Hilarity Bites

Topcliffe, August 29th 2024
2024-08-29 19:30 - 22:30 UTC | The Angel at Topcliffe, The Angel at Topcliffe, Long Street, Topcliffe, YO7 3RW, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Steve Gribbin, Jules O’Brian, and host Chris Brooker
Show details:

Steve Gribbin
Steve Gribbin is a diminutive guitar-wielding satirist from Liverpool whose scabrous comedy songs and off the wall observations have made him one of the firm favourites of the comedy circuit.
Steve’s original comedy songs combine razor sharp lyrics with tunes that put their foot in the door of your mind and refuse to leave. Firmly based in rock ‘n’ roll and refusing to pull no punches, these are not the ‘oh so witty’ ditties of penguin-suited plink plonk piano playing posh gobs. They are that rarity – comedy songs which are actually funny.
For nine years Steve was the smaller one in the dynamic comedy duo Skint Video, stalwart’s of the Edinburgh Festival, appearing on countless television programmes such as Saturday Live, radio such as The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and their own show in 1992/3 Songlines (BBC Radio 1). Skint Video went their different ways in 1993, since then Steve has been storming across the UK and Ireland as a solo artiste.
“A comic animated by proper passion... a trenchant treat” - The Guardian
“You can count the number of truly imaginative comic singers currently on the circuit on the fingers of one hand. One of this select band is Steve Gribbin” - Time Out
“Satirical songs are hard to pull off successfully, but if anyone can do it, Steve Gribbin can. In fact, he pulls it off with real aplomb” - The Independent

Jules O'Brian
Jules O’Brian first took to the stage in 2017, at a charity night in Birmingham. A keen fan of Rik Mayall, French and Saunders, Victoria Wood, and Joan Rivers, as well as Katherine Ryan, Tim Minchin, Amy Schumer, and Luisa Omielan, Jules states her stand-up style is “Butter wouldn’t melt meets Is That All There Is?” (a reference to the dark song made famous by singer Peggy Lee).
An English Tutor in her day life, Jules performed a sell-out ‘triple-header’ show at 2021’s Birmingham Comedy Festival, and in the sam year was shortlisted for the Funny Women award. Jules performs at venues and festivals around the country, telling anyone who will listen about ageing disgracefully, body hang-ups, parenting, and dating.
She is TalkTalk’s official voice – chosen by none other than the legend Bernard Cribbins – and her silly writings feature frequently in magazines including Prima and MamaLife. This former teacher’s relaxed and chatty style, crowd interaction and warmth, all served with a sardonic wit, make her a natural crowd pleaser.
“Slick writing with a twinkle in her eye” - Scott Bennett

Chris Brooker
One of comedy’s heavy hitters, Chris Brooker’s infectious energy and enthusiasm sweeps through a room like an irresistible force. Chris’ combination of hilarious, original material and inspired improvisation means that you will never see the same routine twice. Immensely likeable, there’s no doubting his ability to win over any crowd and drag them along for the ride.
Described only half-accurately as comedy's ginger viking, Chris has taken his brand of comedy and compering all over the UK as well to the US and Canada. In 2008 he made history when he became the first foreign player to be chosen for the All-Star team at the ComedySportz World Championship in Portland, Oregon. Currently in high demand as an MC due to his ability to energise a room and think on his feet, Chris is also a polished performer with three full length solo shows under his belt. The most recent of which, Unstoppable, played to glowing reviews on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Very funny, very quick... On the spot humour” - BBC
“The best act of the night, his quick wit silencing hecklers and getting plenty of laughs” - Manchester Evening News
“A fitting finale, had the audience in stitches” - Student Online

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person if bought in advance, or £12 on the day. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Spennymoor August 25th 2024
2024-08-25 14:00 - 17:00 | The Grind, Spennymoor, The Grind, 3 Cheapside, Spennymoor, DL16 6QE, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Eddy Brimson, Al Stevenson, Catherine Young, and host Lee Kyle
Show details:

Eddy Brimson
Since turning to comedy in 1999, Eddy Brimson has well and truly established himself on the live circuit and is regarded by some as one of the leading headline comics in British comedy and the world. His career has even taken him from Dundee to Dubai!
To say Eddy has a colourful past is something of an understatement. A self-confessed former football hooligan before turning his hands to better use as a writer and comedian, Eddy has written a host of amusing anecdotal books, penned and hosted a top three selling video ‘Teargas and Tantrums’, and is also a regular “talking head’ for numerous radio and TV shows on subjects as diverse as football, dodgy builders and sexy baldness.
He’s appeared on television in many different guises from Hari Krishna in both Smith & Jones and Heartburn Hotel, to hard-nosed Villain in Eastenders, where he turned over Frank Butchers car lot! Other appearances include Absolutely Fabulous, The Thin Blue Line and Hale & Pace, The Bill, Silent Witness, Casualty, Between The Lines and the HBO movie The Infiltrator where he played a leading gang member.
Eddy is also a regular radio contributor to shows on BBC Radio 5 and Talksport and also a prolific writer, having penned seven best-selling books. With sales topping 160,000, Eddy has built himself a cult following among British and European football fans. In short, this is one gifted and hilarious performer.
“The crowd loved him” - The Guardian
“Quite simply brilliant” - Sky
“Engaging and Compelling, Brimson doesn’t f*@k about” - Three Weeks

Al Stevenson
Al Stevenson is the quick-witted, sharp-tongued lad of Newcastle!
His charm allows him to tear through audiences with rapid fire, all whilst getting away with it through a cheeky grin.
Although he is newer on the circuit, his talents have already seen him rise to the finals of Beat The Frog World Series, beating hundreds of acts to do so, and to host and headline prestigious venues such as The Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle.
His humour has caught the eye of his fellow comics, leading to him performing tour support spots for Mark Nelson, Lauren Pattison, Matt Reed, and even international comic Kevin James Thornton!
“Al Stevenson combines the blunt double-entendres of Julian Clary with the bored, world-weariness of Jo Brand” - Chortle
“Blisteringly confident and deliriously lurid crowd work” - NARC
“Destined to be a stand up comic” - Lost Voice Guy

Catherine Young
Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year 2019
Winner of the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year 2019, Catherine is quickly making a name for herself as one of the most exciting new acts to come out of the North-East in recent years.
Catherine occasionally absconds from Middlesbrough and the general misery of life, by running round the UK comedy circuit looking for anyone who will listen to her.
From North East and Irish decent, Catherine loves drinking, dancing and telling lies. Her comedy is light-hearted, full of mischievous stories and a warm and friendly humour that provides a short break from the stresses that life deals to us all.

Lee Kyle
In his never ending quest not to have a proper job, Lee Kyle spent time as part of an all male Spice Girls tribute act before spending a decade as a professional wrestler.
Managing the difficult trick of being both odd and relatable, he did a show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013 that he heard was well received but he doesn't read reviews because his psyche is too fragile to handle them so he isn't totally sure what they said.
Armed with props and a rapid gag rate he cuts a confident, if off-beat figure on stage. His jokes veer between the clever and the silly and deliver more than their fair share of belly laughs.
“Had everyone on their feet - Sublimely ridiculous” - The Northern Echo
“A brilliant performance.. Pure genius!” - NARC Magazine
“Quirky and original - the highlight of the night” - Giggle Beats

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 1pm
Show starts: 2:30pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 each and can be bought directly from the venue.

Hartlepool, August 22nd 2024
2024-08-22 19:00 - 22:00 | Hops & Cheese, Hartlepool, 9-11 Tower Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7HH, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with Tom Toal, Jacob Nussey, host Kieran Lawless & support
Show details:

Tom Toal
Tom Toal is a comedian, writer and actor, hailing from the South East London town of Bexleyheath.
One of comedy's rising stars he performed his debut show On The Scrapheap about the break-up of his 6 year relationship at the Edinburgh and Leicester Festivals in 2010 achieving widespread acclaim and reviews.
The follow up Rom-Coms and Revolutions followed in similar vein playing to a complete sell out audience for the full run.
In 2013 Tom Toal performed at The Comedy Reserve with The Pleasance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and in 2014 TT became an Amused Moose Best Comedy Show finalist for his solo Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, Prequel. In March 2017, he opened gigs for Rob Brydon for some of Rob's tour across the country.
One of Tom's major strengths is his ability to adapt to his audience. Having hosted a range of events from Post Rock Bands album launch to benefit nights for the Socialist Workers Party, Tom has no trouble changing his style to suit the audience, whether it be Stag/Hen weekends, art centre events or corporate crowds.
“Charmingly entertaining” - ★★★★ - The Scotsman
“Tom is a naturally skilful storyteller and smatters his stories with quick wit and tinges of dark humour” - EdFest Mag
“Toal's ease of interacting with the audience is a true talent” - Hairline

Jacob Nussey
Jacob Nussey unassumingly draws in audiences with his deadpan style, sharp jokes, and ill-fated anecdotes with clever punchlines.
Jacob quickly established himself on the comedy circuit, after winning Bury Met Comedian of the Year and West Didsbury Comedy Festival New Act of the Year, having previously reaching the semi-finals of British Comedian of the Year, and So You Think You’re Funny.
Jacob was named by Chortle as one to watch for 2023. He’s seriously funny and well worth seeing in person!
“Offbeat stories with an air of resigned indifference which is highly effective” - Chortle
“Insanely funny, he'll be a household name before you know it” - Skiddle
“Hilariously nonchalant” - Broadway World

Kieran Lawless
Kieran Lawless is an Irish comedian now based in Manchester. He has worked in comedy clubs across Ireland, the UK & Europe including supporting Patrick Kielty in Dublin's Olympia Theatre.
Well respected in his native Ireland, his television credits include; New Comedy Awards (RTE), The Takeover (RTE), and RED TV (RTE).
Kieran has also won numerous New Comedian awards including The Nothin Butt Funny Comedy award.
“exceedingly entertaining, highly energised and side splittingly funny” - NorthWestEnd.co.uk

This show will also feature support from several new acts, and established acts performing new material.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7pm
Show starts: 7:30pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Bishop Auckland, August 16th 2024
2024-08-16 19:30 - 22:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Roger Monkhouse, Howard Walker, and host Lee Kyle
Show details:

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 any audience. A highly original and quirky performer, Roger’s trademark stage-prowling style and curious, inimitable manner have established him as one of the hottest names on the comedy circuit.
Distinguished as a comic by his eloquence and keen eye for a fine phrase, Roger’s easy observational style is spiked by the signal flares of an accomplished gag writer. A supremely confident compere and seasoned corporate host, Roger is happy to improvise freely with a crowd and is at great ease bantering with an audience, but has no shortage of first class observational material in his armoury.
As one of the most sought after acts on the comedy circuit, Roger headlines at all the major comedy venues and has performed extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Internationally, most recently performing in Belgium, The Netherlands, South Africa, China, Singapore, Tokyo and the Middle East. He has also featured on major national tours of the UK sponsored by Hooch and J2O.
A fine topical writer and performer, and master of sharp observational comedy, Roger is a regular member of the prestigious and critically acclaimed ‘Cutting Edge’ team at the London Comedy Store.
“unfailingly entertaining and skilfully able to pull punchlines, seemingly, out of thin air” - Chortle
“his laconic delivery shields an engaging persona and an enquiring mind” - The Guardian

Howard Walker
Hirsute, hospitable, and h-engaging, Howard hails from Yorkshire and proffers oodles of warmth with observations on everyday life. Comedy Cellar New Act Award winner and Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year finalist, with captivating stories he travels the UK to charm and entertain, and find the answer to the age old question; where can you find free parking after 6?
An imaginative storyteller, with a good sense of humour, he likes romantic walks on the beach, dining out, and likes to take any opportunity to pretend he's filling out an online dating profile.
“A natural stage presence, an instantly amenable demeanour, inventive imagery and the best comedic use of a Belgian place name even the most ardent chuckle chaser will ever hear” - Stagefright Comedy
“Howard Walker's oddly hilarious observations bring something different to any comedy programme” - Buzz Comedy
“You almost felt as if you had gone over to a friend’s house and met his really witty mate that could entertain you all night with human observations of the world” - www.ladiestakeon.co.uk

Lee Kyle
In his never ending quest not to have a proper job, Lee Kyle spent time as part of an all male Spice Girls tribute act before spending a decade as a professional wrestler.
Managing the difficult trick of being both odd and relatable, he did a show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013 that he heard was well received but he doesn't read reviews because his psyche is too fragile to handle them so he isn't totally sure what they said.
Armed with props and a rapid gag rate he cuts a confident, if off-beat figure on stage. His jokes veer between the clever and the silly and deliver more than their fair share of belly laughs.
“Had everyone on their feet - Sublimely ridiculous” - The Northern Echo
“A brilliant performance.. Pure genius!” - NARC Magazine
“Quirky and original - the highlight of the night” - Giggle Beats

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show can be bought online at www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk, in person from Bishop Auckland Town Hall, or telephone 03000 269 524.

