#038; Packet Of Persil](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/four-boxing-champs-alan-minter-colin-mcmillan-charlie-magri-dave-boy-green/): Four former British World Champion Boxers Alan Minter, Colin McMillan, Charlie Magri and Dave Boy Green visited the Dagenham Roundhouse last Friday to talk about their successful careers as boxing champs, alongside some excellent entertainment.
- [Galton &#038; Simpson: Honoured by BAFTA &#8211; Finally!](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/galton-simpson-honored-by-bafta/): On May 8th 2016, comedy writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson were honoured with a BAFTA fellowship. The two were writing pioneers in the format of sit-com. Creating classics such as ‘Hancock&#039;s Half Hour’ and ‘Steptoe and Son’.
- [Leicester City Win Premiership: Foxes Out Run The Hounds](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/foxes-out-run-the-hounds/): Having watched football for nearly fifty years I can safely say Leicester City FC winning the Premiership title is the most extra ordinary upset I have ever observed. Until it actually happened nobody could really believe it. But it has. For once the Foxes have out run the hounds of Spurs, Arsenal, Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea all paying vast fortunes for their squads of players. Leicester started the campaign as 5,000-1 outsiders for the title after almost being relegated last season.
- [St George&#8217;s Day Charity Luncheon](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/st-georges-day-charity-lunch/): The St. George’s Day Charity Luncheon is fast becoming a must on the Brighton &amp; Hove social scene. The one day of the year where a touch of nationalism can be greeted and respected, without turning into a Nuremberg rally. Hence the need for typical British humour, with the ability to laugh at ourselves and an up lifting chorus of song to inspire. All this in conjunction with Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, celebrated with the customary toast in her honour.
- [Victoria Wood: True Talent Remembered](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/victoria-wood/): Victoria Wood was an excellent comedy performer and an even better writer. She showed in a man’s comedy world, true talent can rise to the top and entertain us all. Sarah Millican describing her as ‘A true comic icon’. Her death at the age of 62, says the Times, stunned her family and a &quot;nation of fans&quot;. Marcus Brigstocke commented ‘Victoria Wood was a truly brilliant &amp; funny writer &amp; a joyful, richly talented performer’.
- [Michael McIntyre&#8217;s Big Show](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/michael-mcintyres-big-show/): It’s good to see that Michael McIntyre&#039;s getting back to what he does best - stand up. In his new prime Saturday night BBC TV show, his opening monologue showed what a master he is at taking a comic idea and running with it, building through comparisons and observations from one very small idea. This time, his own children arguing amongst themselves to adults disagreeing about pressing a traffic light button. All comedic ally linked, with his physical facial features and voice impressions heavily supporting the material and in such a delivery we get far more than what is written. As the Telegraph observed ‘He’s like a Pied Piper doing waddly walks and silly voices, and he knows full well he’s got millions of viewers trooping along behind him’.
- [Antarctic Cricket: The Ice Man Cometh &#8211; Up To Bat Next](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/the-ice-man-cometh/): Former Royal Marine Commando Neil Laughton, described his day job as business consultant and training executive to over 200 cricket lovers; talking about Antarctic Cricket, Frost Bite and Coastguard Rescues when delivering an informative and interesting talk on his career adventures at Sussex County Cricket Club.
- [Blackadder Destroyed My Life!](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/blackadder/): The sit-com ‘Blackadder’ was one of the most loved and respected comedy series in the UK. But not by the former BBC’s chief medical officer whose life was made a complete misery – thanks to Blackadder.
- [When Andy Met A Beatle, A Bond Girl &#038; Dame Edna](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/when-andy-met-a-beatle-a-bond-girl-and-dame-edna/): Andy Cade (Art Director, Musician &amp; Lecturer) reminisces on working with Ringo, Barbara Bach, Dame Edna.
- [Ronnie Corbett: Comics Remember A Comedy Legend](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/ronnie-corbett/): Ronnie Corbett dies just weeks before he was to be knighted in the Queens’s 90th Birthday Honours list. He was given a CBE in 2012, Sir Bruce Forsyth said &quot;It&#039;s a very sad day, we&#039;re all going to miss him&quot;
- [Garry Shandling: Comedy Innovation Remembered](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/garry-shandling-innovation-remembered/): Garry Shandling was a comedy pioneer pushing sit-com a little further in a golden period in the early nineties. He was best remembered for ‘It’s Garry Shandling’s Show’ and ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ – both of which innovated the tone and direction that sitcoms might take. Ricky Gervais said of Shandling ‘one of the most influential comedians of a generation’.
- [Johan Cruyff: Final Turn Of A Master](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/johan-cruyff-final-turn-master/): Johan Cruyff was regarded as one the greatest players of all time, he won three consecutive European Cups (1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73) with Ajax and went on to play and manage Barcelona to their first European Cup triumph in 1992.
- [Angry John Cleese Might Sue Australian Theatre Company](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/angry-john-cleese-may-sue/): John Cleese says he may sue an Australian theatre company for its &quot;shameless rip-off&quot; of Fawlty Towers. The Australian company has been running their unofficial show at the Edinburgh Fringe for the last nine years, and currently has a residency at a London hotel, where tickets cost up to £59. Another version is to open at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival next week.
- [Top 10 Films About Comedy &#038; Show Business](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/top-10-films-about-comedy-show-business/): The below movies represent a personal choice of work (in no particular order) who have successfully communicated a realism about the comedy and show business profession. Having watched several films and stage plays on this industry. Few do the business justice. Here is my Top 10 Films about Comedy, Entertainment &amp; Show Business.
- [Paul Daniels: Disappears One Last Time](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/paul-daniels-sadly-disappears-tribute/): Paul Daniels was without doubt one of the most accomplished magicians in the world, and certainly one of the most exciting. Add to that a unique comedy patter and you had the complete entertainment performer.
- [TV Review: BBC Comedy Playhouse Returns](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/comedy-playhouse/): With the BBC recently announcing remakes of classic TV comedy shows such as ‘Steptoe and Son’ and ‘Till Death Us Do Part’, ‘Are You Being Served?’, ‘Porridge’, ‘Up Pompeii’, ‘The Good Life’ and ‘Keeping Up Appearances; including the re-development of the lost ‘Hancock Half Hour’ tapes, you wonder whether some top TV executive has fallen into their comedy Tardis and taken us back to the seventies, flared trousers intact. Comedy Playhouse to the rescue?
- [America’s Got Talent UK Winner Lives The Dream In Las Vegas](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/americas-got-talent-winner-lives-the-dream/): Paul Zerdin comic ventriloquist, winner of America’s got talent 2015, has signed for a long season at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas strip from April 30. His success after winning America’s Got Talent last year, has opened up so many wonderful opportunities for him.
- [Asphalt Engineering Company Case Study](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/asphalt-engineering-company-case-study/): The client was a highly successful Asphalt Engineering company supplying a unique web base flooring to support and make highways, pavements and airfields last longer.
- [Major Drinks Manufacturer Case Study](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/drinks-manufacturer-case-study/): The client was a major soft drinks manufacturer which was holding its annual conference.

## Pages
- [Hire Motivational Speaker](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-motivational-speaker/): Take a look at some of the motivational speakers for hire below, click on a profile to view more. Don’t forget that we are ready and waiting, to help you find the right public speaker for your event. So get in touch for your next great keynote speaker booking; using our online enquiry form, by email or over the phone on 0344 800 0058.
- [Hire Celebrity Chefs](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-guest-speaker/hire-celebrity-chefs/): Hire celebrity chefs and TV foodies for your event - Book any of these celebrity chefs for hire. Search and browse a wide range of famous chefs and foodies, available to hire from the UK restaurant circuit and international food scene. Select a profile to view more, then make contact to hire celebrity chef for your event.
- [Hire Impressionists](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-comedian/hire-impressionists/): Hire impressionists for your event - Book any of these impressionists for hire. Search and browse a wide range of famous comedy impressionists; available to hire from the UK comedy circuit and international comedy scene. Select a profile to view more, then make contact to hire impressionists for your event.
- [Hire Corporate Comedians](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-comedian/hire-corporate-comedians/): Hire corporate comedians and comedy acts for your business event - Book any of these corporate comedians for hire. Search and browse a wide range of famous comedians, available to hire from the UK comedy circuit and international comedy scene. Select a profile to view more, then make contact to hire comedians for your event.
- [Hire a Comedian](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-comedian/): Take a look at some of the comedy acts available for hire below; click on a profile to view more. We are ready and waiting to help you with finding the perfect comedian for your event. So get in touch using our online enquiry form, by email or over the phone on 03448000058; and hire a comedian for your event today.
- [Talent Supply &#038; Creative Services](https://comicus.co.uk/services/): From our huge database of talented entertainers, speakers, hosts and presenters; working with your budget and specific requirements, we help to find the right act for your event.
- [Comicus Case Studies](https://comicus.co.uk/about/case-studies/): Here are just a handful of case studies from the many projects in the Comicus portfolio. Asphalt Engineering Company Case Study Caprice Does The Business For Female Speakers! Frank Bruno: Knocks &#8216;Em Out! (Comicus in the Community) Major Drinks Manufacturer Case Study Private Charter Comedy Cruise Events Warwick Davis Working With Education (Comicus in the Community)
- [Hire a Host or Compere](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-host-compere/): Browse our wide choice of celebrity awards hosts, comperes and presenters; click on a profile to find out more and to book. Contact our helpful team for expert advice at any time; if you have any questions about how to hire a celebrity for an event.
- [Hire Magician](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-magician/): Take a look at some of the magic acts available for hire below, click on a profile to view more. Don’t forget that we are ready and waiting to help you source the right magician hire for your event. Get in touch using our online enquiry form, by email or over the phone on 0344 800 0058.
- [TV, Radio &#038; DVD](https://comicus.co.uk/services/tv-radio-dvd/): Comicus works as television booking agent for several performers. As well as a Development Producer to a multinational entertainment corporation identifying talent and projects to bring through to our screens.
- [Hire Sports Speaker](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-sports-speaker/): Take a look at some of the sports speakers available for hire below, click on a profile to view more. Don’t forget that we&#039;re ready and waiting to help you source the right sports personality for your event; so get in touch using our online enquiry form, by email or over the phone on 0344 800 0058.
- [Bands &#038; Dancers For Hire](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/music-dance/): Among the broad choice of famous bands, solo musicians, cover groups and dancers for hire; you can book any of the following for your event.
- [️Guest Speakers For Hire](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-guest-speaker/): Take a look at some of the guest speakers for hire below, click on a profile to view more. Don’t forget that we are ready and waiting, to help you find the right public speaker for your event. So get in touch for your next great keynote speaker booking; using our online enquiry form, by email or over the phone on 0344 800 0058.
- [Event Talent &#038; Entertainers](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/): Search and browse the huge choice of talented entertainers for hire; Pundits, Raconteurs, Musicians, Comedians, Magicians. People from TV, Film, Radio, Sport and Music - select a profile to view more. Make contact when you&#039;re ready to book talent for your event:
- [Theatre Production Services](https://comicus.co.uk/services/theatrical-services/): Comicus produce, direct and create original theatre and tour productions based around comedy. Sometimes theatrical, otherwise stand-up, always funny!
- [Cruises &#038; Resorts](https://comicus.co.uk/services/comedy-cruises-resorts/): Comicus was the first company to block book comedians from the national comedy club circuits, as cruise ship comedians. The expertise and knowledge of our company, carefully merged a new generation of artists into an established field of entertainment.
- [Brands Meet Comedy](https://comicus.co.uk/services/brands-meet-comedy/): The comedy entertainment marketplace offers an ideal way of promoting your brand; through a number of marketing initiatives such as product launches, sponsorship and awareness campaigns.
- [Corporate Event Speakers](https://comicus.co.uk/services/corporate-events/): Comicus specialises in arranging comedians, guest speakers, hosts and musicians for all corporate events. Whether it be for a business conference, awards ceremony or celebratory gala dinner, we have corporate event speakers to suit your needs.
- [About Comicus](https://comicus.co.uk/about/): Comicus Ltd is an entertainment and talent agency, producer and consultant service; providing comedy, speakers, live music, entertainment and creative services to the corporate market place.
- [Comicus Blog](https://comicus.co.uk/blog/)
- [Comicus](https://comicus.co.uk/): Comicus produce and arrange artistes, plus create and produce original scripts and events; as well as media projects for TV, Film &amp; Radio with various clients and performers.

## Products
- [Pete Graves](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/pete-graves/): Pete Graves is a well-known British television presenter and events host. As well as a TV &amp; Radio sports presenter, Pete has made his name as an excellent compere &amp; host on the after-dinner speaking circuit &amp; at corporate events, working with many of the sports personalities he’s frequently interviewed and work within the media.
- [Mark Pougatch](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-pougatch/): Mark Pougatch is ITV’s lead football anchor, presenting live England matches and the Champions League. He combines this role with being BBC Radio 5 Live’s main sports anchor, having presented their flagship Saturday afternoon show, 5 Live Sport and Sports Report, since 2000. He also presents his own show Football Today on Monday and Thursday on PLTV (Premier League Television) as well as live matches on a Monday evening. PLTV has a huge worldwide audience. Mark also hosts Channel 5’s live boxing programmes.
- [Michelle Collins](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michelle-collins/): Michelle Collins is a British actress. She is known for her role as Cindy Beale in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (1988–1990, 1992–1998, 2023–present), as well as appearing as Stella Price in ITV&#039;s Coronation Street (2011–2014). Her other notable television roles include the BBC dramas Real Women (1998–1999), Sunburn (1999–2000) and Two Thousand Acres of Sky (2001–2003). Outside of her acting work, Michelle is a fine speaker and Awards Host.
- [Maryam d&#8217;Abo](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/maryam-dabo/): Hire Maryam d&#039;Abo Maryam d’Abo is best known for her role as Bond girl Kara Milovy in the 1987 James Bond film ‘The Living Daylights.’ She went on to appear in major film &amp; TV productions all over the world. Spending time in Hollywood. She is an Author, speaker &amp; film-maker.
- [David Mitchell](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/david-mitchell/): Famed for the award-winning Peep Show, David Mitchell is an actor, stand-up comic, and writer, a true pioneer of incredible British talent. David comprises half of the comedy duo Mitchell and Webb, a hilarious pair known for their sharp writing and witty sketches. A regular on the comedy show circuit David a brilliant after-dinner entertainer and awards show host.
- [Amy Dowden](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/amy-dowden/): Hire Amy Dowden The star of &#039;Strictly Come Dancing&#039;, Amy Dowden started her dancing at the age of 8 but it wasn’t until after completing her A-levels that she committed to it full-time, making her rapid rise in the rankings all the more remarkable, competing against much more experienced couples. For eight years, her path to success was also blighted by misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis of a debilitating stomach complaint, which left her hospitalised at least once a month, meaning she missed out on training, key competitions and many milestones of teenage life.
- [Steve Walls](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-walls/): Steve Walls is now widely regarded as the UK&#039;s leading compere. As well as hosting at many major black tie corporate events, summer balls and sporting occasions such as the Champions League Final, he has hosted such diverse things as fashion shows, product launches, open air festivals, community events, remembrance day parades, sportsman&#039;s dinners, right through to a Quiz evenings
- [Jimmy McGhie](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jimmy-mcghie/): Jimmy McGhie is a highly regarded stand-up comedian. He has consistently captivated audiences at the forefront of the UK circuit. A finalist in prestigious comedy competitions, including the BBC New Talent Awards, he quickly became a standout at the Edinburgh Fringe, setting the stage for an illustrious career.
- [Tom Ward](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tom-ward/): Tom Ward is an award-winning standup. His stories and observations, combining a sense of the whimsical with the deadpan, have made him a hit on the live circuit, including for his acclaimed Edinburgh show Anthem.
- [Steve Hughes](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-hughes/): Book Steve Hughes Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of unfiltered humour with the Australian Comedy Legend, Steve Hughes. Known for his no-holds-barred approach to comedy, Steve is hitting the road again in 2024 with ‘Back To The Front’’ He brings his raw and unapologetic humour to the UK &amp; Ireland. With a career spanning over two decades, Steve Hughes has left audiences in stitches worldwide. From his unforgettable performances at prestigious comedy festivals to his appearances on popular TV shows, Steve&#039;s comedic genius is undoubted. His sharp wit and fearless commentary on modern life will have you thinking and laughing until your sides hurt at the same time.
- [Peter Hancock](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/peter-hancock/): Book Peter Hancock In 2000 Peter Hancock became Chief Executive of Pride of Britain Hotels, a marketing collection representing 50 of the UK’s top independent hotels. He started his career as a waiter and has now spent 40 years in the hospitality business. Prior to taking over at Pride of Britain he was Group Publishing Director at Johansens. In 2019 he was awarded “Outstanding Contribution to the Industry” by the Institute of Hospitality, five years after becoming a Master Innholder and a Freeman of the City of London. He also writes regular columns in trade magazines including The Caterer. In 2016 Peter had the honour of introducing Her Majesty The Queen at the Gold Service Scholarship awards in his capacity as MC. Peter is currently Ambassador for James Hallam Insurance, Independent Hotel Show and Gold Service Scholarship. In 2023 he was appointed Chair of the Quality Advisory Board for VisitEngland and the AA.
- [Sherrie Hewson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sherrie-hewson/): Sherrie is a much-loved actor, broadcaster, TV personality and novelist and is true TV gold and a legend in every sense of the word. Having had starring roles in Crossroads, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, many more Sherrie became the popular hotel manageress Joyce Temple-Savage in the two times National Television Awards winning series BENIDORM.
- [Alan Wright](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alan-wright/): Alan Wright BBC Presenter and After Dinner Speaker. Alan was an award-winning BBC Radio and TV presenter for over 25 years and, today, has built a national reputation for his work on media training and consultancy with many large UK companies and major public bodies including the UK Fire Service and the National Health Service. He is particularly proud of working on media training with the Bank of England
- [Bob Cryer](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/bob-cryer/): Bob grew up in North London, the son of writer and comedian Barry Cryer and singer Terry Donovan. He studied English &amp; Theatre at Warwick University before training as an actor at LAMDA. Bob went on to create his own career as an Actor, Writer &amp; Author. He is a highly respected after dinner speaker.
- [Prakash Jirjadhun](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/prakash-jirjadhun/): Prakash Jirjadhun, the bold and boisterous comedian who has been leaving audiences in stitches at comedy clubs and bars across the dynamic landscapes all over the UK. With a comedic style that is unapologetically blunt and over-the-top. Prakash fearlessly navigates the realms of humour, daring to push boundaries and challenge norms.
- [Darius Davies](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/darius-davies/): Darius is a seasoned performer first cutting his teeth in 2007 in the comedy clubs of New York city. Success quickly followed as Darius won an MTV New Talent contest, opening the door for Darius to strut his stuff on MTV America. Alas due to “visa irregularities” Darius came back to London, where his own brand of comedy was equally celebrated.
- [Steve Rimmer](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-rimmer/): Steve Rimmer is a Comedian from Hull who is a regular on the UK comedy club circuit. He started working the clubs in January 2011. He is believed to be the UK’s only working Bomb Disposal Engineer comedian. With his job he gets to travel the length and breadth of the country gigging whenever possible. His comedy style is suited to any part of a comedy night whether its opening, middle or closing, Steve has high energy and a cheeky charm, with a humor that has been compared to Keith Lemon.
- [Christopher Biggins](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/christopher-biggins/): Christopher Biggins is a well-known British actor and television presenter with a career spanning over five decades. He works as an Actor, Celebrity &amp; TV Personality, After Dinner Speaker and Event Host &amp; Auctioneer. His TV shows include Porridge, I Claudius and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads. Renowned for his engaging and charismatic speaking style, Christopher’s reputation as a great speaker stems from his ability to captivate audiences with his humour, warmth, and extensive experience in the entertainment industry.
- [Ross Kemp](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ross-kemp/): Ross Kemp is a BAFTA award-winning documentary maker, actor and author, who rose to prominence in the BBC1 soap EastEnders (1985-). Since 2006, he has received international recognition for his award-winning and hard-hitting documentaries.
- [Ahir Shah](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ahir-shah/): Double Edinburgh Comedy Award ‘Best Show’ nominee Ahir Shah is one of the fastest-rising comedians of his generation. Shah’s sharp, intellectual brand of stand-up features a blend of philosophical inquiry, political vigour, and sweet gags.
- [Craig Phillips](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/craig-phillips/): Craig Phillips is a British reality star and television presenter who first rocketed to fame in 2000 as a much loved contestant of Channel’s 4’s first season of the ground-breaking series Big Brother; Phillips, who prior to entering the Big Brother house had been a bricklayer, qualified builder and established a successful construction business, has since made a name for himself as a reputable TV personality, after dinner speaker, DIY expert and charitable ambassador.
- [Su Pollard](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/su-pollard/): Su Pollard is one of this countries’ National treasures with her career has spanning 50 years. She is most famous for her role in the sitcom Hi-de-Hi! She also appeared in You Rang, M’Lord? and Oh, Doctor Beeching! Su has appeared in over 35 stage plays and musicals, as well as over 40 pantomimes.
- [Martin Roberts](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/martin-roberts/): Martin Roberts in one of the UK’s more respected Property, Travel and Lifestyle TV presenters and journalists. For over 16 years he has presented the popular weekday property auction show “Homes under the Hammer” on BBC1, now in its 23rd series. He has also regularly appeared on BBC Radio, ITV, CNN and Sky.
- [Philippa Forrester](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/philippa-forrester/): Philippa Forrester is a highly experienced presenter and broadcastor. Charismatic, intelligent and dynamic, Philippa brings a fresh touch to all her work. Philippa has years of experience on live TV for the BBC as a household name. Alongside that has run a passion for the natural world and a life long interest in conservation and sustainability.
- [Kate Bottley](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kate-bottley/): Kate presents BBC Radio 2’s weekly show, Good Morning Sunday. She’s a frequently contributes to BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought and Songs of Praise (BBC 1).
- [Ian Holloway](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ian-holloway/): Ian ‘Ollie’ Holloway is an incredibly popular figure that is held in the highest regard in the footballing world. He is a former professional footballer and highly successful manager. Recognised as one of the most admired media personalities and television pundits today. Ian has experienced football as a player and coach, with particular success at Blackpool FC &amp; Crystal Palace where he guided both clubs to the Premier League. As a player he was Bristol Rovers legend Holloway made almost 400 appearances for the club in addition to representing Queens Park Rangers on over 100 occasions
- [Brendan Dempsey](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/brendan-dempsey/): Brendan Dempsey is a talented stand up and actor who has worked all over the world in comedy clubs, theatres, resorts as well as TV &amp; film.
- [Robin Cousins](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/robin-cousins/): Robin won the World Free Skating Championship Gold Medal three times (78,79,80) along with World Championship Silver (79,80) but won European Championship Gold and the Olympic Gold Medal for Men’s Figure Skating in Lake Placid in 1980. That year, Robin was awarded the M.B.E. by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace for his services to sport. He has worked as a performer in the West-End and is a recognised corporate speaker.
- [Ronnie O’Sullivan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ronnie-osullivan/): Ronnie O’Sullivan is a seven times World Champion snooker player. He has won 41 ranking titles, including 8 UK Championships, 3 minor ranking titles and 26 invitational professional tournaments, among them 8 Masters titles. He is considered by many who play &amp; report on the game to be the greatest snooker player in the open era.
- [Jamie Carragher](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jamie-carragher/): Jamie Carragher is a former English footballer who played as a defender for Premier League club, Liverpool for an impressive seventeen years. Currently a main soccer pundit on Sky Sports, Carragher was Liverpool&#039;s vice-captain for ten years and is the club&#039;s second-longest ever serving player. Making his 737th appearance for Liverpool in all competitions in May of 2013. Additionally, Carragher also holds the record for the most appearances in European competition for Liverpool with 150 appearances. Carragher grew up as an Everton football fan before deciding to for arch-rivals, Liverpool.
- [Sue Smith](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sue-smith/): A former international footballer Sue Smith has established herself as one of the countries leading female soccer pundits. Sue has been a regular on Soccer Saturday and others for many years. She combines her considerable work for Sky with appearances for Premier League Productions and the BBC, where she is a much admired co-commentator.
