Mark Ritchie, has toured the world and is a regular at the Edinburgh fringe. He returns with a hilarious new storytelling show, that he will be taking to Edinburgh later this summer… Mark Ritchie, he just can’t help himself!
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Comedy
4 more brilliant acts will make their way to the wonderful Bonington Theatre in Arnold. As usual we have a mix of styles, the stage will look great, the welcome will be warm and the show will run like a dream.
All we need to help us to create that perfect atmosphere is another bumper crowd. So if you fancy it, then why not gather up some pals and secure your seats to what promises to be yet another top class night packed with laughter.
Please email jim@comedyhotspot.co.uk if you require a Disabled/Wheelchair Seat
Bookings can be made here…
Join the Group for news on upcoming show
4 more brilliant acts will make their way to the wonderful Bonington Theatre in Arnold on Friday 11th April. As usual we have a mix of styles, the stage will look great, the welcome will be warm and the show will run like a dream.
All we need to help us to create that perfect atmosphere is another bumper crowd. So if you fancy it, then why not gather up some pals and secure your seats to what promises to be yet another top class night packed with laughter.
Please email jim@comedyhotspot.co.uk if you require a Disabled/Wheelchair Seat
Bookings can be made here…
KATE SMURTHWAITE
Kate Smurthwaite is a stand-up comedian and political activist who performs across the UK and around the world at major clubs including The Comedy Store, Comedy Cafe, The Stand, Covent Garden Comedy Club, Soho Comedy Club and Crack Comedy Club. Kate is often a guest on news and debate shows and is well known for her forthright opinions and campaigning work. Appearances include BBC 1’s The Big Questions, BBC Breakfast, BBC News 24, Channel 4 News, Channel 5 News, ITV News, ITV This Morning, Sky News, BBC Radio 2 Jeremy Vine Show, BBC 5live, BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour. In 2012 Radio 4’s Four Thought series included a 15-minute program written and performed entirely by Kate about sexist humour and sexism in comedy.
“A powerhouse of observational wit” – The Spectator
PETER BRUSH
A highly distinctive performer and deft writer of finely crafted jokes, Peter Brush unassumingly takes the stage with his slight bespectacled frame and scruffy hair, before consummately conquering it with an arsenal of razor sharp quirky one-liners and peerlessly original routines, all delivered in an amusingly awkward fashion.
A former BBC New Comedy Award finalist, Peter performs at clubs all over the UK and abroad. Peter has also been Tour Support for Jonathan Pie, Jason Manford, Fern Brady, Arthur Smith and Paul Sinha.
“I love Peter Brush…what a comic!” – Jason Manford
“Compellingly hilarious…first-class gag writing…an original and achingly funny voice” – Chortle
“A great comic” – BBC Radio 4
HATTY PRESTON
Hatty Preston is a comic from London who is now fairly confusingly (to both her and her family) based in Chicago. She has performed at London comedy venues such as The ComedyTavern and The Poodle Club, and was the 2018 winner of Court Jester Comedy’s ‘Breakin’ Thru’ Stand-Up competition in London. She is a regular on shows across Chicago – Comedy Bar, Second City, Laugh Factory and Zanies. This year she has opened for Jourdain Fisher at The Oak City Comedy Festival (Raleigh, North Carolina), been a feature act at The Comedy Bar, Nashville (Tennessee) and performed at The Virgil in Los Angeles. Over the last 12 months she has been featured at comedy festivals in: Cleveland, OH; Iowa City, IA; Milwaukee, WI; Raleigh, NC.
As an actress, Hatty is best known for playing Princess Maribel in The Royals and has also guest-starred in BBC’s Cuckoo and Jack Whitehall Live.
TERRY ALDERTON
Arguably one of the most intriguingly twisted comedians of our generation, Terry Alderton is a performer of uninhibited extremes and sheer unconventionality, be prepared for a spellbinding amalgamation of noises, voices, incredible physicality and a mind-blowing insight into the inner workings of a fantastic comedy mind as you’ve never seen it before.