Newton Aycliffe, August 15th 2024
2024-08-15 19:00 - 22:00 | Steam Machine Brewery, Newton Aycliffe, Steam Machine Brewing Co, 26 Northfield Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6UF, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with Dave Johns, Dean Coughlin, host Andy Fury & support
Show details:

Dave Johns
The star of Palme d'Or award winning film 'I, Daniel Blake', Dave Johns has been a stand up comic since 1989 and is a regular headlining act playing all the major comedy clubs in the UK and comedy festivals world wide. Dave has gained a reputation as an inventive, exciting and extremely funny comedian, winning applause from his audiences, respect from his fellow comics, and rave reviews from the critics.
In 2013, Dave co-wrote a new stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption which hit the West End and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He has had two very successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in highly acclaimed shows 'Dave Johns On The Edge' in 1998 and 'I'm in The Attic Mother' in 1999 at the Pleasance Theatre for which he won the Spirit of the Fringe Award.
He has also appeared regularly at the Kilkenny Comedy Festival, in Ireland, Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival. Dave has also worked on stage in the Middle East, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Johannesburg, Sydney, New York, Amsterdam and the Arctic, and has been a regular guest on comedy panel shows such as Never Mind The Buzzcocks and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.
“He shifts from the sublime, to genius, to uproar in the blink of an eye - An extremely entertaining hour” - The Guardian
“Dave Johns has a uncontrived manner and sense of fun on stage that most comics can only dream about” - The Scotsman
“Look closely you will see the man generate sparks of magic” - The List

Dean Coughlin
2023 Northwest Breakthrough Act of the Year
Dean Coughlin is a multi-award winning, working-class comic from Liverpool, who has quickly established an outstanding reputation for his talent. Dean won Breakthrough Act of The Year, and Best Comedy Podcast, at The Northwest Comedy Awards 2023. Since its inception in 2021, his podcast has amassed a following of 150k+ across social media platforms. Dean is fresh off the back of doing full tour support for Dan Nightingale; his previous tour support spots include Paul Smith, Adam Rowe, Jason Manford, Fin Taylor, and Lloyd Griffith.
Dean has a unique and whimsical approach to joke writing that adds working-class charm and diversity to any bill. He has performed at world famous venues such as The Stand Comedy Club, The Glee Club and Hot Water Comedy Club - where he spent two years as resident host. Dean has also performed internationally in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Amsterdam, proving himself to be an accomplished, reliable comic
“Dean’s a great comic and a brilliant joke writer. Everything he says on stage leads up to a cracking punchline. Quality” - Dan Nightingale (Have A Word podcast)
“Keep an eye out for this hilarious up and coming comedian. He was born with funny bones” - Manford's Comedy Club
“Quality act with great material” - Fat Penguin Comedy Club

Andy Fury
Despite starting comedy out of “sheer boredom” just a few years ago, Andy Fury has impressed a lot of people in a short space of time with a wonderful mix of self-deprecating dark jokes and off the wall surrealism.
With a laidback stage presence that sometimes borders horizontal, he’s as hard-working as he is funny and winning the Hilarity Bites New Act Of The Year 2010 title has put Andy on the path to working at many of the best clubs in the country, wowing audiences the length and breadth of the UK.
“An absolute genius of a comedian” - BBC
“Brilliant... The next Pub Landlord of comedy” - Hexham Courant
“A very funny man with a big future ahead of him” - Corby Radio

This show will also feature support from several new acts, and established acts performing new material.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7pm
Show starts: 7:30pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Ripon, August 6th 2024
2024-08-06 19:30 - 22:30 | Arts Hub, Ripon, 49a Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Silky, Alex Hylton, and host John Scott
Show details:

Paul 'Silky' White
Silky has been a full time comedian since 1997. He did his first gig in 1994, and his fourth gig (the final of the 1995 BBC New Comedy Awards alongside Lee Mack, Daniel Kitson and Julian Barratt) was shown on BBC1’s Stand-Up Show. Other awards he has failed to win include the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year (prize-winning runner-up 2000), the Liverpool Echo Arts and Entertainment Award (the only person to be nominated twice: always the sodding bridesmaid).
Silky has performed internationally, including gigs in China, the Philippines, the Gulf, Singapore, the US, the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and all over Europe, including at the Glastonbury Festival, where no-one lobbed bottles of wee, much to his relief. He performed at the 2004 God’s Kitchen Global Gathering, the 2005 Big Bang at Santa Pod, and in the houseband for the Kilkenny Festival. Silky is also a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he plays to full houses every year at The Stand Comedy Club.
“...a very, very funny fella... just brilliant” - John Bishop
“One of the comedy circuit’s most popular headliners... on the cusp of superstardom” - Yorkshire Life
“Among the best of the circuit... born funny” - City Life
“Always brilliant” - Metro

Alex Hylton
'Best Show' Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 - Winner
Alex Hylton is one of the fastest rising comics in the Midlands and a presenter and writer for BlueMoonRisingTv. A youthful, energetic new act with relatable anecdotes of adolescence, mixing in one-liners and a smudge of surrealism to create a likable and unique style, Alex is tipped by many to go all the way.
“Hylton takes charge of a room, fluent and funny storytelling is second nature to this comic” - Wee Review
“Well crafted, vivid storytelling performed with commitment” - Three Weeks
“A hilarious abundance of energy” - The Recs

John Scott
Multi-award winning Scotsman John Scott took his first tentative steps into stand up in 1999 and just 3 months after his first appearance found himself doing his first run at the Edinburgh Festival.
Since then, John has appeared at a further five festivals, and returned this year with a brand new show. In the meantime, he picked up the Spike Milligan award for new talent in 2003 and then paired that up with the Take the Mic award at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe - the richest prize in UK comedy.
Resident in Newcastle, he now finds himself a favourite with audiences around the country as he headlines and MCs at all the major clubs around the UK and has gigged as far afield as the Middle East.
“A genuinely gifted comedian” - Adelaide Rocks
“Always plays a blinder. Never hits a dry patch. People were literally in tears of laughter” - The Observer
“Confidently told hilarious tales of class-based woe, nothing missed the mark in a superb set where every story was expertly crafted before being subverted with a killer punch line” - The Sun

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7:30pm and the show starting at 8pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, August 3rd 2024
2024-08-03 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. David Longley, Alex Hylton, Kevin Precious, and host Pete Otway
Show details:

David Longley
One of the few comics able to play to any audience without compromising on his material, David Longley can delight a hen party and the comedy connoisseur on the same night. Intelligent, silly, thought-provoking and filthy, Longley has found himself headlining comedy clubs all over the country and is also in demand as an MC.
Longley’s towering stage presence and intensity, combined with his cutting wit have made him one of the most popular and controversial circuit comics in the UK, whether it’s doling out thought-provoking insights or revelling in toilet humour, Longley is a gifted wordsmith with great audience interaction skills.
As well as being a great addition to any club line up, David had also written and performed four full length festival solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, each one greeted with critical acclaim. Additionally, David has featured as a writer on 8 Out of 10 Cats, amongst a variety of genres, and is currently working on sitcom, drama and documentary script
“Acid tongued and as sharp as a barrel full of tacks... As intense and intelligent performer as you’re likely to see” - The List
“Highly original and bloody funny” - Three Weeks
“David seems to be actually driven by the material and, say it quietly, the art... challenges both himself and the audience. AND HE IS FUNNY” - Baby Cow

Alex Hylton
'Best Show' Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 - Winner
Alex Hylton is one of the fastest rising comics in the Midlands and a presenter and writer for BlueMoonRisingTv. A youthful, energetic new act with relatable anecdotes of adolescence, mixing in one-liners and a smudge of surrealism to create a likable and unique style, Alex is tipped by many to go all the way.
“Hylton takes charge of a room, fluent and funny storytelling is second nature to this comic” - Wee Review
“Well crafted, vivid storytelling performed with commitment” - Three Weeks
“A hilarious abundance of energy” - The Recs

Kevin Precious
Kevin Precious has had something of a long and varied career in the business of show, making his first tentative foray into the world of entertainment as a teenage bass playing dirt bag in the working men's clubs in his native city of Hull.
Venturing South, he continued his musical adventures, and in the 1990s, Kevin set up a 'Pop Quiz' in a trendy boozer in Camden, which rapidly became laden with celebrities and culminated in him being asked to organise and compere the NME's first national pop quiz. It was these events that would later inspire a move into comedy. Sometime thereafter he took the plunge.
Combining comedy with time as a mature student, and later a full-time teacher, Kevin finally took the plunge to turn full-time in 2005, and has since toured throughout the UK and performed dates throughout Europe. Meanwhile, in 2008, he compered the ‘Loaded Lafta’ awards, presenting awards to Jimmy Carr, Adam Buxton, Paul Kaye, and Harry Enfield, to name but a few.
“If he were any more laid back he'd fall over - we fell over laughing” - The Evening Standard
“Instantly recognisable stage presence and boundless wit” - Leicester Mercury
“Kevin's stage charisma and poise set him head and shoulders above the rest” - The Times

Pete Otway
Since starting to perform in 2010, Pete Otway has quickly gained momentum, establishing himself as an extremely strong new act. As comfortable and confident as an MC as he is an act, he is booked regularly to do both, and was a recent finalist in the 2012 BBC New Comedy Awards.
With an affable and conversational style, mixed with an energetic stage manner and original writing, Pete is quickly making a name for himself on the UK circuit, and is certainly one to watch.
“Devastatingly funny” - Chortle
“Amiable, cheeky classic stand-up” - Liverpool Echo
“An amazing comedy talent, and we are making sure we are making sure we follow his every move in his ever rising career” - Crispy Comedy Club

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £12 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Topcliffe, July 25th 2024
2024-07-25 19:30 - 22:30 | The Angel at Topcliffe, The Angel at Topcliffe, Long Street, Topcliffe, YO7 3RW, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. David Hadingham, Howard Walker, and host Sully O’Sullivan
Show details:

David Hadingham
Like a mad Phil Daniels, Dave Hadingham is a bulldog of a comedian, and the animal allegories don't stop there. In an affectionately, snarling, ranting and raving set, Dave is not afraid to make you laugh about anything (remember the dogs).
At his best in the live arena, Dave has been a professional comic since May 1996. Intense and anecdotal, he keeps audiences hooked right up to the last punchline as he presents his unique and often warped view of everyday life.
This gravel-voiced comic combines supremely controlled delivery with inimitable facial contortions as he cracks some of the best handmade gags in the business.
Dave is a highly-regarded regular on the nationwide comedy circuit, headlining at all of the biggest clubs in the UK and also performing at resorts across Europe.
“ranting and raving comic genius” - The Guardian
“Hilariously funny with notable precision and charisma” - The Scotsman

Howard Walker
Hirsute, hospitable, and h-engaging, Howard hails from Yorkshire and proffers oodles of warmth with observations on everyday life. Comedy Cellar New Act Award winner and Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year finalist, with captivating stories he travels the UK to charm and entertain, and find the answer to the age old question; where can you find free parking after 6?
An imaginative storyteller, with a good sense of humour, he likes romantic walks on the beach, dining out, and likes to take any opportunity to pretend he's filling out an online dating profile.
“A natural stage presence, an instantly amenable demeanour, inventive imagery and the best comedic use of a Belgian place name even the most ardent chuckle chaser will ever hear” - Stagefright Comedy
“Howard Walker's oddly hilarious observations bring something different to any comedy programme” - Buzz Comedy
“You almost felt as if you had gone over to a friend’s house and met his really witty mate that could entertain you all night with human observations of the world” - www.ladiestakeon.co.uk

Sully O'Sullivan
Sully O'Sullivan has been declared a highlight of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival by The NZ Herald, a highlight of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival by The Scotsman, featured on Australian TV’s The Comedy Channel, hosted a sellout standup tour of Croatia, won Canada’s annual Improvaganza Tournament, and completed 2 UK national tours supporting cult Heavy Metal Comic Steve Hughes.
First stepping onto a standup stage in June 1998, Sully's talent gained instant recognition as he won his first national standup award less than 12 months later. 9 years on he’s featured in four seasons of New Zealand’s award winning TV standup showcase 'Pulp Comedy', been nominated for the NZ Comedy Industry's supreme award by the NZ Comedy Trust, and nominated by his fellow performers for the title of NZ's Best MC.
“Amazing” - NME
“A blast of hilarity” - Manchester Evening News
“A wicked sense of humour” - BBC

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person if bought in advance, or £12 on the day. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, July 24th 2024
2024-07-24 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Justin Moorhouse & Alun Cochrane (Preview shows)
Show details:

Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My Life (Work In Progress)
Not written by AI honestly.
“The Greatest Performance of My Life”, a poignant exploration of comedy intertwined with the essence of life’s ups and downs. Justin’s unparalleled ability to blend side-splitting humour with touching insights offers a rare glimpse into the human condition through the lens of a comedian.
This performance is more than just a series of jokes; it’s a heartfelt journey through the joys, sorrows, and hilarity of life, delivered with Justin’s characteristic charisma and warmth. Prepare to laugh, reflect, and connect deeply with every story, making this evening an unforgettable highlight in your cultural calendar.
“Easily my favourite comedian” – Jimmy Carr
“Moorhouse charms the pants off the crowd” – Sunday Times
“Simultaneously down to earth and out of this world” – The Sunday Times

Alun Cochrane: Jokes That May End Up Online (Work In Progress)
Alun Cochrane has been performing somewhat observational, somewhat topical, somewhat curmudgeonly comedy for decades. He has done comedy clubs, some television, some radio, and many festivals.
Nowadays eschewing the Edinburgh Fringe, Alun instead is going to record Comedy Specials for YouTube every year, until he has run out of jokes, or of life.
Come see a master of topical observational curmudgeonly comedy ascertain which jokes will one day work on tiny screens for people with even tinier attention spans.
“Cochrane’s dour and grumpy onstage persona is allied to a real craft and creativity in his writing, yielding results that satisfy both the comedy purists and those who simply want big belly laughs on a night out” – The Guardian
“A master storyteller, holding the audience before dropping an exploding but simple punchline…” – Metro
“Alun Cochrane’s ability to make the little things in life a comedy goldmine is phenomenal” – Chortle

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Bishop Auckland, July 19th 2024
2024-07-19 19:30 - 22:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Duncan Oakley, Becky Umbers, and host Jon Pearson
Show details:

Duncan Oakley
Award-winning comedy songwriter Duncan Oakley has been performing on the UK club and festival circuit since 1999. In that time Duncan has appeared on BBC3, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4 as well as having a lead role as Eddie in Beat 24's feature film Frontman (a film that won awards but sadly never achieved major release despite Oakley being brilliant in it).
Proudly childlike, musical comedian Duncan Oakley can be playful and daft but is always infectiously funny.
Expect big laughs from your inner oaf.
“Leaping between stupidity and pure brilliance” - Yorkshire Evening Post
“Oakley's routine deftly mixes the tunes with the stand-up” - City Life
“Brilliant. A true, funny entertainer” - BAFTA winner Dave Johns

Becky Umbers
A small girl that gets big laughs, Becky Umbers is a multi-award winning comedian from New Zealand. With a unique take on life, and the voice to match, Becky won Best Debut at the 2019 New Zealand International Comedy Festival and was nominated for Best Female Comedian NZ 2022 at the NZ Comedy Guild Awards.
Delivering an expertly crafted mixture of quirky storytelling and cheeky observations with a sly grin, she’s already made her mark in New Zealand and is ready to bring her charming sense of humour to the UK comedy scene.
“Becky Umbers quite knocks me over. She has developed a marvellous persona that’s a cross between a Barbie doll with a voice like water noisily going down a drain and a low-esteem item of jailbait” - Theatrereview.org.nz
“Umbers had us in stitches with her side-splitting stories…I felt that I was in a safe space, listening to the hilarious stories of someone I had known for years” - Ratworld Magazine

Jon Pearson
Jon began standup comedy in 2010, with his first performance at Birmingham’s Highlight Comedy Club. Cut to the present and Jon has become a regular face on the circuit, performing at prestigious clubs such as The Glee, The Boat Show & The Comedy Store, Jon’s career has even taken him overseas with performances in Spain, Norway and even as far away as Wigan (it is like being on another planet).
Jon is also a familiar face on at comedy festivals across the UK having taken three solo shows to the Leicester, Nottingham & Edinburgh festivals with the highlight of the all coming in the form of a sold out show at his home town Melton Theatre in Melton Mowbray.
Jon has also provided tour support for Darren Harriot on his UK 2018/2019 tour and Lucy Porter on her UK 2017 tour. Jon’s laid back storytelling has audiences hanging on his every word. With tales based around his own life experiences, his anecdotes are relatable and certain to have audiences in hysterics.
“Very tall and hugely funny” - Lucy Porter
“Brilliant” - Shropshire Star
“A natural ability for working an audience” - EdFringeReview.com

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show can be bought online at www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk, in person from Bishop Auckland Town Hall, or telephone 03000 269 524.

Newton Aycliffe, July 18th 2024
2024-07-18 19:00 - 22:00 | Steam Machine Brewery, Newton Aycliffe, Steam Machine Brewing Co, 26 Northfield Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6UF, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with Steffen Peddie, Jacob Nussey, host Cal Halbert & support
Show details:

Steffen Peddie
Steffen Peddie, a versatile entertainer from Newcastle Upon Tyne, has captivated audiences as a stand-up comedian, pro wrestler, actor, BBC radio host, Santa Claus, and swing band singer. With a career sparked by his first joke told at age 13, Steffen has tapped into a wealth of experiences to fuel his comedy. As a father of four, he draws from a rich tapestry of life's hilarity and shows no signs of slowing down.
His initial foray into comedy led him to support roles on children's TV, but the lure of professional wrestling took him down a path of high-flying antics and theatrical showdowns for a decade. A momentous performance at Viz Magazine's 25th- anniversary celebration marked his pivot back to comedy, leading to a successful re- entry into stand-up.
His return to the spotlight was met with acclaim, most notably through a starring role in the BBC sitcom “Hebburn”, which won hearts domestically and internationally. Steffen's dynamic presence extends beyond acting, having hosted on radio and participated in numerous TV adverts and short films.
“He holds the audience's attention throughout and leaves the stage with me wanting more” - BBC
“One of the North East's best comedy comperes” - Newcastle Evening Chronicle
“Steffen Peddie, the worlds Greatest Comedian, Wrestler, Scout Leader and fantasist of his generation” - Anvil Springstein

Jacob Nussey
Jacob Nussey unassumingly draws in audiences with his deadpan style, sharp jokes, and ill-fated anecdotes with clever punchlines.
Jacob quickly established himself on the comedy circuit, after winning Bury Met Comedian of the Year and West Didsbury Comedy Festival New Act of the Year, having previously reaching the semi-finals of British Comedian of the Year, and So You Think You’re Funny.
Jacob was named by Chortle as one to watch for 2023. He’s seriously funny and well worth seeing in person!
“Offbeat stories with an air of resigned indifference which is highly effective” - Chortle
“Insanely funny, he'll be a household name before you know it” - Skiddle
“Hilariously nonchalant” - Broadway World

Cal Halbert
Deemed 'the new generation of comedy' by Michael McIntyre, Cal Halbert has performed from local comedy clubs to the London Palladium, Britain's Got Talent to Good Morning Britain and voiced for YouTube to the BBC.
Well known as an impressionist, Halbert is one half of 'The Mimic Men', the UK's only impressionist double act! The Mimic Men appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2016, gaining four yeses accompanied by a standing ovation by the judges, audience, and Ant and Dec.
“Very good” - Simon Cowell
“Uncanny imitations” - The Sun
“Impersonator genius” - Sunderland Echo

This show will also feature support from several new acts, and established acts performing new material.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7pm
Show starts: 7:30pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, July 17th 2024
2024-07-17 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Rob Deering & Chris Cantrill (Preview shows)
Show details:

Rob Deering: Time Machine (Work In Progress)
Rob Deering returns to Darlo with a whole batch of new gear! After marking his midlife moment with his show Long Distance Man in 2023, twenty-first-century one-man-band Deering sets his sights on the future – and it looks bright!
Wait – that might be the past… anyway, expect huge tunes and repetitive beats, youth-relevant thrills and old-man moans, hot takes and cold reality, extreme physical prowess and a prostate fit for a king, the teen angst of a chubby goth and the tiresome, comfy happiness of a man in middle age. Future, past – either way it’ll be a blast.
“An evening in his company is nothing less than a joy” – The Independent on Sunday
“A highly impressive one-man soundscape powered mainly by energy and excellent guitar skills” – The Scotsman
“Ingenious and hilarious” – The Guardian

Chris Cantrill: Easily Swayed (Work In Progress)
A reluctant adventurer and an unlikely fellowship converge in this epic tale of an overdue reunion gone awry. Join Chris as he wrestles with the consequences of exile, middle-aged friendships, and the best way to admit you wear a cape sometimes. As seen on Alma’s Not Normal (BBC 2), Avoidance (BBC One) and Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared (Channel 4).
Twice-nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award (Best Show) as half of double act The Delightful Sausage. Co-creator of BBC Radio 4 series Icklewick FM.
“An inspired hour” – ★★★★★ – EdFestMag.com
“An anxious millennial Bob Mortimer” – Chortle

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, July 6th 2024
2024-07-06 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Nina Gilligan, Dave Johns, Seeta Wrightson, and host Danny Deegan
Show details:

Nina Gilligan
Chortle Best Club Comic 2023 - WinnerNorth West Comedian of the Year 2023 - WinnerLeicester Mercury Award 2021 - WinnerLiverpool Hot Water Comedian of the Year 2021 - WinnerEnglish Comedian of the Year - Finalist
Nina Gilligan is sometimes outrageous, always hilarious with a charming, loveable persona which belies an acerbic wit. Equally at home in clubs as art centre’s, Nina is performing at gigs of all sizes up and down the country.
2021 saw her crowned as the winner of the prestigious Leicester Mercury Award after also winning Liverpool Hot Water Comedian of the Year and being a finalist in English Comedian of The Year in previous year’s.
Recent work includes a sell-out show ‘Late Developer’ at Leicester Comedy Festival which transferred to The Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, whilst recent tour support includes Jason Manford, Clinton Baptiste and Rachel Fairburn.
“A bolshier Mrs Merton she’s not one to suffer fools lightly so watch out for a razor-sharp wit used at will” - The Skinny
“A hidden gem of the circuit” - Kiri Pritchard-McLean
“Naturally funny” - John Thomson (Cold Feet)

Dave Johns
The star of Palme d'Or award winning film 'I, Daniel Blake', Dave Johns has been a stand up comic since 1989 and is a regular headlining act playing all the major comedy clubs in the UK and comedy festivals world wide. Dave has gained a reputation as an inventive, exciting and extremely funny comedian, winning applause from his audiences, respect from his fellow comics, and rave reviews from the critics.
In 2013, Dave co-wrote a new stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption which hit the West End and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He has had two very successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in highly acclaimed shows 'Dave Johns On The Edge' in 1998 and 'I'm in The Attic Mother' in 1999 at the Pleasance Theatre for which he won the Spirit of the Fringe Award.
He has also appeared regularly at the Kilkenny Comedy Festival, in Ireland, Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival. Dave has also worked on stage in the Middle East, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Johannesburg, Sydney, New York, Amsterdam and the Arctic, and has been a regular guest on comedy panel shows such as Never Mind The Buzzcocks and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.
“He shifts from the sublime, to genius, to uproar in the blink of an eye - An extremely entertaining hour” - The Guardian
“Dave Johns has a uncontrived manner and sense of fun on stage that most comics can only dream about” - The Scotsman
“Look closely you will see the man generate sparks of magic” - The List

Seeta Wrightson
2025 Female Pilot Club Winner and BBC New Comedy Awards semi-finalist, Seeta Wrightson is a Bradford-born comedian known for her sharp wit and engaging stories. Wrightson’s work often draws on her dual Asian and British heritage.
From humble (AKA very skint) beginnings growing up in Bradford, Seeta has wandered through life wondering where exactly she fits and has had a hell of an adventure figuring it out. And it is a never-ending stream of ridiculousness that provides the fodder for her comedy.
“She has jokes as fierce as her outfits. Love her” - Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Danny Deegan
Danny Deegan is a comedian, writer and actor who began performing in 2003 and has since risen steadily through the ranks of some of the most prestigious comedy clubs in the UK. His tales of mischief and the characters he creates have kept audiences all over the country enthralled as he weaves in and out of the people he has met travelling. His talent and likability coupled with a confident swagger see him as one of the most popular acts in the North.
Fresh from a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he received rave reviews, Danny also recently performed a headline set at the Green Man festival in South Wales getting a great reception from the 400 people in the marquee and being asked to wrap up for Manchester band Doves after their headline set in front of 12,000 people.
Outside of live work Danny has made several TV and radio appearances. From being a guest on Radio GMR to having his own show "Afternoons with Danny Deegan" on CAT FM in Crewe. His TV credits include appearances on "Made in the North" and "The Adam and Shelley Show" to name but two.
“His seamless interactions with the crowd demonstrate that he’s a natural-born comedian... appealing to both the young and old, female and male” - Three Weeks
“Charming, witty and most importantly funny” - Metro
“Deegan has a mature confidence in his abilities” - Chortle

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £12 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, July 3rd 2024
2024-07-03 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Lauren Pattison & Tarot (Preview shows)
Show details:

Lauren Pattison: Big Girl Pants (Preview)
Two time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Lauren Pattison is back with the beginnings of a brand new show. She’s decided she wants to come back bigger, braver and maybe blonder … either way it’s time to put her big girl pants on.
As seen on Roast Battle (Comedy Central), Stand Up For Live Comedy (BBC1) Comedy Up Late (ABC) and as heard on the smash hit Have A Word podcast.
“a breath of feisty fresh air” – ★★★★ – The Herald
“slice of life storytelling with a sharp comic twist” – ★★★★ – The Times
“pitch perfect comic timing” – British Comedy Guide

Tarot: Work In Progress (Preview)
The best show of 2019 according to Chortle. The sixth-best show of 2022 according to The Guardian. Come watch us continue our slow descent into mediocrity.
A work in progress from the critically-acclaimed, nightie-clad sketch-zealots.
“Bark-out-loud funny… the whole show is startlingly live” – ★★★★ – The Guardian
“One of the balls-out funniest show of the Fring” – ★★★★½ – Chortle
“Tarot will not give you nightmares, though you might wake laughing your head off” – ★★★★ – Evening Standard

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Ripon, July 2nd 2024
2024-07-02 19:30 - 22:30 | Arts Hub, Ripon, 49a Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club x Ripon Theatre Festival feat. Tarot, Black Liver, Joe Kent-Walters, and host Lee Kyle
Show details:

Tarot
Born from the loins of multi-award winning sketch powerhouses Gein's Family Giftshop and Goose, the on-stage members of Tarot, Adam Drake (Extraordinary), Ed Easton (Starstruck) and Kath Hughes (After Life) write it together with the off-stage members Ben Rowse (Petrichor) and Kiri Pritchard-McLean (Live At The Apollo).
Following a sell out critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2019 they went on to create their Radio 4 series Soundbleed and two short films Hiraeth and Pedwar. Their second Fringe show Cautionary Tales enjoyed similar success in 2022 followed by a week long run at the Soho Theatre, and can now be seen on ITVX.
They have also appeared on Dave’s News Desk at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Paddock for Channel 4 and Live from Barry Island for BBC - but this is a show that is best witnessed live and up-close!
“The jokes come out of nowhere, are bark-out-loud funny, and the whole hour is startlingly live” - The Guardian
“One of the balls-out funniest show of the Fringe” - Chortle
“Tarot will not give you nightmares, though you might wake laughing your head off” - Evening Standard

Black Liver
Ruth is from Blackpool.
Keith is from Liverpool.
Together they are BLACK LIVER.
Born out of the boredom of lockdown 2020, Black Liver (AKA comics Keith Carter and Ruth Cockburn) has become a surprise hit. The rock ‘n’ roll comedy duo are currently on nationwide tours with two of their shows, putting sounds and words together to make you smile inside and out.
“Iconic” - The Forgotten Arts Festival
“Theatre, comedy, musical, cabaret... you get them all with these two!” - Stage Handed Magazine
“Part music duo, part double act - Black Liver are that quirky couple you want as your best friends...” - Northern Uproar

Joe Kent-Walters
BBC New Comedian of the Year 2023
Joe Kent-Walters is a multi-award winning comedian from Huddersfield. He has been delighting audiences up and down the country with his idiosyncratic style of outrageous character comedy, most notably with his comic creation Frankie Monroe, MC of a working mens club in Rotherham that is a portal to hell.
His performance as Frankie saw him win the 2023 BBC New Comedy Award after a “barn storming” (Ibid) set at Glasgow’s Kings Theatre Joe is now in development with the BBC and is one of Jiksaw’s 2024 ‘Faces of Comedy’.
Prior to his BBC success Joe won the 2021 Chortle Student Comedy Award which saw him play the main comedy stage at Latitude festival and tour Australia, performing at the Sydney Comedy Store.
“Mesmerising and unpredictable presence” - Chortle

Lee Kyle
In his never ending quest not to have a proper job, Lee Kyle spent time as part of an all male Spice Girls tribute act before spending a decade as a professional wrestler.
Managing the difficult trick of being both odd and relatable, he did a show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013 that he heard was well received but he doesn't read reviews because his psyche is too fragile to handle them so he isn't totally sure what they said.
Armed with props and a rapid gag rate he cuts a confident, if off-beat figure on stage. His jokes veer between the clever and the silly and deliver more than their fair share of belly laughs.
“Had everyone on their feet - Sublimely ridiculous” - The Northern Echo
“A brilliant performance.. Pure genius!” - NARC Magazine
“Quirky and original - the highlight of the night” - Giggle Beats

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7:30pm and the show starting at 8pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Malton, June 28th 2024
2024-06-28 19:30 - 22:00 | Milton Rooms, Malton, 2-4 Market Place, Malton, YO17 7LX, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Sully O’Sullivan, Don Biswas, and host Danny Deegan
Show details:

Sully O'Sullivan
Sully O'Sullivan has been declared a highlight of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival by The NZ Herald, a highlight of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival by The Scotsman, featured on Australian TV’s The Comedy Channel, hosted a sellout standup tour of Croatia, won Canada’s annual Improvaganza Tournament, and completed 2 UK national tours supporting cult Heavy Metal Comic Steve Hughes.
First stepping onto a standup stage in June 1998, Sully's talent gained instant recognition as he won his first national standup award less than 12 months later. 9 years on he’s featured in four seasons of New Zealand’s award winning TV standup showcase 'Pulp Comedy', been nominated for the NZ Comedy Industry's supreme award by the NZ Comedy Trust, and nominated by his fellow performers for the title of NZ's Best MC.
“Amazing” - NME
“A blast of hilarity” - Manchester Evening News
“A wicked sense of humour” - BBC

Don Biswas
Don Biswas is one of the gems of the circuit. A politically charged gag merchant who likes to cover a wide range of subjects including his Asian upbringing, his neuro-diversity as someone with dyspraxia, ADHD, and ASD and even the most important of topics... conspiracy theories. Don has gained huge admiration from all corners of the circuit for his breadth of material and his passionate delivery, making him a regular face in comedy clubs across the UK.
Away from the live circuit, Don recently recorded a comedy special for BBC Radio 4 entitled ‘Neurotopical’ and has appeared on Radio 4’s 13 Million Club, Rosie Jones’s Boxticker as well as UKTV Digitals Rosie Jones’s Disabled Comedy Extravaganza, and BBC Onlines Future Food Stars.
Don's unique style has seen him support John Williams on tour, perform in the USA (Silicon Valley & New York) & Switzerland
“A phenomenal gag teller with an engaging stage persona, Don Biswas shows all the signs of a truly great comic” - Broadway Baby
“Don Biswas put more emphasis on slick one-liners, which made much of his Asperger’s and Asian background” - London is Funny
“His fresh takes on current affairs are consistently hilarious. This will be the first time many audience members would have laughed with, and not at, a conspiracy theorist” - Hecklers Comedy Club

Danny Deegan
Danny Deegan is a comedian, writer and actor who began performing in 2003 and has since risen steadily through the ranks of some of the most prestigious comedy clubs in the UK. His tales of mischief and the characters he creates have kept audiences all over the country enthralled as he weaves in and out of the people he has met travelling. His talent and likability coupled with a confident swagger see him as one of the most popular acts in the North.
Fresh from a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he received rave reviews, Danny also recently performed a headline set at the Green Man festival in South Wales getting a great reception from the 400 people in the marquee and being asked to wrap up for Manchester band Doves after their headline set in front of 12,000 people.
Outside of live work Danny has made several TV and radio appearances. From being a guest on Radio GMR to having his own show "Afternoons with Danny Deegan" on CAT FM in Crewe. His TV credits include appearances on "Made in the North" and "The Adam and Shelley Show" to name but two.
“His seamless interactions with the crowd demonstrate that he’s a natural-born comedian... appealing to both the young and old, female and male” - Three Weeks
“Charming, witty and most importantly funny” - Metro
“Deegan has a mature confidence in his abilities” - Chortle

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person and are only available to buy from TicketSource. Click here to buy tickets.