- [Matt Le Tissier](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/matt-le-tissier/): Matt Le Tissier was a footballing legend for Southampton &amp; England. He was regarded as one of the most talented football players in the Premier League. After retiring he became a football pundit. Becoming a regular on Sky’s Soccer Saturday and prized football after-dinner speaker with many amusing and insightful anecdotes. Le Tissier has established himself as one of the most instantly recognisable figures within sport. Matt signed for Southampton FC in 1986 and stayed there for 16 years – the entirety of his career. He scored 209 goals in 540 appearances for the club and was the first midfielder to score 100 goals in the English Premier League. Matt also earned 8 caps for England from 1995 to 1998, retiring in 2002. In 2020, he was the winner of a Eurosport poll which named him the Greatest Premier League Player Ever.
- [Mark Nicholas](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-nicholas/): Mark Nicholas is a former professional cricketer who now works as an accomplished broadcaster. He is best known for his work for Sky Sports and Channel 4. One of the most knowledgeable cricket personalities in the country. This former Hampshire captain is also one of the most popular cricket after-dinner speakers around. Often found at corporate venues across the country. Mark always goes down a treat due to his unrivalled expertise and career in the sport.
- [Danny Murphy](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/danny-murphy/): A former Liverpool, Tottenham and England midfielder, Danny Murphy played over 700 professional matches as a footballer. Now, he works as a regular pundit and analyst for BBC Sport, appearing regularly on Match of the Day. He is also a constant voice on Talksport radio where his views are passionately and intelligently delivered. Alongside his broadcasting career, he also works as one of the most popular football speakers around, travelling across the country to give inspirational and engaging talks to audiences.
- [Mike Tindall](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mike-tindall/): An English Rugby legend and after dinner speaker, Mike Tindall, was at the forefront of both domestic and international throughout the entire length of his career. Joining Bath straight from school aged 18 in 1997, Mike enjoyed seventeen years in the sport, making over 250 premiership appearances as well as 75 caps for his country. An inspiring and captivating rugby speaker, Mike has a lot of lessons to give to business and social environments alike from teamwork to maximising success.
- [Sarah Hunter](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sarah-hunter/): Inspirational speaker, Award-winning rugby player and former Women’s England Rugby Captain. Sarah Hunter MBE is an award-winning rugby player, former Captain of the England Women&#039;s Rugby Team and popular rugby speaker. Winner of the 2016 World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year. At the 2021 Women&#039;s Rugby World Cup Hunter received her 138th international cap making her the most-capped England Women’s player of all time. She has proved herself to be a truly influential figure within the sport, representative of female empowerment. The Red Roses success has been credited to Sarah&#039;s determination, mental resilience and ability to produce high-performance teams - topics which she explores in-depth as a rugby speaker.
- [Mark Crossley](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-crossley/): Former international football player and current goalkeeping coach, Mark Crossley has played for a variety of England’s top-flight teams including Nottingham Forest and Manchester United. At Nottingham Forest he played under legendary manager Brian Clough who he frequently talks about in his after dinners. Mark made eight appearances for the Welsh national team where he displayed his incredible skill and ability as a goalkeeper to the entire world. Having also ventured into a managing career, Crossley has what it takes to deliver speeches surrounding leadership, effective teamwork skills and achieving peak performance.
- [Steve Bruce](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-bruce/): Steve Bruce has been involved in football for over 40 years as player &amp; manager. He has enjoyed success on the field as both a player for Man Utd and a manager for various top clubs. Bruce was synonymous with launching Manchester United into an era of relentless achievement. His playing career spun over 20 years and he played for some of the biggest sides in England. Steve has managed ten clubs (Wigan twice), five of them on the top flight, and won promotion to the Premier League four times.
- [Monty Panesar](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/monty-panesar/): Cricket Legend Monty Panesar is an English cricket player known for being one of the greatest spin bowlers in England. A personality who is renowned for his performances on and off the field. Monty&#039;s impressive career has spanned over many years and has seen him play in several International games. Monty played his first Test Match in 2006 against India and since then became a national sporting sensation due to his cricketing exploits and entertaining antics. An incredibly high profile cricketer who has often been at the centre of media coverage, Monty Panesar has also worked extensively as a cricket speaker and coach across.
- [Claire Williams](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/claire-williams/): Motivational speaker, Claire Williams OBE, led the Williams Formula 1 motor racing team until 2020, in which role she was one of only two women to head a Formula 1 team in the modern era. Under her leadership, Williams ﬁnished 3rd in the World Championship for Constructors in 2014 and 2015, the team’s best performance since 2003. Claire Williams&#039; late father, Sir Frank Williams, was the founder of the Williams Grand Prix Engineering F1 team, winning nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships.
- [Matthew Upson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/matthew-upson/): Matthew Upson is a former Premier League and England International Footballer and a motivational speaker on self determination, leadership and teamwork. Matthew is a former England footballer who represented his country at the 2010 World Cup and who played for Arsenal, West Ham, Birmingham, Brighton and Stoke.
- [Dame Katherine Grainger](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dame-katherine-grainger/): One of London 2012’s shining stars, inspirational rower and motivational speaker, Dame Katherine Grainger DBE is Britain&#039;s most decorated female Olympian, winning medals at five consecutive Olympic Games. Adept in facing adversity and unimaginable challenges Katherine’s momentous success story speaks to all audiences on the rewards of fierce determination. The world champion offers insights into leadership, teamwork and the key to success.
- [Stuart Broad](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/stuart-broad/): Stuart Broad is a former English cricketer who played Test cricket for the England and was One Day and Twenty20 International captain. A member of the England team that won the 2010 ICC World Twenty20, Stuart Broad is regarded as one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time.
- [Eric Knowles](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/eric-knowles/): Antiques expert Eric Knowles is a leading authority in ceramics and is known more widely for his many television appearances and media profile. Eric Knowles has been a familiar face on television screens for over two decades, on shows such as Antiques Roadshow, Antiques Master and Bargain Hunt.
- [Mark Ramprakash](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-ramprakash/): Mark Ramprakash is a former English cricketer and coach for Middlesex, Surrey &amp; England. He is among only 25 players in the game to have scored 100 first-class centuries. Ramprakash is arguably the most talented batsman English cricket has ever seen, and one of the most prolific scorers ever in domestic cricket. It remains a mystery to many as to why he was unable to transfer his wonderful ability onto the International stage. Mark Ramprakash came to national prominence winning ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, with dancing partner Karen Hardy, receiving the maximum score from the judges.
- [Rory Stewart](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rory-stewart/): A British politician, historian and adventurer, Rory Stewart OBE has a deep knowledge of history, a clear-sighted vision for the future of global security, and unparalleled experience of some of the world’s toughest war zones. As such, Rory has led a fascinatingly broad life of public service. Rory Stewart is also founder and CEO of the non-profit organisation Turquoise Mountain Foundation, and is one of Harvard University’s youngest ever professors. Rory has received a number of awards and honorary degrees, including the Livingstone Gold medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the Royal Society of Literature. &quot;Official portrait of Rory Stewart&quot; by Chris McAndrew / CC BY 3.0 (cropped from original)
- [Martin Bayfield](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/martin-bayfield/): Martin Bayfield is a TV Presenter and former England International Rugby Player. Between 1985 and 1989 Martin served with the Metropolitan Police before transferring to Bedfordshire Police, where he juggled playing rugby and serving in the forces. Martin made the transition into his full time rugby career in 1990. At 6’10″ Martin Bayfield was one of the tallest rugby players of his generation, which he used to his full advantage as one of England’s forwards.
- [Rob Rinder](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rob-rinder/): Rob Rinder is a barrister turned writer and broadcaster. Alongside a legal practice specialising in financial crime, Rob works in the media to make the law more accessible and understandable to the public, and starred in his own reality court show Judge Rinder. Rob Rinder co-hosts Amazing Hotels, Life Beyond The Lobby and is a regular co-host on Good Morning Britain.
- [John Amaechi](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-amaechi/): Organisational and performance consultant, psychologist, social entrepreneur, best-selling author and the first openly gay player in the NBA. As John Amaechi says himself ‘I would be upset if you could define me’, yet this is exactly what gives him his strength and incredible presence on stage. Drawing from all areas of life and experience he delivers strongly motivational messages on the themes of self-identity and communication, and the impact they have on leadership, culture and performance.
- [Kate Richardson-Walsh](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kate-richardson-walsh/): Kate Richardson-Walsh, Captain of GB and England Women’s Hockey, Olympic Gold Medallist. She is the most capped female hockey player in her country&#039;s history. Kate was captain of GB women’s hockey teams for 13 years. An inspirational and charismatic leader she has been widely credited for helping build the incredible team ethos and commitment that drove the GB team to a nail biting victory at the Rio Olympic Games 2016. Kate also had the honour of being the flag bearer for Team GB at the Rio Olympics closing ceremony
- [Jason Patterson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jason-patterson/): Winner of the Loaded Laftas Rising Star Award, Jason Patterson is a versatile and engaging stand up comedian. He has performed at comedy clubs all over the UK and his strong, live performances led to him being nominated for Best Newcomer at the Black Entertainment Comedy Awards. His material covers a range of topics, from celebrities and relationships to gang culture and his parents’ Saint Vincent heritage. Internationally, he has performed across North America, Europe and the Middle East and has had TV appearances on BBC Three and MTV.
- [Karen Bayley](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/karen-bayley/): Karen Bayley is an award-winning comedian, widely known for being the first-ever female winner of The Comedy Store King Gong. Entertaining audiences with her saucy, friendly and confident stage presence, Karen is a revered comedian who infects audiences with giggles. A favourite and regular face across the comedy circuit, Karen is a fantastic choice to book as a comedian for your next event, guaranteed to have comedy enthusiasts speaking about your event for months to come.
- [Chris Clarkson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chris-clarkson/): Chris Clarkson has been presenting live events since 2005. He hosts conferences, awards nights, fashion shows, galas, and trade shows. He creates recorded media such as e-learning, training, product launches, commercials and virals, plus he has also had a stint on live TV as a regular guest host on The One Show (BBC).
- [Charles Nove](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/charles-nove/): The voice of Charles Nove is familiar throughout the UK, thanks to decades of being on Radio and Television programmes and commercials. He is a well known live presenter &amp; host at corporate events up and down the country.
- [Gareth Chilcott](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gareth-chilcott/): England International&#039;s Gareth Chilcott is one of the most unforgettable and charismatic characters in modern rugby. During a seventeen year career with Bath, England and the British Lions, Gareth Chilcott’s robustness on the field inspired such affectionate nicknames as Sledgehammer, The Mad Axeman, Sumo and The Terminator (and these were coined by his teammates!)
- [Sam Harland](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sam-harland/): Sam Harland’s unique, observational humour, is drawn from his working class roots. He is able to engage his audience in a warm, quick-witted and friendly manner. Sam’s material is self-deprecating, ironic and honest, particularly in relation to his colourful past escapades.
- [Rory O&#8217;Hanlon](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rory-ohanlon/): Rory O&#039;Hanlon is a London based Irish comedian who first started performing stand up in 2005. In this period of time he has performed at all the major comedy venues and been a constant corporate Awards Host and performer at many corporate events. The future looks bright for this likeable Dubliner.
- [Justin Panks](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/justin-panks/): Book Justin Panks Unapologetically fearless, Justin Panks delivers unexpected punchlines as he wades into the underbelly of everyday life, surprising, shocking and delighting audiences with his well crafted jokes disguised as anecdotes and providing the audiences with laugh after laugh.
- [Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tanni-grey-thompson-dbe/): Book Tanni Grey-Thompson Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is Britain’s greatest Paralympic athlete. She competed in five Paralympic Games, winning 11 Gold Medals, and is acknowledged as one of the most gifted and courageous sportswomen of her generation. In addition to her outstanding Paralympic achievements, she won the London Wheelchair Marathon a total of six times between 1992 and 2002.
- [Andrew Bird](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/andrew-bird/): Andrew Bird is a headline act who has performed all over the world, and one of only seven comedians to perform for Banksy at Dismaland. Andrew has been tour support for Rhod Gilbert, Rob Brydon and Michael McIntyre at venues including Wembley and the O2. He has a reputation for reliably strong performances at all the major UK comedy clubs, including The Comedy Store.
- [Jarred Christmas](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jarred-christmas/): New Zealand sensation Jarred Christmas is one of the most innovative and exciting stand-up comedians on the UK circuit. A sought-after headliner famed for his quick-witted spontaneity, masterful skills of improvisation and energetic storytelling, Jarred is a regular at the Edinburgh Festival, as well as comedy clubs and international festivals around the globe. He is a regular team member at The Comedy Store’s weekly topical show The Cutting Edge and was named Best Compere at the 2016 Chortle Awards, scooping the title for the second time.
- [William Stone](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/william-stone/): Book William Stone William Stone is a stand-up, comic actor and writer. Hailing from a nondescript northern working-class market town, William&#039;s whimsical one-liners won him a spot in the 2018 BBC New Comedy Award final, the Leicester Square New Act of the Year Competition final and the 2Northdown New Act of the year final 2020. He has gone on to establish himself as a leading comic on the comedy club circuit.
- [Mike Gatting](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mike-gatting/): Mike Gatting OBE is a former English cricketer who played First-Class cricket for Middlesex Cricket Club and captained the England national team. In a career that spanned over two decades. Gatting played first-class cricket for 23 years. Representing England for 18 of them. As well as holding the Captaincy for twenty-three Test matches between 1986 and 1988. The former England Cricket Captain turned Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships at the England and Wales cricket Board  (ECB). Mike Gatting OBE continues to enjoy a career within cricket following his retirement. He is currently on the board with the ECB,Gatting. And is continually involved within the top level of the sport that he has spent his life competing at. Having experienced an extended period within the set-up. Mike is the ideal candidate to fulfil after dinner speaking roles proving to be an exceptional cricket speaker.
- [Lucy Worsley](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lucy-worsley/): Book Lucy Worsley Lucy Worsley PhD is a TV Presenter and Broadcaster whose gained a reputation for her Historical documentaries and factual series on the BBC. She is Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces. The charity that manages the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House in Whitehall, and Kew Palace in England.
- [Alan Smith](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alan-smith/): Alan Smith is a former Arsenal, Leicester City and England striker who scored over 200 career goals. He won every domestic honour with Arsenal and scored the winner in their UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup victory. He was the club’s top scorer in four seasons. After retiring Alan has carved out a career in the media as a co-commentator and pundit for Sky Sports. Alan was used as a commentator for eight editions of EA Sports’ FIFA. Available as a speaker. He brings an insight into what it takes to be both a player and commentator at the highest level.
- [Eric Cantona](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/eric-cantona/): Eric Cantona is a global icon in the sporting world. He is an individual of many talents. Formerly a professional footballer that played for French teams such as Auxerre, Martigues, Marseille, Bordeaux, Montpellier and Nîmes. Before making his name internationally at Leeds United and Manchester United. Eric is also known for being a beloved French actor.
- [Jim White](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jim-white/): Jim White has been a celebrated football pundit and senior presenter on both Talksport and Sky Sports News. His fast paced interviewing and tough interviewing have gained him many fans. The prolific broadcaster and journalist is in a league of his own as he keeps football fans in the know and weaves humour into his hard-hitting presenting style. Jim is a popular awards host and after dinner speaker.
- [Ray Stubbs](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ray-stubbs/): Ray Stubbs is an sports broadcaster and former footballer. He worked as a presenter for the BBC, ESPN and BT Sport. He now works for Talksport radio.Ray has covered the World Cup Finals and all the biggest domestic action for the BBC and continues to report the latest developments in the game for BT Sports. he is an excellent corporate speaker &amp; host.
- [Paul Stevens](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-stevens/): World&#039;s Longest Serving PGA Tour Caddie Paul is a highly successful former caddie to the golfing stars, as well as singer and popular after-dinner speaker at corporate golfing functions.
- [Chris Lewis](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chris-lewis/): Chris Lewis is a former England cricketer who played for Nottinghamshire, Surrey and Leicestershire in the 1990s. He played in 32 Test matches and 53 One Day Internationals for England between 1990 and 1998. He was a talented all-round player, sometimes better known for his off field antics than his ability on a cricket pitch!
- [Mike Read](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mike-read/): Mike Read has been a household name in Britain for over twenty-five years. Mike has been voted National Broadcaster of the Year ten times and has made history by being the only person to have presented the breakfast show on three national radio stations.
- [Alan Dedicoat](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alan-dedicoat/): The ‘Voice of the Balls’ and also presides over BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing &amp; America’s Dancing with the Stars. Alan Dedicoat is known to millions of viewers as &#039;The Voice of the Balls&#039;, providing instant commentary for the National Lottery Draw. He is also the voice of Strictly Come Dancing and for many years joined in the banter with Terry Wogan on his Radio 2 breakfast show.
- [Ben Fogle](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ben-fogle/): Ben Fogle is an award winning broadcaster, traveller and adventurer. He has rowed the Atlantic Ocean, crossed Antarctica on foot, run across the Sahara, and crossed the Empty Quarter on camel. He is the United Nations Patron of the Wilderness. He is also an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, Centrepoint and the Princes Trust. With an inventory of incredible achievements, Ben makes an inspiring, experienced and knowledgeable awards host and keynote speaker.
- [Clive Myrie](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/clive-myrie/): Clive Myrie is a multi-award winning journalist, one of the BBC&#039;s most experienced foreign correspondents and a recognised face as a BBC News presenter. In 2021 he took over as Host of the BBC series, Mastermind.
- [Derek Redmond](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/derek-redmond/): Retired British athlete and gold medal Olympian Derek Redmond knows what it takes to be a world champion. An expert in overcoming adversity and reaching his peak performance, Derek is a motivational speaker of the highest quality. He is also a specialist in teaching his audiences to set goals and build towards them, alongside the benefits of teamwork and applying yourself to the task.
- [Linford Christie](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/linford-christie/): Linford Christie is one of the UK&#039;s most famous athletes. He is the only British man to have won gold medals in the 100 metres at all four major competitions open to British athletes: the Olympic Games, the World Championships, the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games. Undoubtedly Europe’s greatest ever 100m sprinter. In an International career spanning seventeen years, Linford competed over 60 times for his country and won 23 major championship medals, more than any other British sprinter.
- [James Cracknell](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/james-cracknell/): James Cracknell OBE, an inspiring sportsman, athlete and adventurer. The nation’s most fearless, inspiring and adventurous sportsmen. Since retiring from competitive rowing in 2006, James Cracknell has continued to be a household name, carrying out dangerous and gruelling challenges for the BBC and Discovery. He has also used his passion for adventure and fitness to front successful campaigns to get the nation moving. And, has provided commentary for several high-profile sporting events.
- [Martin Keown](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/martin-keown/): Former Arsenal and England footballer Martin Keown, is now a well-known face on our TV football screens. Appearing regularly as a TV pundit on several channels sharing his insight on the day’s games. He has also been called on to comment on various Champions League matches.
- [Gail Porter](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gail-porter/): Gail Porter is one of the UK’s best loved presenters and television personalities. She’s been a regular panellist, presenter and narrator on our screens for years. Gail juggles her presenting &amp; hosting work number with other obligations, including regularly performing stand up comedy around the country. Gail has had her challenges. While enjoying a successful career as a television presenter, personality and model. She suffered from self-doubt, anxiety, depression and anorexia. As well as experiencing post-natal depression, alopecia, self-harm, divorce and homelessness.
- [Judi Love](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/judi-love/): One of British comedy’s most exuberant talents. Judi resonates effortlessly with her audience. A brilliantly engaging comic on stage. Judi takes everyday relatable situations that resonate with audiences and brings them to life in hilarious routines. Her motto “laughter is healing”, encapsulates both her philosophy of life and her approach to attacking subjects at a ticklish tangent
- [Ken Bruce](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ken-bruce/): Ken Bruce, who presented the hugely popular mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2 was born in Glasgow. He began his broadcasting career with the Hospital Broadcasting Service in Glasgow and went on to become a staff announcer for BBC Scotland. This led to his own daily afternoon show and involvement in a wide range of current affairs programmes, concerts and commercial voice-overs.
- [John Inverdale](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-inverdale/): John Inverdale has been one of the most well-known broadcasters in Britain for almost 40 years. He works for both the BBC and ITV. During his radio career, he has presented coverage of many major sporting events including the Olympic Games, Wimbledon, the Grand National and the FIFA World Cup. John celebrated four decades as part of the BBC Wimbledon commentary team. He is one of Britain&#039;s foremost sports presenters.
- [Karen Carney](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/karen-carney/): Karen Carney is a former footballer. Who now is the lead female analyst and pundit for both men&#039;s and women&#039;s football on Sky Sports. She has fronted the sport for ITV. Recently seen fronting the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar – the BBC, CBS and BT Sport.  Karen is one of the greatest English footballers in the history of the women’s game.  She has gone from midfield maestro to commanding centre stage on the after-dinner circuit. Winning countless medals for both club and country. Karen, who played a staggering 144 times for England, is now one of the most recognisable football speakers in the industry. &quot;Karen Carney&quot; by James Boyes / CC BY 2.0 (cropped from original)
- [Sarina Wiegman](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sarina-wiegman/): Sarina Wiegman has become an admired Women&#039;s Football Manager. After leading the England Lionesses to victory in the UEFA Women&#039;s Euro 2022 Final, with a 2–1 victory against Germany at Wembley Stadium. A former footballer. She retired from her footballing career in 2003. Sarina focused on managing other football teams. Including the Dutch and English women’s teams. She is now looking to speak about her journey throughout the Football Industry as a woman and when booked, she will share her knowledge and experiences with the audience. &nbsp;
- [Paul Barber](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-barber/): Paul Barber joined the board of Brighton &amp; Hove Albion FC as the club’s Chief Executive in June 2012. He was promoted to Deputy Chairman in November 2018. Paul joined the club from Vancouver Whitecaps, the MLS club. Having previously held senior positions at both Tottenham Hotspur and The Football Association.
- [Rachel Daly](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rachel-daly/): England Lioness, Houston Dash Forward &amp; Euro 2022 Winner Rachel Daly is best known as a forward for the England National Team. Alongside playing for the Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League. She has had extensive success individually at Houston Dash earning a number of individual honours.
- [Graeme Le Saux](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/graeme-le-saux/): British former footballer turned popular pundit, Graeme Le Saux made a name for himself as part of the most successful Premier League team of the 1990’s. Named as part of the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Team of the Year whilst at Chelsea and later again at Blackburn, Graeme proved a skilled and dominant player in his day, which led him to be equally revered in his secondary career as a commentator and football speaker. At events, Graeme shares an entertaining, often humorous, talk with audiences about the three decades he’s spent at the forefront of the game.
- [Monty Don](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/monty-don/): Monty Don is the UK’s leading horticulturalist, after taking over the mantle from Alan Titchmarsh as presenter of Gardener’s World. He&#039;s a garden writer, broadcaster and household name. Monty&#039;s horticultural knowledge is revered and called upon for live events and TV commentary. A charismatic keynote speaker and awards host, Monty made his name from presenting various Channel 4 gardening programmes, BBC’s Gardeners World, and host of travel programmes.
- [Will Greenwood](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/will-greenwood/): World-class rugby professional turned into leading sports commentator, Will Greenwood is a rugby analyst of the highest calibre. His background in business means he can couple his sporting experience with corporate professionalism. Meaning he is perfect for a corporate audience. Will&#039;s witty delivery and wealth of sporting anecdotes makes him an ideal choice for all manner of events.
- [Nick Ferrari](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nick-ferrari/): Nick Ferrari is the presenter of LBC’s ‘Breakfast Show’, weekdays from 7am to 10am. His show is a unique mix of the day’s top news stories, regular guests and live callers with campaigns on behalf of Londoners. Any major news story from the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana to the present day. Nick Ferrari has been involved in covering it for either print or radio. With an impressive media career spanning TV, radio and press, Nick Ferrari is a fountain of tabloid stories and hosts his own daily radio talk show on LBC 97.3. He makes an entertaining and hilarious after dinner speaker, or host suitable for corporate events.
- [Ally McCoist](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ally-mccoist/): Ally McCoist is a Scottish former Footballer and Glasgow Rangers legend. He is one of the greatest ever goal scorers in Rangers history. He also earned 61 caps and scored 19 goals for his country. His most notable recognition is his stunning strike that defeated Switzerland during the 1996 Euros. Ally is now recognised for his media and punditry work on various Sports &amp; TV shows. His iconic career has earned him an MBE for his services to Football.
- [Jill Scott](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jill-scott/): Former England international Jill Scott had an illustrious eighteen year playing career with Manchester City, Everton, Sunderland, and Aston Villa. She won Euro 2022 with the Lionesses in her final game as a professional, and as the second-highest capped player.
