Horbury, March 28th 2025
2025-03-28 19:30 - 22:30 UTC | Cluntergate Centre, Horbury, The Cluntergate Centre, Cluntergate, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 5DA, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Steve Gribbin, Kevin Daniel, Si Beckwith, 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

Kevin Daniel
Kevin has established himself as one of the hottest newer acts on the comedy circuit, working established comedy promoters across the UK, his commanding stage presence, relatable exquisite storytelling, and jokes a plenty, always leave audiences wanting more.
In his short comedy career. Kevin has performed at many comedy clubs including Blackpool Comedy Station, The Stand, Glee Club, Just The Tonic, Hilarity Bites, Comedy Hot Spots, Funhouse Comedy, Big Deal Comedy, and The Hull Comedy Lounge. Kevin has also supported Fiona Allen, Nathan Caton and Jack Gleadow on their UK tours.
In 2023 Kevin performed his first solo work in progress show 'Freedom' to sold out rooms at the Leicester and Glasgow Comedy Festivals. He also took the show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a small run of shows.
In both 2022 and 2023 Kevin reached the semi finals of the British Comedian Of The Year, and in 2024 Kevin won the prestigious “Silver Stand Up” competition at the Leicester Comedy Festival.
“Kevin has a natural ability to fill a room with laughter, he's a genuinely funny guy” - Just The Tonic
“Kevin is a phenomenally talented comic. He began with some very astute observations about the room, which made his performance feel topical and special. The last time I saw KD, I was tempted to leave the review at just one word – Wow - and tonight was much the same. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone go from gong show to headlining so quickly” - Notts Comedy Review

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

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

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.

Ripon, April 1st 2025
2025-04-01 19:30 - 22:30 | Arts Hub, Ripon, 49a Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Tom Wrigglesworth, Louise Young, and host Carl Jones
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

Louise Young
Hailing from Newcastle, Louise has quickly become one of the brightest new names on the comedy circuit. A regular at clubs around the country, Louise has also been supporting the likes of Jason Manford, Alan Carr, Tom Davis, Angela Barnes and Tom Allen on their nationwide tours around the UK and Ireland.
Louise debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Pleasance Courtyard in 2023 with her show ‘Feral’ – about class, chaos and coming out. The show received rave reviews and was nominated for Edinburgh Comedy Awards: Best Newcomer, going on to appear at London Soho Theatre’s Best Newcomer Season in 2024. The show was also nominated for NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy and was named as “one to watch” by Rolling Stone.
Louise has also appeared on Live at the Apollo, Comedy Central Live, as well as writing and acting in Channel 4’s Original Comedy Shorts on three sketches, one of which went on to receive over 5 million views. She also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Fred at The Stand.
At the Leicester Comedy Festival, Louise has been nominated for Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2020, Best Festival Appearance in 2021 and Best Debut Show in 2023. Louise was a finalist in the Funny Women Awards in 2018, she was also nominated for a Gillard Award in 2019, and in 2020 nominated Newcomer of the Year for presenting a weekly comedy show on BBC Radio Newcastle.
“wonderful, lovely, authentic” - Helen Lederer
“Louise Young is dynamite! Intelligent and street smart, she wins the entire room over with wonderfully written jokes, a spellbinding stage presence and the timing of a 20-year pro” - Punch Drunk Comedy

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, April 5th 2025
2025-04-05 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Dan Antopolski, James Cook, Dee Allum, and host Andy Fury
Show details:

Dan Antopolski
Dan Antopolski exploded onto the comedy scene in 1998, winning the BBC New Comedy Award and reaching the finals of the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award and Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny. Over the next three years he was nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Festival for his debut hour Second Coming and received Perrier Award Nominations for both his solo show Antopolski 2000 and for sketch show Lee Mack’s New Bits with Lee Mack and Catherine Tate.
Dan has performed extensively around the UK and Europe and at international festivals including Just For Laughs in Montreal and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. His sketch group Jigsaw were series regulars on Live at the Electric (BBC3) and made two series for Radio 4. Dan is known to younger viewers as the title character in The Dare Devil on CBBC and he played Jesus in blockbuster The Da Vinci Code. He recently appeared in Paddington 2 and Good Omens (BBC).
“Master of the surreal and natural heir to Bill Bailey... The daftest, silliest and most uplifting show I've seen, a happy reminder of how the best comedy can leave you smiling for the rest of the evening” - The Observer
“Intelligent, thoughtful standup...Hilarious, imaginative and wonderfully cheap" - The Independent
“Mr Antopolski's world-view is so uplifting, you'll leave wishing you could stay in his head for your summer holidays" - ★★★★★ - The Times

James Cook
James Cook has been a professional comedian since 2003, performing all over the country at clubs such as The Glee, Komedia, and Hot Water among others.
He has performed 10 different shows across 8 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals and has been the opening act for Gary Delaney (Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo) and Paul Sinha (The Chase, Taskmaster) on their tours.
His act has been described as "truly original" (Danny Wallace (off of the telly), whereas he’s been called "suave and chirpy" by the world famous Bromsgrove Advertiser, and a "sarcastic raconteur" by the Leeds Metro.
For some reason, this means that he has been likened to "the future Frank Skinner" (Birmingham Metro) and "Dylan Moran’s younger brother" (The Stage). How this is possible remains a mystery.
“A top class comic” - Birmingham Mail
“a genuine laugh every ten seconds... a stand-out show of excellent quality” - Broadway Baby
“shows scant regard for the hackneyed conventions of stand-up” - The Scotsman

Dee Allum
Dee Allum is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer.
Dee started her comedy career performing sketches with the Cambridge Footlights and wrote the prestigious Footlights Pantomime in 2018. Since then Dee has been nominated for Best Newcomer at the Chortle Awards, placed as runner up in the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year award 2021, won the 2Northdown New Act Competition 2021, and was a finalist in the 2022 BBC New Comedy Award competition.
Dee took her debut solo stand up show, Deadname, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024 to wide critical acclaim, whilst she has also starred in ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show.
“Refreshingly candid, sincere and full of innovative humour... naturally, undeniably, laugh-out-loud funny... a truly genius and important show” - ★★★★★ - Ed Fringe Review
“A story of gender identity told with panache, charm, self-deprecation and copious wit... an inventive, casually ironic storytelling skill... a true stand-up." - ★★★★ - The Times
“Snappy wit, fantastic timing, and clever callbacks... she carries the whole show with such charm and spirit that you can’t help but fall about laughing while also being captured by the bittersweet sentimentality." - ★★★★★ - Binge Fringe

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.