Topcliffe, June 27th 2024
2024-06-27 19:30 - 22:30 | The Angel at Topcliffe, The Angel at Topcliffe, Long Street, Topcliffe, YO7 3RW, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Allyson June Smith, Tom Taylor, and host Pete Otway
Show details:

Allyson June Smith
Since 2000, Allyson June Smith has been tickling Canada's comedy scene from the moment she put down the chalk brush and picked up a mic. Playing to packed rooms has become like another day in the classroom for this former school teacher.
Her credits include her own hour long Comedy Now special, appearances on CBC Radio's hit show The Debaters, and the Winnipeg, Halifax and Just For Laughs Festivals, to name just a few. A multiple Canadian Comedy Award nominee for Best Female Stand-Up, she performs for audiences ranging from corporations to the most rural of gatherings. Whether she was the host, support, or headliner, she's delighted them all.
After working her way across Canada, Allyson now has taken her craft to the UK. Using her sassy blend of in-your-face stand-up and hilariously insightful commentary, she now works for major UK promoters and comedy clubs.
It is her genuine and unique sense of humor, combined with excellent performance timing, that has made audiences laugh. This teacher-come-comic is ready to show international audiences why she is a sought-after fan favourite.
“Simply one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever worked with” - Jason Manford
“Yet another hilarious Canadian with great hair” - Stewart Francis
“Ultra likeable and versatile” - Now Magazine Toronto

Tom Taylor
2015 Yorkshire Comedian of the Year
Multi-award winning comedian Tom Taylor has received high praise from audiences and critics alike. His unique brand of musical comedy is smart and silly in equal measure and he can boast an impressive stock of quirky, and very funny, musical one-liners.
In 2013 Tom reached the final of the prestigious So You Think You're Funny? competition, previously won by Dylan Moran, Lee Mack and Peter Kay. In 2014, he reached the final of the Hobgoblin Comedy Award and, the following year, won the inaugural Great Yorkshire Fringe New Comedian of the Year competition.
Recently, Tom has performed on Radio 2 and Radio 4 Extra as part of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award and has supported Simon Munnery on tour.
“His brand of nervous, neurotic musical comedy is an absolute delight” - The Skinny

Pete Otway
Since starting to perform in 2010, Pete Otway has quickly gained momentum, establishing himself as an extremely strong new act. As comfortable and confident as an MC as he is an act, he is booked regularly to do both, and was a recent finalist in the 2012 BBC New Comedy Awards.
With an affable and conversational style, mixed with an energetic stage manner and original writing, Pete is quickly making a name for himself on the UK circuit, and is certainly one to watch.
“Devastatingly funny” - Chortle
“Amiable, cheeky classic stand-up” - Liverpool Echo
“An amazing comedy talent, and we are making sure we are making sure we follow his every move in his ever rising career” - Crispy Comedy Club

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person if bought in advance, or £12 on the day. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Bishop Auckland, June 21st 2024
2024-06-21 19:30 - 22:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Tez Ilyas, Masai Graham, and host Sully O’Sullivan
Show details:

Tez Ilyas
Host of Channel 4's The Tez O’Clock ShowBBC New Talent Hot List 2017Chortle Best Breakthrough Act Nominee 2017
Tez Ilyas hit the ground running. In his first three years as a stand up, he found himself in no less than eight competition finals including the prestigious BBC New Comedy Award and Leicester Mercury New Comedian of the Year. In 2015, Tez achieved phenomenal success with his debut stand up hour TEZ Talks. A sell out run at the Soho Theatre and his own BBC Radio 4 series based on the show followed, with a second series released in 2018 and a third already commissioned.
In 2016, his highly anticipated follow up show, Made in Britain, went on to sell out every single performance (including extra shows) at the Edinburgh Fringe and gained spectacular critical acclaim, with a smash hit nationwide tour in 2017.
His third show, Teztify, once again delivered a spectacularly powerful, provocative and brilliantly funny hour of topical stand up, delivering to packed out audiences night after night, followed in 2018 by his second sell-out nationwide tour.
Tez is one of the stars of hit sitcom Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three) and has appeared on Live at the Apollo (BBC One), Mock the Week (BBC Two), The Last Leg (C4), Live From the BBC (BBC Two), Live from the Comedy Store (Comedy Central), Kevin Hart’s Live from Montreal (LOL Network), Virtually Famous (E4), The Now Show (BBC Radio 4) and made a brand new quiz show pilot for Vice.
“Tez Ilyas’s political stand-up is candyfloss with a razorblade inside: sweet and familiar at first, then shockingly, painfully sharp. It’s the kind of manoeuvre that takes serious talent to pull off” - ★★★★ - The Telegraph
“Ilyas has a slickness more reminiscent of US comics, and the gags to back it up, though his most prized asset could yet be his bold, subversive streak” - ★★★★ - The Guardian
“Radiantly entertaining” - ★★★★ - The Times

Masai Graham
Masai Graham is a multi award winning one-liner comedian who hails from the West Midlands.
The former Care worker turned comic has been writing and performing comedy for over a decade, winning accolades including ‘UK Pun Championship 2016, ‘Joke of the Fringe’ 2016 and 2022 (also bagging the unofficial lockdown Some-Bloke-Called-Dave Joke of the Fringe in 2021).
His comedy skills have seen him perform live from Singapore to Dublin. With 10 years of sell out shows at Edinburgh, Leicester and Brighton Fringes, and has led him to perform as tour support for Gary Delaney, Darren Harriott and Tez Ilyas as well as writing for TV shows.
Masai delivers genius one liners, puns and word play with his genuine charm and easy-flowing banter and with his reams of material from clean to naughty, he turns his razor-sharp joke writing skills to any subject.
“Annoyingly good gags and great stage presence” - Gary Delaney
“Audience admire the craftsmanship from this cheerful Black Country comic who skirts offence deftly” - Chortle
“The best ethnic comedian to emerge from the Black Country if you don’t include myself and Lenny Henry” - Darren Harriott

Sully O'Sullivan
Sully O'Sullivan has been declared a highlight of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival by The NZ Herald, a highlight of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival by The Scotsman, featured on Australian TV’s The Comedy Channel, hosted a sellout standup tour of Croatia, won Canada’s annual Improvaganza Tournament, and completed 2 UK national tours supporting cult Heavy Metal Comic Steve Hughes.
First stepping onto a standup stage in June 1998, Sully's talent gained instant recognition as he won his first national standup award less than 12 months later. 9 years on he’s featured in four seasons of New Zealand’s award winning TV standup showcase 'Pulp Comedy', been nominated for the NZ Comedy Industry's supreme award by the NZ Comedy Trust, and nominated by his fellow performers for the title of NZ's Best MC.
“Amazing” - NME
“A blast of hilarity” - Manchester Evening News
“A wicked sense of humour” - BBC

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show can be bought online at www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk, in person from Bishop Auckland Town Hall, or telephone 03000 269 524.

Newton Aycliffe, June 20th 2024
2024-06-20 19:00 - 22:00 | Steam Machine Brewery, Newton Aycliffe, Steam Machine Brewing Co, 26 Northfield Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6UF, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with Anthony J. Brown, Sam Serrano, host Elaine Robertson & support
Show details:

Anthony J. Brown
As seen in Channel 4′s “Phoenix Nights” andITV’s “Attitude”, Anthony is a former Jongleurs/Metro ‘Stand & Deliver’ Comedy Award Winner and also a former BBC New Comedy Award Runner-Up.
Clad in a sartorially edifying bespoke manner, like a dapper and dandy funeral director, Anthony cuts a unique on-stage presence with humour blacker than a raven that has slammed it’s claw in a coffin lid.
Eschewing the well trodden terrain of the one-liner witticism, Mr Brown’s penchant is for 4, 5, 6 and 7-liners drenched in evocative imagery and laced with comedic red herrings. And not the merest hint of profanity.
He constantly engages the assembled throng with a cryogenic stare whilst slowly and very gently caressing the microphone stand with well manicured talons./p>
The overall effect is both perversely hypnotic and wholly original, leaving the audience zealously hanging on to every syllable like turncoat lemmings on a rockface.
“A truly unique performer... superb” - Reece Shearsmith (The League of Gentlemen)
“Jarvis Cocker with a death in the family” - Metro
“The audience probably have time to nip to the bar and back between the feedline and the punch. That they generally don’t is testament to just how well it works in Brown’s hands, for few would want to miss the next gem to ooze languidly from his lips” - Chortle

Sam Serrano
Sam Serrano is a gender fluid, dyspraxic comedian who has been taking the circuit by storm. A regular in clubs across the UK, Sam’s unique trademark style is dark and self-deprecating in equal measure and has seen them become a favourite with bookers.
It has also seen Sam provide tour support for Brennan Reece and perform an incredible five solo shows at Hot Water Comedy Club, Nottingham Comedy Festival, and Leicester Comedy Festival.
In a short space of time since starting out, Sam was awarded second place in the prestigious Great Yorkshire Fringe Comedian of the Year Competition in 2018, followed by runner-up in the LGBT Comedian of the Year 2019, and was a finalist in the Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year in the same year.
“killer lines... a lot going for them, expect to see more” - Chortle
“puts the X in X Factor” - York Press
“Laugh-out-loud funny” - Yorkshire Post

Elaine Robertson
With a surreal eye for observational comedy and keen knack for audience interaction, Elaine has been described as ‘Laugh out loud’, ‘Natural, effortless and off-the-cuff (The Cherwell) and a ‘Brilliant wit and comedic talent’ (Ed Fringe Review).
In 2022 Elaine was a Regional Finalist for BBC New Comedian of the Year.
“I’ve been doing comedy for over 20 years and it’s very rare that I see someone who was born to do it. Elaine is one such person. effortlessly hilarious with original material I wish I’d thought of myself. If she doesn’t do well it’s to the detriment of comedy” - Matt Reed
“A huge personality, Elaine has a quality that is very rare in new comedians, that being the ability to ad-lib and go with wherever the gig takes her. She's good now, very good in fact but she could well develop into a truly special comic” - Felt Nowt Comedy
“Laugh out loud, natural, effortless and off-the-cuff” - The Cherwell

This show will also feature support from several new acts, and established acts performing new material.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7pm
Show starts: 7:30pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Horbury, June 14th 2024
2024-06-14 19:30 - 22:30 | Cluntergate Centre, Horbury, The Cluntergate Centre, Cluntergate, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 5DA, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Tom Wrigglesworth, MC Hammersmith, Don Biswas, and host Sully O’Sullivan
Show details:

Tom Wrigglesworth
Tom Wrigglesworth is an established stand-up comedian, radio and TV presenter, and voice-over artist from Sheffield, England.
With a disarmingly charming delivery and unforgettable appearance, this Yorkshire funny man became a national have-a-go-hero when he rescued a little old lady from the jaws of a Virgin train ticket inspector; only to be arrested for begging. His subsequent story of the event secured Tom several awards including the Chortle Best Show Award, and a nomination for the main Edinburgh Comedy Award. This led to a sell out tour of the UK, and runs at the New Zealand Comedy Festival and prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival.
Following this, Tom recorded two series of 'Tom Wrigglesworth's Open Letters' for BBC Radio 4, tackling consumer issues in his own hilarious way and winning a highly acclaimed Sony Award for best Radio Comedy along the way. His next radio project, 'Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang Ups' for BBC Radio 4 is currently in its second series and focuses on telephone conversations with his parents.
Tom is also known for his uncanny resemblance to Green Bay Packers quarter back Aaron Rodgers, and worked with NFL films to create ‘The Incredible Mr Wrigglesworth’. This short film which featured Tom performing in Green Bay, receiving the key to the city, and coming his face to face with his doppleganger became a viral You Tube hit.
“Magical storytelling... a rare talent... hysterical and accomplished” - Time Out
“The gods of comedy chose greatness for Tom” - The Scotsman
“Undeniable gift for comic storytelling... he has a lovely turn of phrase, an ear for allowable exaggeration... and a born entertainer's grasp of structure” - The Telegraph

MC Hammersmith
2018 Scottish Comedy Award Best Newcomer2017 UK Improv Smackdown Champion
MC Hammersmith (aka Will Naameh, the skinny posh one from Men With Coconuts, Spontaneous Sherlock and Spontaneous Potter) is an award-winning freestyle rap improvisational comedian.
He is the world’s leading gangsta rapper to ever emerge from the ghetto of middle class white west London.
Now based in Edinburgh, he performs across the UK and worldwide. He is the 2017 UK Improv Smackdown Champion, and the 2018 Scottish Comedy Award Best Newcomer, and has been seen on BBC Scotland and STV.
“An exceptionally dazzling performance... utterly enthralled” - The Skinny
“The funniest rapper in the world” - Culross Festival
“A shy, somewhat repressed ex-public school attendee blazing through an incredible freestyle rap” - The Wee Review

Don Biswas
Don Biswas is one of the gems of the circuit. A politically charged gag merchant who likes to cover a wide range of subjects including his Asian upbringing, his neuro-diversity as someone with dyspraxia, ADHD, and ASD and even the most important of topics... conspiracy theories. Don has gained huge admiration from all corners of the circuit for his breadth of material and his passionate delivery, making him a regular face in comedy clubs across the UK.
Away from the live circuit, Don recently recorded a comedy special for BBC Radio 4 entitled ‘Neurotopical’ and has appeared on Radio 4’s 13 Million Club, Rosie Jones’s Boxticker as well as UKTV Digitals Rosie Jones’s Disabled Comedy Extravaganza, and BBC Onlines Future Food Stars.
Don's unique style has seen him support John Williams on tour, perform in the USA (Silicon Valley & New York) & Switzerland
“A phenomenal gag teller with an engaging stage persona, Don Biswas shows all the signs of a truly great comic” - Broadway Baby
“Don Biswas put more emphasis on slick one-liners, which made much of his Asperger’s and Asian background” - London is Funny
“His fresh takes on current affairs are consistently hilarious. This will be the first time many audience members would have laughed with, and not at, a conspiracy theorist” - Hecklers Comedy Club

Sully O'Sullivan
Sully O'Sullivan has been declared a highlight of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival by The NZ Herald, a highlight of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival by The Scotsman, featured on Australian TV’s The Comedy Channel, hosted a sellout standup tour of Croatia, won Canada’s annual Improvaganza Tournament, and completed 2 UK national tours supporting cult Heavy Metal Comic Steve Hughes.
First stepping onto a standup stage in June 1998, Sully's talent gained instant recognition as he won his first national standup award less than 12 months later. 9 years on he’s featured in four seasons of New Zealand’s award winning TV standup showcase 'Pulp Comedy', been nominated for the NZ Comedy Industry's supreme award by the NZ Comedy Trust, and nominated by his fellow performers for the title of NZ's Best MC.
“Amazing” - NME
“A blast of hilarity” - Manchester Evening News
“A wicked sense of humour” - BBC

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £12.50 per person, and can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Hartlepool, June 6th 2024
2024-06-06 19:00 - 22:00 | Hops & Cheese, Hartlepool, 9-11 Tower Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7HH, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with Anth Young, Si Beckwith, host Andy Fury & support
Show details:
Replacing James Cook:

Anth Young
Anth Young is one of the hottest new acts in the North East, having finished highly in a raft of new act competitions in the last few years, as well as performing to huge audiences in theatres around the country as tour support to Carl Hutchinson.
A regular at comedy clubs around the UK, Anth's career has really blossomed since finishing as runner-up in the Great Yorkshire Fringe New Comedian of the Year competition in 2017 - a year which also saw him placing highly in the hugely competitive English Comedian of the Year competition, and being a finalist in the North East New Act of the Year competition.
“Delightfully blunt and immensely endearing” - BBC
“...he has long career ahead of him” - Broadway Baby

Si Beckwith
Si Beckwith is a stand-up comedian and writer from Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Si gigs regularly and prolifically, up and down the country, making sure to hone his craft on all manner of stages and is a respected, reliable and most importantly very funny stand-up comedian who has a creative approach to all he does.
Si has packed plenty in to a relatively short career, first performing at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013 in a two-handed show. He was a Harrogate Comedian Of The Year finalist in 2016. His show ‘Get Lush’ received some excellent reviews in 2019 and 2020 for performances at both Alphabetti Theatre and The Stand, Newcastle. His most recent show ‘Bricks’ has been getting wonderful feedback from performances at Laurels Theatre and The Stand, Newcastle.
“Absurdly charming and funny” - NARC
“Razor sharp wit” - The Crack
“relaxes and charms, but watch out for his vicious undertow” - BBC

Andy Fury
Despite starting comedy out of “sheer boredom” just a few years ago, Andy Fury has impressed a lot of people in a short space of time with a wonderful mix of self-deprecating dark jokes and off the wall surrealism.
With a laidback stage presence that sometimes borders horizontal, he’s as hard-working as he is funny and winning the Hilarity Bites New Act Of The Year 2010 title has put Andy on the path to working at many of the best clubs in the country, wowing audiences the length and breadth of the UK.
“An absolute genius of a comedian” - BBC
“Brilliant... The next Pub Landlord of comedy” - Hexham Courant
“A very funny man with a big future ahead of him” - Corby Radio

This show will also feature support from several new acts, and established acts performing new material.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7pm
Show starts: 7:30pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Ripon, June 4th 2024
2024-06-04 19:30 - 22:30 | Arts Hub, Ripon, 49a Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Martin Mor, Pete Selwood, and host Jon Pearson
Show details:

Martin Mor
Martin comes from Northern Ireland, and after a successful career as a circus performer, he turned his attention on the unsuspecting comedy circuit. With over 25 years experience as a professional performer, Martin has established himself as one of the UK’s most popular and in-demand comedians. Combining startlingly original material with bold, energetic improvisation, his love of working the audience, and an inability to remember his script, mean that every show is a unique interactive live event, and no two shows are ever the same.
Very much the comedian’s comedian, Martin has been the support act of choice for; Frankie Boyle, Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Jasper Carrot, Patrick Kielty, Johnny Vegas, Steve Coogan, and once Tina Turner. However, in his own right has performed successfully at events of all description; from the Hammersmith Apollo to a show for the inmates of an Italian prison, from comedy clubs to performing before members of the British Royal Family.
With numerous appearances on radio and television, Martin has worked at all levels of the industry; being a warm up man, devising and performing his own television show, and writing jokes for some of the biggest names in British comedy - and his photograph is even featured on the popular board game Trivial Pursuits!
“Martin is the act that has influenced me the most, the UK comedy circuit would not be the same without him” - Frankie Boyle
“Extremely funny” - Peter Kay
“This guy's great” - George Best
“He wore us out with laughter... Irrepressible exuberance” - The Scotsman

Pete Selwood
A hotly tipped up and coming comedian on the circuit, Pete Selwood has quickly risen through the comedy ranks with swagger. After winning the Lawrence Batley New Yorkshire Comedian of the Year (quite a mouthful), he has gone from strength to strength, winning comedy competitions and winning over audiences.
The Barnsley born Yorkshireman is an adept storyteller, focussing on tales of Northern life as a perpetually single man in his 20s. Being born with only one hand also gives him a unique view and experience of the world around him, poking fun at having a fairly minor disability in modern Britain.
In keeping with his material about disability, Selwood is also half of a double-act with Britain's Got Talent star Jack Carroll, performing sketches and creating videos about the portrayal of disability within our society.
“Wowed the crowd” - Liverpool Echo
“man with swagger, isn’t misplaced either” - Notts Comedy Review
“grace and good humour, immensely likeable” - North West End

Jon Pearson
Jon began standup comedy in 2010, with his first performance at Birmingham’s Highlight Comedy Club. Cut to the present and Jon has become a regular face on the circuit, performing at prestigious clubs such as The Glee, The Boat Show & The Comedy Store, Jon’s career has even taken him overseas with performances in Spain, Norway and even as far away as Wigan (it is like being on another planet).
Jon is also a familiar face on at comedy festivals across the UK having taken three solo shows to the Leicester, Nottingham & Edinburgh festivals with the highlight of the all coming in the form of a sold out show at his home town Melton Theatre in Melton Mowbray.
Jon has also provided tour support for Darren Harriot on his UK 2018/2019 tour and Lucy Porter on her UK 2017 tour. Jon’s laid back storytelling has audiences hanging on his every word. With tales based around his own life experiences, his anecdotes are relatable and certain to have audiences in hysterics.
“Very tall and hugely funny” - Lucy Porter
“Brilliant” - Shropshire Star
“A natural ability for working an audience” - EdFringeReview.com

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7:30pm and the show starting at 8pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, June 1st 2024
2024-06-01 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Martin Mor, Aaron Simmonds, Dawn Bailey, and host Karen Bayley
Show details:

Martin Mor
Martin comes from Northern Ireland, and after a successful career as a circus performer, he turned his attention on the unsuspecting comedy circuit. With over 25 years experience as a professional performer, Martin has established himself as one of the UK’s most popular and in-demand comedians. Combining startlingly original material with bold, energetic improvisation, his love of working the audience, and an inability to remember his script, mean that every show is a unique interactive live event, and no two shows are ever the same.
Very much the comedian’s comedian, Martin has been the support act of choice for; Frankie Boyle, Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Jasper Carrot, Patrick Kielty, Johnny Vegas, Steve Coogan, and once Tina Turner. However, in his own right has performed successfully at events of all description; from the Hammersmith Apollo to a show for the inmates of an Italian prison, from comedy clubs to performing before members of the British Royal Family.
With numerous appearances on radio and television, Martin has worked at all levels of the industry; being a warm up man, devising and performing his own television show, and writing jokes for some of the biggest names in British comedy - and his photograph is even featured on the popular board game Trivial Pursuits!
“Martin is the act that has influenced me the most, the UK comedy circuit would not be the same without him” - Frankie Boyle
“Extremely funny” - Peter Kay
“This guy's great” - George Best
“He wore us out with laughter... Irrepressible exuberance” - The Scotsman