- [Beth Mead](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/beth-mead/): Beth Mead is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Arsenal and the England national team. Beth was a player in the Lioness team at UEFA Women&#039;s Euro 2022, where she won the Golden Boot, Player of the Tournament, and Top Assist Provider. This made her the only English player to win both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament at the Euros or World Cup.
- [Ellie Simmonds](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ellie-simmonds/): Ellie became GB’s youngest ever individual winner in either Paralympic or Olympic Games in Beijing. She now holds five Paralympic golds, over a dozen world titles, and a world record in 400m freestyle. The five-time gold medalist and world record-holder Ellie Simmonds is one of Britain’s leading Paralympic stars.
- [Michael Owen](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-owen/): Michael Owen is a former England International who represented some of the world’s biggest clubs including Liverpool and Real Madrid. In a career that spanned 17 years. He won eight major club trophies and the individual converted 2001 Ballon d’Or. He also represented his country on 89 occasions. In 1998 became England’s youngest player and goalscorer at the time. Since retiring Michael has been a regular pundit and co-commentator on BT Sport. As a speaker Michael is perfect for any sports audience, drawing on his experience at the highest level of world football to keep those in attendance interested for the whole event.
- [Paula Radcliffe](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paula-radcliffe/): Paula Radcliffe is one of the most instantly recognisable marathon runners of all time. She is regarded as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation. Paula’s perseverance has been rewarded with 5,000m Commonwealth, 10,000m European and world cross country titles – as well as the marathon world record. She has overcome injury, asthma and others’ doubts, and been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The three-time London and New York Marathon champion has displayed her inspiring drive and determination to the world and is now using her platform to motivate audiences as an after-dinner speaker. The former marathon, half marathon and cross country champion is able to relate her story to both corporate and sporting organisations in order to make a huge impact on everyone she addresses.
- [Matthew Pinsent](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/matthew-pinsent/): The four-time Olympic champion oarsman Matthew Pinsent has now become a polished presenter. After dinner Matt lets guests get their hands on his medals. With ready wit he recalls the punishing training regime, their need to adapt to circumstances and the sheer exhilaration of beating world class crews.
- [Natalie Gumede](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/natalie-gumede/): Natalie Gumede is known for playing Kirsty Soames in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street (2011 to 2013). She previously played China in BBC Three comedy show Ideal. Natalie has also appeared in The Persuasionists, Emmerdale and Doctor Who among other television shows. Gumede was also runner-up in the 2013 series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One. From 2017 to 2019, Gumede began appearing in Netflix original Free Rein as Maggie Steel Phillips. She is a hard working actress and public speaker.
- [Rylan Clark](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rylan-clark/): Award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster, and number one bestselling author. Since his explosion onto the entertainment scene in 2012&#039;s X Factor, Rylan Clark has rapidly established himself as a leading TV presenter, hosting programmes such as This Morning, Big Brother&#039;s Bit on the Side, and his own show - Up Late with Rylan. Bringing showbiz glamour and cheek charm to the corporate circuit, he is a brilliant awards host and presenter.
- [Jonny Wilkinson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jonny-wilkinson/): The man who won England the World Cup, Jonny Wilkinson became one of the most famous rugby players ever when his drop goal decided the final in the dying seconds of the game. He went on to become one of the most decorated players in the game, becoming the highest international points scorer and a role model of professionalism and sportsmanship. The public success was only part of the story, however, and Jonny speaks frankly and inspiringly about the pressure of expectation, the mental health implications of leading a life defined by others, and how his lessons can offer practical advice to anyone seeking a more balanced, rewarding and meaningful life.
- [Sam Allardyce](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sam-allardyce/): Former professional footballer, and legendary football manager, Sam Allardyce is an icon of the game. Having played over four hundred professional matches, and managed an incredible seven Premier League teams. Sam Allardyce has solidified his position as a football legend. As a speaker, Allardyce shares insider anecdotes from the sidelines of historical games. The details of the ups and downs of his formidable career
- [Mo Farah](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mo-farah/): Olympic Superstar and athletics track-legend, Mo Farah is one of the most decorated long distance runners in modern sporting history. Mo currently is the Olympic Champion for both the 5000m and 10000m track events. Mo has become a media sensation thanks to his charming personality and world famous ‘Mobot’ signature move, used every time he stuns crowds with his amazing speed and stamina. A warm and inviting character, Mo is a wonderful Olympic speaker who specialises in engaging young and underprivileged audiences. Originally Somalian born, Mo moved to the UK aged 8 to join his father in London, where his sporting ability was first noticed by his school PE Teacher whilst playing football. Farah represented Hounslow in cross-country and athletics, winning five English Schools titles as well as finding success at the European Junior Athletics Championship.
- [Sharron Davies](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sharron-davies/): Sharron Davies occupies a unique position in British life. In an age of increasingly fleeting fame and notoriety, she has been one of the UK’s best known and most popular sportswomen. She burst onto the scene as a 13 year old Olympian in 1976. More than 30 years later she is still a popular in demand and much admired character. As a sportswoman, television personality, devoted mother of three, public speaker, model, enthusiastic charity worker, powerboat racer, author, interior designer and equestrian – Sharron enjoys a busy and varied life and retains remarkable popularity amongst those aged 8 to 80!
- [Chris Boardman](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chris-boardman/): Chris Boardman is arguably one of Britain’s most successful cyclists with 3 World Hour Records. Nicknamed ‘The Professor’ for his technical know-how and meticulous attention to detail in preparation and training, Chris has since helped develop a carbon-fibre bicycle with Lotus, and launched the Boardman Bikes brand. His presentations explore the journey from the dole to high-performance sport and business.
- [Peter Reid](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/peter-reid/): Peter Reid is a former English footballer, manager and pundit, Reid was a defensive midfielder during his playing days enjoying a long and successful career. Peter Reid built his reputation as one of England’s brightest midfield talents of the time at Bolton Wanderers with a career that spans more than twenty years. Peter Reid is arguably one of the most versatile men in the British footballing industry, with time spent at Bolton, Everton and Manchester City, Reid can boast a plethora of footballing achievements including appearing in two World Cup campaigns, winning the FA Cup with Everton and winning the Football league Division one  trophy as manager of Sunderland on two occasions. Peter Reid has now become an extremely popular and sought after football speaker.
- [Bernard Gallacher](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/bernard-gallacher/): Scottish former golfing legend and keynote speaker, Bernard Gallacher is best known for being a Ryder Cup captain and accumulating a massive 11 tour titles during his illustrious golfing career. Known as one of the greatest British golfers of his generation, Bernard now works as a sports speaker and media commentator, making a variety of appearances across different sporting events. The youngest man to represent Great Britain and Ireland in the Ryder Cup, Gallacher began playing golf aged just 11 and won his first trophy, the Lothians Golf Association Boys Championship, just five years later.
- [Lea Roberts](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lea-roberts/): Lea Roberts is a comedian, after dinner speaker and awards host from Halifax. Since winning the TV Series “Stand Up Britain” back in 2002. Lea has become one of the most sought-after and well-known faces on the after dinner circuit. He&#039;s worked all over the UK and abroad. When you combine this with an interest in most popular sports (he played professional rugby league “back in the day” ) the conversation flows really well at the Top Table.
- [Sindhu Vee](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sindhu-vee/): Sindhu Vee is a comedian. An upbringing that incorporates the Philippines and India, studying in Delhi, Oxford, and Chicago (gaining a degree in each location), and then moving to London and marring a Dane, has all provided her with a unique perspective on the world, as well as a variety of material, and a high chance she can do anyone’s accent. To add to her unusual background, Sindhu’s also worked in investment banking, and as a model for Yves Saint Lauren.
- [Holly Walsh](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/holly-walsh/): Holly Walsh is a BAFTA award winning comedian, writer, executive producer and director. She is co-creator, co-writer and executive producer of the BBC sitcom Motherland. In May 2022, Holly and her fellow writers won the BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy.  They have also been nominated for multiple prestigious awards for the show, including Royal Television Society Awards (2017), British Screenwriters’ Awards (2018) and International Emmy Awards (2021).
- [Tony Silver](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tony-silver/): Tony Silver is an acclaimed LinkedIn expert and inspirational speaker helping individuals and businesses maximise their potential.
- [Hayley Hassall](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/hayley-hassall/): Hayley is an award-winning investigative journalist and anchor on BBC children&#039;s news programme, Newsround. Hayley currently reports for BBC Sport, BBC Breakfast and The One Show, after many years working as an undercover reporter for Panorama. Hayley’s documentary on The Winter Olympics was played on Prime time BBC2 and iPlayer. For this Hayley battled -15 degree snow storms, reporting on snow-capped mountains and presenting for BBC live as the gold medals came sliding in. Hayley was the first reporter to reveal the results of the UK general election in 2015 and has enjoyed presenting at live events such as Wimbledon and the Olympics.
- [Jess Robinson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jess-robinson/): Book Jess Robinson A multiple award-winning impressionist, actor, voice artist and classically-trained singer, Jess Robinson has showcased her talents across the stage and screen as well as on a wide range of corporate events. The lead female voice artist in the new Spitting Image and a regular on Channel 4’s The Last Leg, Jess has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe with a new show every year since 2014, including the wildly successful NO FILTER, which rounded off a critically-acclaimed, nationwide tour with a five-night run at the Soho Theatre in 2019. Her podcast Stars In Your Ears with Jess Robinson won Best Entertainment Podcast at the British Podcast Awards in 2021.
- [Sara Cox](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sara-cox/): Sara Cox is known to millions of listeners of Radio 2 as the voice of Sound of The 80’s and frequently woke the nation on the country’s biggest radio show The Chris Evans Breakfast Show. She has one of the most distinctive voices in radio. Sara Cox has been a key feature of the platform for Radio 1 and Radio 2 over the past two decades. A popular broadcaster, Sara’s relatable and relaxed presenting style ensures she remains a favourite voice to entertain listeners on the drive time slot. Having also established herself in television and live event presenting, Sara is highly sought after to attend corporate occasions, conferences and awards evenings, as the celebrity host. Whether you require a recognisable face to keep guests engaged throughout, or a professional facilitator, Sara thrives in every environment.
- [Andrew Marr](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/andrew-marr/): Andrew Marr is a political editor, author and columnist. He has worked as a columnist for The Express and The Observer.  He became an important and recognisable BBC correspondent. Andrew hosted the &#039;Andrew Marr Show&#039; on BBC One and the BBC Radio 4 show &#039;Start The Week&#039;. He is a talented after dinner speaker, keynote speaker, conference chair, and facilitator.
- [Zoe Ball](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/zoe-ball/): After presenting the much admired “Live &amp; Kicking”, Zoe Ball in 1999 became the first woman to front the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show alone. Zoe presented Radio 2’s ‘The Definitive History of UK Dance Music’, and a Saturday morning show with Danny Baker. She is regularly heard sitting in for Ken Bruce and Dermot O’Leary on their Radio 2 programmes
- [Declan Curry](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/declan-curry/): A popular, award-winning and long-standing BBC business journalist, Declan Curry is noted for his easy-going manner and ability to put complex business and economic news into simpler language. He was the business presenter on BBC One’s “Breakfast” for eight years. He also presented “Working Lunch”, and a range of programmes for BBC Radio 5 Live. He is currently the business commentator on LBC daily.
- [Dan Snow](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dan-snow/): Dan Snow is a historian, broadcaster and television presenter and has presented numerous historical documentaries as well as appearing on &#039;BBC Breakfast&#039;, &#039;This Morning&#039; and &#039;The One Show.&#039; Known as thehistoryguy on Instagram. Dan is equally talented as an event host or sharing anecdotes and his immense historical knowledge in speeches. Author, broadcaster and presenter Dan Snow is the BBC’s ‘history man’ and the presenter of the podcast History Hit. He puts everything from leadership to innovation to global politics and Brexit in a historical context. &nbsp;
- [Trevor Phillips](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/trevor-phillips/): Sir Trevor Phillips is an award-winning broadcaster, writer and former politician, currently a non-executive director of Mind Gym. He was awarded an OBE for services to television in 1999, followed by a Knighthood in 2022 for his services to equality and human rights. He was also awarded the French order of the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in 2006 for his work on integration and community cohesion. In a varied career Trevor has led the council that oversees the John Lewis Partnership, served as Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and now leads a data analytics company. He is also an acclaimed writer, documentary-maker and broadcaster. He covers the intersection of business and society by way of diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, and what data reveals about attitudes, behaviours, and how to address some of the biggest questions of the day.
- [Jo Whiley](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jo-whiley/): Arguably one of the most recognisable voices in British Broadcasting, Jo Whiley has had an exciting and varied career and is considered one of the nation’s favourite radio DJs. Jo was born in Northampton. After studying in Brighton and dabbling on BBC Radio Sussex’s new music show, her first broadcasting job was as a presenter for WPFM, Radio 4’s youth culture and music show. She then moved over into TV, initially on satellite, then to Channel 4 as band booker for ‘The Word’, giving Britain its first television taste of bands such as Nirvana and Rage Against The Machine. With a twenty-five year affiliation with BBC Radio and extensive prime-time television experience, Jo Whiley helped to bring Nirvana to our teles and Arctic Monkeys  and  Amy Whitehouse to our radios. Jo presented Top of the Pops, and along the way became a celebrated radio and television personality.
- [Rachel Parris](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rachel-parris/): Rachel Parris is an award-winning musical comedian, actor, improviser, and presenter. She was nominated for BAFTA for Best Entertainment Performance in 2019 and beat Tiffany Haddish, Ellen DeGeneres, and Amy Schumer to become Female First’s Comedian of the Year 2018.
- [Danny Mills](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/danny-mills/): Danny Mills is a former Premier League and England footballer turned private equity investor. Best known for his time at Leeds United and Manchester City, Danny was an uncompromising defender who played in both the Champions’ League and in the World Cup. Injury forced him into retirement, but he remains a regular commentator on TV and radio for the BBC, and also for BT Sport.
- [Sarra Elgan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sarra-elgan/): Sarra Elgan is a Welsh sports presenter best known for presenting the rugby coverage on BT sport.Being both the pitch side reporter as well as the main presenter. She also hosts the popular magazine show Rugby Tonight for BT Sport. Sarra is the host of the very successful weekly BBC Wales’ SCRUM V discussing the Welsh Autumn Internationals and Six Nations. She also presents alongside Jonathan Davies and top referee Nigel Owens on Jonathan. This rugby show is one of Wales’ highest rating chat shows on S4C.
- [Matt Richardson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/matt-richardson/): Matt Richardson is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian and one of the most exciting names on the circuit currently rising through the ranks. Having started stand-up in 2009 at 18 years old, Matt became one of the youngest comedians on the circuit and soon made it through to the finals of two national stand-up competitions – the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny and the Chortle Student Comedy Award – as well as coming runner up in the Reading Comedy Festival New Act of the Year and winning the Newbury and Bath Comedy Festival new act competitions ‘ – all while still in his teens. He quickly established himself in all of the major comedy club chains in the UK and has gigged overseas on countless occasions.
- [Paul McCaffrey](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-mccaffrey/): Impractical Jokers (BBC Three) is the star of Impractical Jokers (BBC Three), Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC Three), Stand Up Central (Comedy Central), 50 Funniest (Channel 4) and The Dog Ate My Homework (CBBC). Paul is an award-winning comedian (Latitude New Act of the Year, London Paper New Act of the Year) and headlines at the biggest comedy clubs in the country. He has performed four critically acclaimed Edinburgh shows as well as major music festivals: Reading, Leeds, V Festival, Bestival and Latitude.
- [Piers Morgan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/piers-morgan/): Piers Morgan is one of the most controversial media personalities of recent times. Famously the youngest national newspaper editor in more than half a century. Being former editor of British tabloid newspapers the News of the World (1994–1995) and the Daily Mirror (1995–2004), and is now a familiar face on television. On the corporate circuit, he delivers keynote speeches, facilitates conferences and presents awards.
- [Ed Balls](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ed-balls/): Hire Ed Balls Ed Balls is well-known for his various roles within UK government. His vast political history and acute intelligence on issues such as financial markets, the global economy and the future of Britain. He is a current and insightful choice as a keynote speaker and Awards host. Making his dancing debut in 2016 by appearing on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.  Ed received warm applause as he demonstrated sheer determination and perseverance. He often refers to this experience on the speaking circuit.
- [Ulrika Jonsson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ulrika-jonsson/): Hire Ulrika Jonsson Ulrika Jonsson is a TV presenter and personality at the forefront of a new generation of female presenters - confident, funny, sometimes outspoken, and not afraid to take on the male of the species at their own game while retaining her natural vivaciousness. Ulrika is an instantly recognisable and immensely popular personality.  She has a wealth of experience in hosting, linking and presenting a wide range of topics, from humorous, light-hearted subjects to more serious political and financial debates.
- [Chris Tarrant](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chris-tarrant/): Chris Tarrant first came to our TV screens in the 1970s with the legendary children’s Saturday morning show ‘TISWAS’. After leaving the kids show, Chris delved into the world of adult games shows. He hosted the award-winning quiz show ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ from 1998-2014. A global success, the format has been bought by over 120 countries worldwide –  and is of course the subject of an Oscar-winning film – Slumdog Millionaire.
- [Gaby Roslin](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gaby-roslin/): Gaby is one of the country’s most popular TV and radio presenters. As well as a skilful Conference Facilitator and Awards Host. Her years of experience in live and recorded television programming and interviewing has given her an enviable set of talents and credits, providing corporate audiences with a wholly entertaining and engaging experience. Her most recent TV credits include frequent appearances on the ITV lifestyle programme ‘This Morning’, as a newspaper reviewer, The National Lottery Draws live on BBC One, Sport Relief’s Top Dog (BBC 2), ‘Food Inspectors’ (BBC 1) and is currently co-presenting Channel 5’s ‘The Saturday show’.
- [Robin Ince](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/robin-ince/): Book Robin Ince Robin Ince is a comedian, an author, a broadcaster and a populariser of scientific ideas. The Guardian once declared him a ‘becardiganed polymath’ which seems about right. He is probably best known as the co-host of the Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox.
- [Jay Rawlings](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jay-rawlings/): Book Jay Rawlings
- [Tracy Edwards](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tracy-edwards/): Hire Tracy Edwards Tracy Edwards is a British sailor who won international fame in 1989 as the skipper of the first all female crew to sail around the world in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. The boat won two legs and came second overall in her class. The best result for a British boat since 1977. Edwards and her crew are the subject the 2018 documentary titled ‘Maiden’. It shares the story of how Edwards and her all-female crew journeyed around the world in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. Skipper of the first all-female crew to sail around the world, Tracy Edwards has vital leadership lessons to impart in her keynote speeches and training sessions. She is a successful entrepreneur and has become the definition of tenacity as she battled her way back from bankruptcy.
- [Tracey Neville](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tracey-neville/): Hire Tracey Neville Tracey Neville and her England Netball team produced a shock result in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, overturning not just a historical dominance of the sport by Australia, but beating them at home in a dramatic final. Tracey is credited with revolutionising English netball, creating a culture of dedication, support and professionalism in all areas, from training to sponsorship.
- [Sarah Furness](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sarah-furness/): Hire Sarah Furness Sarah Furness - Founder and CEO of Well Be It |Keynote Speaker |Executive Coach |Helicopter Pilot | Strategist |Thought leader | Human Factors Facilitator | Risk manager.
- [Katie Piper](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/katie-piper/): Hire Katie Piper Katie Piper is a best-selling international author, inspirational speaker, TV presenter and charity campaigner. She is also a young woman who has rebuilt her life after surviving a brutal attack in March 2008 at the age of 24, in which she had sulphuric acid thrown in her face. Just over a year after the attack, Katie made the decision to share her story in a remarkable film for the Cutting Edge strand on Channel 4 called Katie: My Beautiful Face which was watched by over 3.5million viewers and nominated for Best Single Documentary at the BAFTA Television Awards.
- [Cally Beaton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/cally-beaton/): Cally Beaton is a comedian, writer, speaker and business mentor from London.
- [Ben Kay](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ben-kay/): Ben Kay was a key part of the World Cup winning England rugby team. He was one of only four players to participate in both that successful campaign, and also the ill-fated attempt to defend the title four years later. He has since become a businessman and pundit.
- [Marcus Brigstocke](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/marcus-brigstocke/): Hire Marcus Brigstocke Marcus Brigstocke is a major British comedy talent as writer, actor, presenter and performer. It’s said he is heard on Radio 4 more frequently than the shipping forecast. Marcus Brigstocke’s talent was noted early in 1996 when he won the BBC New Comedian Award at the Edinburgh Festival. He is now regarded as a major comedy, writing and acting talent, performing stand up nationally to sell out audiences on tour. Alongside his extremely busy corporate diary. Marcus is rated one of the best awards host and event stand up’s in the country.
- [Lucy Shepherd](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lucy-shepherd/): Hire Lucy Shepherd As our world grows ever smaller and more connected, it’s easier to travel, but harder to find true adventure. Enter Lucy Shepherd. At twenty-eight years old, Lucy is at the forefront of modern exploration. From mountains, to rainforests, to the Arctic, she has plotted a thrilling, inimitable path for herself. She documents her endeavours, both to share them with captivated audiences, to show the effects of climate change.
- [Beth Shriever](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/beth-shriever/): Beth Shriever made history by winning BMX gold for Team GB at Tokyo Olympics 2020. In 2021 she became the first British BMX racing cyclist in history to win both the Olympic and World titles in the same year. Beth went unbeaten through her three semi runs and crossed the line just 0.090 seconds ahead of Colombia&#039;s Marian Pajon to be crowned Olympic champion in the final.
- [Darren Clarke](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/darren-clarke/): Hire Darren Clarke Former Open champion Darren Clarke is widely known for his talents as a professional golfer. Having won a number of prominent competitions, including World Golf Championships and the European Tour. First playing golf when at Wake Field University, Darren went from strength to strength progressing to represent Royal Dungannon before becoming a professional player in the 1990s. His first big competition came in 1991, playing in the 1991 Open Championship. Finishing in 64th place, Darren also moved to 41st in the Order of Merit.
- [Dominic Frisby](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dominic-frisby/): Dominic Frisby (“mercurially witty” – the Spectator) is the world’s only financial writer and comedian. He is MoneyWeek’s main commentator on gold, commodities, currencies and cryptocurrencies. He is the author of the books Bitcoin: the Future of Money? and Life After The State. He also co-wrote the documentary Four Horsemen, and presents the chat show, Stuff That Interests Me.
- [Lee Byrne](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lee-byrne/): Hire Lee Byrne Lee Byrne is one of the most popular Welsh rugby players of recent years, best known as one of the &quot;Fab Four&quot; of exciting young Welsh talents for Ospreys and Wales alongside Shane Williams, Mike Phillips and James Hook.
- [Shane Williams](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/shane-williams/): Hire Shane Williams One of Welsh sport&#039;s all-time greats and one of the biggest names in world rugby, Shane Williams scored 60 tries in 91 Test matches for Wales and the British &amp; Irish Lions, leaving only Australian great David Campese (64 from 101 Tests) ahead of him in the list of all-time international try scorers.
- [John Archer](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-archer/): Hire John Archer John Archer is a past winner of ‘The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year’ and has spent the last 24 years entertaining audiences all over the World with regular tours to entertain British troops serving overseas. Thought by many to be the best Comedy Magician in the UK today.
- [Kerry Godliman](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kerry-godliman/): Hire Kerry Godliman The charmingly straight-talking, quick-witted Kerry Godliman is one of the country’s best performers. Both an incredibly talented comedian and a phenomenal actor.
- [Andy Cole](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/andy-cole/): Hire Andy Cole Andy Cole is a former English professional footballer, best known for playing six years of his career in the Premier League with Manchester United. He earned himself many trophies during his 18-year long career, playing in the top division of English football for teams such as Arsenal, Newcastle United and the Blackburn Rovers. Andy also spent time representing England, earning four caps whilst representing his country.
- [Charlie Nicholas](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/charlie-nicholas/): Charlie Nicholas is renowned as being one of Scotland’s most successful footballers of all time and has earned legendary status at European giants Celtic and Arsenal. With an astonishing 445 appearances throughout his domestic career, Nicholas also scored 154 goals in what was an outstanding career. Most recently known for his punditry expertise on Sky Sports, Nicholas is an inspiring sports figure to many young talents and is a magnificent sports speaker.