Bishop Auckland, April 11th 2025
2025-04-11 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. Chris Washington, Aaron Simmonds, and host Jon Pearson
Show details:

Chris Washington
Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee - 2017
As seen on Mock The Week (BBC2), Live From The BBC (BBC1), House of Games (BBC2) and as heard on Have A Word Podcast, and The Stand up Sketch Show. As seen as tour support for Kevin Bridges, along with Milton Jones and Jason Manford.
Chris began performing stand up comedy in July 2012, and after five years, several hundred gigs for a host of reputable promoters up and down the country, and a well received Edinburgh debut show, he is fast becoming one of the most sought after new acts on the circuit.
In his early days Chris made the finals of several new act competitions, and was spotted by Jason Manford, who selected him to support him on several tour dates. With a cheeky Northern charm and hilarious tales it’s clear to see why Chris is flying up the comedy ladder.
“A master of storytelling” - ★★★★ - The Times
“a mainstream comedy star in the making” - ★★★★ - Chortle
“if you like your comedy funny, Washington’s your man” - ★★★★ - Joe.co.uk

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

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, April 17th 2025
2025-04-17 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 Philip Simon, Mike Wardley, host Danny Deegan & support
Show details:

Philip Simon
Pegasus Comedy Best Compere 2023 winnerUK Pun Off at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe winnerJewish Comedian of the Year 2015Lastminute Comedy / Kill for a Seat Comedian of the Year 2015
Professional comedian Philip Simon has been entertaining audiences around the world for over two decades. During lockdown he created the hit children’s comedy show School's Out Comedy Club. He has been seen/heard on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4 as part of the BBC New Comedy Award. He has written for Mock the Week, worked on TV shows Taskmaster and The Imitation Game, and is one half of the comedy podcast Jew Talkin’ To Me?
Philip has most recently been gigging throughout the UK, as well as making appearances in New York, Scandinavia, Europe, The Middle East, Dubai, and Auckland where he headlined at The Classic.
He was the final record breaking act on stage as the Guinness World Record for the longest stand up gig was broken in Portsmouth, and has rworked as a rehearsal guest on BBC’s Mock the Week.
Having trained as an actor at the Guildford School of Acting, Philip has appeared in TV, film and theatre, including guest roles in sitcoms 'According to Bex' and 'My Family' and a run of long-running live satire 'Newsrevue' at the Canal Cafe Theatre. He has also appeared as Daddy Pig in a national theatre tour of kid's favourite Peppa Pig.
“Philip Simon is never less than hilarious” - The Stage
“With Philip Simon as compere comedy is guaranteed” - The Jewish Chronicle

Mike Wardley
Mike Wardley is an up and coming act from the North East, who is quickly making a name for himself on the local circuit. With his wit, charm, and story telling abilities he will have you at ease and laughing in no time.
His observational style is very relatable with audiences and always leaves them wanting more, covering a wide range of subjects in his own unique style.
“Has natural funny bones and knows a joke inside out” - Raul Kohli. Comedian, actor, writer and broadcaster.

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

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.

Husthwaite, April 24th 2025
2025-04-24 19:30 - 22:30 | Husthwaite Village Hall, The Nookin, Husthwaite, North Yorkshire, YO61 4PY, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Alun Cochrane, Alex Mitchell, Fran Garrity & Host Catherine Young
Show details:

Alun Cochrane
You'll know Alun Cochrane from TV, radio, and being one of the best stand-ups in the UK.
Alun Cochrane is a no-nonsense comedian who specialises in funny nonsense. Much of his comedy begins simply as something he’s seen, heard or felt in his own life, or in the street, or the kitchen, or anywhere, and from that it blossoms into a highly amusing anecdote or a strange flight of fancy.
Alun has several television appearances to his name, most recently Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, and Dave's One Night Stand, but he's also often seen on Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock The Week, and has appeared on Soccer A.M and Live At The Comedy Store.
Alun’s dulcet tones can also be heard frequently on BBC Radio 4 on Alun Cochrane’s Fun House, Just A Minute, Dilemma and The Now Show, whilst Alun is also affectionately known as the Cockerel on Absolute Radio's Frank Skinner Show.
“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

Alex Mitchell
2024 Britain's Got Talent finalist
Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalist Alex Mitchell is an autistic comic with functional neurological disorder (FND). Using self-deprecating humour - laughing at himself, his neurodivergence, disability, and sexuality - to reflect on some of the most difficult subjects within his own life and wider society.
His debut show, Tics Towards Puffection, tackles his desperate obsession for perfection and being "the best version" of himself. He explores how and if he'll ever achieve this, and how this has and continues to impact his life. Reflecting on society's perception of queer, disabled, and neurodiverse communities, as well as his own perception of himself, Mitchell creates a heartwarming, emotional but always hilarious show.
Alex was also won 'You Can Laugh You Know: Disabled Comedian of the Year 2023' and 'Beat The Frog Winner February 2024'.
“funny and fearless” - Simon Cowell
“Definitely one to watch, very funny and unique” - Jack Gleadow
“Tremendous” - Notts Comedy Review

Fran Garrity
One of Teesside’s finest comedic exports of recent years, Fran Garrity kicked off his comedy career in 2015 after becoming a finalist in the City Comedian of the Year & FAF Breakthrough Act competitions.
Often heard on the airwaves of both national and regional radio, Fran has featured on such shows as BBC Radio 4’s New Comedy Awards and BBC Radio Newcastle’s features Jesting About and Grin up North, whilst also presenting a weekend show on Zetland FM.
In 2017, Fran was chosen for a support slot with Jason Manford on his Muddle Class Tour, and later that year he debuted his solo show Secret Agent Fran and became a finalist in the Harrogate Comedian of the Year.
He had a sell-out run for Best In Class at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and has had three sell-out solo shows with the shows Secret Agent Fran, Faith Hope & Garrity, and new show Fifty/50.
“He smashed it” - Jason Manford
“Fran is a real act to watch out for” - NARC
“Fran Garrity has an easy and instant rapport with the audience and not only gets frequent laughs but also they are always big laughs” - Buzz Comedy

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.

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 and can be bought from the link below, or contact the venue directly.

Malton, April 25th 2025
2025-04-25 19:30 - 22:00 | Milton Rooms, Malton, 2-4 Market Place, Malton, YO17 7LX, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Clayton Jones, Dawn Bailey, and host Chris Brooker
Show details:

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

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

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

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.