Aaron Simmonds
Aaron Simmonds has been failing to stand up for 32 years; luckily he is far better at comedy than standing up. Aaron has appeared on A-Z Horror Stories (Sky Studios), Russell Howard Hour (Sky), Undeniable (Comedy Central), Guessable (Comedy Central), and has been heard on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio Scotland. Aaron offers sharply-observed comedy which is grounded in his disability, but is by no means limited by it.
Aaron performed his critically-acclaimed debut shows, Disabled Coconut and Hot Wheels, at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 and 2022. He was an Amused Moose Comedy Award Best Show finalist and was nominated for Best Comedy Show in the Broadway World UK Edinburgh Fringe Awards in 2019.
In 2023, Aaron then decided to embark on his biggest challenge yet, perform stand-up whilst standing up! Baby Steps at that year’s Edinburgh Fringe received rave reviews and sold-out shows, and was long-listed for the ISH Edinburgh Best Comedy Show.
“Amiable, likeable, and a commanding presence on stage, Aaron Simmonds is an exciting talent” - ★★★★ - Broadway Baby
“Weaves an overarching story into multiple anecdotes, calling back to them masterfully throughout the hour” - ★★★★ - The Wee Review
“Simmonds deals with his disability via disarmingly graphic humour, born of a self-confidence and positive spirit that enables him to poke fun at himself” - ★★★★ - Jewish Renaissance

Dawn Bailey
Dawn is a forty something (ahem just turned 50) Mum who views life through happy specs and giddy knickers (her own words).
An original performer, Dawn won the XS Manchester Radio Comedian of the Year in 2016, which led to her presenting a show on the station. With a likeable and affable nature, Dawn is a regular on the UK comedy circuit and performs for some of the most reputable promoters in the country.
Dawn’s honesty regarding life and love are raw, straight to the point, and come with a no-holds-barred delivery. She is a merry maker and definitely loves to have a damn good chuckle.
“Pin sharp anecdotes from a life juggling a career, kids, attending weekly slimming club meetings, and the joys of involuntary flatulence. She’s a very funny lady” - BBC

Karen Bayley
Karen began her comedy career back in 2000 and since then has gone from strength to strength. Her bold, no nonsense attitude strikes a perfect pitch with men and women alike, and she is equally at home compering or performing sets.
Karen is also resident compere of her own clubs in Sutton Coldfield and Solihull, with her claim to fame to date being that she was the first woman (in its history) to win the King Gong show at The Comedy Store.
Karen has also worked in TV and radio, including appearances on the BBC New Comedy Awards (BBC3),  The Last Word (ITV1),  Sex on the Job (Sky 1), and  100 Greatest Cartoons (Channel 4).
“Laugh out loud jokes and superb audience control” - Chortle
“Likeable headstrong persona- packing a considerable performing punch” - The List
“She blew my socks off” - BBC

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £12 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Topcliffe, May 30th 2024
2024-05-30 19:30 - 22:30 | The Angel at Topcliffe, The Angel at Topcliffe, Long Street, Topcliffe, YO7 3RW, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Ignacio Lopez, Tony Cowards, and host Lee Kyle
Show details:

Ignacio Lopez
As seen on Live at the Apollo (BBC) and Have I Got News For You (BBC)
Ignacio Lopez is a Spanish & Welsh comedian based in Cardiff. His parents are Welsh/Irish & Moroccan/Spanish, and he has a German sister; family get-togethers are like a meeting of the U.N.
As well as hosting TV shows, headlining top comedy clubs all over the U.K and Europe, and taking the piss out of British people directly to their faces, Ignacio writes sketches, sitcoms, and tweets. Every few months something he tweets will go viral and he'll gain a few thousand followers before they realise he doesn't just tweet witty observations about public transport and songs about hating the UK - then they unfollow until the next tweet goes viral. The fickle bastards.
Ignacio has performed for the Wales football squad, opened for James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers, and hosts comedy and corporate events around the World.
At last count (probably this morning) Ignacio's videos have received over 20 Million views in total across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. TikTok will not remove videos of Ignacio that other people have stolen and posted themselves.
“Hilarious” - The Scotsman
“Charismatic with a waspish charm” - Chortle
“Unique and hilarious” - BUZZ Magazine

Tony Cowards
Tony is a rapidfire gag merchant with an arsenal full of one-liners, for laughs-per-minute he's a tough act to beat!
His quick wit has made him a sought after act and compere by comedy clubs and promoters across the UK and even for gigs worldwide. Something of a Twitter sensation, Tony's jokes turn up in all sorts of places, from greetings cards to The Times newspaper, even if you've never heard of him there's a good chance that you'll have laughed at one of his gags.
Tony’s likable ‘everyman’ character and wide ranging humour (mostly clean) means he is comfortable in front of any audience and is regularly booked for comedy nights for the military, universities, sports clubs, festivals and after-dinner work. In July 2014, Tony placed third in the English Comedian of the Year Competition.
“Tony Cowards as the MC skilfully whipped the full house into a state of rapture in anticipation of the evening's special guest” - Three Weeks
“The best joke writer around” - GQ
“The Punosaurus” - The List
“A beaut of a one-liner merchant” - LondonisFunny.com

Lee Kyle
In his never ending quest not to have a proper job, Lee Kyle spent time as part of an all male Spice Girls tribute act before spending a decade as a professional wrestler.
Managing the difficult trick of being both odd and relatable, he did a show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013 that he heard was well received but he doesn't read reviews because his psyche is too fragile to handle them so he isn't totally sure what they said.
Armed with props and a rapid gag rate he cuts a confident, if off-beat figure on stage. His jokes veer between the clever and the silly and deliver more than their fair share of belly laughs.
“Had everyone on their feet - Sublimely ridiculous” - The Northern Echo
“A brilliant performance.. Pure genius!” - NARC Magazine
“Quirky and original - the highlight of the night” - Giggle Beats

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person if bought in advance, or £12 on the day. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Bishop Auckland, May 17th 2024
2024-05-17 19:30 - 22:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Rob Rouse, Matthew McAloone, and host Catherine Young
Show details:

Rob Rouse
Rob Rouse is a man who doesn't know the meaning of the word calm. Full of beans, Rob can't slow down, and why would he when he makes so many people laugh. Rob first made the leap into stand up comedy in the late 1990s, touring the university circuits. In 1998 he won the prestigious 'So You Think You're Funny' competition at the Edinburgh Festival.
As seen on Dave's One Night Stand, Celebrity Juice, 8 out of 10 Cats, The Friday Night Project, and much more, Rob is one of comedy’s most lively, loveable and dynamic performers.
Performing a rare club show, whilst in between tours, expect stories of his life as a father, his encounters with road-kill and his life as the beleaguered owner of the most spectacularly randy dog you’re ever likely to hear about...
“He’s a man with genuinely funny bones” - Sunday Times
“Rob Rouse is a born clown, a latter-day Stan Laurel” - Time Out
“Every single one of these everyday observations and shared recognitions is blown out of the mainstream by his electric-shock treatment of the material... You want to hug his brain for coming up with this stuff, even as you want to wash his mouth out with soap for saying it” - The Herald

Matthew McAloone
From being one of the BBC Comedy Award contenders for 2015, it’s been nothing but up for Northern Irish storyteller Matthew McAloone, whose confident stage presence and sharp writing make him a must see act.
A sitcom come to life, and as much at home in a sold out Shepherds Bush Empire as he is in a dark, tight comedy club, come prepared to be part of the show no matter the size. In addition to being a hit at clubs around the country, Matthew continues to develop the excellently received family show “Who wants to be a grown up” across the UK’s many established kids comedy venues.
Based in London, but with a love of travelling, you never have to wait too long to see Matthew again at any of the top clubs.
“Matthew is beautiful, with a beautiful act, he gets lots of beautiful laughs. He is a beautiful professional and I highly recommend this beautiful comedian” - Weird Uncle Comedy, Netherlands
“Matthew absolutely nailed it. Would have him back anytime!” - Parker's Comedy Club, Johannesburg
“Who? Oh yeah he is alright” - Backyard Comedy Club

Catherine Young
Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year 2019
Winner of the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year 2019, Catherine is quickly making a name for herself as one of the most exciting new acts to come out of the North-East in recent years.
Catherine occasionally absconds from Middlesbrough and the general misery of life, by running round the UK comedy circuit looking for anyone who will listen to her.
From North East and Irish decent, Catherine loves drinking, dancing and telling lies. Her comedy is light-hearted, full of mischievous stories and a warm and friendly humour that provides a short break from the stresses that life deals to us all.

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show can be bought online at www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk, in person from Bishop Auckland Town Hall, or telephone 03000 269 524.

Newton Aycliffe, May 16th 2024
2024-05-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Steam Machine Brewery, Newton Aycliffe, Steam Machine Brewing Co, 26 Northfield Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6UF, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with George Zach, Anja Atkinson, host Al Stevenson & support
Show details:

George Zach
George moved from Greece to study Biochemistry in Newcastle Upon Tyne and, in doing so, avoided joining the Greek army for his national service. He discovered stand-up soon after and has gone to sell out his show Greek Tragedy at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and support Luisa Omielan on her Am I Right Ladies tour. Recent BBC One appearances include the One Show and numerous appearances on This Week, discussing the Greek financial crisis.
Fortunately for George it turned out that he has quite the grasp of the English language, and also the fine art of comedy, including his witty observations on dating Geordie lasses and helpful translations of everyday Geordie phrases.
“A charismatic raconteur... his story not only elicits laughter but is also, at times, poignant and moving” - ★★★★ – The Wee Review
“Truly terrific” - Melbourne Herald
“Huge Laughs, George is clearly a very funny guy” - Broadway Baby

Anja Atkinson
Newcastle based comedian Anja Atkinson is garnering attention for her relentless, caustic wit and has been described as “funny, filthy and fabulous”.
She won Mr Shindig's New Act of the Year and Manchester Comedy Store's King Gong in 2017, both within her first year of performing. Now a regular at venues all over the North of England, Anja has been featured on BBC Radio 4's "Fred at the Stand" with Fred McCauley, as well as BBC Newcastle’s “Grin Up North“ Comedy Showcase. Anja was also shortlisted for the BBC New Comedian of the Year 2022 Regional Showcase.
“deliciously devilish Anja Atkinson, who has developed into a strong headline act over the last year with her almost brutal honesty and strong punchlines” - NARC

Al Stevenson
Al Stevenson is the quick-witted, sharp-tongued lad of Newcastle!
His charm allows him to tear through audiences with rapid fire, all whilst getting away with it through a cheeky grin.
Although he is newer on the circuit, his talents have already seen him rise to the finals of Beat The Frog World Series, beating hundreds of acts to do so, and to host and headline prestigious venues such as The Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle.
His humour has caught the eye of his fellow comics, leading to him performing tour support spots for Mark Nelson, Lauren Pattison, Matt Reed, and even international comic Kevin James Thornton!
“Al Stevenson combines the blunt double-entendres of Julian Clary with the bored, world-weariness of Jo Brand” - Chortle
“Blisteringly confident and deliriously lurid crowd work” - NARC
“Destined to be a stand up comic” - Lost Voice Guy

This show will also feature support from several new acts, and established acts performing new material.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7pm
Show starts: 7:30pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Ripon, May 7th 2024
2024-05-07 19:30 - 22:30 | Arts Hub, Ripon, 49a Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Michael Fabbri, Matt Price, and host Carl Jones
Show details:

Michael Fabbri
Michael Fabbri quickly stamped his mark on the UK circuit appearing in the 2003 final of Channel 4’s 'So You Think You’re Funny?' and rapidly earned a reputation as one of the most promising up and coming comedians on the circuit. Michael is now regularly booked to play major comedy clubs throughout the UK and all over the world, living up to that initial promise!
Michael has worked as a writer for Radio and TV, and recently had his own stand up series 'Dyslexicon' on BBC Radio 4. He has also performed several solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, and performed tour support for acts as diverse as Micky Flanagan, Lucy Porter, and Stephen K Amos.
Michael's comedy is affable and electric, with material that ranges from the cerebral to the smutty and all points in between.
“Exceptionally funny, extremely sharp, hugely enjoyable” - The Scotsman
“He is an amiable and engaging storyteller and his tales from various points in his life are liberally peppered with excellent punchlines” - The List
“Offbeat delivery and evocative, quirky characterisations” - Fest