- [Ruud Guillit](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ruud-guillit/): Hire Ruud Guillit One of the most celebrated players in European football, Ruud Guillit led the Netherlands to their first European Championship and enjoyed successful spells playing at Feyenoord, PSV, AC Milan and Chelsea, where he also became player-manager.
- [Eddie Izzard](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/eddie-izzard/): Eddie Izzard is one of the world’s best-known stand up comedians, touring and performing internationally in various languages. She is also a popular film and stage actor, a charity fundraiser, and activist. From running 43 marathons in 51 days with only six weeks training to learning to perform her stand-up shows in French and German to combining comedy, drama and political activism, Eddie Izzard’s career defies simple definition, and sometimes belief. She speaks about how she’s achieved all that she has and what lessons can be learned.
- [Katie King](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/katie-king/): Hire Katie King A published author, Katie King is a keynote speaker and management consultant who specialises in marketing, STEM, AI and digital business transformation. Katie focuses on helping businesses to adapt to the changing business world, which involves her regularly consulting everyone from CEOs and MDs to HR, Sales and marketing teams. With a wealth of experience coaching leading organisations and business leaders such as Sir Richard Branson, Harrods, 02, Orange, Arsenal FC, Accenture, PA consulting, NHS trusts and universities, Katie has over 30 years of experience in consulting experience and is regularly booked as a speaker for a range of corporate events.
- [Ria Lina](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ria-lina/): Hire Ria Lina Fearless, provocative and very funny, Ria Lina is a highly accomplished comedian, writer, actor and one of the hardest working performers in the business. A hugely admired act on the UK comedy circuit, she commands respect from the moment she walks onstage and delivers with natural ease, energy and fierceness. Ria is the only female Filipina comedian in British stand up and headlines at major clubs in the UK and internationally.
- [Baroness Sayeeda Warsi](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sayeeda-warsi/): Hire Sayeeda Warsi A lawyer, a businesswoman, a campaigner and a cabinet minister, Sayeeda Warsi has had many roles, but she is best known for being the first Muslim to serve in a British cabinet. In August 2014 she resigned from Government citing the Government’s “morally indefensible” policy on Gaza.
- [Vernon Kay](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/vernon-kay/): Hire Vernon Kay Having fronted programmes from All Star Family Fortunes to Splash!, NFL coverage to his own radio shows on Radio 1 and Radio X, Vernon is one of of the country’s most familiar and popular presenters. He has an excellent reputation as a corporate Awards Host.
- [Abba Tribute](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/abba-tribute/): Hire Abba Tribute The Chickatita’s (Abba Tribute) bring back all the beautiful harmonies, fun, sequins, and foot-stomping hits! From Waterloo, Dancing Queen to more recent hits from the Mamma Mia films “Our Last Summer” “Angels Eyes” and “I’ve Been Waiting for You.” Singalong, dance, dress up, and fall in love with the amazing music of Abba. Fantastic vocals, authentic dance routines, and stunning costumes with a few changes during the show! This is a very interactive show with the audience.
- [The Junos (Cover Band)](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/the-junos-cover-band/): Hire The Junos Bringing the Good Vibes and Anthems... Established in 2011, UK four piece The Junos have been blowing away audiences across the country with their unique mix of feel-good hits and classic anthems. Performing to crowds in their thousands and supporting some of the biggest names in the industry, they have shared stages with the likes of Scouting For Girls, The Feeling, Judge Jules, S Club 7 and The Prodigy; at some of the UK’s biggest festivals including Glatonbury, Victorious and Secret Garden Party.
- [Jonny Awsum](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jonny-awsum/): Hire Jonny Awsum Jonny Awsum is an award-winning comedian who has charmed audiences all around the world with his high energy performance style and unique brand of musical comedy. A comedic whirlwind, Jonny has a special feel-good brand of comedy. He is the gag slinging guitar hero - audience members don’t just leave entertained, they leave as fans.
- [Chris Hughton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chris-hughton/): Chris Hughton is a former Irish professional football player and the current manager. The first mixed race player to represent the Republic of Ireland national team, Hughton enjoyed a successful career as a player namely with Tottenham Hotspur whom he represented on almost 300 occasions. Playing 53 matches for the Republic of Ireland, the former full back has gone on to become a very successful and well-respected coach and manger. &quot;Chris Hughton July 2015&quot; by James Boyes / CC BY 2.0 (cropped from original)
- [Alex Jones](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alex-jones/): Hire Alex Jones TV presenter Alex Jones is the co-host of the BBC’s flagship programme The One Show. Alex&#039;s popularity grew when she was a semi-finalist on Strictly Come Dancing 2011 - ‘one of the best times of her life’. Confident, lively and vivacious, she makes an excellent awards host.
- [Geoff Boyz](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/geoff-boyz/): Scottish comedian and impressionist, Geoff Boyz has been a top act on the comedy circuit for several years. He made his mark at the Edinburgh Festival in the nineties and quickly became a charismatic performer in the leading comedy clubs with routines based around everyday life and his ability for mimicry. Geoff is always in demand for corporate events, hosting or pure stand up.
- [Stan Collymore](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/stan-collymore/): Hire Stan Collymore Stan Collymore is an English former footballer who played as a top centre-forward from 1990 to 2001. He held the English transfer record when he moved from Notts Forest to Liverpool for £8.5 million in 1995 and was capped three times at senior level by the England national football team. After he retired he became football pundit, making a major impact for over eight years on TalkSport radio.
- [Alistair Barrie](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alistair-barrie/): Hire Alistair Barrie Alistair Barrie is one of the top headliners on the international comedy circuit. He has performed in over 40 countries including acclaimed performances in Australia, Cape Town, Mumbai, New Zealand and the legendary Comedy Cellar in New York. He is a regular at London’s world-famous Comedy Store and a core member of their weekly topical ‘Cutting Edge’ team.
- [Garth Crooks](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/garth-crooks/): Hire Garth Crooks An outspoken and entertaining football speaker who has covered some of the game&#039;s most vibrant moments. Garth Crooks is a passionate former player turned pundit who has inspired many with his love of football. He became the third black player to score in an FA Cup final in 1981 in his time as a player and later became the first black chairman of the PFA.
- [Viv Anderson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/viv-anderson/): Hire Viv Anderson Former international footballer and coach, Viv Anderson, was the first ever black player to represent England in the game. A pioneering sportsman who spent his career not only proving his dominance on the field, but breaking race barriers, making history and standing defiant against diversity, Anderson is one of the most iconic footballers the country has ever produced. Having played at the elite levels of the sport, for clubs like Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Anderson has a vast public platform, and is hugely popular thanks to his down to earth and personable character. A legend of football, Anderson makes the ideal sports speaker or after dinner speaker, armed with captivating, and humorous, anecdotes from the glory days.
- [Robbie Fowler](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/robbie-fowler/): Hire Robbie Fowler A Liverpudlian by birth, Robbie Fowler is best remembered for his time spent at Liverpool Football Club. His immense talent is undeniable and he is one of the highest goal scorers in the history of the Premier League. He scored one hundred and eighty three goals for Liverpool where he spent eight years playing on the senior team. He also played for a number of other clubs including Leeds United and Manchester City. He also played for England earning twenty six caps in the process.
- [Micky Quinn](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/micky-quinn/): Hire Micky Quinn Former professional footballer, Micky Quinn was notorious during his career, involved with no less than nine teams during his seventeen year long career. Now Micky is a sports speaker who covers both football and horse racing and is a recognised voice on UK radio station talkSPORT. Starting his career in football in 1979 for Wigan Athletic, Micky went on to score nineteen goals in sixty nine Fourth Division games. Micky guided Wigan into the third division but unfortunately was transferred to Stockport County due to manager Larry Lloyd believing Micky was too inexperienced for Third Division football. Making a name for himself as a regular goal scorer Micky was brought by Joe Royle to join the Second Division team Oldham Athletic.
- [Jonathan Edwards](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jonathan-edwards/): Hire Jonathan Edwards Considered the finest triple jumper of all time, Jonathan Edwards is one of only four athletes in history to have held European, Commonwealth, World and Olympic titles at the same time. He remains the world record holder. Jonathan describes the pressures of competition and the battle to live up to his and others’ expectations in the most important sporting contest on earth.
- [Judy Murray](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/judy-murray/): Hire Judy Murray British tennis coach, former player and famed mother of Andy and Jamie Murray, Judy Murray has become a worldwide celebrity sensation. As an after dinner speaker, she has a range of anecdotes and stories to tell from the forefront of British tennis, which include several pinnacle names in the sport. Audiences of her speeches are enamoured by Judy, captivated by her charm, wit and unique perspective of tennis. As a coach, she has a respectable understanding of teamwork and leadership, strategies that greatly benefit corporate audiences.
- [Nathan Caton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nathan-caton/): Hire Nathan Caton Nathan Caton’s charismatic and laidback style of stand-up has seen him quickly establish himself on the comedy circuit. Regarded as one of the best comics in the UK, Nathan’s award-winning combo of personal and topical anecdotes has led to appearances on: Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, Don’t Hate The Playaz, Comedy Gala, Russell Howard’s Good News and his own series Gran Jury.
- [Glenn Wool](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/glenn-wool/): Glenn Wool began his comedy career in his hometown of Vancouver in 1995. He moved to London in 1998 and quickly became one of the rising stars of the London comedy circuit, having performed in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, South Africa, Switzerland, France, Croatia and Arabia. Glenn was nominated for Best International Stand Up at the New Zealand Comedy Awards and twice Best Headliner at the Chortle Awards.
- [Gary McAllister](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gary-mcallister/): Hire Gary McAllister A former footballer who had significant success with Liverpool, Leicester City, Leeds United and Coventry City as well as international level with Scotland, Gary McAllister was a leader on the pitch and off it. Today, he serves as the Assistant Manager at Rangers. A talented midfield player, whose ability as much as his mental toughness allowed him to progress to the pinnacle of the game. Helping both his national team and domestic sides to retain their league status and perform at the highest level.
- [Kenny Dalglish](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kenny-dalglish/): Hire Kenny Dalglish One of the greatest players in the history of football, Kenny Dalglish is a legend at Celtic, Scotland, Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool. He was the IOC European Footballer of the Season, a Ballon D&#039;or Runner Up and FWA Tribute Award recipient in his playing days, and has since been recognised in the FIFA 100, which is a list devised by Pelé of the greatest living footballers, as well as the Scottish, English and European Halls of Fame.
- [Ian Rush](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ian-rush/): Hire Ian Rush Ian Rush is best known for being a former Welsh footballer, playing for the esteemed Liverpool Football club. He also held a significant position on the Welsh national team during both the 1980s and 1990s as well as playing abroad in Italy for top side Juventus. After retiring from playing football, Ian went on to work as a television presenter, sports analyst and a football speaker.
- [Graeme Souness](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/graeme-souness/): Hire Graeme Souness Graeme Souness motivational and after dinner speaker was born in 1953, a former Scottish professional footballer and manager. Souness is best known for playing on sides such as Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough and Liverpool. As well as playing the sport, Graeme has also spent time as a player-manager and club manager. Graeme is able to bring this different insight to his speeches as an after-dinner speaker, really bringing a unique twist to every event.
- [Rebecca Adlington](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rebecca-adlington/): Rebecca Adlington became a household name after winning double gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 but made her senior British debut at the 2006 European Championships in Hungary, winning 800m freestyle silver. She qualified for the 400m and 800m freestyle events for London 2012, setting then world-leading times in both at the start of the trials at the Aquatics Centre in March and then took home bronze in both events at the Olympic Games.
- [Victoria Pendleton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/victoria-pendleton/): Hire Victoria Pendleton One of Britain&#039;s most successful Olympians, Victoria Pendleton is a former track cyclist who specialised in the sprint, team sprint and Keirin disciplines. With nine world titles to her name and two Olympic golds she is one of the country&#039;s greatest ever female cyclists, her remarkable achievements winning her a place in the nation&#039;s heart.
- [Chris Broad](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chris-broad/): Iconic cricketer turned match official, Chris Broad has played, refereed and commentated on some of the game’s most exciting matches. Credited for his abilities as an opening left-hand batsman, Broad represented England throughout his playing career and has since put out an equally impressive performance on the pitch as an ICC Test official.
- [Jonathan Agnew](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jonathan-agnew/): Hire Jonathan Agnew Jonathan Agnew&#039;s career as the BBC&#039;s cricket correspondent has been so successful, it&#039;s easy to forget that he ever played the game. But, as a thrusting seam bowler in the 1980s, he played three Tests for England before taking up his position in the commentary box, where he bought humour, fun mixed with serious analyst.
- [John Fothergill](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-fothergill/): Hire John Fothergill John Fothergill has been a leading light on the comedy circuit for over twenty years working all the major clubs in the country and entertaining audiences abroad.
- [Gerry K](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gerry-k/): Gerry K is one of the countries leading club comics working all over the UK and abroad.
- [Owen Hargreaves](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/owen-hargreaves/): Hire Owen Hargreaves Owen Hargreaves is a lead analyst on BT Sport’s Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League coverage.
- [Debbie McGee](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/debbie-mcgee/): Hire Debbie McGee Debbie McGee began her showbiz career as a ballet dancer but one very successful audition saw her performing summer season with magician Paul Daniels. Debbie became his stage assistant.
- [John McGovern](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-mcgovern/): Hire John McGovern John McGovern is an ex-footballer who played in highly successful Derby County and Nottingham Forest sides, under legendary manager Brian Clough. John won leagues titles with both clubs and captained a great Nottm. Forest side to a European Cup win in 1979.
- [Louis Theroux](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/louis-theroux/): Hire Louis Theroux Multi-award winning broadcaster, film maker, author and journalist, Louis Theroux. His in depth and empathetic style of interviewing are legendary and he is an ideal choice for prestigious corporate events.
- [Alice Farnham](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alice-farnham/): Listed in Classic FM Today&#039;s Ten Best Women Conductors and in the BBC Woman&#039;s Hour Music Power List, Alice Farnham is a British Conductor and trained in Russia.  She enjoys a distinguished international conducting career. Alice is also an accomplished inspirational speaker and much in demand for corporate events.
- [Chika Russell](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chika-russell/): Chika Russell is an international entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Chika Russell is an international entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. She is a qualified management accountant and spent 10 years in banking before launching her snacks business, CHIKA&#039;S. The business has grown rapidly and in 2021 secured a $9.8 million series &#039;A&#039; investment to fund further expansion.  Chika Russell has now embarked upon her most ambitious project to date with the goal of making CHIKA&#039;S the largest independent snack company in West Africa by 2027.
- [Floella Benjamin](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/floella-benjamin/): Hire Floella Benjamin Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE, DL is an actress, author, singer, television presenter and businesswoman and media regulator. She was introduced to the House of Lords by the Liberal Democrats with the title of Baroness Benjamin, of Beckenham in the County of Kent. Over the last forty-seven years she has had a diverse and varied career in several sectors of the entertainment industry as an actress, presenter, writer, independent producer, business woman and media regulator.
- [Nasser Hussain](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nasser-hussain/): Hire Nasser Hussain Former Cricketer and England Captain, now cricket commentator &amp; pundit
- [Tessa Sanderson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tessa-sanderson/): Hire Tessa Sanderson On the 6th August 1984 at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles Tessa Sanderson won the Gold in the Women&#039;s Javelin and remains today the only British Woman to ever win a throwing Gold Medal.
- [Fatima Whitbread](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/fatima-whitbread/): Hire Fatima Whitbread Fatima Whitbread, MBE is a world javelin champion, world record holder and twice Olympic medallist. After Fatima’s inspirational career as an athlete, the former BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner headed the Chafford Hundred elite runners club whose members included Linford Christie and Dame Kelly Holmes. Fatima has served as a school governor, is a qualified javelin coach, and spent many hours reporting at the Olympics.
- [Levi Roots](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/levi-roots/): Hire Levi Roots Levi Roots is a musician, chef and entrepreneur, well known after his appearance on BBC’s&#039; Dragon’s Den&#039;. His infectious ethos of Caribbean sunshine continues to put music into food and all other aspects of life.
- [Jamie Redknapp](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jamie-redknapp/): Jamie Redknapp is a former professional footballer, Sky Sports Pundit and columnist. Jamie began his career by quickly becoming one of the most popular and talented footballers of his generation. After beginning his career at AFC Bournemouth, Jamie went on to play for Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton; in a fast-paced athletic career and gained 17 caps for England before his retirement from professional football in 2005.
- [Trevor McDonald](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/trevor-mcdonald/): Sir Trevor McDonald OBE is arguably the most recognisable news presenter in British broadcasting history. Trevor McDonald was born and educated in Trinidad in the West Indies where his career in the media began, first as a radio reporter, news presenter and sports journalist. On his first major assignment there, he was sent to London (1962) to report on talks at Marlborough House which culminated in setting a date for Trinidad’s Independence.
- [Tony Adams](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tony-adams/): Former footballer and founder of addiction clinic Sporting Chance, Tony Adams made his league debut aged 17 in November 1983. But hopes of forming a partnership with David O&#039;Leary in the central of defence were set back when he sustained a stress fracture in his right foot. Promising youngster Martin Keown moved in to take Tony&#039;s place, but Keown signed for Aston Villa after a contract dispute. Tony Adams took his second chance and never looked back since.
- [John Bercow](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-bercow/): John Bercow served as the 157th Speaker of the House of Commons, and the first since World War II to keep order in front of four Prime Ministers.
- [Steve Bull](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-bull/): Dr Steve Bull served as HQ psychologist to Team GB at three Olympic Games. He also worked with the England Cricket Team for 16 years - during which time they regained the Ashes from Australia after 18 years and went on to reach No.1 in the world rankings for the first time ever. Steve considers resilience to be a crucial factor in organisational performance and outlines a range of techniques for creating the right mindset for thriving under pressure.
- [Eve Pollard](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/eve-pollard/): Eve Pollard is a journalist and media commentator, and was only the second woman ever to edit a national newspaper. Eve enjoyed a ringside seat as a First Lady of Fleet Street – mixing with heroes, villains, Presidents and Prime Ministers. She also fronted TV coverage of the latest royal birth. Eve recalls how one interview with Mrs Thatcher went on for 28 minutes without her being able to ask a single question. Eve can justly be dubbed ‘the first lady of Fleet Street’ with a varied and colourful career that has seen her rise from junior reporter to editor in the male-dominated world of old-school newspaper journalism.
- [Patrick Kielty](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/patrick-kielty/): TV Presenter, Comedian, Host &amp; Compere Patrick Kielty. Born in Dundrum, N. Ireland, Patrick began stand up whilst studying psychology at Queen&#039;s University Belfast. He quickly made a name for himself as the host of Northern Ireland’s first comedy club “The Empire Laughs Back”.  He began to be offered quality TV work all over Great Britain. Including Last Chance Lottery for CH4 and Patrick Kielty Almost Live for BBC1. &nbsp;
- [Jennie Bond](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jennie-bond/): Broadcaster and journalist Jennie Bond appears regularly on a wide range of television and radio programmes - from light entertainment to documentaries.
- [Barry Hearn](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/barry-hearn/): Barry Hearn is considered one of the world&#039;s leading Sports promoters. His promotional magic on certain minority sports has brought them to a far larger public.
- [June Sarpong](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/june-sarpong/): June is the Co-Founder of the WIE Network (Women: Inspiration &amp; Enterprise). WIE first launched in NYC in 2010 and then in the UK in 2012. This acclaimed conference Brown, Melinda Gates, Arianna Huffington, Donna Karan, Queen Rania, Nancy Pelosi, Iman and many more. WIE supports female excellence and has an alliance of over 200,000 women
- [Anthea Turner](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/anthea-turner/): Much loved TV personality Anthea Turner has been in the spotlight for over 30 years presenting some of our favourite shows including GMTV, Blue Peter, The National Lottery and Perfect Housewife.
- [Mark Foster](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-foster/): One of the UK’s most successful swimmers, Mark Foster is a six time world champion, eleven time European champion and set eight world records, including holding the 50m record in both freestyle and butterfly at the same time.
- [Kyran Bracken](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kyran-bracken/): Kyran Bracken played rugby for England for ten years, making his debut against the All Blacks when Jamie Joseph famously stood on his ankle. Although plagued with injury, he gained 51 caps - the highlight being his contribution to the World Cup win in 2003.  He was inducted into the Premiership Rugby Hall of Fame in 2017.
- [Rob Andrew](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rob-andrew/): Christopher Robert Andrew, MBE, is a former English rugby union footballer and currently Director of Elite Rugby at the RFU. He was formerly the Director of Rugby of Newcastle Falcons.
- [Sally Phillips](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sally-phillips/): Sally Phillips is a British comic actress and writer. Listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy (2003), she is instantly recognisable as one of the four female writers and performers behind Channel 4‘s award winning comedy sketch show, Smack the Pony; which ran for four years from 1999, and won an Emmy Award for the Best Popular Arts Show (˜99 and ‘00). Sally was also nominated for Best Comedy Female Newcomer at the British Comedy Awards for her role on the show.
- [Victoria Coren Mitchell](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/victoria-coren-mitchell/): Victoria Coren Mitchell writes a weekly column for The Observer, a monthly column for Elle; and is the resident agony aunt for GQ. She presents the BBC quiz show Only Connect, presents and produces the Radio 4 comedy series Heresy; and is a competitive international poker player. To date the only person to have won two titles on the European Poker Tour.
- [Dave Trott](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dave-trott/): Dave Trott is an Advertising legend. He has worked for over 40 years in advertising. Developing a reputation as both a brilliant copywriter and as an industry leader. Dave has worked for and founded iconic agencies. He&#039;s created some of the industry&#039;s most memorable campaigns for clients such as Toshiba, Holsten Pils, Pepsi and Ariston. He is the author of Creative Mischief and Predatory Thinking and founded four award-winning ad agencies.
- [James Dempster](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/james-dempster/): With more than 15 years’ experience in digital marketing, James Dempster is the Managing Director of Cobb Digital; a multi award winning digital marketing agency based in Brighton. He delivers keynote speaking on a variety of issues around Digital marketing; including successful email marketing as well as advising on future trends in the industry.
- [Gina Miller](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gina-miller/): Best known for her legal challenge to the Government’s plan to invoke the UK’s departure from the EU without a Parliamentary vote; Gina Miller has become one of the country’s most high profile campaigners. As well as Brexit she has commented and campaigned on the transparency of pensions and investment advice (she is the co-founder of an investment company); as well as on social and equality issues. Having worked in marketing and in financial services, she is also the author of Rise: Life Lessons in Speaking Out, Standing Tall &amp; Leading the Way, and has been named as Britain’s most influential black person.
- [Sally-Anne Hayward](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sally-anne-hayward/): Sally-Anne Hayward has been described as a charming and popular performer, with a winning brand of autobiographical humour. She always manages to endear herself to any audience; by taking them on a journey through her slightly eccentric world. Including insights into the female psyche and her compulsion to send off spoof job applications.
- [Nick Hancock](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nick-hancock/): They Think It’s All Over and Room 101 presenter, Nick Hancock, is a staple of British show business. In his early career, Nick appeared in a range of television programmes. Including ITV’s Me, You and Him and BBC’s The Mary Whitehouse Experience.
- [Tim Peake](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tim-peake/): Tim Peake, was born, Chichester, West Sussex, England. He is a British astronaut and military officer who in 2016, while on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS), became the first official British astronaut to walk in space.
- [Mark Jones](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-jones/): Mark Jones is the perfect host for awards, gala and sportsmen&#039;s dinners; he is entertaining, professional and experienced. Mark works across the UK and worldwide.
- [Jonathan Warburton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jonathan-warburton/): One of the UK’s most recognised business leaders, Jonathan Warburton speaks with authority, knowledge, and passion. As a fifth generation Warburton, Jonathan he assumed control of the Warburton business in 1991.
- [Geoff White](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/geoff-white/): Investigative journalist Geoff White has covered tech for BBC News, Channel 4 News, Audible, Forbes online and many others. An award winning TV news journalist, Geoff White’s exclusives have covered everything; from fraud in the internet dating industry, to the shadowy world of Russian cybercrime gangs. He works mainly for Channel 4 News, with a focus on tech security, personal data, privacy and eCrime.