★★★★★ “The funniest most thought provoking, dazzling brilliant comedy you’ll see all year” NEWS OF THE WORLD
★★★★★ “He is an absolute pleasure to watch, even more so to listen to. He is unmissable” THREE WEEKS
★★★★★ “Technically brilliant and screamingly funny” PUBLIC REVIEWS
★★★★ “Seat-of-its-pants stand-up that takes risks, hurtling off in unexpected directions while decorum struggles to keep up… Alderton at his best is unstable and deliciously unexpected”
★★★★ “Terry Alderton is on astonishing form. Masterful” SUNDAY TIMES
★★★★ “A mainstream act that dares to be different…effortlessly enjoyable yet excitingly different” THE TIMES
★★★★ “Wonderfully twisted” THE LIST
SAM HARLAND
Sam Harland’s unique, observational humour, is drawn from his working class roots. He is able to engage his audience in a warm, quick-witted and friendly manner. Sam’s material is self-deprecating, ironic and honest, particularly in relation to his colourful past escapades.
“Delivers his material like a pro, timing and emphasis note perfect” – Chortle
JOE ZALIAS
Joe Zalias is no ordinary Comedian… Ex firefighter, ex cage-fighter, dedicated father and now spiritual ninja, this rich tapestry of life has helped craft and colour 15 years performing on stage as a professional comedian, Joe regularly Headlines & MC’s TOP UK Weekend Comedy Clubs in UK/International Comedy Circuit scene.
Regularly seen at: Just The Tonic, Toby Fosters Last Laugh, Comedy Hotspot, Laffalot,
‘Exudes natural likeability and charm” Julia Chamberlain – Chortle.
JULES O’BRIAN
Brummie based Jules performs around the country, telling anyone who will listen about ageing disgracefully, body hang–ups, parenting, and dating. This former teacher’s relaxed, chatty style, crowd interaction and warmth, all served with a sardonic wit, make her a natural crowd pleaser.
Jules was nominated for the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent award in 2022, and was shortlisted for Funny Women 2023. She performs her one woman show, “Avoid excessive cleavage (and other advice to ignore)” at comedy festivals, and gives talks about having embarked on her comedy career as an older woman, to various groups.
THOMAS GREEN
Like most things in Australia, international headliner Thomas Green is out to kill you…with comedy.
He attacks every stage with skill, precision and a level of energy that engages and commands the entire room. His crowd work is revered, likability off the charts and he has the innate ability to get any audience instantly on side with his charismatic Aussie best mate persona.
Green is one of those rare comics who, when you watch them for the first time, you know you’re watching a true genius at work. He has the elasticity of Jim Carrey; the character range of Robin Williams; the absurdity of Eddie Izzard and the energy of Lee Evans with the addition of his own unique brand of engaging storytelling; he really is the full package.
Hailing from sunny Australia, Green is a former Primary School teacher and religious cult member. From everyday observations to his experiences living and working in a cult which controlled every part of his life, until he broke out to pursue a career in comedy, Green’s material is raw, unfiltered and hysterical.
Now he has established himself as one of the most sought after comics on the UK circuit headlining nationwide at high profile clubs such as The Comedy Store, Glee, Hot Water Comedy, Up The Creek, Top Secret Comedy, The Frog and Bucket; has had critically acclaimed sell out shows at Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Edinburgh Festivals, and supporting top comedians such as Jason Manford, Russell Kane and more.
★★★★½ ‘Green will have you in stitches.’ – The Advertiser (AUS)
★★★★ ‘…he’s proof you don’t need a gimmick to be great.’ – The List (UK)
JON PEARSON
Jon is a familiar face 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 and Lucy Porter and his Leicester Comedy Festival Show – What have you been up to? Won Best Show 2023!
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 people in hysterics. Jon is a prefect addition to any line up and can both MC and do a set.