Darlington, May 3rd 2025
2025-05-03 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Alistair Barrie, Louise Young, and host Sully O’Sullivan
Show details:

Alistair Barrie
Alistair Barrie is one of the most sought after headliners on the international comedy circuit. His biting topical comedy has seen him perform all over the world including acclaimed performances at the Cape Town, Melbourne, New Zealand and Edinburgh Festivals, where he has twice been nominated for best show. He is a regular at Glastonbury, on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.
Alistair is the only comedian to have played both the Labour and Conservative Party conferences. He has also written for household names such as Frankie Boyle, Jason Manford and Jack Whitehall.
“A no frills master of his craft” - ★★★★★ - The Scotsman
“Barrie’s analytical nous and store of snappy gags mark him out... Excellent" - The Independent
“No one does righteous indignation with the same brio as Barrie, an inheritor of the splenetic mantle of the great 80s alternative comedians" - The Guardian
“Drops from the highbrow to the gutter in the draw of a breath" - ★★★★★ - Metro

Louise Young
Hailing from Newcastle, Louise has quickly become one of the brightest new names on the comedy circuit. A regular at clubs around the country, Louise has also been supporting the likes of Jason Manford, Alan Carr, Tom Davis, Angela Barnes and Tom Allen on their nationwide tours around the UK and Ireland.
Louise debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Pleasance Courtyard in 2023 with her show ‘Feral’ – about class, chaos and coming out. The show received rave reviews and was nominated for Edinburgh Comedy Awards: Best Newcomer, going on to appear at London Soho Theatre’s Best Newcomer Season in 2024. The show was also nominated for NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy and was named as “one to watch” by Rolling Stone.
Louise has also appeared on Live at the Apollo, Comedy Central Live, as well as writing and acting in Channel 4’s Original Comedy Shorts on three sketches, one of which went on to receive over 5 million views. She also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Fred at The Stand.
At the Leicester Comedy Festival, Louise has been nominated for Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2020, Best Festival Appearance in 2021 and Best Debut Show in 2023. Louise was a finalist in the Funny Women Awards in 2018, she was also nominated for a Gillard Award in 2019, and in 2020 nominated Newcomer of the Year for presenting a weekly comedy show on BBC Radio Newcastle.
“wonderful, lovely, authentic” - Helen Lederer
“Louise Young is dynamite! Intelligent and street smart, she wins the entire room over with wonderfully written jokes, a spellbinding stage presence and the timing of a 20-year pro” - Punch Drunk Comedy

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 £12 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Ripon, May 6th 2025
2025-05-06 19:30 - 22:30 | Arts Hub, Ripon, 49a Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Rob Deering, Dominic Woodward, and host Chris Brooker
Show details:

Rob Deering
Rob Deering performs stand-up comedy with music, using a guitar, a loop pedal and his voice to create impressive rock and pop soundscapes – and do jokes, of course. Along with being one of the most in-demand headliners on the UK circuit, he’s toured nationally and performed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe many times since starting out in comedy in the year 2000.
Rob has performed throughout the world, in shows from the Middle East to Melbourne, Shanghai to the South of France, and he has appeared on any number of Radio and TV shows since starting out on 99 Things To Do Before You Die, most recently winning Celebrity Mastermind on BBC One.
“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

Dominic Woodward
Dominic started comedy young and wide eyed back in 2001, and with nearly two decades experience on the UK circuit he's a safe pair of hands. He's cheeky, charming, full of energy and hilarious.
Now married with a mortgage, Dominic weaves side-splitting stories about his life and tells belly aching jokes that hit the mark with all audiences. There’s a naughty twinkle in his eyes but his act is warm, personal and inoffensive.
Dominic is always in demand as an act and compere. He regularly performs in comedy clubs all over the UK and overseas.
“Effortless delivery” - The Times
“Engaging material” - Manchester Evening News

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, 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.

Topcliffe, May 8th 2025
2025-05-08 19:30 - 22:30 | The Angel at Topcliffe, The Angel at Topcliffe, Long Street, Topcliffe, YO7 3RW, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Rob Deering, Pete Selwood, and host Pete Otway
Show details:

Rob Deering
Rob Deering performs stand-up comedy with music, using a guitar, a loop pedal and his voice to create impressive rock and pop soundscapes – and do jokes, of course. Along with being one of the most in-demand headliners on the UK circuit, he’s toured nationally and performed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe many times since starting out in comedy in the year 2000.
Rob has performed throughout the world, in shows from the Middle East to Melbourne, Shanghai to the South of France, and he has appeared on any number of Radio and TV shows since starting out on 99 Things To Do Before You Die, most recently winning Celebrity Mastermind on BBC One.
“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

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

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 £12 per person if bought in advance, or £15 on the door. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Reeth, May 9th 2025
2025-05-09 19:00 - 22:30 | Reeth Memorial Hall, Arkengarthdale Road, Reeth, Richmond, DL11 6QT, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Rob Deering, Howard Walker, Dawn Bailey & Host Martin Mor
Tickled Pink in the Dales.
Show details:

Rob Deering
Rob Deering performs stand-up comedy with music, using a guitar, a loop pedal and his voice to create impressive rock and pop soundscapes – and do jokes, of course. Along with being one of the most in-demand headliners on the UK circuit, he’s toured nationally and performed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe many times since starting out in comedy in the year 2000.
Rob has performed throughout the world, in shows from the Middle East to Melbourne, Shanghai to the South of France, and he has appeared on any number of Radio and TV shows since starting out on 99 Things To Do Before You Die, most recently winning Celebrity Mastermind on BBC One.
“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

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

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

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

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: 8pm

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show are £14 each, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 8pm.
Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, in person from The Black Bull in Reeth, or call 01748 884 213.

Newton Aycliffe, May 15th 2025
2025-05-15 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 Marc Jennings, Peter Edge, host Catherine Young & support
Show details:

Marc Jennings
Scottish comedian Marc Jennings is one of the country’s strongest up-and-coming comedic talents.
Marc is a regular panellist and writer on BBC Scotland’s satirical news show Breaking the News, has performed stand-up on BBC Scotland TV series The Comedy Underground , and Edinburgh Unlocked and is the host of the popular Some Laugh podcast.
In 2023 Marc sold-out The King’s Theatre in his hometown of Glasgow, where he recorded his first stand-up comedy special “Original Sound”. He sold-out his Edinburgh Festival runs in 2022 & 2023, performed at the Perth and Adelaide Fringe Festivals in Australia, and has had several of his stand-up routines reach over 5 million views online.
“An astute observer who's accomplished at channeling his frustrations into a wider social critique” - Chortle
“Killer lines” - The Scotsman
“In years to come will be a household name” - The Wee Review

Peter Edge
For most people, taking up something like golf, gardening or painting when they retire from full time employment might seem a sensible thing to do. Not for Peter Edge, who decided to take a stand up comedy course in late 2018 and he hasn’t looked back, entertaining audiences all over the country since, at many of the nation’s top comedy venues. He’s appeared at the Edinburgh festival (briefly) and he’s even won a couple of awards!
Drawing on his experience as an embattled Dad of three daughters, fighting against unfamiliar technology and his rapidly approaching ‘twilight’ years, he brings his stories to life in his own unique style with his “very clever writing” (Notts Comedy Review) and “impeccable delivery” (Rock Central Promotions). A self declared ‘Dinosaur in danger’ (Leicester Comedy Festival show 2024), who wonders if ‘Dignitas do Clubcard points?’ (Lancaster Comedy Festival 2024), there’s something in Peter’s act to challenge the strongest pelvic floor
“Relatable material delivered impeccably” - Rockcentral Promotions
“very clever writing” - Notts Comedy Review