- [Anna Williamson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/anna-williamson/): Counsellor, life coach, Master NLP practitioner and experienced broadcaster. Anna Williamson uses these skills as an agony aunt and psychology expert for; This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Channel 5’s Big Brother’s Bit on the Side and new celebrity dating show on MTV, Single AF. She is also the host for the National Lottery Xtra and talk RADIO’s Saturday night show, &#039;Later With Anna Williamson&#039;. Her debut book &#039;Breaking Mad&#039; an anxiety busting guide book; published by Bloomsbury in 2017, became a number 1 best seller.
- [Angellica Bell](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/angellica-bell/): Angellica Bell is a popular, versatile and intelligent presenter with 17 years of mainstream TV experience across a wide variety of genres. Her progression from children’s TV to adult factual and entertainment programmes has been successful and seamless.
- [Ebony Rainford-Brent](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ebony-rainford-brent/): Ebony Rainford-Brent is a World Cup Winning Cricketer, Broadcaster, Motivational Speaker and Performance Coach. Ebony is a former English cricketer, who was part of the squad that won the 2009 World Cup, World T20 and Women’s Ashes.
- [Amy Williams](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/amy-williams/): Amy Williams is probably best known as Britain’s gold medal heroine at the Winter Olympic Games in 2010 in Vancouver. Her accomplishment in the Skeleton Bobsleigh led her to become Britain’s first solo Winter Olympics Champion in 30 years; and the first female individual Gold Medallist in 58 years.
- [Maggie Alphonsi](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/maggie-alphonsi/): England Rugby World Cup Winner, Media Commentator and Inspirational Speaker Maggie Alphonsi. Before announcing her retirement in 2014, Margaret Alphonsi represented her country an impressive 74 times. Scored 28 tries and helped England win a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns. She was also a crucial member of the team that won the 2014 Rugby World Cup; for the first time in 20 years; and was part of the team that was crowned the BBC’s Sports Personality Team of the Year.
- [Samantha Clarke](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/samantha-clarke/): Samantha Clarke is a happiness and change coach. Founder of ‘Samantha &amp;’, the company provide coaching and advisory services to founders, leaders and all those who manage people. Samantha’s company provides coaching on how to navigate the impact of tech on happiness at work. They help companies elevate emotional intelligence, build company culture, relationships and environments that support, retain and attract happy employees and teams.
- [Pete Phillipson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/pete-phillipson/): Originally from Lincolnshire, Manchester based Pete Phillipson has been building a name for himself on the stand up comedy circuit; as a fantastically funny act, over the last few years. Mixing fast paced observations and routines with wonderful characterisations.
- [Alex Scott](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alex-scott/): Since her retirement in 2018, Alex has begun a successful broadcasting career and has quickly become renown for her insights into the game and sharp punditry skills. Alex is a steady part of BBC Sport’s football broadcasting team and has become a regular face for Sky Sports football coverage and has even provided courtside coverage of the NBA in January of this year. She made history in August 2018 as the first female Sky Pundit on a Sky Sports’ Super Sunday and made waves as a fresh addition to the BBC World Cup Commentary line up.
- [Shaun Williamson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/shaun-williamson/): Fondly remembered as Barry in Eastenders, Shaun Williamson has since appeared in Extras, Life’s Too Short, The Secret Policeman’s Ball, Chicago and Rapunzel; the BBC’s new anthology of Fairy Tales. He offers a peak inside Albert Square and fronts his own ten piece soul band.
- [Steve Collins](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-collins/): Former Irish Boxer, Steve Collins was known as &#039;The Celtic Warrior&#039;. He is the most successful Irish boxer in pro boxing history, having held the WBO middleweight and super middleweight titles. Born in Cabra, Dublin, Ireland, Steve Collins was the former WBO middleweight and super middleweight champion having begun his pro career in the States. In his long boxing life (1986 to 1997), he lost only two world title fights on points and won 36 of the total 39 bouts he had, 21 of which came by knock out.
- [John Pienaar](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-pienaar/): John Pienaar a veteran of the Westminster beat, the BBC Deputy Political Editor believes that cynicism is unhelpful: assume politicians are attempting to say something useful; but listen very, very carefully. He speculates on what might happen if we were to select the next government by means of reality TV.
- [Steve Bee](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-bee/): Steve Bee published the world’s first comic book about pensions. A highly respected industry specialist, he’s also a hilarious, deadpan speaker. He pours scorn on some of the ludicrous and often arbitrary rules that affect us all; but he can’t help bemoaning the fact that he has devoted his life to the subject.
- [Terry Butcher](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/terry-butcher/): Terry Butcher is a former English pro football player, who made his mark playing for Ipswich Town. Where he spent most of his career as a tough central defender, who was good in the air and hard to get past. He has over 500 appearances in pro football. Butcher has gone on to work as a football speaker and pundit, for both print and broadcast media; as well as managing several teams all over the world, including his own previous teams: Sunderland and Coventry City.
- [Eamonn Holmes](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/eamonn-holmes/): Eamonn Holmes has one of the most recognised faces and voices in British broadcasting. Eamonn’s reign as the king of breakfast TV, stems back to the launch of the newly created GMTV in 1993, which he presented for 13 years. Now he is the anchor of Sky News at breakfast time - Sunrise with Eamonn Holmes. Eamonn, who has his own Saturday morning sports show on Radio Five Live, can be seen at other times and on other stations; most notably as twice weekly host of BBC1’s National Lottery Jet Set.
- [Nish Kumar](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nish-kumar/): Critically acclaimed comic, internationally famed meme and wonderfully nice gentleman, Nish Kumar is a comedian; and a bloody good one at that (Time Out). Since beginning his comedy career in 2006, Nish has achieved global success on the stand up circuit. With three rave reviewed solo stand up shows receiving huge recognition from both industry &amp; fans alike.
- [Kamal Ahmed](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kamal-ahmed/): Kamal Ahmed is the Economics Editor of the BBC, formally the Business Editor of the BBC. He leads the BBC&#039;s on air economics coverage and makes regular appearances on: the Today Programme, the Six and Ten O&#039;Clock news bulletins as well as Newsnight and documentary programmes across TV and radio. His blog is widely read online.
- [Ade Adepitan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ade-adepitan/): Hire Ade Adepitan Ade Adepitan MBE is a Paralympic champion, popular TV presenter &amp; motivational speaker. After being struck with polio as a child, Ade went on to compete at an international level. Known as ‘The Michael Jordan of Wheelchair Basketball’; he represented Team GB at the European and World Championships and the Sydney Olympics, winning a bronze medal in Athens.
- [Shami Chakrabarti](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/shami-chakrabarti/): Shami Chakrabarti served as Director of Liberty for more than a decade. In that time she has led many high profile campaigns, changed the face of Liberty (formerly the National Council for Civil Liberties) and oversaw the organisation’s involvement in the defence and promotion of human rights in Parliament and wider society. She now serves as Shadow Attorney General in the Labour Shadow Cabinet. Shami is a pithy and incisive guest speaker.
- [Paul Boardman](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-boardman/): Paul Boardman is a stand up comedian and speaker, writing and performing his material; and with a sharp line in observational comedy. He was a regular on the comedy circuit for some years, and then branched into the corporate scene. Working for the top brand clients in the country such as; Sony, Vodafone, British Airways, BT, Man United, American Airlines, Hilton and Insurance Institutes to name a few.
- [Alastair Cook](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alastair-cook/): Sir Alastair Cook is a former England Captain, who enjoyed an illustrious career as an opening batsmen. Cook holds various England records, that make him arguably England&#039;s greatest all time batsman. He is the all time leading run scorer, with the most Test 100&#039;s as well as the most caps for his country and the longest serving captain. Alastair retired from England duty in September 2018 after scoring 147 runs in his final England innings.
- [Alison Steed](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alison-steed/): Alison Steed is the co-founder and Editor of MyMoneyDiva. Alison is a regular commentator on Sky News and is the journalist behind the first five series of the Channel 4 prime time money saving show Superscrimpers – Waste Not Want Not. She is a well respected commentator on personal finance issues, and has won eight awards for her writing; including Personal Finance Journalist of the Year from the Association of British Insurers four times in a row.
- [Charlotte Green](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/charlotte-green/): Charlotte Green has one of the most iconic radio voices of her generation. After more than 25 years as a BBC Radio 4 Newsreader, she now presents Charlotte Green’s Culture Club for Classic FM; and reads the classified football results each week on BBC Radio 5Live.
- [Henry Normal](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/henry-normal/): Henry Normal is one of UK&#039;s most successful comedy writers and producers. He is the man behind so many classic, prime time TV shows over the last 25 years. Henry co wrote and script edited every episode of the multi award winning &#039;Mrs Merton show&#039; (1995-1998), and the spin off series Mrs Merton &amp; Malcolm (1999). He also co created and co wrote the first series of &#039;The Royle Family&#039; (1998-2012).
- [Cathy Newman](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/cathy-newman/): Cathy Newman is one of Channel 4 News&#039; main studio presenters, and was the first woman to co-host the show. She joined C4 News as political correspondent and she continues to write on Westminster for the Daily Telegraph.
- [Liv Boeree](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/liv-boeree/): Team Pokerstars professional poker player, astrophysicist and philanthropist, Liv’s take on business is unique. From game theory applications to rational thinking techniques and decision making; Liv Boeree plays on parallels between the psychology of poker and the skills needed to run a company.
- [Allan Lamb](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/allan-lamb/): Allan Lamb played cricket for Northamptonshire and England; amassing 4,654 test runs, with 14 centuries and 33,502 first class runs in the process. Allan’s successful cricketing and entertaining stories, mean that he is perfect for an after dinner audience, corporate away day or personal appearance.
- [Matt Prior](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/matt-prior/): Matt Prior, as vice captain and wicket keeper / batsman, won three Ashes series and hit 7 Test centuries in an England cricket team that rose to number one in the International Cricket Council rankings. Widely seen as the linchpin in building a high performance culture, as well as the reintegration of Kevin Pietersen into the England dressing room. Matt has used his vast experience by moving seamlessly into business and founding ONE Pro Cycling with the ambitious goal of reaching the top tier of world racing.
- [Bradley Wiggins](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/bradley-wiggins/): One of Britain’s greatest Olympians, Sir Bradley Wiggins is an accomplished track and road cyclist. One of the most famous faces in the sport, he has won both Olympic and World Championship Gold in track and road cycling; the only rider to have accomplished this. He also holds the world record in team pursuit, has set an hour record of 54.526 km and was Britain’s first Tour de France winner.
- [Dennis Taylor](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dennis-taylor/): Dennis Taylor shot to fame after winning the 1985 Snooker World Championship final. It was not so much the win but the manner in which it was done; beating the World number one at the time Steve Davis, on the last Black of the final frame. An estimated 18.5 million people watched the BBC2 climax (a record which still stands), until the early hours of Monday morning. It was the largest post midnight audience for any programme on any channel and stands today. After retiring from snooker, Dennis became a very popular BBC snooker commentator.
- [Debra Searle](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/debra-searle/): Debra Searle MVO, MBE is a truly inspirational woman. A pro adventurer, author, BBC presenter and gender equality advocate. Debra first hit the headlines when she set out to row across the Atlantic with her husband. Although he had to be rescued; so Debra, a novice rower, continued alone and rowed 3000 miles from Tenerife to Barbados. It should have taken them six weeks; but to achieve her goal, Debra ended up spending 3½ months at sea, alone. Encountering 30 foot waves, sharks and force 8 squalls; in her 23 foot ply wood boat.
- [Chanelle McCoy](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chanelle-mccoy/): Lady Chanelle McCoy has been awarded the All Ireland Business Champion Award 2018, for her outstanding achievements in business leadership. She has also been ranked no 23 in the ‘50 incredible people shaping modern Ireland’. She co-founded Chanelle Medical, part of the multi million pound global company Chanelle Pharmaceutical Group; based in Galway. Chanelle is the newest dragon on the TV series Dragon’s Den in Ireland; and is also married to horse racing legend AP McCoy.
- [Kate Reardon](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kate-reardon/): Journalist, author and editor of Tatler, Kate Reardon. Having started her career as US Vogue’s youngest ever fashion assistant; Kate quickly rose to become the (youngest ever) fashion director of Tatler, at the age of 21. Her stellar career flourished in 1999, as she became a founding advisory board member of Net a Porter; and also an editor at Vanity Fair.
- [Sara Murray](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sara-murray/): Award Winning Founder of Confused.com and buddi. Sara Murray graduated from Oxford Uni with an MA Hons in Physiology, Psychology &amp; Philosophy. Murray started her career in management consultancy with ZS Associates and later moved to Hambros Bank; to work in Asset Finance.
- [Kate Adie](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kate-adie/): Kate Adie presents &#039;From Our Own Correspondent&#039; and makes various shows for BBC TV and Radio 4. After a BA Hons in Scandinavian Studies, Kate launched her BBC career as a station assistant at Radio Durham.
- [Marc Hogan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/marc-hogan/): Marc Hogan is an ex-sales and marketing professional with over 14 years experience. Marc’s &#039;Funny Business&#039; and Inspirational Communication programmes have inspired audiences to seek out opportunities, tackle challenges and improve their influencing skills. His clients have included: Tesco, Barclays, Volkswagen, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, BAA, Virgin Media, KPMG, Select Group, Bechtel and many more.
- [Michael Dodd](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-dodd/): Michael Dodd is a broadcast journalist who is best known for his live reviews of British newspapers; that can be seen on satellite TV around the world. He knows how to ask the tough questions – and how to answer them.
- [Chris Hines](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chris-hines/): The former Eden Project Director, Chris Hines, was also a founding member and Director of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) between 1990 and 2000. “Some of the government’s most sophisticated environmental critics” – BBC News &amp; Current Affairs. “Britain’s coolest pressure group” – The Independent. Runner-up in the 1999 Green Politics Award. Solution-based, he helped deliver a £5 billion spend on the UK coastline.
- [Pete Cohen](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/pete-cohen/): Pete Cohen has the personality and skill that can change people’s lives. Drawing on his talent as a life strategist, human behaviourist, health and fitness professional, motivational speaker, business consultant and best selling author; he has established himself firmly in the personal development field.
- [Susan Murray](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/susan-murray/): Susan Murray has emerged as one of the best female stand-ups in the UK; and was the first ever woman to MC Decompression gigs for the British Army / CSE. She is in the top 100 Huffington Post funny women Tweeters. She has written for and was a guest on Jeremy Hardy Talks To The Nation; and has also starred in Stephen K Amos’ Idiots Guide both for Radio 4.
- [Shappi Khorsandi](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/shappi-khorsandi/): The daughter of an exiled writer and comic from Iran, Shappi’s upbringing has been in no way conventional. From mental illness to opium dens, it’s all gone on in the Khorsandi household and now she recounts it all the only way she knows how, with wit, warmth and hilarity. Shappi Khorsandi took her one women show Carry on Shappi to the 2008 Edinburgh Festival and then on to The Soho Theatre.
- [Teddy Sheringham](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/teddy-sheringham/): A legendary player, most notably for Manchester United and England, Teddy Sheringham was most recently the playerbmanager of Stevenage. During his lengthy career, Sheringham played as the striker; and for nearly three decades has devoted his life to the sport. Taking a look back into where this passion was first kindled, you’ll see his career started with Millwall; where he remains the club’s second all time leading scorer with 111 goals.
- [Stuart Pearce](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/stuart-pearce/): Stuart Pearce is an ex-International footballer turned coach. Who forged a successful career both on and off the pitch with a uncompromising reputation for courage and attitude. He started his career at non league Wealdstone FC, but was one of the last generation of players to make the transition to a pro club; moving to Coventry City (then under Bobby Gould) and then Nottingham Forest (under Brian Clough). It was at Forest that his career took off; quickly becoming captain and a popular player in over a decade at the club; during which time he also made his England squad debut.
- [Michael Vaughan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-vaughan/): Michael Vaughan is a former Cricketer for Yorkshire and England, Captain of England and now a cricket commentator and pundit on both TV and Radio. Micheal was the most successful England Cricket captain of all time. He was the captain of the England team when they regained The Ashes in 2005, eighteen years after having last won the trophy.
- [David Dein](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/david-dein/): David Dein is a football entrepreneur and businessman. David joined the Arsenal Board in 1983 and was made Vice Chair in the same year. He also rose to Vice Chairman of the Football Association and has served on numerous UEFA and FIFA Committees. He was also the chairman of the G14 group of European football clubs between October 2006 and May 2007. In 2010 he was the President of the England World Cup bid for the 2018 finals.
- [Tanya Beckett](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tanya-beckett/): Tanya Beckett is known as the presenter of BBC World News’ Business Live and the business news on Radio 4’s Today. She has worked as a presenter for the BBC since 1998, anchoring a variety of news and business shows across the BBC; including: Business Breakfast, Breakfast News, Working Lunch and most recently, World Business Report. She also co-presents news shows live from Washington with her London based colleague Zeinab Badawi.
- [Rhys James](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rhys-james/): Rhys James is an accomplished comedian, writer and actor. At 26 he has already made numerous TV appearances, on shows such as Mock The Week (BBC2), Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central (Comedy Central), Virtually Famous (E4), Sweat the Small Stuff (BBC3), @elevenish (ITV2) and many more.
- [Mark Baker](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-baker/): Mark Baker Expert in Sales and Motivation. Mark is widely regarded as one of the world&#039;s most sought after speakers; but that description barely scratches the surface of what he really delivers. Because he is a sales speaker, a Success &amp; Mindset speaker and one of THE most inspirational Speakers you will ever hear in your entire life!
- [Alan Titchmarsh](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alan-titchmarsh/): Alan Titchmarsh MBE is a famous English TV gardener and guest speaker. The gardener started his career by studying at the Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture. Before moving to the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.
- [Brian Blessed](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/brian-blessed/): Brian Blessed OBE is one of Britain’s most famous stage and screen actors; best known for his many Shakespearean roles on TV, film and in the theatre. His booming voice and comedic personality, has made him extremely popular; with audiences around the world.
- [Miranda Hart](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/miranda-hart/): Miranda Hart is a comedy writer and actress, whose popular sitcom earned two RTS Awards (for Best Comedy Performance and Best Scripted Comedy) and a host of other award nominations. She has gone on to be one of the UK’s favourite performers; with dramatic and comedic performances on TV and film.
- [Damon Hill](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/damon-hill/): It is not easy having a famous father and even harder to succeed in a field in which they have excelled. But Damon Hill achieved just that when, like his father Graham, he became F1 World Champion.
- [Graeme Swann](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/graeme-swann/): Graeme Swann was a key member of the England Test side that claimed world No.1 status at the Oval. He was regarded as one of England&#039;s best spin bowlers of all time and made important contributions with the bat. As part of the victorious England team who claimed the Ashes back from Australia, Graeme delivered the winning wicket to secure a famous victory. Graeme became the first English spinner to take 50 wickets in a calendar year. He promptly won consecutive Man of the Match awards against South Africa, cementing third place in the world rankings for bowlers.
- [Pat Cash](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/pat-cash/): An Australian Tennis legend, Pat Cash is best known for his victory at the 1987 Wimbledon Tennis Championship. First coming to the attention of the tennis world in the early 1980s; Pat was awarded with a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport. Winning the Wimbledon and US Open at a junior level in 1981, Pat turned professional in 1982. Winning his first top-level singles title later that year in Melbourne. A magnificent tennis speaker, Pat’s engaging delivery of talks makes him one of the most desirable sports speakers on the after dinner speaker circuit.
- [Steve Cram](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-cram/): Steve Cram is one of the world’s most successful middle distance athletes of all time. Since retiring he is now one of the BBC’s most respected commentators. A global sportsman, admired sports commentator he knows and understands what it takes to become a world-class success.
- [Phil Thompson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/phil-thompson/): Phil Thompson is a retired English football player who was born in 1954. He is best known for playing as a defender for Liverpool although he also had a two year spell at Sheffield United. Furthermore he also represented England a total of forty two times. After retirement he moved into management and eventually became the assistant manager at Liverpool.
- [Chris Waddle](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/chris-waddle/): Chris Waddle is one of the country’s most recognised football stars, of the 80&#039;s and 90&#039;s; and as such is an illuminating after dinner speaker, who can talk comfortably about his myriad of sporting experiences at any event. Chris has played his football besides some of the greatest names in the game, and was an England regular for several years.
- [Bob Champion](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/bob-champion/): Bob Champion was a successful national hunt jockey; winning the Grand National on Aldaniti 1981, after recovering from cancer. His extraordinary story was made into a film &#039;Champion&#039; with John Hurt taking Bob&#039;s part; Hurt going on to win a BAFTA award for his role.
- [Jilly Goolden](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jilly-goolden/): The nation’s favourite wine buff, Jilly Goolden presented the BBC’s Food and Drink show for nearly two decades. Her bubbly personality, flowery language and impertinent bouquet helped advance Britain’s current love of wine.
- [Peter Schmeichel](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/peter-schmeichel/): Arguably the greatest goalkeeper in history. Peter Schmeichel was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003; in recognition of his impact on the English game. In March 2004, he was named as one of the “125 greatest living footballers”, at the FIFA 100 celebrations.
- [Oz Clarke](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/oz-clarke/): As well as being one of the UK&#039;s favourite experts in wine on TV, Oz Clarke is fantastic at corporate wine tasting events; where he speaks about wines from around the globe. Oz has spoken at some of the world’s most prestigious food and wine events; including the Wine Experience in New York and San Francisco and at a Boston Wine Expo.
- [Nadiya Hussain](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nadiya-hussain/): Nadiya Hussain is a baker, columnist and TV presenter; who rose to fame after winning the BBC’s sixth series of The Great British Bake Off. She has since developed a career as a presenter, and has written several popular cookery books.
- [James Martin](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/james-martin/): An incredibly successful celebrity chef, James Martin has made a great impact on the culinary TV industry since 1996, where he first appeared on Ready Steady Cook. After working alongside Antony Worrall Thompson at 190 Queensgate, James opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef at the ender age of 22. James experienced huge success with his first venture, with eight week waiting lists for a table at the weekend.
- [Sue Perkins](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sue-perkins/): Sue has glided from writing French &amp; Saunders skits to conducting orchestras, getting the nation baking and exploring the Mekong river. After dinner Sue Perkins serves up a melange of historical, comical and culinary tales.
- [Mel Giedroyc](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mel-giedroyc/): The Independent once described Mel Giedroyc as a ‘video age Joyce Grenfell’. Alongside Sue Perkins she has revamped The Generation Game and helped make The Great British Bake Off a TV institution.
- [Gordon Ramsay OBE](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gordon-ramsay-obe/): Gordon Ramsay the Scottish chef and restaurateur known for his highly acclaimed restaurants and cookbooks. But perhaps best known in the 21st century for the profanity and fiery temper; that he freely displays on TV cooking shows.
- [Ainsley Harriott](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ainsley-harriott/): Ainsley Harriott is a popular entertainer, TV Presenter and guest speaker. He was born in London - England and his father was the Jamaican pianist Chester Harriott.
- [Paul Hollywood](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-hollywood/): Master baker Paul Hollywood is best known for his role as the hard-to-impress judge beside Marry Berry; on The Great British Bake Off. He moved to Channel 4’s version of Bake Off, joining Prue Leith on the judging panel.
- [Nigella Lawson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nigella-lawson/): Nigella Lawson is a food writer and broadcaster. She is the bestselling author of ten books and one of the most recognised faces in the food industry worldwide.
- [Jonathan Pearce](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jonathan-pearce/): Jonathan Pearce is a sports broadcaster and commentator. He started his career at BBC Radio Bristol in 1979. His first match commentary was Bristol Rovers against Exeter City in the League Cup; and he became sports editor at the age of 23 at Radio West.
- [Carole Spiers](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/carole-spiers/): Carole Spiers: stress, organisational change and entrepreneurship. Dramatised by a BBC guest broadcaster and global motivational speaker; with unique platform skills, backed by 20 years business experience as a CEO.
- [Jamie Bartlett](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jamie-bartlett/): Author of The Dark Net: Inside the Digital Underworld, Jamie Bartlett is a specialist in online culture and technology. He is Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at the think-tank Demos. As an engaging keynote speaker, Jamie unveils a shadowy world of Internet cultures; and shares insights into key topics of our time. Such as cyber security, the impact of social media, and the evolution of new political movements.
- [Sir Steven Redgrave](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sir-steven-redgrave/): Sir Steven Redgrave, CBE, DL is a retired British rower; who won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000. He has also won three Commonwealth Games gold medals and nine World Rowing Championships golds. He is regarded as Britain&#039;s greatest-ever Olympian, the most successful male rower in Olympic history; and the only person to have won gold medals at five Olympic Games in an endurance sport.