TOM TAYLOR
Multi-award winning comedian Tom Taylor has received high praise from audiences and critics alike.
In 2013 Tom reached the final of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? competition, and the following year he was a finalist in the Hobgoblin Comedy Award. More recently he picked up the Audience Favourite Award at the Musical Comedy Awards 2017 and reached the final of English Comedian of the Year 2018.
A favourite of live bookers across the UK, Tom has also supported John Bishop, Jason Manford and John Kearns on tour and performed on Radio 2 and Radio 4 as part of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award.
Tom’s debut Edinburgh show, Tom Taylor is the Indie Feel-Good Hit of the Summer, was one of The Telegraph’s must see shows of 2019 and was described by The Scotsman as “a genuine joy”.
RICKY BALSHAW
Ricky Balshaw is a comedian and Paralympic, World Championship and European Championship dressage medallist.
Ricky reached the semi-final stage of the 2021 BBC New Comedy Award competition, and appeared on on BBC One and BBC Three. He also won Best New Act in the 2021 Midlands Comedy Awards and he has performed at comedy clubs and festivals around the UK including The Comedy Store, Just The Tonic, Glee, Leicester Comedy Festival, Brighton Fringe and of course, Comedy Hotspot.
Born with cerebral palsy, he started riding as part of his physiotherapy at the age of 4. At the age of 14 he was invited to join the British Paralympic dressage team and is still the youngest person to be inducted to the senior team.
Look out for Ricky in the summer during the coverage of the Paris Paralympics as a pundit.
Ricky’s comedy is upfront, personal, in your face and bloody funny.
ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU
Unwitting star of Shooting Stars (BBC2), Dave’s One Night Stand and Channel 4’s The Angelos Epithemiou Show is cult favourite Angelos Epithemiou.
Think Little Britain meets Vic and Bob meets a smattering of Tommy Cooper and then lower your expectations and get on board.
Angelos Epithemiou is the creation of critically acclaimed performer, Dan Renton Skinner, who has starred in such blockbuster films as The Spy Who Dumped Me, High Rise, and Swallows and Amazons for BBC Films and such TV serial-classics as Brassic, Mike Basset:Manager, Yonderland, House of Fools, The Tracy Ullman Show, Friday Night Dinner, and The Wrong Mans to name but a few.
*Stephen Bailey is unable to perform at this show and has been replaced by Angelos Epithemiou
DAVE LONGLEY (MC)
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 one of the best MC’s in the UK.
Longley has performed 4 full-length solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe each one being greeted with critical acclaim.
JAMES ELLIS
Award-winning comedian James Ellis is a rising star in the UK comedy scene.
His sharp observational humour and clever punchlines have won him rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. James’ comedy is rooted in everyday life, and he has a knack for finding the funny in the mundane. A gifted writer, his jokes are well-crafted and delivered with precision.
In 2021, James was named South Coast Comedian of the Year, and was a regional finalist for the BBC New Comedy Award. He has done tour support for Angela Barnes on her “Hot Mess” Tour.
DOUG CARTER
Doug Carter is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian who has over 100,000 online followers, not bad for a man whose face is very easy to scroll past (his words not ours!) His storytelling observational style is popular with all different types of audience as he gigs around the UK pro comedy circuit.
Doug has established himself on the circuit as a rock solid comic who guarantees laughs.
CHRISTIAN REILLY
At the age of 15, Christian Reilly joined a band to get laid. The Salvation Army had different ideas… As former integral part of the Perrier award-winning show Otis Lee Crenshaw and the Black Liars, with comic/songster Rich Hall, Christian’s career has taken him around the world three times. On his way, he received accolades at international festivals and numerous network TV credits in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Britain. Now a solo stand-up performer and playing all the major comedy venues in his own right, Christian uses his dynamic guitar and vocal skills to target histrionic rock bands, musical theatre and morose indie musicians. He recently wrote and performed for ‘That Was Then This Is Now’ (BBC Radio 2) as musical counterpart to Richard Herring and Emma Kennedy, as well as giving his improvisation skills an outing on Radio 2’s ‘Jammin’. Christian’s comic songs, improvisations, sharp wit and youthful energy have delighted audiences wherever he performs.