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 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, May 16th 2025
2025-05-16 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. Lou Conran, Susan Murray, and host Al Stevenson
Show details:

Lou Conran
Winner Best MC - 2020/21 Comics Comic AwardFunny Women Finalist - Best Show AwardRegular host of the BBC Radio 4 Extra Comedy Club
Having trained as an actress, Lou has appeared in various guises on tele and in the theatre, including, Pressgang (ITV), Jo Brand Through the Cakehole (Channel 4), The Borrowers (National Tour), numerous productions for the Edinburgh Festival and the more challenging and ground breaking role of Sara Bear, for three long series, in CITV's, classic and memorable, the "Teddybears". (No, no one else has heard of it either).
Lou is a regular tour support for the likes of Sarah Millican, Joe Lycett, John Bishop, Suzi Ruffell, and Lucy Beaumont amongst others. She is also one half of the award nominated podcast Spit or Swallow podcast, and the Tough Gig comedy podcast with her husband, fellow comic Eddy Brimson.
Lou's comedy career started back in the mid 90's, doing improv comedy with various groups in and around London. This has continued into the naughties with her move to Manchester, where she began her stand-up career in 2005. Having made the final of several new-act competitions in the mid naughties, she has continued to gig at many of the biggest clubs in the country as both an act and a compere. Lou is also a founder member of the Smirking Room comedy clubs in Manchester & Leeds where she comperes regularly.
“Naturally funny” - Sarah Millican
“Absolutely hilarious” - Chortle
“As filthy as she is fabulous, Lou Conran is a superlative storyteller” - Edinburgh Guide

Susan Murray
Susan has emerged as one of the best female stand-ups in the UK and was the first ever woman to MC Decompression gigs for the British Army / CSE. She is in the top 100 Huffington Post funny women Tweeters. She’s wrote for and was a guest on Jeremy Hardy Talks To The Nation and has also starred in Stephen K Amos’ Idiots Guide both for Radio 4.
She has penned 4 successful solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival as well as performing in several comedy plays and sketches. She made her TV acting debut in the 3rd series of ITV’s “The Job Lot” alongside Jo Enright and Russell Tovey. She is currently presenting on East London Radio and is about to go on tour with Britain’s Got Talent star Daliso Chaponda.
Not only that Susan has penned a chapter about comedy in Counter Culture UK A Celebration.
Susan has also written and starred in the topical web show ‘Britain’s Got People’ with Dave Cohen ( Have I Got News For You/ Horrible Histories). Susan is working nationally for the majority of promoters and clubs in the UK and has gigged internationally; Quatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Germany, Luxembourg, Brussels, Ireland. Her versatility means that as well as corporate gigs Susan works Biker Festivals and music festivals including Glastonbury, Bestival, The Big Chill, Reading, V, and Download.
“Feisty fire-headed pocket rocket” - Broadway Baby
“Her ability to make quirky connections allows her to build a compelling believable and richly funny picture of 21st century womanhood... Anyone who loves the work of Sarah Millican and Kerry Godliman will find plenty to enjoy here" - The Guardian

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 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.

Horbury, May 23rd 2025
2025-05-23 19:30 - 22:30 | Cluntergate Centre, Horbury, The Cluntergate Centre, Cluntergate, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 5DA, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Craig Campbell, Jacob Nussey, Matt Hollins, and host Elaine Robertson
Show details:

Craig Campbell
A formidable stand up comedian, Canadian-born Craig Campbell is one of comedy’s most charismatic and inventive performers.
With sold out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and performances at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival, tours of Craig’s many solo shows have been extended due to popular demand. He has supported Frankie Boyle on tour and appeared as a featured guest live with Jim Carrey!
Craig's TV appearances include Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC One), Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC Three), and Dave’s One Night Stand (Dave).
“One of the finest comedians in the country, no the world, a well traveled genius” - Russell Howard
“One of the most skilled storytellers and jokesmiths on the circuit... Craig is simply a very, very funny man" - Chortle

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

Matt Hollins
Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2004BBC New Act of the Year 2005 semi-finalistOld Comedian of the Year 2015 finalist
Matt has been a performer on the UK pro circuit since 2003, with his dry, deadpan delivery coupled with offbeat material and left-field punchlines which wrong-foot audiences time and again, making him of the most exciting comedians on the circuit.
With an acutely sharp comic mind, excellent timing, great stage presence (despite an awkwardness which somehow enhances his act) Hollins is a must see. He's performed one man shows at the last 5 Leicester Comedy Festivals and he's taken these to other venues around the country. In 2013 Hollins was invited to perform at The Best of Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival Show at De Montfort Hall Gardens on the back of his solo show going down well with audience and festival judges alike.
“Wonderful and unique” - Joe Lycett
“Hollins at his best never fails to surprise you with the directions his jokes take” - Leicester Mercury
“Strikingly original” - Chortle

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

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.

Ripon, June 3rd 2025
2025-06-03 19:30 - 22:30 | Arts Hub, Ripon, 49a Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Dave Longley, Si Beckwith, and host Al Stevenson
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

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

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 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 7th 2025
2025-06-07 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Nick Doody, Al Stevenson, Seeta Wrightson, and host Danny Deegan
Show details:

Nick Doody
Dave Gorman tour support
Nick Doody has been performing comedy since the 90s when, as a student, he got off to a pretty good start by supporting the legendary Bill Hicks, at Bill's request. A little later, Nick was a finalist in Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny? competition.
Since then he has performed all over the world: Ireland, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Estonia... You get the idea. He was the first British comedian to perform in Croatia.
Nick has appeared on various radio and TV shows, and is also much in demand as a writer. He has penned jokes for Joan Rivers, Lenny Henry, Dame Edna Everage and an uncomfortable number of Mock The Week regulars. He was also the creator and head writer of Bigipedia, a critically acclaimed Radio 4 show that broadcast in 2009 and 2011.
In 2006, Nick performed his first solo Edinburgh Festival show, Before He Kills Again. The show received rave reviews and sold out for the whole festival, leading to a run at the Soho Theatre. Since then, Nick has written and performed another six solo hours of stand-up, including the most honest title ever to appear on a poster, Look At This Massive Picture Of My Face.
“All hail Nick Doody... true comedy gold: polished, rich in material and a find among all the fools” - Metro
“This is simply the best unadulterated, gimmick-free hour of pure stand-up I’ve seen so far this Fringe” - Chortle
“A no-nonsense stand up comic who is genuinely funny” - 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

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.