- [Michael Mansfield QC](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-mansfield-qc/): Michael Mansfield is regarded as one of the most respected legal minds of our time. He is the self-styled ’radical lawyer’ and has represented defendants at criminal trials, appeals and inquiries in some of the most high profile controversial legal cases and miscarriages of justice ever seen in the UK; particularly where issues of civil liberty have arisen.
- [Alan Johnson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alan-johnson/): Alan Johnson - Politician and broadcaster, has regularly appeared on &#039;Question Time&#039; (BBC1) and &#039;This Week&#039; (BBC1), while showing a more humorous side with guest presenter stints on Have I Got News For You (BBC1). Along side documentaries like &#039;Alan Johnson: The Post Office and Me&#039; (BBC4) and indulging his passion in &#039;The Nation’s Favourite Beatles Number 1&#039; (ITV1).
- [Sir Alan Sugar](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sir-alan-sugar/): Alan Sugar more commonly known as Lord Sugar is a British businessman, entrepreneur and media person. With a net worth of £770 million, he was rated 89th in the Sunday Times Rich List of 2011. He is also the founder of Amstrad which is his largest business venture.
- [Saira Khan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/saira-khan/): After appearing in the first series of The Apprentice, Saira Khan has gone on to found Miamoo; a company which specialises in natural skin care products. Saira has been a regular panellist on Loose Women, co-hosted the Money Programme with Martin Lewis; and is regular on Radio 4. Sarah speaks with passion around women in business, Muslims in business and a host of business issues.
- [Ruth Badger](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ruth-badger/): Ruth Badger was raised in Wolverhampton. At the age of 16 she left full time education, with just three GCSE’s; to join a Youth Training Scheme within the Civil Service. During the early years of her career, Ruth worked in various roles to build up her experience; from working for Yates, Wolves Football Club and then to a finance company called Purple Loans.
- [Mark Wright](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-wright/): A businessman with a remarkable success story which saw him go from living out of his rucksack in a London hostel, to launching his own business with Lord Alan Sugar, Mark Wright has a journey to the top that is truly inspiring.
- [Tim Campbell](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tim-campbell/): Tim Campbell is an entrepreneurial businessman with a focus on educating and empowering others. After coming to the public attention by winning the reality show The Apprentice (being hired by Lord Alan Sugar in the first series of the BBC&#039;s The Apprentice). He worked closely with the Mayor of London to increase the number of organisations recruiting apprentices and set up his own social enterprise, Bright Ideas Trust, to support start-ups from underserved groups. With an MBE for his services to enterprise culture, he has since returned to the show where he started, now as Lord Sugar&#039;s aide.
- [Margaret Mountford](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/margaret-mountford/): Margaret is best known for her role as Alan Sugar&#039;s adviser on The Apprentice. Margaret Mountford is a British lawyer, businesswoman and television personality best known for her role in The Apprentice. Returning to education later in life, she completed her PhD in 2012 at University College London. Margaret also chairs the Bright Ideas Trust. BIT was set up by the first Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, and helps young people start their own businesses.
- [Yasmina Siadatan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/yasmina-siadatan/): Having worked with the likes of Lord Sugar and James Caan, Yasmina Siadatan is one of Britain’s most successful businesswomen. After graduating from the London School of Economics, she followed in her father’s footsteps and went into the restaurant business; opening Mya Lacarte alongside her brother Matthew.
- [Tom Pellereau](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tom-pellereau/): An inventor and entrepreneur who is famous for winning the seventh series of BBC reality show The Apprentice. Tom Pellereau has revolutionary ideas that have seen him become one of the most successful businessmen around.
- [Ricky Martin](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ricky-martin/): A former winner of The Apprentice who now runs a multi-million-pound recruitment agency; Ricky Martin is one of the most successful and knowledgeable businessmen around. Able to combine his professional persona with a natural sense of humour, Ricky is the perfect person to book as an after-dinner speaker; as he can interact with audiences sharing numerous anecdotes on his career.
- [Michelle Dewberry](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michelle-dewberry/): The first female winner of The Apprentice, Michelle Dewberry is an entrepreneur who runs successful online shopping website Daily Chic and the site Like Bees; which provides families with the latest discounts and offers. A truly inspirational individual, Michelle has had an eye for business from an early age. Becoming a network analyst at Hull’s biggest telecommunications company before the age of 25.
- [Brenda Emmanus](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/brenda-emmanus/): Brenda Emmanus’ media career has been long standing and consistent. Over the years, she has extended her professional skills in TV, radio and print journalism. She is currently BBC London News: Art, Culture and Entertainment Correspondent - a role which allows her to combine creativity and journalism; across TV, radio and online output.
- [Lord Digby Jones](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lord-digby-jones/): Lord Digby Jones lobbied energetically on behalf of British business as Director General of the CBI and served in government as Minister of State for Trade and Investment. He has a wide range of senior non-executive roles and has helped small and medium-sized businesses on BBC 2’s The New Troubleshooter.
- [Alastair Campbell](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alastair-campbell/): Alastair Campbell is a writer, strategist and guest speaker. Best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman; press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in Labour politics, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, charitable fund raising and politics.
- [Jason Gillespie](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jason-gillespie/): Jason Gillespie is a former Austrlain bowler who has made his name coaching sides such as Yorkshire &amp; Sussex. He led Yorkshire to promotion from the second division in 2012 and back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015. Jason or &#039;Dizzy&#039; as he is known after the Jazz musician, ran Trevor Bayliss close when he was appointed as England coach and earlier this year had a short-term spell with Kent.
- [Steph McGovern](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steph-mcgovern/): For over a decade Steph McGovern has reported on business and finance from around the world; from international summits to small business success stories. She is an established part of the BBC Breakfast team, covering business developments daily; and also regularly taking to the sofa as main co-host.
- [Neil Warnock](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/neil-warnock/): Neil Warnock is a member of the LMA Hall of Fame by being one of the 19 managers in the exclusive 1000 club, having managed over 1000 domestic league and cup matches in England.
- [John Barnes](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-barnes/): During his stellar career as a professional footballer, John Barnes played for England 79 times, scoring 12 goals. He was a member of the Liverpool team that won the league title in 1988 and 1990, the Football Association (FA) Cup in 1989 and 1992, and the League Cup in 1995. He is regarded as one of England&#039;s outstanding footballers. He talks amusingly and elegantly on his footballing career with stories on characters such as &#039;Gazza&#039; and Bobby Robson. John is also a well received keynote speaker on diversity issues having published his book &#039;The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism&#039;. As well as a Host on Awards nights.
- [Robbie Savage](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/robbie-savage/): Robbie Savage was a former footballer who now works as a TV football pundit &amp; journalist. He was born in Wrexham, Wales and joined Manchester United as a trainee playing in the famous 1992 Youth cup wining side alongside players such as Beckham, Scholes, Giggs and the Neville brothers, but was eventually given a free transfer by to Crewe in 1994. He went on to play for Derby County, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Leicester City and Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.
- [Bruce Grobbelaar](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/bruce-grobbelaar/): South African born goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, was one of the most recognised football stars of his generation. He played the key part of his career, with Liverpool FC in the English First Division &amp; Premier League; winning many trophies including the European Cup. Bruce is a great guest speaker, who always entertains and delights any audience.
- [Stuart Goldsmith](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/stuart-goldsmith/): Stuart Goldsmith is an internationally award-winning comedian, writer, podcaster and host. A former street entertainer, who took part in ITV1&#039;s &#039;Show Me The Funny&#039; talent show in 2011 and is host of the award nominated Comedians&#039; Comedian Podcast, he has gained a reputation for smart, accessible stand-up, Stuart’s enthusiasm and natural charm conceal a quick wit and fearlessness honed by his early career as a street performer. Surprisingly candid about his exploits, sexploits and textploits, Stuart likes to get his teeth into love, romance and the downside of getting what you want.
- [Paul Sinha](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-sinha/): After appearing on every TV quiz from Mastermind to The Weakest Link, the GP-turned-comedian Paul Sinha was an obvious choice to be a ‘chaser’ on ITV’s game show The Chase. Paul has also recorded with Stewart Lee, and continues to adorn Radio 4 with panel show appearances and documentaries.
- [Jeremy Vine](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jeremy-vine/): Jeremy Vine is one of the most familiar faces and voices on television and radio. He loves music. But he&#039;s also a journalist. There aren’t that many shows that do music and news. In fact there’s only one. Happily he presents it...
- [Janet Street Porter](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/janet-street-porter/): Janet Street Porter has a career that spans almost five decades, encompassing print, radio and broadcast media, starting in the late 1960‘s as a fashion writer and weekly columnist on the Daily Mail and then the Evening Standard. She moved to radio, co-hosting a morning show on LBC, London&#039;s first commercial station, in 1973. On screen and on the page she’s covered everything from architecture to food, education to driving a taxi. After dinner dinner speaker Janet explains why she refused to give in to pressure to make fiddly food on Masterchef, her unique management style, and why she was picked to go into the jungle.
- [Dion Dublin](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dion-dublin/): Presenter of Homes Under The Hammer on BBC1, Dion Dublin is a master of many trades; as an ex-pro footballer, a musician, and an accomplished awards host and conference facilitator. Warm and eloquent, Dion speaks candidly about the highs and lows of his football career. He regularly appears as a football pundit and he also manages a band called The Establishment.
- [Andrew Strauss](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/andrew-strauss/): Andrew Strauss is one of only three England cricket captains, to lead his side to Ashes victory both home and away. Now Director of Cricket for the national team, Andrew talks about how to create and share a vision; build trust and encourage change. He might also reveal what happened in the latest Ashes series.
- [Rob Beckett](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rob-beckett/): Stand-up comedian Rob Beckett is a popular performer and actor who quickly rose to public notoriety following his first appearances on the fringe comedy scene in 2009, as runner-up in &#039;So You Think You’re Funny&#039; competition. He went on to the comedy circuit winning four new act competitions including Amused Moose Laugh Off 2010, Outside The Box New Act of the Year 2010, Leicester Square Theatre New Act of the Year 2009 and Reading Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2009 as well as being nominated for the prestigious Adelaide Fringe Best Newcomer Award 2011.
- [Tom Allen](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tom-allen/): Tom Allen is a comedian, writer and actor. He started as a stand up at the age of 22 and went on to win both &#039;So You Think You’re Funny&#039; in Edinburgh; and the BBC New Comedy Awards in the same year. Since then he has honed his unique style of sharp, acerbic wit and camp, riotous storytelling; by performing to audiences all over the UK and around the world.
- [Sara Pascoe](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sara-pascoe/): Sara Pascoe is an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated comedian, writer and actor. Sara played ditsy PR Coco in the hit Olympic sitcom Twenty Twelve and the BBC spoof W1A. Both actor and stand up, she’s also appeared in The Thick Of It, Live At The Apollo and R4’s The Unbelievable Truth. According to The Manchester Evening News, Sara is &#039;charming, sharp and silly - a total delight&#039;.
- [Brendan Foster CBE](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/brendan-foster-cbe/): Brendan’s athletics career, saw him amass an impressive array of championship medals: Commonwealth Games 1500m Bronze (1970), 5000m Silver (1974 and 1978), 10,000m Gold (1978); European Championships 1500m Bronze (1971), 5000m Gold (1974) and Olympic Games 10,000m Bronze (1976). Brendan Foster also set two world records for the 3000m in 1972 and 1974; and a world record for two miles in 1973. During his career he was the UK record holder at five different distances, before retiring in 1980.
- [Michael Portillo](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-portillo/): Michael Portillo is a accomplished writer, presenter &amp; broadcastor a role he fell into after a successful political career. While in he government controlled public spending as Chief Treasury Secretary, then led both Employment and Defence. Now he is often seen cosying up to the opposition on the late night TV sofa of &#039;This Week&#039; BBC. Michael has travelled America’s railroads. The ex-Conservative Cabinet Minister also weighs in on the debate in radio’s Moral Maze. After dinner Michael confesses that he often has problems with today’s politicians.
- [Lord Michael Dobbs](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lord-michael-dobbs/): Lord Michael Dobbs of Wylye describes himself as never having had “a proper job” perhaps he&#039;s spent too much of his life hanging around all the wrong places at interesting times. He was with Margaret Thatcher when she took her first steps into Downing Street as Prime Minister, and he was there again with John Major when he was kicked out. In between he got bombed in Brighton and banished from Chequers (after a row with Maggie), and helped win a few elections. In the quieter moments wrote a book called &#039;House of Cards&#039;. As former Prime Minister John Major once said, it had done for his job &quot;what Dracula has done for baby sitting&quot;.
- [Ann Widdecombe](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ann-widdecombe/): Ann Widdecombe is the former MP for Maidstone, she is an author, writer, broadcaster and outstanding public speaker; who is also extremely well known for her TV appearances and strong opinions. Her extensive political and TV career, make Miss Widdecombe an interesting and experienced guest speaker. Allowing her to be at ease with any audience and any event, business or private. Ann is also happy to take any questions (post speech), dealing with them as a true politician. &quot;Ann Widdecombe at Nightingale House, London, 2009&quot; by Brian Minkoff - London Pixels / CC BY 3.0
- [Lorraine Heggessey](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lorraine-heggessey/): Lorraine Heggessey was the first female Controller of BBC One. Armed with the £300m budget she launched Spooks and Strictly, reinvented Dr Who and introduced new idents – changing the feel of the network. She then achieved hits at Talkback Thames with X-Factor, BGT and The Apprentice. “It’s not just about taking risks, it’s the risk of not taking decisions.” During her time at the helm network ratings overtook ITV; for the first time since it launched in 1955.
- [Mary Portas](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mary-portas/): Mary Portas is recognised as the UK’s foremost authority on retail and brand communication. The British media have crowned Mary “Queen of Shops”.
- [Eniola Aluko](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/eniola-aluko/): Eniola Aluko the Chelsea and England striker; is noted as a natural goal scorer, and a leading talent in the women’s game. She has won Premier League and FA Cups and played over 100 internationals. Off the pitch she is a lawyer, having qualified in the US and working the City.
- [Ray Parlour](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ray-parlour/): Raymond &quot;Ray&quot; Parlour (born 7 March 1973 in Romford, London), is a retired English footballer. He spent his career playing for Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Hull City. During his Arsenal career he was nicknamed &quot;The Romford Pelé&quot;; although the nickname was given with an ironic sense of humour, on account of his solid performance but unglamorous image. Nonetheless he has been described as an &quot;unsung hero&quot; and praised as a &quot;fans&#039; favourite&quot; for his high-energy performances. He is now a pundit on television, as well as on radio stations BBC Radio 5 Live and Talksport.
- [Warwick Davis](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/warwick-davis/): The acting career of Warwick Davis came about purely by chance. Back in 1981 his Grandmother heard a radio announcement calling for ‘short people’ to appear in the new ‘Star Wars’ ﬁlm ‘Return of the Jedi’. He played the tiny Ewok, Wicket, who became one of the ﬁlm’s lead creature characters.
- [Martyn Lewis CBE](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/martyn-lewis-cbe/): During 32 years as a TV journalist Sir Martyn Lewis anchored every mainstream national news show on ITV &amp; BBC TV, and now works extensively in the voluntary sector.
- [Tori James](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tori-james/): Tori James, at the age of 25, became the youngest British women (at that time) and the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Tori stars in the BBC documentary ‘On Top of the World’ which was produced using video footage which she shot and directed whilst climbing Everest. She is also the author of ‘Peak Performance’ which describes her record-breaking climb to the summit.
- [Kevin Kennedy](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kevin-kennedy/): Kevin Kennedy is best known for playing Curly Watts in ITV&#039;s Coronation Street between 1983 - 2003. He even returned briefly to film scenes for its 50th anniversary DVD.
- [Tony Vino](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tony-vino/): Tony Vino is the only half Spanish half Scottish hybrid working comic in the world. Born in Malaga he was subsequently raised in the Costa Del Preston, Lancashire. When he was only a toddler his Father looked around, he saw the sea, sand and sunshine of the Andalucian coast; and thought “we need to be nearer Wigan Pier”.
- [Claire Harper](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/claire-harper/): Former Head of Marketing at Ocado, Head of Online Marketing for Sainsbury’s, Marketing Director at Mamas &amp; Papas and Founder Indiacoco (award winning clothing brand) Claire Harper.
- [Bruno &#038; Richardson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/bruno-richardson/): Bruno &amp; Richardson - a Former Heavyweight World Champion and a BBC Radio sports presenter. Drawing on a deep friendship, Frank Bruno and his after dinner speaker sparring partner Garry Richardson; dish up an entertaining, thought provoking and poignant look at Frank’s life, both in and out of the ring. Without pulling any punches; they conjure up the triumphs and defeats, the laughter and the tears.
- [Stewart Lee](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/stewart-lee/): Born in Shropshire in 1968, Stewart Lee began writing and performing stand up at the age of 20. Having been inspired, as an impressionable teenager, by seeing the post-punk anti-comic Ted Chippington open for The Fall in Birmingham 1984. In 1990 he won the Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year award and for the next five years he contributed to various BBC Radio comedy shows; including Fist of Fun and On The Hour, with Steve Coogan and Chris Morris. He performed as a stand-up almost nightly on the London comedy club circuit throughout the ‘90s, and co-created two programs for BBC2 with Richard Herring.
- [Paul Chowdhry](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-chowdhry/): Paul Chowdhry is undoubtedly a comedy force of rich talent; he is a London born comedian, actor and prolific name in the Stand Up comedy world. In October 2016, Paul took part in series three of Taskmaster on the Dave channel, alongside Greg Davies and Al Murray among others.
- [Simon Evans](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/simon-evans/): Hugely popular both in comedy clubs and on the after-dinner and corporate circuit, Simon Evans excels in routines that are adult in the best sense of the word. Prompting reviewers to describe him as &quot;demonically dry&quot; Dominic Maxwell, Metro and &quot;sublime&quot; William Cook, The Guardian.
- [John Hartson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-hartson/): Former footballer John Hartson is one of the country’s leading soccer pundits appearing regularly on ‘Match of the Day’ ‘Football Focus’ &amp; BT Sports programmes. In his playing days John represented Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon, Celtic and West Bromwich Albion. He made over 400 professional appearances for these clubs and scored 167 goals. John is also known for his tireless work for the John Hartson Foundation which he set up after being diagnosed with cancer and going through emergency surgery.
- [Kate Bellingham](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kate-bellingham/): Kate Bellingham didn’t set out to become a TV presenter but was ‘spotted’ whilst working for the BBC as an electronics engineer; and invited to audition for a Schools TV programme, ‘Techno’. Having embarked on a career in ‘show biz’, her engineering background, along with a degree in physics from Oxford University and experience as a computer programmer; came in useful during her four years as a presenter on the flagship science and technology programme ‘Tomorrow’s World’.
- [Dean Saunders](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dean-saunders/): Now becoming one of the most sought after speakers on the circuit, Dean Saunders is a former footballer; with a wealth of stories about his vast career which has taken him too many places.
- [Nigel Redman](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nigel-redman/): Elite coach development manager for British Swimming, Former British Lion. Nigel Redman made his England rugby debut against Australia when he was 19; and won his 20th and final cap against Australia 13 years later. He also captained the Lions in South Africa.
- [Tony Cottey](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tony-cottey/): At 5 foot 4 inches, Tony Cottey was known as the small Welshman with the big heart who played professional football and cricket (1986 – 2004) and was sometimes mistaken for the more eminent footballer Tony Cottee.
- [Grant Leboff](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/grant-leboff/): Grant Leboff is one of the UK&#039;s leading Sales and Marketing experts and the founder of Sticky Marketing Ltd. A consultancy which advises clients on sales and marketing strategies; building their brand and positioning it as market leader in their particular sector.
- [Jason Mohammad](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jason-mohammad/): Jason Mohammad is a charismatic, sophisticated presenter with extensive sport knowledge and years of experience. He is one of BBC Wales&#039; most experienced and high profile news and sport presenters. He hosts his own daily radio show, The Phone In Show on Radio Wales, presents Sport Wales for BBC2 Wales and the very popular international Rugby union show Scrum V.
- [Jeff Winter](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jeff-winter/): British referee Jeff Winter retired from Premiership football in 2004 and has made a successful career as an after dinner speaker; working for the sporting and corporate event circuit.
- [Paul Fletcher](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-fletcher/): Over the past decade, Paul Fletcher has become one of the most sought after speakers in the country. Whether it be After Dinner, Motivational or Keynote; his special brand of sporting anecdotes, tasteful humour and corporate message, delivers every time.
- [Philippa Tuttiett](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/philippa-tuttiett/): Philippa Tuttiett set up Female Builders and Interiors in 2007 after years of working with her father in his property renovation company and completing her degree in Business Communications at Cardiff University.
- [Jan Meek](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jan-meek/): Jan Meek is an accomplished After Dinner, Motivational and Conference Speaker with ten years experience and an impressive client list. Jan achieved fame in 1997 by rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 101 days in a 23 foot wooden boat, with her son Dan as her team mate. For this, she achieved her first Guinness World Record. Then in 2007, the pair were united in adventure once again when they became the first mother and son team to reach the Magnetic North Pole by foot, hauling their sleds 350 miles across the worst ice conditions for years.
- [Graham Poll](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/graham-poll/): Graham Poll is said to be the most well known and most experienced English football referee of all time. With an enviable track record in international refereeing, including the last FA Cup Final at Wembley stadium in 2000 and the first referee to reach the milestone of refereeing 300 Premier League matches, Graham will also be remembered for issuing one player with 3 yellow cards at a World Cup match during the 2006 final competition in Germany 2006.
- [Tamara Lohan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tamara-lohan/): One half of the Mr and Mrs Smith team; Tamara Lohan has taken a business idea and turned it into one of the UK’s most successful ‘aspirational but still accessible’ accommodation brands.
- [Penny Mallory](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/penny-mallory/): As a former Rally Driving Champion and World Rally Championship competitor; Penny Mallory became the first woman ever to compete in a World Rally Car, the driving equivalent of an off road Formula 1 car.
- [Caprice Bourret](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/caprice-bourret/): Businesswoman, model, actress, TV personality &amp; entrepreneur, Caprice Bourret. With 300 magazine covers, awards like GQ Magazine’s ‘Woman of the Year’ and Maxim’s ‘International Woman of the Year’ under her belt; as well as acting accolades and business success, Caprice is a prolifically talented and awe inspiring speaker and presenter.
- [Roger Black](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/roger-black/): Roger Black is one of the country’s most successful sportsmen having represented Great Britain for fourteen years at the highest level in the world of athletics. Roger was part of the team that clinched gold from the Americans in the 4x400m relay at the Tokyo World Championships. He also won Olympic silver, beaten only by Michael Johnson in Atlanta. Having achieved individually and as part of a team, Roger understands what it takes to become a champion and describes his &#039;Five Fundamentals&#039; for success.
- [Joanna Lumley](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/joanna-lumley/): Joanna Lumley is one of Britain’s favourite actresses and TV personalities. She has starred in movies and hit TV series from Ab Fab to The New Avengers; Shirley Valentine to The Wolf of Wall Street. She’s also lived alone on an island, campaigned for Gurkhas and searched for the Ark. She’s explored the myths of Greece, met Will I Am for a documentary; and lent her support for a new pedestrian bridge in London.
- [Toby Young](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/toby-young/): Toby Young is one of Britain’s most controversial broadcasters and journalists. He is an associate editor of the Spectator and the editor of Spectator LIFE; where he has written a weekly column since 1998. He co-founded the West London Free School, the first free school in England to sign a Funding Agreement with Michael Gove; and his group has subsequently opened two more.
- [Steve Davis](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/steve-davis/): The six- time world snooker champion remains amongst the top 30 players and a member of the commentary team. Off the table, Steve Davis has carved out a successful media career, owing in no small part to his ‘interesting’ persona. With a bone dry sense of humour, he relives the highs and lows of an interesting career.
- [Nick Hewer](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nick-hewer/): Hire Nick Hewer Cajoled into an on screen role by his friend Alan Sugar, in a “vaguely muscular” fashion, Nick’s raised eyebrow spoke volumes on The Apprentice. After putting off his own retirement, Nick Hewer has encouraged others of a certain age in &#039;The Town That Never Retired&#039;. He also lends a calm authority to Countdown.