18+
Comedy Hotspot returns to Bonington Theatre in Arnold with another cracker of a line up, packed to the brim with comedic excellence. 4 very different styles, but all of them hilarious. Add to that a wonderful venue and an award winning Comedy Promoter to make sure the evening runs like a dream on the night, and you have all the ingredients for a brilliant comedy night. Here is a little insight into the 4 comedians coming to see us in April
JOHN MANN (MC)
Prepare to be captivated by the razor-sharp observations and dry wit of John, a comedian who effortlessly blends humour with a gentle and confident stage presence. With a knack for finding hilarity in everyday situations, John’s comedic style is characterised by his ability to weave witty anecdotes and relatable tales that leave audiences in stitches. One of the best comperes is comedy and he has gigged all over the world and has written for some of the best comics in the UK.
THE HALLS OF RIDICULOUS
The multi award winning The Halls of Ridiculous create quick fire improvised comedy and cleverly crafted character based sketches. It’s high energy, it’s interactive, and its mostly VERY RIDICULOUS! Feat: Chris Lumb (as seen on BBC3: Russell Howards Good News) & Phil Allan-Smith (as seen on BBC1: This is MY House).
WINNER – ‘Best Alternative Act’ – Yorkshire Comedy Awards 2023, WINNER – Southport New Act of the Year 2023, 2024 Tour Support for Russell Kane
ROGER MONKHOUSE
Roger Monkhouse Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Presenter, Writer and Voiceover Artiste A consummate stand-up who employs a deadly combination of charm and menace to exert a masterful control over any audience. A highly original and quirky performer, Roger Monkhouse`s trademark stage-prowling style and curious, inimitable manner have established him as one of the hottest names on the comedy circuit. Supremely confident, with audience banter down to an art form, Roger is happy to improvise freely but has no shortage of first class material in his armoury. A master of observational comedy with a routine that is universally and unfailingly hysterical. A sought after compere and headliner across the UK and internationally.
JJ WHITEHEAD
JJ Whitehead’s rangy swagger and fearless, electric wit has charmed audiences around the world. Disarmingly comfortable, JJ delivers unabashedly personal stories and blistering social satire in a unique performance style that can only come from a North American who cut his comedy teeth in Great Britain.
He has been a welcomed regular on British and Canadian TV; at international comedy festivals and as a headliner at such clubs as The Comedy Store, Jongleurs, Highlight, The Glee Clubs, Manfords and Yuk Yuks.
JJ Whitehead has recently brought his honest, uncensored brand of humor to LA. As well as performing on local stages such as The Improv, he has joined the controversially outspoken Australian comic, Jim Jefferies, on his 2019 Night talker tour slaying audiences on the largest stages in the country.
BARRY DODDS
Charms audiences with his unique brand of disarming wit and wry, and down-to-earth observational humour. A talented storyteller who uses whimsical imagery and evocative observations, Barry is an assured closing act, with regular bookings at many of the UK’s top comedy clubs including The Stand, XS Malarkey and The Frog and Bucket. His comedy has even taken him to Luxembourg, where his solo show proved so popular, he became the first ever comedian to perform on Luxembourg TV. Barry has recently been supporting Jason Manford, on his UK Tour.
His calm, inclusive persona has ensured that Barry has also proven himself to be a popular and amiable MC, garnering a reputation as a strong and reliable choice to hold a quality line up together. In January ’16, Barry Dodds was awarded Best MC at the Midlands Comedy Awards 2016.
PHIL REID
Phil Reid is an award winning comedian who has been in entertainments for over a decade and travels the world performing to audiences all over.