Thirsk, June 12th 2025
2025-06-12 19:00 - 22:00 | The Courthouse, Thirsk, The Old Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1QS, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Chris Washington, Jules O’Brian, and host Chris Lumb
Show details:

Chris Washington
Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee - 2017
As seen on Mock The Week (BBC2), Live From The BBC (BBC1), House of Games (BBC2) and as heard on Have A Word Podcast, and The Stand up Sketch Show. As seen as tour support for Kevin Bridges, along with Milton Jones and Jason Manford.
Chris began performing stand up comedy in July 2012, and after five years, several hundred gigs for a host of reputable promoters up and down the country, and a well received Edinburgh debut show, he is fast becoming one of the most sought after new acts on the circuit.
In his early days Chris made the finals of several new act competitions, and was spotted by Jason Manford, who selected him to support him on several tour dates. With a cheeky Northern charm and hilarious tales it’s clear to see why Chris is flying up the comedy ladder.
“A master of storytelling” - ★★★★ - The Times
“a mainstream comedy star in the making” - ★★★★ - Chortle
“if you like your comedy funny, Washington’s your man” - ★★★★ - Joe.co.uk

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 Lumb
As seen on Russell Howard's Good News, Chris Lumb is no stranger to comedy. As the manager and performer of improv group "The Discount Comedy Checkout" he's played gigs with them for 12 years! In this time he’s developed an MC style which has fun with audiences and makes the night fully rounded.
With more strings to his comedy bow than a funny Robin Hood, he's a comedy director having award winning films played at festivals such as Raindance. He also started a YouTube channel imaginatively titled Chris Lumb Comedy where he creates sketches and live show videos! As a keen impressionist Chris has also appeared on Russell Howard's Good News performing his favourite Star Wars impressions!
“Chris is such a naturally gifted MC, he reads the room perfect and pounces on any audience interaction with great wit and warmth. The audience never feel scared to get involved which is a credit to his style and unrehearsed approach.” - Shoecake Comedy
“Chris Lumb is a warm and instantly likeable MC, he quickly builds an instant rapport with his audience, very funny , the audience loved him” - Editor's Laughs
“always a lively and quick-witted performer” - Buzz Comedy

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

Buy tickets:
Tickets for this show can be bought online at www.ruralarts.org, in person from The Old Courthouse, or telephone 01845 526536.

Newton Aycliffe, June 19th 2025
2025-06-19 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 Mike Milligan, Ant Dewson, host Elaine Robertson & support
Show details:

Mike Milligan
Having earned his keep as a teacher in Newcastle, Mike Milligan knows a thing or two about ‘audience interaction’, and he majors on it. However this Geordie quickly found classrooms weren’t the best place to share his sharp, witty banter!
Now firmly established as a top stand-up comedian, Mike’s teaching days are on summer vacation indefinitely. In place is a wealth of gigs on the national and international comedy circuit; including both compering and headlining shows for The Comedy Club, the Comedy Store and Jongleurs' clubs and countless more.
Born and Bred in Newcastle, Mike got to fulfil every Geordie boy's dream when he got to play the part of north-east cult hero Sid The Sexist, providing the voice in Viz comic's highly successful video and then performing the iconic sketch live in concert at his spiritual home of Newcastle City Hall.
“Snappy, sharp and packed full of belly laughs... stole the show” - Edinburgh Evening News
“A name to watch out for” - Daily Telegraph
“He has one of the quickest comedy brains on the circuit, so any potential hecklers should be warned - be good or be bettered” - Evening Gazette

Ant Dewson
Ant Dewson performs at some of the top comedy clubs in the country, from The Stand in Edinburgh to Up The Creek and Angel in London, He’s shared the stage with some great comedians including Mickey Flanagan, Lee Mack and Noel Fielding. He’s also shared the stage with some right shockers, all of whom he is too polite to name here.
Ant is a regular on BBC Radio London and was the co-host of Carpet Martin’s Comedy Market on Riverside Radio. He also writes comedy for shows on BBC Radio 4 and Sky One.
After a recent Hilarity Bites show in Ripon, a member of the audience messaged him to say, “you even made my teenage daughter laugh which she hasn’t done since she hit puberty.”
“Genuinely funny... very clever... filthy” - Three Weeks
“Highlight of the night” - Tom Robinson, BBC 6Music
“A musical comedy feast” - ★★★★ - The Skinny

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.

Malton, June 27th 2025
2025-06-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Milton Rooms, Malton, 2-4 Market Place, Malton, YO17 7LX, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Aaron Simmonds, Alex Mitchell, and host Chris Lumb
Show details:

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

Alex Mitchell
2024 Britain's Got Talent finalist
Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalist Alex Mitchell is an autistic comic with functional neurological disorder (FND). Using self-deprecating humour - laughing at himself, his neurodivergence, disability, and sexuality - to reflect on some of the most difficult subjects within his own life and wider society.
His debut show, Tics Towards Puffection, tackles his desperate obsession for perfection and being "the best version" of himself. He explores how and if he'll ever achieve this, and how this has and continues to impact his life. Reflecting on society's perception of queer, disabled, and neurodiverse communities, as well as his own perception of himself, Mitchell creates a heartwarming, emotional but always hilarious show.
Alex was also won 'You Can Laugh You Know: Disabled Comedian of the Year 2023' and 'Beat The Frog Winner February 2024'.
“funny and fearless” - Simon Cowell
“Definitely one to watch, very funny and unique” - Jack Gleadow
“Tremendous” - Notts Comedy Review

Chris Lumb
As seen on Russell Howard's Good News, Chris Lumb is no stranger to comedy. As the manager and performer of improv group "The Discount Comedy Checkout" he's played gigs with them for 12 years! In this time he’s developed an MC style which has fun with audiences and makes the night fully rounded.
With more strings to his comedy bow than a funny Robin Hood, he's a comedy director having award winning films played at festivals such as Raindance. He also started a YouTube channel imaginatively titled Chris Lumb Comedy where he creates sketches and live show videos! As a keen impressionist Chris has also appeared on Russell Howard's Good News performing his favourite Star Wars impressions!
“Chris is such a naturally gifted MC, he reads the room perfect and pounces on any audience interaction with great wit and warmth. The audience never feel scared to get involved which is a credit to his style and unrehearsed approach.” - Shoecake Comedy
“Chris Lumb is a warm and instantly likeable MC, he quickly builds an instant rapport with his audience, very funny , the audience loved him” - Editor's Laughs
“always a lively and quick-witted performer” - Buzz Comedy

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.

Bishop Auckland, June 27th 2025
2025-06-27 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. Tom Wrigglesworth, Ingrid Dahle, and host Lee Kyle
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

Ingrid Dahle
Ingrid Dahle, a Norwegian comedian, is making waves on the British comedy circuit. Ingrid has captivated audiences with her unique style and infectious energy. Her solo shows have been well-received, showcasing her sharp wit and distinct comedic voice.
In addition to her solo work, Ingrid has supported acclaimed comedians like Jen Brister on her last two tours and Desiree Burch. Ingrid previously won the Brighton Comedy Award and been a finalist in several prestigious competitions, such as "So You Think You're Funny?" and the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, where she was the runner-up.
“alternative hero of the future” - Chortle
“fast-rising comedian” - Sunday Times
“endearingly zany” - Three Weeks
“warm host, with bags of energy, and a permanent smile” - The List

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.