- [Matt Dawson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/matt-dawson/): Possibly the best scrum half in the world, Matt’s performance in the World Cup-winning England rugby team, and especially his pass that led to the winning kick, earned enormous respect within the sport. A former England captain, Matt Dawson is a proven leader and a natural team player and he combines his playing experience with his more recent business lessons to consider the nature of teams, leadership and performance culture. He’s also an accomplished presenter of conferences and awards, where he can pair up with his Question of Sport sparring-partner Phil Tufnell.
- [Clare Balding](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/clare-balding/): Clare Balding is seen as, the first lady of TV sport. The former champion jockey, hosts her own show on BT Sport and presents at Crufts, Royal Ascot and Cheltenham. With deliciously dry wit, Clare goes behind the back page headlines and shares her own highs and lows.
- [Sean Collins](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sean-collins/): Canadian Sean Collins has 25 years experience in stand up comedy, with initial success leading to ‘Best Male Stand Up’ nominations at the Canadian Comedy Awards, a Just For Laughs Gala set at Montreal and his own hour long special on Canadian television.
- [Romesh Ranganathan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/romesh-ranganathan/): Romesh’s impact on the comedy circuit since his debut in 2010 has seen him quickly make a name for himself. Recent years have been incredible for Romesh Ranganathan; with his critically acclaimed Edinburgh Festival show, ‘Rom Wasn’t Built In A Day’ being nominated for the prestigious Edinburgh Fosters Best Show Award. This was only 12 months after his festival debut ‘Rom Com’ being nominated for the coveted ‘Best Newcomer Award 2013’.
- [Miles Jupp](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/miles-jupp/): Miles Jupp is an actor, comedian and writer. He started performing stand-up on the Scottish circuit in 2000, and the following year won both So You Think You’re Funny and The Leicester Mercury Comedian Of The Year. He soon became a regular performer on both series of BBC Scotland’s Live Floor Show, and he was nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer award for his debut Edinburgh solo show Gentlemen Prefer Brogues. This was followed by his 2005 show, Young Man In A Huff.
- [Russell Kane](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/russell-kane/): Multi award winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter; Russell Kane is best known as the host of three series of BBC3’s Live At The Electric. Regular appearances on BBC1’s Live At Apollo, BBC3’s Unzipped, ITV2’s Celebrity Juice and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
- [Kevin Byrne](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kevin-byrne/): CHECKATRADE.com Founder, expert business management speaker and entrepreneur Kevin Byrne is known across the conference and after dinner speaker circuit; for his frank yet engaging presentations and published articles. A hugely successful businessman in his own right Kevin Byrne works tirelessly to share with budding businesses and entrepreneurs; the lessons almost two decades of business ownership have taught him.
- [Frank Bruno](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/frank-bruno/): Growing up with five brothers and sisters in a terraced London house, Frank Bruno started boxing at age 9 in the local Wandsworth Boys Club. He learned to box seriously while at Oak Hall School in Sussex, an establishment for &#039;problem&#039; children. As an amateur boxer he amassed a 20-1 career, losing only to (and eventually beating) Joe Christie while representing the Philip Game Amateur Boxing Club.
- [Donna Fraser](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/donna-fraser/): Donna Fraser holds the rare distinction of representing Great Britain at four successive Olympic Games. Her best performance was the memorable 2000 Olympic 400m final in Sydney, where she finished in fourth place in 49.79; one place behind team mate Katherine Merry and the gold medallist, Cathy Freeman, who she trained with in the summer run up to the Games.
- [Benedict Allen](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/benedict-allen/): Described by the BBC’s Mark Thompson as being “Part of the history of TV”; Benedict Allen is best known for being the first to record his arduous and treacherous exploits, without a TV crew. His technique has been to sink into remote communities, placing himself in the hands and at the mercy of the local people and their environment; learning to survive from their methods alone. By single handedly capturing his experiences on film; he has created groundbreaking, spontaneous and authentic programming.
- [Dan Walker](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dan-walker/): Dan Walker is a BBC sports presenter and reporter. He currently hosts BBC1 Saturday football preview show Football Focus; regularly reports for Match of the Day, and co-hosts 5Live’s Afternoon Edition; covering the latest in politics, current affairs, entertainment and sport.
- [David Bryon](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/david-bryon/): Dr David Bryon is the former Managing Director of bmibaby which grew to become one of Europe&#039;s largest low cost airlines under his lead. He now enjoys a successful media career, that includes a highly popular after dinner comedy routine (based around flying); professional business speaking, awards evening host, conference facilitator and TV presenting.
- [Petra Wetzel](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/petra-wetzel/): &quot;Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn’t be done&quot;. This Amelia Earhart quote from the business card of Petra Wetzel, founder and managing director of WEST Brewery in Glasgow; stands as testament to the optimism and sheer force of character. That has enabled her to grow her business, from a self contained German style beer hall and brewery on Glasgow Green; into a successful distribution operation for her WEST brand.
- [Martin Brooks](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/martin-brooks/): Body language expert, inventor, business media commentator and entrepreneur Martin Brooks. What is a body language expert you may ask? Body language experts analyse non-verbal cues like posture, gestures, and facial expressions to improve communication, confidence, and social skills. They help decode hidden emotions, enhance charisma, and identify warmth and competence in interpersonal relationships. Martin teaches such skills in his talks and workshops.
- [John Neal](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-neal/): John Neal works as a coach, leadership and team developer throughout the world; and has combined a highly successful 25 year career working at the top level in sport, business and the police.
- [Denise Lewis](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/denise-lewis/): Hire Denise Lewis Olympic gold medal winning Heptathlete Denise Lewis. The heptathlon is seven disciplines over two days; shot putt, high jump, 100m hurdles, 200m, long jump, javelin and 800m. After winning Commonwealth gold in this most physically demanding event, Denise swept to Olympic victory in Sydney; despite suffering from an injured Achilles tendon. She became the sixth British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the history of track and field.
- [Henry Blofeld OBE](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/henry-blofeld-obe/): Over the past 50 years, Henry Blofeld has been a regular journalist for many national newspapers and has published eight books.
- [Harry Redknapp](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/harry-redknapp/): Harry Redknapp is one of the most popular characters in British football; whose Cockney wit lightens the sometimes too serious world of the Premier League.
- [Duncan Goodhew](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/duncan-goodhew/): One of Britain’s most respected and instantly recognisable athletes Ambassador to TEAM GB 2012 Duncan Goodhew. At the age of ten Duncan lost all his hair as a result of falling from a tree. Being bald and also dyslexic, the young Duncan considered himself a “stupid oddity”.
- [Denis Irwin](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/denis-irwin/): It takes a certain kind of player to muster up the will and the hunger to carry on playing at the highest level past their 38th birthday, and in Denis Irwin; Sir Alex knew he had found someone special.
- [Peter Shilton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/peter-shilton/): Peter Leslie Shilton OBE (born 18 September 1949 in Leicester, England) is a true England goalkeeping legend; and England’s most capped player of all time. Shilton currently holds the record for playing more games for England than anyone else, earning 125 caps; and he also holds the all-time record for the most competitive appearances in world football.
- [Matthew Hoggard](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/matthew-hoggard/): Matthew Hoggard MBE is one of the most successful international cricketers to have played for England. He was captain of Leicestershire County Cricket Club; after leaving his home county of Yorkshire at the end of the 2009 season. At both counties he was a real success going on to play for England as a major strike bowler.
- [Jimmy White](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jimmy-white/): Jimmy White has played professional snooker for nearly 30 years, winning a total of 23 professional titles and competing in the finals of six snooker World Championships.
- [Jeff Stelling](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jeff-stelling/): Jeff Stelling is the legendary presenter of Sky Sports News’ Saturday football coverage. With an incredible memory, humour and attention to detail. Jeff leads his loyal audience through six continuous hours of discussion and match reports on Gillette Soccer Saturday. He also presented Channel 4 quiz show Countdown between 2009 - 2011. After leaving school his first job was as a journalist at the Hartlepool Mail for four years, before moving into Broadcast TV.
- [Gary Neville](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gary-neville/): Born in 1975, Gary Neville is a former footballer who was capped for England on many occasions and was also Manchester United&#039;s captain for five years. Gary was unusual in the fact that he spent the whole of his playing career at Old Trafford - being a one club man is something of a rarity in the game! When he retired in 2011 he became the club&#039;s second longest serving player.
- [Andrew Castle](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/andrew-castle/): Andrew Castle is best known as a commentator on Wimbledon, and other tennis tournaments. He joined GMTV as a presenter in September 2000; although for some years he had presented the breakfast station’s Wimbledon coverage.
- [Tim Henman](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tim-henman/): For nearly a decade Tim Henman held a whole nation’s Tennis hopes on his shoulders, and he carried them well; becoming one of Great Britain’s most successful tennis player since Roger Taylor in the 1970s.
- [Andrew Flintoff](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/andrew-flintoff/): ‘Freddie’ Andrew Flintoff MBE is the Former England Cricket Captain, and one of the UK’s favourite sports characters. Born in Preston, Freddie started playing cricket for Dutton Fawshaw CC. His first representative cricket, was for the Lancashire U11 team. He continued up the ranks within Lancashire, making his first class debut in August 1995 against Hampshire.
- [Norman Whiteside](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/norman-whiteside/): A footballing career that spanned a decade; included FA Cup triumphs for Manchester United in 1983 and 1985 when Norman scored in both Wembley cup finals. By the age of 21, he had played in two World Cup tournaments; gaining 38 full international caps for Northern Ireland during his career.
- [Gary Pallister](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gary-pallister/): Gary Pallister is an English former professional footballer, sports television pundit and operations director of Conference National side Darlington.
- [Michael Atherton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-atherton/): Michael Atherton is a broadcaster, journalist and retired England international cricketer. Educated at Cambridge, he became a right-handed opening batsman for Lancashire and England, and occasional leg-break bowler, he achieved the captaincy of England at the age of 25 and led the side in a record 54 Test matches.
- [Daley Thompson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/daley-thompson/): Daley Thompson CBE - The World&#039;s Greatest All Round Athlete. Motivational and Teamwork Speaker. Daley Thompson claims more decathlon honours than any athlete before or after him. He was the first person ever to hold the World, Olympic, Commonwealth and European titles at the same time, as well as the World Record. He was unbeaten in competition for 9 years.
- [Danny Kelly](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/danny-kelly/): Danny Kelly is a music journalist, sports presenter, and internet publisher. He is the former editor of the music weekly Asda shoppers Magazine. Danny is best known to Radio &amp; TV listeners and viewers as a football presenter on TalkSport and BT Sports. He is a fanatical Spurs fan and his passionate support for the club is often mentioned in his presenting work.
- [Paul Merson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-merson/): Paul Merson is a footballer and manager, turned football television &quot;pundit&quot;. As a player he played as a forward and later as a play making midfielder; in a career that lasted from 1985 to 2006. He was born in London and started his football career at Arsenal in 1984, joining the club as an apprentice. He made his 1st team debut for Arsenal on November 22 in 1986; and by the 1988-89 season was a regular on the right wing; making his debut for the England U21 side, and was voted PFA Young Player of the Year (1989).
- [Michael Grade](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-grade/): Michael Grade was born into the famous showbusiness ‘The Grades’ family. He went on to have a highly successful career as; an Agent, Broadcaster TV Executive and Chairman of several media companies. He is now an engaging motivational business keynote speaker; focusing on sales, marketing, leadership, strategy and business change. Michael was educated at Stowe and St Dunstan’s College.
- [Gary Newbon](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gary-newbon/): Gary Newbon is leading TV Sports Presenter &amp; Former Controller ITV Sport. He has been a broadcaster for over 45 years – 36 with ITV and since September 2004 a presenter with Sky Sports. He is currently presented Sporting Heroes, a series in which Gary interviews in depth the legends of sport. His previous series include Time of Our Lives and You Are On Sky Sports. He presents Live Boxing. Gary
- [Brian Cox](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/brian-cox/): One of the UK’s best known physicists, Professor Brian Cox OBE has featured on a multitude of TV shows; making all aspects of science engaging and accessible to millions. Brian’s down to earth persona during his time on screen, has made him highly desirable for all sorts of productions; proving testament to his ability to create intriguing content on many topic areas.
- [Jim Rosenthal](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jim-rosenthal/): Jim Rosenthal is one of the most familiar faces in television sport in Britain. He presents ITV4&#039;s new Champions League Tuesday show and the channel&#039;s live match coverage. 2008 saw Jim covering Euro 2008 while 2006 saw Jim work on his seventh World Cup; and he continues to front ITV&#039;s acclaimed Big Fight Live boxing coverage throughout the year. &quot;Jim Rosenthal&quot; by Jaguar MENA / CC BY 2.0 (cropped from original)
- [Bryan Robson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/bryan-robson/): Bryan Robson OBE is an English football manager and a former player. He began his career with West Bromwich Albion in 1972, before moving to Manchester United in 1981, for a record fee; where he became the longest serving captain in the club&#039;s history. Bryan became a United legend and won nearly every domestic honour, and a European trophy; in his thirteen years at Old Trafford.
- [Danny Baker](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/danny-baker/): Danny Baker is an English, journalist, comedy writer, radio DJ and screenwriter. Since the late 1970&#039;s, he has worked for a wide range of publications and broadcasters including NME, LWT, the BBC and Talk Radio.
- [Geoff Miller](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/geoff-miller/): Geoff Miller is a former Derbyshire, Essex, Natal and England Player, England Cricket Selector and now an Entertaining After-Dinner Speaker.
- [Ian Wright](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ian-wright/): Ian Wright MBE is a former English professional footballer turned TV and radio personality. He had a successful football career at Crystal Palace, Arsenal, West Ham, Celtic and England. It is probably as a top striker at Arsenal he will be best remembered. During his time there, Wrighty smashed Cliff Bastin&#039;s Arsenal scoring record of 178 goals, and won just about every domestic honour in the game.
- [Sue Barker](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sue-barker/): Sue Barker began her career as a professional tennis player and became the golden girl of British tennis, before moving to the USA in 1973. In 1976 she won the French Open Championship, her only Grand Slam title. She was at one point ranked three in the world. However, following recurring injuries and loss of form, she retired in 1985, and after a short hiatus began her broadcasting career in Australia, before the BBC recognised her ability. In 2000 she was awarded the MBE for services to tennis and broadcasting.
- [Julia Bradbury](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/julia-bradbury/): Television presenter Julia Bradbury first appeared on our screens in 1996 as the LA Correspondent for GMTV, since then she has worked on a wide range of programmes from Channel 5’s “Exclusive” through to &#039;Countryfile&#039;,“Top Gear”, &#039;Watchdog&#039; “The National Lottery” and “Castaway” for the BBC. She was also been a regular contributor on “Wish You Were Here?” for ITV.
- [Jonathan Ross](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jonathan-ross/): Jonathan Ross OBE, is a stalwart of British television; soon to be returning to ITV with his brand new chat show on Saturday nights from the beginning of September.
- [Denise Van Outen](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/denise-van-outen/): A British bombshell who made her name as a lively presenter on the popular morning series The Big Breakfast, Denise Van Outen also wowed her countrymen, with her sexy turn as Roxie the merry murderess in the West End production of Chicago; a part she reprised on Broadway in 2002.
- [David Walliams](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/david-walliams/): David Walliams was born in Surrey as David Williams. He became a member of the National Youth Theatre, where he met comedy partner Matt Lucas. He studied drama at Bristol before landing his first TV role as Lesley Luncheonment on Sky1&#039;s Games World in 1993.
- [Alexander Armstrong](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alexander-armstrong/): Alexander Armstrong is known as an English comedian, actor, TV host and guest speaker. Best known as one half of the comedy duo &#039;Armstrong &amp; Miller&#039; along side Ben Miller, and as host of the BBC game show &#039;Pointless&#039;. &quot;Alexander Armstrong (cropped)&quot; by StormCab / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped from original)
- [Alec Stewart](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alec-stewart/): England’s most capped test cricketer of all time! When Alec Stewart was in full flow, there were few who could compete with him. Relying on touch, he was in his element against the quick’s; cover driving with a neat flourish and pulling with panache. Most memorably for when he thundered two centuries, during England&#039;s storming of fortress Bridgetown in 1993-94.
- [Davina McCall](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/davina-mccall/): Davina McCall was born on 16 October 1967 in London. She attended the Godolphin and Latymer Girls School, an independent school in Hammersmith, London. Davina’s earliest passion was music. At the age of 15, while studying for her nine O levels and later two A levels; McCall sang professionally with a band, went solo at the age of 19, produced demo music discs, ran many successful nightclubs in London; and even appeared in Kylie Minogue’s music video ‘Word is Out’.
- [Richie Richardson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/richie-richardson/): Sir Richard Benjamin &quot;Richie&quot; Richardson is a retired West Indies cricketer; and a former captain of the West Indian cricket team. He was a flamboyant batsman and superb player of fast bowling.
- [Phil Tufnell](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/phil-tufnell/): Phil Tufnell was a former Middlesex and England Cricketer. A real character in his own right and probably better known today as a the captain on BBC&#039;s Question of Sport and for his adventure in the jungle in I&#039;m a Celebrity.
- [Kate Humble](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kate-humble/): Kate Humble presents Animal Park and The Hottest Place on Earth. With Bill Oddie, she also hosted the phenomenally successful SpringWatch and AutumnWatch; widely praised for reigniting public interest in nature.
- [Helen Chamberlain](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/helen-chamberlain/): Helen Chamberlain is one of the UK’s premier broadcasters. She is probably best known for her role as co-host on Saturday morning&#039;s Sky Sports &#039;Soccer AM&#039;; a football magazine show which takes an amusing and irreverent look at forthcoming football matches. She left the show after 22 years in 2017.
- [Glenn Hoddle](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/glenn-hoddle/): Glenn Hoddle is a highly respected former footballer, football manager and pundit. Glenn was born and brought up in Harlow, Essex. He started his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur, joining the club as a schoolboy apprentice in 1974.
- [Gabby Logan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gabby-logan/): Dedicated and professional with a fantastic sense of humour, Gabby Logan is one of the UK’s leading broadcasters. A former international gymnast, Gabby began her broadcasting career in radio in 1992 and joined Sky Sports in 1996; where she quickly established herself as one of their key presenters.
- [Sir Clive Woodward](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sir-clive-woodward/): Clive Woodward famously guided England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup; and three Six Nations tournaments, including an elusive Grand Slam. He has since served as Director of Sport at the British Olympic Association, working in partnership with UK Sport.
- [Adrian Webster](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/adrian-webster/): Adrian Webster is a highly entertaining motivational speaker. Who specialises in delivering key messages on behalf of clients, in a humorous and completely unique, down to earth style; that audiences can easily relate to.
- [Roy Walker](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/roy-walker/): Roy Walker well known to TV viewers through the ITV game show &#039;Catchphrase&#039;; has emerged as one of the driest comedians in Britain today.
- [Sandi Toksvig](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sandi-toksvig/): Sandi Toksvig the diminutive Dane has been wowing audiences with her caustic wit since her student days; when she appeared in Cambridge Footlights reviews. Sandi’s father, Claus Toksvig, was a foreign correspondent for Danish television; and was sent on assignments to several countries around the world. So Sandi was brought up in Europe, Africa, and the United States.
- [Gerald Ratner](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gerald-ratner/): Gerald Ratner took over as CEO of the family jewellery chain in the mid 80s; becoming one of Britain’s best known businessmen. He transformed it from 130 stores with sales of £13m; to a public company with 2,500 stores and sales of over £1.2bn. By 1990, Ratner’s was the world’s largest jewellery retailer with profits in excess of £120m.
- [John Parrott](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-parrott/): John Parrott MBE was an English professional snooker player and now a sports presenter / broadcaster. He won the Embassy World Snooker Championship in 1991, defeating Jimmy White in the final. Two years earlier he had lost 18-3 to Steve Davis, the heaviest final defeat in modern times. He repeated his win over White to add the UK Championship title later that year. In 1991 he achieved his first highest break.
- [John Nichol](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-nichol/): During 15 years service in the Royal Air Force John Nichol flew Tornadoes; in both the Air Defence and Ground Attack roles. On active duty in the Gulf he was shot down on the first low-level, daylight raid of the Gulf War. Captured and tortured, he was paraded on television; provoking worldwide condemnation and leaving one of the enduring images of the conflict.
- [Andrew Neil](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/andrew-neil/): Andrew Neil is a publisher, writer, broadcaster and guest speaker. He is CEO and Editor in Chief of Press Holdings, owner of The Spectator. On screen he presents the BBC&#039;s &#039;This Week&#039; and &#039;Daily Politics&#039;; off screen he is Chairman of ITP and serves on the international advisory board of Al Jazeera.
- [Alan Mullery](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alan-mullery/): A Former England footballer, manager and Pundit for Radio and TV. Alan Mullery joined Fulham after leaving school at the age of 15. He was in the Fulham first team at 17, and played over 250 games in 5 years. He was also a co host of the hugely popular football programme - Gillette Soccer Saturday on Sky.
- [Barry McGuigan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/barry-mcguigan/): Barry McGuigan is a legend in the boxing arena and a massive personality outside of it. He was the best in the world, but boxing has never been the sum of his parts. The intelligence, wit and determination that took him to the very top of his chosen sport, was also the starting point of an equally successful career beyond the ropes.
- [Nick Leeson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nick-leeson/): Nicholas &quot;Nick&quot; Leeson is a former derivatives broker; whose fraudulent, unauthorised speculative trading caused the spectacular collapse of Barings Bank. The United Kingdom&#039;s oldest investment bank, for which he was sentenced to prison.
- [Jim Lawless](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jim-lawless/): Jim Lawless helps senior leaders and teams achieve results they previously considered impossible. His methodology, the DARE Loop, is built on the idea that most limits are created by the stories people tell themselves, not by reality. It gives organisations a practical framework for turning decisions into action, building accountability, speed, and clarity in the process.
- [Kevin Keegan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kevin-keegan/): If you’re looking for an entertaining and funny after dinner, motivational speaker, host or compere you really can’t go wrong with former England footballer, captain and manager, European Cup winner (Liverpool FC) and two-time European Player of the Year, Kevin Keegan. Keegan entertains by talking about his life (not all football), which has endeared him to so many audiences including non-football fans or those who never saw him play. Heralded as “the best sports speaker I have ever seen!” (Tony Cottey, Sussex Cricket Foundation), no-one’s going to want to miss your event with Kevin Keegan on your speaker list.
- [Colin Jackson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/colin-jackson/): As former World, European and Commonwealth 110m hurdles champion; Colin Jackson is one of the most successful British athletes of all time. He was ranked among the top ten hurdlers for sixteen years, holding the world record for almost thirteen years.
- [Ronnie Irani](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ronnie-irani/): Known throughout the cricketing world as ‘Reggie’, Ronnie Irani played for Lancashire, Essex and England. However it was at Essex did he make a major impact; becoming Captin in the early noughties and subsequently winning ‘Essex Sportsman of the Year’. On his cricket retirement , he successfully developed a career in the media.
- [Andy Hamilton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/andy-hamilton/): A vastly talented and experienced comedy script writer and guest speaker; Andy Hamilton is also a familiar face to TV audiences, through his regular appearances on &#039;Have I Got News For You&#039; and &#039;QI&#039;. Starting out with &#039;The Two Ronnies&#039;, &#039;Smith &amp; Jones&#039; and &#039;Not The Nine O&#039;Clock News&#039;; Andy went on to create Drop The Dead Donkey. With co creator Guy Jenkin, he wrote sixty episodes and the series won a BAFTA, two Emmys and three Writers Guild Awards.
- [John Lloyd](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-lloyd/): John Lloyd has been behind some of the most successful and well-loved TV and radio (and adverts) of the last three decades. He&#039;s also written or co-authored over 30 books, and is the driving force behind developing a new concept of education based on his BBC panel show, QI.
- [Kelly Holmes](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kelly-holmes/): Dame Kelly Holmes is one of Britain’s most recognisable and admired athletes. She has won Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European medals; and added the ultimate sporting trophy to her cabinet at the Athens Olympic Games - Double Olympic Gold.  In the corporate sector, she offers words of wisdom and inspiration; as a motivational speaker and is a skilled and experienced awards host.
- [Dr Phil Hammond](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/dr-phil-hammond/): Phil Hammond is a GP, writer, speaker and broadcaster. He graduated at Cambridge University and St Thomas’ Hospital, London in 1987. After house jobs he was accepted onto the Bath Vocational Training Scheme for General Practice. Between 1993 and 1996, he was a Lecturer in Medical Communication at the University of Birmingham Medical School. He received the Owen Wade Award for Teacher of the Year, as voted by the students. Between 1996 and 1999, he was a Lecturer in Medical Communication at the University of Bristol Medical School; his work was highly commended by the General Medical Council and Quality Assessment Authority.