He has a natural ability to connect with the audiences of all ages. Friendly and enthusiastic his observational style instantly puts the audience at ease, allowing him to regale them with tales of his observations of every day life. He has performed at a number of big venues throughout the UK, including the world famous Hammersmith Apollo & the O2.
Phil has had the pleasure of working along side and supported some of Britain’s top comedians such as Jason Manford, John Bishop, Tim Vine, Lee Nelson, Patrick Monahan & Bobby Davro.
ANDY WHITE
Andy escaped from a call centre to become a stand up comic who mixes silly voices and faces with observational humour, topical humour and his mixed race background. He can do material that’s clever, cheeky, sick or just silly and his performance can shift from deadpan to loud and physical. Andy has played to a wide variety of audiences, adults and children, both at home and abroad, in comedy clubs, theatres, universities, radio and TV shows, and at corporate entertainment events. He regularly headlines up and down the UK and has worked with all the major chains and comedy promoters along the way. Overseas, he’s performed in Monte Carlo (Laughing Horse), Berlin (Bleu Montag), Abu Dhabi and Dubai (Laughter House) amongst others.
DANNY POSTHILL
Danny Posthill is undoubtedly one of the most promising British comedians around today. He is a well-known and much loved stand-up comedian and impressionist, well remembered for his outstanding performance on the finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2015.
Since then Danny has never stopped, performing all over the world, working around the Mediterranean and South America, plus taking his Donald Trump Act far and wide, performing at events from London to Singapore.
His TV credentials include Pointless Celebrities, where he appeared alongside fellow impressionists Alistair McGowan, Rory Bremner and John Culshaw.
You could be forgiven for thinking its going to be hard to better the first two shows, but fear not. Comedy Hotspot only puts on the finest comedy shows, and show 3 will be one of the finest line ups of stand up comedy anywhere in the UK! So, here is who we have in November making a full on assault on your laughter muscles.
MC – CERYS NELMES
Cerys is the current holder of the UK’s Best MC award, as voted for by the industries finest. Her West Country charm is easy to warm to, and she has the ability to warm up any room. So much so she is one of the UK’s leading TV warm up comedians. She has been in numerous nation TV ads, and is currently the voice of the National Lottery ads. She has also been a regular on Casualty as a paramedic since 2018. She is without doubt on of the very best, and she will live long in the memory, that’s for sure.
SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD
Sally-Anne is an multi award-winning comedian and a sought-after corporate performer (with clients including Virgin Media and Alcatel). She is also a regular compere at Glastonbury Festival. She has performed all over the world and has provided regular tour support for Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Russell Kane, Hal Cruttenden and Suzi Ruffell. An accomplished breakfast radio presenter (Star 107.2), with TV credits (The Blame Game) and radio panel show credits (BBC Radio 4’s Elephant in The Room), as well as TV warm-up (Deal or No Deal Channel 4).
ANT DEWSON
Ant Dewson is a comedian, mediocre piano player and singer of silly songs. Many of which are rude, all of which are hilarious. He’s a regular performer at the UK’s best comedy, a British Comedian Of The Year Semi Finalist and one of the funniest musical acts on the UK circuit. Ant has shared the stage with some of the country’s finest comedians including Michael McIntyre, Micky Flanagan and Lee Mack. He’s also performed with some shockers, all of whom he is too polite to mention here.
“Highlight of the night” – Tom Robinson BBC 6Music
ALISTAIR BARRIE
In August ’23 the good people of NextUp Comedy filmed Alistair’s critically acclaimed Edinburgh show ‘Alistaircratic’, and it is now available to watch both on NextUp and streaming on ITVX. According to Fringe Review, ‘This is about as good as it gets’ while Entertainment Now called it ‘An absolutely stunning hour of comedy’. Alistair Barrie is one of the top headliners on the international comedy circuit. A regular at London’s world-famous Comedy Store, he has performed in over 40 countries including acclaimed performances in Australia, Cape Town, Mumbai, New Zealand and the legendary Comedy Cellar in New York.