Ripon, July 1st 2025
2025-07-01 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. Larry Dean & Lou Conran
Show details:

Larry Dean
Larry Dean is an award-winning comedian, writer and actor.
Larry has been nominated for the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards three times for his sell-out, critically acclaimed solo stand up shows, and his stand up special Fandan, was released last year and aired on Channel 4.
He has performed multiple tours across the UK and Ireland and has built a strong international fanbase with regular appearances at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, New Zealand Comedy Festival, Perth Fringeworld and Just For Laughs in Montreal. He made his New York touring debut in 2023 with his show, Fudnut and he is currently on his biggest tour to date with his brand new show, Dodger.
Larry's TV credits include Royal Variety Performance 2024, two appearances on Live at the Apollo (once as host), Mock the Week, House of Games, Roast Battle, World’s Most Dangerous Roads, The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Comedy Roast for SU2C, and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. Larry was the host for the Scottish Heat of the BBC’s New Comedy Awards 2023-2024. Larry is the co-host of BBC Sounds podcast, Famously… On Trial, alongside Stacey Dooley.
Larry was recently seen in the feature film This Time Next Year (a Top Ten movie on Netflix) and has other acting projects in the pipeline.
“A rip-roaring, gag a minute set. Dean is an effortless storyteller” - ★★★★★ - Independent
“A first rate comedian – surely obvious to all why this is a sell-out show! … His brilliance lies not only with his humour, but in his clear connection and engagement with the audience” - ★★★★★ - Edinburgh Guide
“One of the most honest, moving and incredibly funny sets I’ve seen in a very long time” - ★★★★★ - The Herald
“Has the easy charm of an arena comic and the high joke rate too” - The Guardian

Lou Conran
Winner Best MC - 2020/21 Comics Comic AwardFunny Women Finalist - Best Show AwardRegular host of the BBC Radio 4 Extra Comedy Club
Having trained as an actress, Lou has appeared in various guises on tele and in the theatre, including, Pressgang (ITV), Jo Brand Through the Cakehole (Channel 4), The Borrowers (National Tour), numerous productions for the Edinburgh Festival and the more challenging and ground breaking role of Sara Bear, for three long series, in CITV's, classic and memorable, the "Teddybears". (No, no one else has heard of it either).
Lou is a regular tour support for the likes of Sarah Millican, Joe Lycett, John Bishop, Suzi Ruffell, and Lucy Beaumont amongst others. She is also one half of the award nominated podcast Spit or Swallow podcast, and the Tough Gig comedy podcast with her husband, fellow comic Eddy Brimson.
Lou's comedy career started back in the mid 90's, doing improv comedy with various groups in and around London. This has continued into the naughties with her move to Manchester, where she began her stand-up career in 2005. Having made the final of several new-act competitions in the mid naughties, she has continued to gig at many of the biggest clubs in the country as both an act and a compere. Lou is also a founder member of the Smirking Room comedy clubs in Manchester & Leeds where she comperes regularly.
“Naturally funny” - Sarah Millican
“Absolutely hilarious” - Chortle
“As filthy as she is fabulous, Lou Conran is a superlative storyteller” - Edinburgh Guide

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 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, July 5th 2025
2025-07-05 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Silky, Elaine Robertson, Dominic Hatton-Woods and host Lee Kyle
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

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

Dom Hatton-Woods
Tik Tok favourite Dom Hatton-Woods is a hit both online and in person with his slightly confused, slightly arrogant persona.
Hailing from the North, Dom has plays clubs and theatres nationwide, and is tipped to be one of the next biggest things in British comedy.
You may have seen him opening for Daliso Chaponda, Jamali Maddix, or Jeff Innocent, or you might be one of the 10 million+ people who have seen his TikTok videos. If so, come along. If not, still come along.

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 £12 each. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.

Darlington, July 10th 2025
2025-07-10 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites presents Rob Mulholland: Allegations
Show details:

Rob Mulholland: Allegations
“Allegations” is the debut tour from Rob Mulholland; seasoned stand-up comedian, podcaster (Dead Men Talking) and one of the kings of the North’s burgeoning DIY comedy scene. A wild, high-energy barrage of belly laughs covering all the topics you’re not really meant to talk about.
Not for the easily offended.
“Mulholland’s language and content may be a tad startling to some, but don’t be fooled into assuming that he’s some one-dimensional shock-comic looking to offend for notoriety’s sake. His material is clever, layered and acutely observe.” – Joe.co.uk
One of Rolling Stone’s 12 Must-See Shows at the Fringe

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.

Whitby, July 11th 2025
2025-07-11 19:30 - 22:30 | Coliseum Centre, Whitby, Coliseum Centre, Victoria Place, Whitby, YO21 1EZ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites presents Rob Mulholland: Allegations
Show details:

Rob Mulholland: Allegations
“Allegations” is the debut tour from Rob Mulholland; seasoned stand-up comedian, podcaster (Dead Men Talking) and one of the kings of the North’s burgeoning DIY comedy scene. A wild, high-energy barrage of belly laughs covering all the topics you’re not really meant to talk about.
Not for the easily offended.
“Mulholland’s language and content may be a tad startling to some, but don’t be fooled into assuming that he’s some one-dimensional shock-comic looking to offend for notoriety’s sake. His material is clever, layered and acutely observe.” – Joe.co.uk
One of Rolling Stone’s 12 Must-See Shows at the Fringe.

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.

Horbury, July 11th 2025
2025-07-11 19:30 - 22:30 | Cluntergate Centre, Horbury, The Cluntergate Centre, Cluntergate, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 5DA, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Josh Jones, Louise Young, Fran Garrity, and host Kieran Lawless
Show details:

Josh Jones
Mancunian ray of sunshine, Josh Jones is the most exciting voices to emerge from the North-West in recent years.
After his hilarious debut TV appearances on E4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats and ITV’s Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, Josh has gone on to host BBC Three’s Fast Food Face-Off, Channel 4’s VIPees... and has made guest appearances on Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, ITV2’s CelebAbility and The Stand-Up Sketch Show, E4’s Reality News and Married At First Sight: Unveiled, Sky Max’s Dating No Filter, Dave’s Late Night Mash and Alan Davies’ As Yet Untitled, BBC Two’s The Apprentice: You’re Fired, and Comedy Central’s Undeniable, Guessable, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains and Comedy Central Live.
Josh recently made his debut appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, and hosts the historical-gossip podcast Dead Drama and co-hosts Chatting with Cherubs with Morgan Rees.
Josh is an Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee for his critically acclaimed sell-out show Waste of Space, he followed this up with a total sell-out run of Gobsmacked at the Fringe before embarking on his debut UK Tour. Josh was previously a finalist for the prestigious BBC New Comedy Award, which he subsequently went on to judge on BBC Three.
“Josh is purely about entertaining and making his audience laugh for an hour” - ★★★★ - One4Review
“His material is hilarious, as is the delivery, and his stage presence is so upbeat and bright that you can't help but hang on his every word” - ★★★★ - Entertainment Now
“Full of confidence, Josh has a presence on stage that's rare to find in a comedian so early on in their career and has the audience hanging on his every word, and crucially, laughing very loudly along with what he has to say” - I Talk Telly