- [David Gower](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/david-gower/): David Gower is a former English cricketer who became the captain of the England cricket team during the 1980s. Described as one of the most stylish left handed batsmen of the his era; Gower played 117 Test matches and 114 One Day Internationals (ODI) scoring 8,231 and 3170 runs. He was one of the most capped and high scoring players for England during his period.
- [Graham Gooch MBE](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/graham-gooch-mbe/): Book Graham Gooch Graham Gooch was one of the finest cricketers England has produced and regarded as one of their best captains. Born in the East End of London, Graham rose through the ranks at Essex; before debuting for England in the 1975 Ashes series. In 1979 he made a switch from middle-order batsmen to opener; as Essex won their first major honours and went on to become the most successful county side of the eighties.
- [Stephen Fry](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/stephen-fry/): Stephen Fry is well known as a comedian, actor, writer, wit and raconteur. A brilliant academic, he was educated at Cambridge University; where he performed with the famous footlights (81/82) and subsequently met Hugh Laurie. The two of them struck up a prolific writing partnership; producing ‘Footlights’ revues for numerous events including The Mayweek Festival, The Edinburgh Festival (winning the coveted Perrier Award) and for a three month tour of Australia.
- [Ranulph Fiennes OBE](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ranulph-fiennes-obe/): Sir Ranulph Fiennes is recognised as &#039;The World&#039;s Greatest Living Explorer&#039;. Sir Fiennes was born in 1944 and educated at Eton College. He served with the Royal Scots Greys before joining the SAS. In 1968 he joined the army of the Sultan of Oman; and was later awarded the Sultan&#039;s Bravery Medal by Her Majesty the Queen. Having led 22 major expeditions to remote parts of the world, including both Poles; Fiennes is the only man alive to have travelled around the Earth’s circumpolar surface.
- [Eddie &#8220;The Eagle&#8221; Edwards](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/eddie-the-eagle-edwards/): There are not many plasterers who have had a film made of their life, but Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards is one. Being a British skier who in 1988 became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping.
- [Greg Dyke](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/greg-dyke/): Gregory &quot;Greg&quot; Dyke is a British media executive, journalist and broadcaster and is currently chairman of The Football Association. Since the 1960s, Dyke has had a long career in the United Kingdom in print and then broadcast journalism. Greg Dyke became Director-General of the BBC in January 2000; having joined the previous year as Deputy Director-General and Director-General designate. He resigned as Director-General on 29 January 2004.
- [Clive Coleman](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/clive-coleman/): Clive Coleman is a Barrister, Comedy Writer, Broadcaster, Award Host and After Dinner Speaker. He is the BBC’s Legal Correspondent; a role he arrived at via a career as a barrister and lecturer in Law. Clive covers a broad range of domestic, and international stories and issues. He works across TV and radio news, seen regularly on; the Today show, Five Live, Breakfast, The News Channel and BBC news bulletins.
- [Sebastian Coe](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/sebastian-coe/): Seb Coe is considered one of the Greatest Runners of All Time. Lord Sebastian Newbold Coe OBE is one of the greatest names of British sport.
- [Trevor Brooking](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/trevor-brooking/): Trevor Brooking, is The Football Association’s Director of Football Development. He was recently knighted for his services to football after an outstanding career.
- [Mike Brearley](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mike-brearley/): Mike Brearley had a successful cricket career and is regarded as one of England’s best ever captains. His ability to understand people and fellow team mates bought the best out of his colleagues. He played for Middlesex County cricket Club and became their captain.
- [Alan Brazil](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/alan-brazil/): Ex footballer Alan Brazil co presents Talksport radio’s &#039;Breakfast Show&#039;. In the past Alan would present with Mike “Porky” Parry. Their double act was a highly successful, banter packed few hours. With Brazil constantly calling Parry a ‘numpty’ or a ‘tube’; and Parry giving back in kind, by referring to Alan&#039;s champagne lifestyle.
- [Gyles Brandreth](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/gyles-brandreth/): Gyles Brandreth has a varied career that ranged from playing Baron Hardup in Cinderella; to being a Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in John Major’s government. Known for the colourful jumpers he wore on countless game shows; and on TV-am in the 1970s and 1980s, he became the MP for the City of Chester in 1992. He is a popular after dinner speaker &amp; host. Gyles, reveals the part he played in the biggest cheque in British history. The 7 secrets of happiness and how Westminster and Whitehall really work.
- [Karren Brady](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/karren-brady/): Karren Brady is the Vice Chair of West Ham FC, the Senior Non-Executive Director of the Syco and Arcadia Boards; and the Small Business Ambassador for the Conservative Party. In December 2013 she was awarded a CBE for services to women in business and entrepreneurship.
- [Ian Botham](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/ian-botham/): Sir Ian Botham is an internationally recognised personality who has, at various times in his career, been a professional footballer, cricketer, charity fundraiser and television commentator. He started his career on the football and cricket fields simultaneously, with Scunthorpe United and Somerset County Cricket Club. He is generally regarded as being England&#039;s greatest ever all-rounder, particularly in Test cricket. On 8 August 2009, Botham was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
- [Kriss Akabusi](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kriss-akabusi/): Kriss Akabusi Former Olympic Medallist and CEO of The Akabusi Company; started his career in Her Majesty’s forces where he spent 9 years in the physical training corps. It was during this time that Kriss developed his athletic career, which led to major Olympic and world class success. He is now a world class speaker.
- [Paul Merton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-merton/): Paul Merton is often seen as the natural heir to Tony Hancock; specifically his blend of grumpy misanthropy and razor sharp wit. His long running stint as team captain on the satirical news quiz Have I Got News For You; has seen him maintain an unusually consistent level of fame for a stand up comedian and occasional comic actor. Despite well documented personal troubles including ill health and a mental breakdown.
- [Paul Tonkinson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/paul-tonkinson/): Paul Tonkinson is a sensational live performer, Yorkshire man, marathon runner and former (double award winning) Time Out Comedian of the Year. Paul has long upheld his esteemed reputation as one of the finest stand-ups the UK has to offer. With a unique and distinctive style; Tonkinson is noted for his effervescent physicality and skilful impressions. Which bring alive exuberant, tender comic reflections on love, family and the day-to-day idiosyncrasies of 21st century living. A plethora of first class material, combined with tremendous charm and irrepressible, infectious energy make for quite a formidable talent.
- [Noel James](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/noel-james/): Noel James’ credits are too numerous to list in full; so we asked him to write his own biography to give you an idea how this bizarre man&#039;s brain ticks. “My name is Infact Noel James, although I never pronounce the Infact”. These are the first words of Infact Noel James’ act; an act which, dare I say, confounds even his closest psychopathic hangers-on.
- [Reg Hunter](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/reg-hunter/): In just a very short time Reginald D Hunter (Reg Hunter) has firmly established himself; as one of the most sought after headline comedians on the comedy circuit. Audiences everywhere have been enthralled by his straight talking, no-holds-barred approach; to some of the most contentious issues of contemporary society.
- [Rich Hall](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rich-hall/): Rich Hall, the grouchy, deadpan, comic genius; quit his job as a hurricane namer for the United States Meteorological Service two decades ago and hasn’t looked back.
- [Rory Bremner](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rory-bremner/): Book Rory Bremner Rory Bremner is best known as Britain&#039;s sharpest impressionist, with a repertoire of over 100 characters. His unique brand of comedy and satire; has sustained a highly successful career in radio and television for over 25 years. He is a frequent guest on The Andrew Marr Show where he provides a satirical review of current political events; through his many characters and he recently retraced his family history for BBC1&#039;s Who Do You Think You Are.
- [Seann Walsh](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/seann-walsh/): Charming and charismatic, a natural motor mouth; Brighton’s Seann Walsh is the most frighteningly precocious talent to emerge from the UK comedy circuit in ages.
- [Rufus Hound](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rufus-hound/): As an actor Rufus Hound starred in “The Wedding Video” (Film, 2011), “One Man Two Guv’nors” (UK Tour &amp; Theatre Royal Haymarket, West End 2012/13), “Neville’s Island” (Chichester Festival Theatre, 2013); appeared in “A Touch of Cloth 2″ (TV 2013) “Big Fat Gypsy Gangster” (Film, 2011) and played the eponymous hero in “Hounded” (CBBC, 2010).
- [Nina Conti](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/nina-conti/): Nina Conti ran away from the Royal Shakespeare Company to become a ventriloquist. She has since wowed audiences from Harrah’s Casino in Las Vegas to the Edinburgh Festival. Her sidekick Monk claims Nina’s act is ‘genre defying’; but then he’s full of foam and lives in a small box, so what does he know?
- [Stephen K Amos](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/stephen-k-amos/): Stephen K Amos has charmed and entertained audiences all over the world; with his natural, assured delivery and his honest, original material. Amos is filled with an almost child like joy and exuberance and can find the funny in some of the most unexpected places.
- [Omid Djalili](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/omid-djalili/): Omid Djalili is an award wining British-Iranian actor and comedian. He is acclaimed as one of Britain’s funniest stand up comedians (winning ‘LWT Best Stand Up Award’ and ‘Time Out Award Best Stand Up 2001).
- [Pierre Hollins](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/pierre-hollins/): Pierre Hollins is a stand up comedian and writer. The only other ‘proper jobs’ he’s ever had were; washing dishes in the House of Commons; labouring on a gas pipe line in Qatar, in the Middle East; and teaching drama to the mentally ill. He has been an audience favourite on the comedy circuit for many years; and has headlined at clubs through the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
- [Stephen Grant](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/stephen-grant/): A repeat award winner of Best UK Compere (4 times nominated); Stephen Grant is one of the hardest working comedy performers and writers in the UK. He is the host of the Krater Comedy Club at Komedia (Brighton); which has won Best Comedy Venue in the South for an unprecedented 11 times and a regular headliner at the Comedy Store in Leicester Square.
- [Zoe Lyons](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/zoe-lyons/): In 2003 Zoe Lyons did a five minute open spot at a new act night. She got the comedy bug and hasn’t looked back since. In 2004 Zoe won the national Funny Women competition and got to the final of ‘So, You Think Your Funny?’ She now gigs regularly all over the country and has resident gigs in both Brighton and London.
- [Terry Alderton](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/terry-alderton/): Terry Alderton has an astounding act that uses a riot of exuberant, loose limbed physical comedy, extraordinary caricatures; and stunningly acute impressions. Combining a fearless onstage presence, unshakeable confidence and streetwise hyperactive delivery, Terry leaves his audience exhilarated and exhausted with laughter.
- [Tim Vine](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/tim-vine/): Tim Vine is well known on the comedy circuit, for having more punch lines per minute than any other comedian. At full pelt, Tim can spray out 10 jokes a minute. Becoming a Guinness World Record Breaker; for telling the most number of jokes in one hour. He is one of the most popular stand-up&#039;s in the country. Tim&#039;s unique comedy style can be enjoyed all over the world on tour, TV shows, presenter, pantomime, and on corporate events as Award Host and comic.
- [Greg Burns](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/greg-burns/): Greg Burns currently hosts London’s No.1 Drivetime show for Capital FM Radio, having previously hosted a Sunday afternoon show for Virgin Radio and a Drivetime show for Heart FM. He also stepped in over the Festive period to co-host the Capital FM Breakfast show.
- [Rod Woodward](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/rod-woodward/): As one of the fastest rising comics in the UK, Rod Woodward is incredibly versatile with exceptional delivery and material, attracting the praise of some of the most respected names and critics on the comedy circuit. He puts his rave reviews down to his act which is a mixture of traditional comedy, alternative and the downright zany – a style that appeals right across the board. Subsequently he is in great demand for corporate events &nbsp;
- [Patrick Monahan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/patrick-monahan/): Patrick Monahan (Irish / Iranian / Geordie) started off on the glamorous stand-up circuit where he developed his chatty &amp; friendly, storytelling style. Funny and adorable this Irish / Iranian / Teessider comedian knows how to work a room and engage an audience; with a strongly skilled blend of ad lib, banter and stand up.
- [Roger Monkhouse](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/roger-monkhouse/): Roger Monkhouse is one of the most original and distinctive acts on the comedy scene. A consummate stand-up who employs a deadly combination of charm and menace to exert a masterful control over anyRoger Monkhouse is one of the most original and distinctive acts on the comedy scene. A consummate stand-up who employs a deadly combination of charm and menace to exert a masterful control over any audience. audience.
- [Mike Milligan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mike-milligan/): Hire Mike Milligan Mike Milligan is an established act, with many years experience on the national and international comedy circuit; including the Comedy Store as a regular compere and headliner. He also works overseas entertaining the armed services for the highly regarded C.S.E. organisation.
- [Mick Miller](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mick-miller/): Hire Mick Miller Comedy has evolved over the years and so has Mick Miller. Mick&#039;s has had a long successful career as a stand-up comic stretching over 40 years. He first came to prominence on the iconic ITV show ‘The Comedians.’  Alongside fellow comedians and TV favourites Roy Walker and Stan Boardman. He also made guest appearances on ‘3, 2, 1’, ‘Seaside Special’, and ‘Blankety Blank’ (with his good friend Les Dawson). Live theatre tours and summer season shows followed. Mick Miller is often refered to as a comedy legend, a term which he finds difficult to accept, because those that know him will tell you that he is a modest, unassuming “normal” bloke. It’s when he’s on stage in front of an audience that he comes to life &nbsp; &nbsp;
- [Michael McIntyre](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-mcintyre/): Hire Michael McIntyre Michael McIntyre has spot on observational comedy and a trademark ability to turn everyday situations into masterclasses of human exasperation; resolutely cementing him as one of the UK’s most loved and treasured comedy performers. Star of Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Britain’s Got Talent; and winner of the 2010 British Comedy Award for Best Male TV Comic.
- [Michael Legge](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/michael-legge/): Hire Michael Legge Michael Legge has performed stand-up comedy at all major comedy clubs in the UK; as well as performing shows in: Australia, New Zealand, USA, France, Holland, UAE, Germany, Estonia and even Russia.
- [Meera Syal](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/meera-syal/): Meera Syal is a woman of many talents. A successful writer and actress, she has written and starred in a wide range of television, radio and theatre productions. Meera co-wrote and starred in the first Asian comedy sketch show to be broadcast on the BBC; ‘Goodness Gracious Me’, first heard on Radio 4.
- [Max Boyce](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/max-boyce/): Hire Max Boyce Welsh comic Max Boyce is best known for his bouncy, enthusiastic character, a large vegetable leek and his famous red &amp; white scarf, professing his love of Rugby (Wales in particular). His personality and charming stories has endured him to audiences all over Britain.
- [Marlon Davis](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/marlon-davis/): Hire Marlon Davis Marlon Davis is a talented comedian, improviser and actor; whose recent TV appearances include BBC’s Live At The Apollo and Comedy Central’s Comedy Store Live. His comic talent is winning fans around the country with his cheeky smile, quick wit, and boyish enthusiasm.
- [Mark Watson](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-watson/): Hire Mark Watson Edinburgh Festival Award Winner and Time Out Critic’s Choice; Mark Watson is one of the most talked-about British comedians to emerge in recent years. Not only a regular on television shows such as Mock The Week and Mind The Buzzcocks. Mark has been the face of shows such as; BBC4’s We Need Answers and BBC Radio 4’s Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better. He has also appeared on Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You? Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow; and Channel 4’s Comedy Gala.
- [Mark Steel](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-steel/): Hire Mark Steel Sony and Writers&#039; Guild Award winning writer and comedian, Mark Steel is best known for his acclaimed BBC Radio 4 show Mark Steel’s In Town. Mark also presented the BAFTA nominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC Two. He is a regular on BBC One’s &#039;Have I Got News For You&#039; and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz.
- [Mark Maier](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/mark-maier/): Hire Mark Maier Talented award winning writer and stand up comedian, Mark Maier, is an established and highly sought after performer; on both the national and international comedy circuits.
- [Marcel Lucont](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/marcel-lucont/): Hire Marcel Lucont Marcel Lucont is a bon vivant, raconteur, man about town, and an award-winning comedian. He is also on a mission to highlight the superiority of the French; and more specifically, of one particular Frenchman (him).
- [Maff Brown](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/maff-brown/): Hire Maff Brown Maff Brown began performing stand-up comedy in November 2005. He has become a regular comedy compere on the circuit working all the leading clubs.
- [Lucy Porter](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lucy-porter/): Hire Lucy Porter Since 2001, Lucy Porter has been a huge hit with comedy audiences up and down the country with her distinctive, bouncy, feel-good comedy - she is currently on her third sell-out nationwide UK tour. She has continued to travel internationally with her stand-up – taking in the far East (including shows in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Macau and Manila), Switzerland and Paris. She was also invited to Miami to take part in NBC&#039;s &#039;Last Comic Standing&#039; and has performed in the States for NBC and HBO at their Las Vegas Comedy Festival. She&#039;s also regularly invited to festivals closer to home including Manchester, Glasgow and the prestigious Kilkenny festival, as well as other mud-soaked scrums such as Latitude.
- [Les Dennis](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/les-dennis/): Hire Les Dennis Les Dennis has done it all from Comedian to Game show host to Acting. He is acknowledged as one of Britain’s most popular entertainers; with a a long list of theatre, film and television credits to his name. Les started as a comedy impressionist working the clubs; and getting his break on TV &#039;New Faces&#039; talent show in the seventies.
- [Lenny Henry](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lenny-henry/): Hire Lenny Henry Lenny Henry is a British comedian who was born in 1958 in Dudley, West Midlands. “My family came to the UK at a time when blacks were just beginning to be integrated into British society. I was one of just three blacks in our school”. His first TV exposure was as a comic on &#039;New Faces&#039; talent show. In the late seventies he appeared in TISWAS; the Saturday morning children’s show in which Lenny was a regular contributor alongside Chris Tarrant and Bob Carolgees.
- [Lee Mack](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/lee-mack/): Hire Lee Mack Lee Mack is one of the UK&#039;s most recognisable and celebrated comics. His relentless determination to have fun is marvellously infectious, and leaves his audiences exhausted by laughter. His energy, finely crafted one-liners, and quick ad-libs create an elusive star quality.
- [Kevin Connelly](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/kevin-connelly/): Hire Kevin Connelly Star of Dead Ringers, Kevin Connelly is an extremely talented young impressionist, comedian and after dinner speaker. Kevin Connelly is in great demand both for sportsmen’s dinners and corporate events. His impressions are not limited to sporting personalities and his extensive repertoire includes politicians and television characters. Richard Littlejohn wrote in his Sun column that Kevin did a “wickedly accurate impression of Tony Blair”.
- [Katherine Ryan](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/katherine-ryan/): Hire Katherine Ryan The feisty, pop culture obsessed Canadian comic and &#039;Funny Women&#039; winner. Katherine Ryan boasts a stream of great TV credits from QI and Have I Got News; all the way to Episodes and the BBC contest to find the best amateur hair stylist. She has also stormed the stage on Live At The Apollo. The Scotsman hailed Katherine as ‘Joan Rivers heir apparent’.
- [Justin Moorhouse](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/justin-moorhouse/): Hire Justin Moorhouse Thinking there might be more to life than sales and realising that he would never play for Manchester United, Justin Moorhouse took up comedy at the comparatively late age of 29. With his northern charm and cheekiness he quickly grabbed the attention of the Manchester comedy scene. Going on to appear regularly on TV &amp; radio.
- [Josh Widdicombe](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/josh-widdicombe/): Originally a sports reporter, Josh Widdicombe switched to stand-up and quickly earned a nomination for the Edinburgh Foster’s Best Newcomer Award. Since his first gig in January 2008 he has had a remarkable impact on the comedy circuit. In just three years he has been named FHM Stand Up Hero 2010 (ITV4), Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2010 and after just a handful of gigs made it to the final of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny final at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2008.
- [Jon Culshaw](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jon-culshaw/): Hire Jon Culshaw Star of “Dead Ringers”, Jon Culshaw has a catalogue of over 350 impressions; and is regarded by many to be the best impressionist in the UK. He is brilliant for hosting award ceremonies, after dinner speaking and personal appearances.
- [Jon Courtenay](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jon-courtenay/): Hire Jon Courtenay Comedian and musician, Jon Courtenay, is the first ever Golden Buzzer Act to win Britain’s Got Talent.
- [Johnny Vegas](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/johnny-vegas/): Hire Johnny Vegas Johnny Vegas (aka Michael Pennington) is an English actor and comedian. He is known for his angry rants, surrealism, high husky voice and support of St Helens rugby league club. More recently he has moved into dramatic acting and directing.
- [John Stiles](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-stiles/): Hire John Stiles John Stiles is one of the most popular and busiest comedians on the after-dinner speaker circuit. He is a former Professional Footballer, having played for Leeds United and Doncaster Rovers; before injury cut short his career in the game. He is also very proud of the fact that his father is World Cup-winning hero &amp; European cup winner Nobby Stiles MBE.
- [John Bishop](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/john-bishop/): Hire John Bishop John Bishop hails from Liverpool, though he now lives in Manchester with his wife and three sons. His comedy roots are still firmly in Merseyside though, and he remains passionate about the Liverpool Football Club.
- [Joe Pasquale](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/joe-pasquale/): Hire Joe Pasquale Joe Pasquale is a great British Comedian with the misfortune of possessing a voice which has been described as; “a cartoon waterfowl” and “a demented helium balloon”.
- [Jo Enright](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jo-enright/): Hire Jo Enright Jo Enright was brought up in Birmingham and often uses her family roots in her comedy act. She attended St Edmund Campion Catholic School, Erdington and then studied Drama at Middlesex University.
- [Jo Brand](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jo-brand/): Since leaving her job as a psychiatric nurse in 1987, Jo Brand has built a large following across the UK, male and female alike, appearing initially on the Saturday Live television show. In 1993 she became a resident panellist, along with Tony Hawks, on BBC monologue show The Brain Drain. Soon after, she had her hit “Through the Cakehole” (Channel X for Ch4) series met with great acclaim, as did her series “All the Way to Worcester” (Vera Prods for Ch4).
- [Jimmy Carr](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jimmy-carr/): After taking a first in Social and Political Sciences at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, Jimmy Carr got a job with the oil company Shell. Soon afterwards, he quit in order to begin a career in stand up, making his name in the comedy clubs for his original one line gags and deadpan delivery. However it was his nomination for the coveted Perrier award in 2001 that brought him to the attention of TV executives.
- [Jed Stone](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jed-stone/): Jed Stone is a well known host and compere on the corporate events circuit, as well as being a highly entertaining after dinner speaker. He started out fronting top comedy show band Scholar, as guitarist and vocalist, the band were very popular in the UK. Learning their craft the hard way, starting by playing the then notorious Northern club circuit and progressing to touring Britain and eventually all over Europe. They released the single &#039;Bambino&#039; which failed to reach the charts, only by about 1 million copies!
- [Jasper Carrott](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jasper-carrott/): Jasper Carrott was born in Birmingham in 1945, and educated at Moseley Grammar School. His first performance of note was as resident compere at the Boggery Folk Club in Solihull. There he discovered his talent for comedy, and his inability to sing, and the rest, as they say, is history.
- [Jason Manford](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jason-manford/): Jason Manford was born in Salford, Lancashire. He is an English writer, comedian, actor, radio and television presenter of Irish descent. He began his career in 1999, while working at the Buzz Comedy Club, upstairs at the Southern Hotel in Chorlton, Manchester. Six gigs later he was crowned The City Life North West Comedian of the Year.
- [Jamie Sutherland](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/jamie-sutherland/): Liverpool has a history for producing some of the country&#039;s finest comedy talent, and Jamie Sutherland can now be added to that fine list. A headline act on the comedy circuit, working for some of the country&#039;s finest clubs including Sheffield Last Laugh, and Comedy Central. Jamie also provides pre-match entertainment at Premiership clubs Stoke City, Wigan Athletic, and Preston North End.
- [James Cook](https://comicus.co.uk/hire-talent/james-cook/): James Cook is a professional stand up comedian. You may have seen him opening for &#039;Mock The Week&#039;s&#039; Gary Delaney or &#039;The Chase&#039;s&#039; Paul Sinha on their national tours, at clubs such as The Glee, Komedia or Manfords, or at the Edinburgh Fringe where he&#039;s performed 15 successful full run shows.

## FAQs