Matt Price
Matt Price has proven himself to be consistently funny in comedy venues of all shapes and sizes, all over the world from Penzance to Cambodia, to a piece of ply wood on top of a former gangland criminal’s hot tub. Matt interacts with an audience in a way that makes everyone in the room feel good, he tells jokes and he spins a great yarn. In short, Matt is accessible, professional and above all, very funny. He has also gained a reputation as a very funny but generous host, who can make a great atmosphere for the acts and the audience.
Born in Cornwall, but based in London, Matt has completed five tours of Australia, including Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne International comedy festivals. He's also booked for most of the major comedy clubs in the UK, as well as numerous independent comedy clubs, and headlined comedy clubs in South East Asia, Scandinavia, Turkey, Russia, and the Middle East.
Matt has also provided television warm up for Channel 4 and the TLC Channel, performed at fifteen Edinburgh Festivals, and provided tour support for acts as diverse as Russell Kane, Larry Dean, and Norman Lovett
“Criminally funny” - ★★★★ - The Scotsman
“One of the best storytellers on the circuit” - ★★★★ - ArtsHub Australia
“Hilarious” - ★★★★★ - Broadway Baby

Carl Jones
Midlands comic Carl Jones first hit the circuit in 2011, winning the Nottingham Comedy Festival Best Newcomer in his first handful of gigs. Since then, he’s performed and written for the BBC’s comedy output and is a regular at some of the top comedy clubs across the UK.
With a growing reputation as an engaging storytelling comedian and welcoming MC who is able to play a variety of rooms, he is a regular opener, middle, closer and host for a wide range of comedy clubs of all sizes across the UK.
A huge football fan, he’s also released two books about the beautiful game and can be heard interviewing comedy pals on his own Premier League nostalgia podcast When Football Began Again.
“Very funny... a breezily entertaining half-hour from a likeable comic” - Chortle
“The audience loved him from start to finish. His natural comic story-telling ability had them hanging on every word” - Hot Water Comedy
“From the moment he came to the microphone, he made the audience feel at home. Sharp, quick on his feet and completely good-natured, Carl set the audience up for a great night of comedy. Would highly recommend him as an MC for any occasion” - Stand Up at The Studio

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £10 per person, with doors opening at 7:30pm and the show starting at 8pm. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, May 4th 2024
2024-05-04 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Michael Fabbri, Alfie Joey, Mad Ron, and host Andy Fury
Show details:

Michael Fabbri
Michael Fabbri quickly stamped his mark on the UK circuit appearing in the 2003 final of Channel 4’s 'So You Think You’re Funny?' and rapidly earned a reputation as one of the most promising up and coming comedians on the circuit. Michael is now regularly booked to play major comedy clubs throughout the UK and all over the world, living up to that initial promise!
Michael has worked as a writer for Radio and TV, and recently had his own stand up series 'Dyslexicon' on BBC Radio 4. He has also performed several solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, and performed tour support for acts as diverse as Micky Flanagan, Lucy Porter, and Stephen K Amos.
Michael's comedy is affable and electric, with material that ranges from the cerebral to the smutty and all points in between.
“Exceptionally funny, extremely sharp, hugely enjoyable” - The Scotsman
“He is an amiable and engaging storyteller and his tales from various points in his life are liberally peppered with excellent punchlines” - The List
“Offbeat delivery and evocative, quirky characterisations” - Fest

Alfie Joey
Alfie Joey is a man of many talents. An artist, broadcaster, podcaster, comedian, communication coach, Ted X speaker, impressionist, interviewer, charity auctioneer, motivator, children’s author, MC... take your pick! Alfie Joey has covered a lot of ground & cultivated many skills in his time on this spinning rock.
For over two decades Alfie has been in demand as a host, comic and speaker in the corporate, entertainment & charity sectors. He has motivated and inspired people at Ted X, MC’d Wembley Arena, acted in sitcoms and pantomime, presented the breakfast show on BBC Newcastle for over a decade, and his Britain's Got Talent appearance was watched by over 10 million people on prime-time TV, and has been viewed over 3 million times on YouTube.
“Alfie is a star. He'd be the funny neighbour in a sitcom, the one who everybody in the studio audience cheers for. Alfie spreads joy like a virus, he will make you glad to be alive” - TimeOut
“A cheerful and natural talent, Alfie has plenty in his comedic bag of tricks to spread good cheer through any audience. With his spot-on impersonations and enthusiastic banter, he'd be right at home at a Royal Variety Performance... his effusive bonhomie is genuine and his material original and funny” - Chortle

Mad Ron
Mad Ron – The Third Hardest Man in Uxbridge - is the comedy creation of Steve Lee.
Since his first appearance back in December 2015, Mad Ron has taken the comedy circuit by storm, winning multiple awards whilst also finishing third in the prestigious 2019 NATY’s awards.
Not content with awards, Mad Ron has decided to expand his criminal comedy empire to the UK comedy festivals, having very successful runs at the Leicester, Cambridge, Telford, Hastings and Edinburgh Comedy Festivals. He has also become a regular face on the London comedy scene, whilst also regularly opening and closing shows up and down the UK.
“It’s a well-constructed, well-practised set providing a dependable, gag-focussed start to the night...” - Chortle

Andy Fury
Despite starting comedy out of “sheer boredom” just a few years ago, Andy Fury has impressed a lot of people in a short space of time with a wonderful mix of self-deprecating dark jokes and off the wall surrealism.
With a laidback stage presence that sometimes borders horizontal, he’s as hard-working as he is funny and winning the Hilarity Bites New Act Of The Year 2010 title has put Andy on the path to working at many of the best clubs in the country, wowing audiences the length and breadth of the UK.
“An absolute genius of a comedian” - BBC
“Brilliant... The next Pub Landlord of comedy” - Hexham Courant
“A very funny man with a big future ahead of him” - Corby Radio

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £12 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, April 27th 2024
2024-04-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites presents Al Murray: Guv Island
Show details:

Al Murray: Guv Island
Brand new show.
“Country, the UK, lost its way, seeks life partner/mentor/inspiration. Good sense of humour essential. No timewasters, tedious show-offs or offend-o-trons need apply. HR free zone.”
Standing up so you don’t have to take it lying down anymore, the Pub Landlord is back to make sense of the questions you probably already had the answers to.
You know what they say: There’s no school like the old school, with the dodgy overflowing toilets.

“A supremely polished performer” – ★★★★★ – Mail on Sunday
“Wickedly witty stuff” – ★★★★ – The Telegraph
“Stand up gold” – The Guardian

Please note this performance contains strong language and adult themes.

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show can be bought online at www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk, in person from the Darlington Hippodrome box office in the Cornmill Centre, or telephone 01325 405405.
Tickets for this show are £30 (+ £2 per seat restoration levy) each, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm.

Horbury, April 26th 2024
2024-04-26 19:30 - 22:30 | Cluntergate Centre, Horbury, The Cluntergate Centre, Cluntergate, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 5DA, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Steve Royle, Clayton Jones, Jimmy Shirley, and host Carl Jones
Show details:

Steve Royle
Britain's Got Talent finalist 2020
Steve is an actor, writer, comedian, juggler, a "Gillard award" winning presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire and now a finalist on ITV's Britain's Got Talent 2020.
Steve most recently completed his 17th consecutive pantomime at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool (and his 22nd Pantomime in total) and was also made an honorary member of The Friends Of The Grand in 2016 for his services to the theatre.
In 2015 he performed 16 nights at The Manchester Arena as part of the "Phoenix Nights Live" show, helping raise well over £ 5 million in the process. He also appeared at the London Palladium twice within a month later that year when he performed as part of the TV show "Sunday Night At The Palladium" and as warm-up for "One Night With Neil Diamond".
He spent many years as "Special Guest" on Dave Spikey's Tours and has supported several other top comedic names including Peter Kay, Mick Miller, Roy Walker and The Lancashire Hotpots! He was also the first comic, ever, to act as "Warm-up" for The Royal Variety Show featuring Take That, Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow and Meatloaf.
Steve's first love, however, is stand-ip and it is a job that has taken him all over the world: Cruises in the Med, Norwegian Fjords and the Caribbean, hotels and comedy clubs in Hong Kong, Dubai, Crete, Cyprus, Turkey and Japan. Meanwhile, Steve is a regular headline act at the world-famous The Comedy Store, and at venues throughout the UK.
“A brilliant comedian” - Peter Kay
“I nearly pushed my golden buzzer for you when I saw your audition because it's one of the funniest performances I've seen. I was totally wowed” - David Walliams
“a comedy masterclass!” - The Stage

Replacing Tez Ilyas:

Clayton Jones
Last Minute Comedy Comedian of The Year 2017 - winnerEnglish Comedian of the Year 2017 - finalist
Clayton has been performing comedy since 2013 and has established himself as a regular on the UK comedy circuit including shows at the Edinburgh Festival 2015 and Leicester Comedy Festival 2017 alongside appearances at all the top comedy clubs.
An observational comedian with an hilarious take on everyday life with very cleverly crafted comedy, Clayton’s act covers everyday topics of marriage, kids, being mixed raced, school life, and growing up in London.
In 2014 Clayton was a finalist in the Southport Comedian of the Year, Frog & Bucket World Series and Liverpool Comedian of the Year. In 2017 he was the winner of the Last Minute Comedy Comedian Of The Year and a finalist in the English Comedian Of The Year.
“This dude has funny bones” - Romesh Ranganathan
“Very funny & confident. That earned him a huge round of applause from 2000+ bikers!” - BSH Magazine
“A comedy performance that has impressed many” - Frog & Bucket Comedy Club

Jimmy Shirley
Jimmy started his comedy career whilst living abroad in Greece. He's a whimsical storyteller with high energy, telling tales of the absurdity of a scouser in Greece and the everyday things that annoy him.
Jimmy reached the semi-final of 'So You Think You're Funny' in 2021 and was a finalist at the Southport Comedy Festival's New Comedian of the Year competition in 2022. Since then he has started to make a name for himself up and down the country on the comedy circuit performing on some of the biggest line ups and is definitely one to watch.
“Electrified the room and audience” - Lancaster Guardian

Carl Jones
Midlands comic Carl Jones first hit the circuit in 2011, winning the Nottingham Comedy Festival Best Newcomer in his first handful of gigs. Since then, he’s performed and written for the BBC’s comedy output and is a regular at some of the top comedy clubs across the UK.
With a growing reputation as an engaging storytelling comedian and welcoming MC who is able to play a variety of rooms, he is a regular opener, middle, closer and host for a wide range of comedy clubs of all sizes across the UK.
A huge football fan, he’s also released two books about the beautiful game and can be heard interviewing comedy pals on his own Premier League nostalgia podcast When Football Began Again.
“Very funny... a breezily entertaining half-hour from a likeable comic” - Chortle
“The audience loved him from start to finish. His natural comic story-telling ability had them hanging on every word” - Hot Water Comedy
“From the moment he came to the microphone, he made the audience feel at home. Sharp, quick on his feet and completely good-natured, Carl set the audience up for a great night of comedy. Would highly recommend him as an MC for any occasion” - Stand Up at The Studio

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Timings
Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £12.50 per person, and can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.