Louise Young
Hailing from Newcastle, Louise has quickly become one of the brightest new names on the comedy circuit. A regular at clubs around the country, Louise has also been supporting the likes of Jason Manford, Alan Carr, Tom Davis, Angela Barnes and Tom Allen on their nationwide tours around the UK and Ireland.
Louise debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Pleasance Courtyard in 2023 with her show ‘Feral’ – about class, chaos and coming out. The show received rave reviews and was nominated for Edinburgh Comedy Awards: Best Newcomer, going on to appear at London Soho Theatre’s Best Newcomer Season in 2024. The show was also nominated for NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy and was named as “one to watch” by Rolling Stone.
Louise has also appeared on Live at the Apollo, Comedy Central Live, as well as writing and acting in Channel 4’s Original Comedy Shorts on three sketches, one of which went on to receive over 5 million views. She also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Fred at The Stand.
At the Leicester Comedy Festival, Louise has been nominated for Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2020, Best Festival Appearance in 2021 and Best Debut Show in 2023. Louise was a finalist in the Funny Women Awards in 2018, she was also nominated for a Gillard Award in 2019, and in 2020 nominated Newcomer of the Year for presenting a weekly comedy show on BBC Radio Newcastle.
“wonderful, lovely, authentic” - Helen Lederer
“Louise Young is dynamite! Intelligent and street smart, she wins the entire room over with wonderfully written jokes, a spellbinding stage presence and the timing of a 20-year pro” - Punch Drunk Comedy

Fran Garrity
One of Teesside’s finest comedic exports of recent years, Fran Garrity kicked off his comedy career in 2015 after becoming a finalist in the City Comedian of the Year & FAF Breakthrough Act competitions.
Often heard on the airwaves of both national and regional radio, Fran has featured on such shows as BBC Radio 4’s New Comedy Awards and BBC Radio Newcastle’s features Jesting About and Grin up North, whilst also presenting a weekend show on Zetland FM.
In 2017, Fran was chosen for a support slot with Jason Manford on his Muddle Class Tour, and later that year he debuted his solo show Secret Agent Fran and became a finalist in the Harrogate Comedian of the Year.
He had a sell-out run for Best In Class at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and has had three sell-out solo shows with the shows Secret Agent Fran, Faith Hope & Garrity, and new show Fifty/50.
“He smashed it” - Jason Manford
“Fran is a real act to watch out for” - NARC
“Fran Garrity has an easy and instant rapport with the audience and not only gets frequent laughs but also they are always big laughs” - Buzz Comedy

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

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.

Darlington, July 16th 2025
2025-07-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites presents Hayley Ellis & Esther Manito
Show details:
Hayley Ellis & Esther Manito: Tour Previews
Hilarity Bites present tour preview shows from two of the funniest stand-up’s on the circuit, Esther Manito (as seen on Live at the Apollo) and Hayley Ellis (co-host of The Worriers podcast):

Hayley Ellis: Silly Mare
Like all women who literally just celebrated their 35th birthday five years ago, Hayley Ellis is obsessed with true crime. Sure, it’s not the most feminist of passions – but since when do we ever do what’s best for ourselves, however old we get? Join Hayley as she navigates middle age – and as everyone agrees, the middle of anything is always the most delicious part (excluding Donuts, Avocados or plane seats), the joys of remaining (mostly) happily unmarried and the truly horrific journey of later-in-life contraception Something for everyone.
As seen as tour support for Sarah Millican and Jason Manford.
“Sharp, clever, and very funny” – The Sunday Post
“Ellis is a talent” – Fest
Winner Best Show – NW Comedy Awards 2023

Esther Manito: Slagbomb
Esther’s life seems to be a magnet for embarrassing moments and endless cockups. No matter how hard she tries to project sophistication, she often ends up highlighting her unrefined side. Yet her husband doesn’t seem to feel any need to be dignified, so why does dignity have such control over her? After Esther’s last show “Hell Hath No Fury” she decided to embrace her label as an “angry woman” and now she wants to accept her lack of dignity whether it’s her less-than-graceful posture, cringe-worthy encounters with shady drug deals, or the painful realities of waxing gone wrong in her new tour “Slagbomb”.
“Manito skilfully weaves her own personal story with a wider look at gender issues in society” – ★★★★ – Evening Standard
“An absolute riot from start to finish” – ★★★★ – Everything Theatre
“Effervescent… Incisively funny” – ★★★★ – The Skinny

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 £16 each, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm.

Bishop Auckland, July 18th 2025
2025-07-18 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. Paul Tonkinson, Raul Kohli, Ant Dewson, and host Danny Deegan
Show details:

Paul Tonkinson
A sensational live performer, Yorkshire man, marathon runner and former (double award-winning) Time Out Comedian of the Year, Paul Tonkinson has long upheld his esteemed reputation as one of the finest stand-ups the UK has to offer. With a unique and distinctive style, Tonkinson is noted for his effervescent physicality and skillful impressions, which bring alive exuberant, tender comic reflections on love, family and the day-to-day idiosyncrasies of 21st century living. A plethora of first class material, combined with tremendous charm and irrepressible, infectious energy make for quite a formidable talent.
After many years of storming the circuit, and much badgering from fellow professionals, he took to the road in 2012 with his eagerly anticipated debut tour: Paul Tonkinson; Fancy Man. The tour took in 50 dates across the UK, and gave audiences the opportunity to experience the full Tonkinson phenomena in all it’s glory.
Following his solo tour, he was given the opportunity to play to a wider audience, joining the mighty Michael McIntyre as a special guest on live shows around the UK. In 2013 he had the honour of joining Michael as a special guest on his global arena tour; playing to millions across the globe, as far and wide as Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Paul joined Michael again in 2015 as special guest on the Happy & Glorious Tour; playing to sold-out crowds in arenas across the UK.
“Excellent... extremely talented... brilliant” - Time Out
“Hilarious, nobody makes me laugh like Paul Tonkinson…go see him!" - Michael McIntyre
“Watching Tonkinson storm is one of the best sights in comedy. It’s like watching somebody fly" - Sean Walsh

Raul Kohli
Raul Kohli has fast become one of the most captivating Asian acts on the UK comedy circuit. As one of the few Asian comedians to have grown up in the North East of England, he’s blessed with a worldview that upends ethnicity, culture and class. Kohli combines ‘Superb political comedy’ (The Scotsman) with surreal storytelling.
In just a few short years, his debut solo show: Newcastle Brown Male gained critical acclaim at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival earning him a top pick of both BBC Radio 4 and the Huffington Post. It also gained him radio credits for BBC Radio 4's State of the Nation and BBC Asia Network's Big Asian Comedy Night.
As well as several radio & TV appearances, Raul released his own comedy podcast about Hinduism on BBC Sounds' and Spotify (Comic Sanskrit). Raul also has a short yet ceremonious career in writing & acting, having wrote & starred in numerous RTS Award Nominated short films, he's also appeared in the sitcom : The VAR room (2021), wrote & starred in his own BBC Laugh Lesson: How We Ruined the Internet, wrote & performed on Mike Reiss (Writer/Producer – The Simpsons) podcast, & is presently acting as the lead in a short feature film: White Privilege (Cabin Productions, scheduled for release in 2023).
In January 2017, Rahul became an award-winning comedian, winning the prestigious NATYS, formerly the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year Award, following in the footsteps of Stewart Lee, Lee Mack and Ardal O’Hanlon.
“Dripping with erudite genius” - Fest Magazine
“A powerful, passionate, open-minded, intelligent voice. It is superb political comedy and commentary” - The Scotsman
“Kohli is not just performing for laughs; he is attempting to create some real art” - Broadway Baby

Ant Dewson
Ant Dewson performs at some of the top comedy clubs in the country, from The Stand in Edinburgh to Up The Creek and Angel in London, He’s shared the stage with some great comedians including Mickey Flanagan, Lee Mack and Noel Fielding. He’s also shared the stage with some right shockers, all of whom he is too polite to name here.
Ant is a regular on BBC Radio London and was the co-host of Carpet Martin’s Comedy Market on Riverside Radio. He also writes comedy for shows on BBC Radio 4 and Sky One.
After a recent Hilarity Bites show in Ripon, a member of the audience messaged him to say, “you even made my teenage daughter laugh which she hasn’t done since she hit puberty.”
“Genuinely funny... very clever... filthy” - Three Weeks
“Highlight of the night” - Tom Robinson, BBC 6Music
“A musical comedy feast” - ★★★★ - The Skinny

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 can be bought online at www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk, in person from Bishop Auckland Town Hall, or telephone 03000 269 524.

Darlington, August 2nd 2025
2025-08-02 19:30 - 22:30 | The Forum, Darlington, The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Duncan Oakley, The Halls of Ridiculous, Faizan Shah, and host Matt Reed
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

The Halls of Ridiculous
The Halls of Ridiculous are a northern comedy duo who push the boundaries of improv, sketch and character creativity to the max with their quick thinking scenes, zany special guests and quirky approach to performance.
Featuring Chris Lumb (BBC Three's Russell Howard's Good News) and Phil Allan-Smith (BBC One's This is My House), and with recent sold out shows at Leicester Comedy Festival and the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe, who knows what to expect... they don't even know... but whatever it is... it WILL be ridiculous!
“Brilliant character work mixed with superb improv” - ★★★★ - Hull Comedy Festival
“The world needs more daftness and the halls of ridiculous provide it in bucket loads. Just brilliantly funny” - Vaun Earl Norman, Vic & Bob's Big Night Out
“An amazing show of comedy, characters & sketches. Brilliant, very funny” - Patrick Monahan

Faizan Shah
Faizan is a Manchester-based comic who moved to the UK as a child. His well-crafted jokes make light of growing up in an immigrant household and the inevitable mental health challenges it brings.
The quality of Faizan’s joke writing, and affable stage presence has seen him progress quickly from beating Comedy Store’s King Gong and Frog and Bucket’s Beat the Frog to now breaking through the circuit with a strong 20 minute set, and performing at both of those venues on pro weekend gigs in under 2 years.
“One of my favourite new stand up comedians” - Guz Khan
“Nicely paced, deadpan delivery” - Chortle
“Faizan is more deadpan and has some really cleverly written lines and ideas” - Freddy Quinne

Matt Reed
Born and bred in Sunderland, Matt's affable style has won him fans across the UK. He effortlessly plays with the crowd with a natural rapport that is found in few comics. Matt, always ready, never disappointing will always make a good gig - great.
In 2015 Matt took his debut show to the Edinburgh Fringe, retelling the four year ordeal of how he was stalked and cat-fished by an online admirer. The show won rave reviews from critics and audience alike, with Matt playing to sell-out audiences.
With so many gigs of every size under his belt, from audiences of 3000 to 30, there is pretty much no comedy situation Matt can't handle. As pleasant as he is wonderfully brutal, Matt is a welcome addition to any comedy night entertaining the crowd while skillfully destroying any heckler that crosses his path.
“Absolutely hilarious... had the crowd rolling around” - BBC
“Brilliant... always original one of the newest stars of comedy” - The Leeds Guide
“Brilliantly handled a very difficult room, this fashionably unkempt lad will go far” - Swansea Telegraph

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.

Ripon, August 5th 2025
2025-08-05 19:30 - 22:30 | Arts Hub, Ripon, 49a Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Eddy Brimson, Seeta Wrightson, and host Sully O’Sullivan
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

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

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, 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.

Topcliffe, August 7th 2025
2025-08-07 19:30 - 22:30 | The Angel at Topcliffe, The Angel at Topcliffe, Long Street, Topcliffe, YO7 3RW, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Chris Washington, Clayton Jones, and host Lee Kyle
Show details:

Chris Washington
Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee - 2017
As seen on Mock The Week (BBC2), Live From The BBC (BBC1), House of Games (BBC2) and as heard on Have A Word Podcast, and The Stand up Sketch Show. As seen as tour support for Kevin Bridges, along with Milton Jones and Jason Manford.
Chris began performing stand up comedy in July 2012, and after five years, several hundred gigs for a host of reputable promoters up and down the country, and a well received Edinburgh debut show, he is fast becoming one of the most sought after new acts on the circuit.
In his early days Chris made the finals of several new act competitions, and was spotted by Jason Manford, who selected him to support him on several tour dates. With a cheeky Northern charm and hilarious tales it’s clear to see why Chris is flying up the comedy ladder.
“A master of storytelling” - ★★★★ - The Times
“a mainstream comedy star in the making” - ★★★★ - Chortle
“if you like your comedy funny, Washington’s your man” - ★★★★ - Joe.co.uk

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

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 £12 per person if bought in advance, or £15 on the door. Tickets can be bought from the link below, See Tickets, TicketMaster, Skiddle, or contact the venue directly.
