Global Talent Directory

Comedians Directory

Browse comedian profiles, biographical summaries, country of origin, and official links.

1899 comedians

Andy Parsons

Born in Poole, Dorset, in 1967, Andrew John Parsons, who performs under the name Andy Parsons, is an English comedian and writer. His parents were a physics teacher and head teacher, and a radiographer. He attended Parc Eglos Primary School, Helston Comprehensive School, and Churston Ferrers Grammar School before studying Law at Christ's College, Cambridge. Following university, he worked as a legal clerk at the Greenock shipyards. Parsons’ early career involved writing for shows like Weekending, Smith and Jones, and as a main writer on Spitting Image, demonstrating his early aptitude for comedic writing. Parsons co-founded TBA, London's first sketch comedy club, with Henry Naylor, marking the beginning of his more direct involvement in the comedy scene. He subsequently appeared on various television and radio programs including They Think It’s All Over, QI, Fighting Talk, Asylum, Saturday Live, The Stand-Up Show, and The Comedy Store. For a decade, spanning Series 3 through Series 14, Andy Parsons appeared regularly on Mock the Week, where he gained recognition for his sardonic wit and insightful observations about British society. Starting in 2001, Parsons collaborated with Jon Naylor to create and host nine series of Parsons and Naylor’s Pull-Out Sections on BBC Radio 2; additionally, he presented The PMQ show on BBC Radio 5 Live. His comedy is often described as thoughtful and well-constructed, delivering intelligent commentary on the British political landscape. Andy Parsons has released four DVDs, including Britain's Got Idiots (2009) and Slacktivist (2013), and toured extensively with shows like Andy Parsons: Citizens! (2009), Live & Unleashed – but Naturally Cautious (2015), Peak Bullsh*t (2017), and Healing The Nation (2019-2021). His 2023/2024 tour, Bafflingly Optimistic, was a sellout and recorded as a special for ITVX. Parsons has also participated in Channel 4's Comedy Gala in 2010 and appeared on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. He received the Time Out Outstanding Achievement Award in 2002 and won a Time Out Comedy Award, alongside other accolades including a New Zealand International Comedy Award and a Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival Award. He has written columns for The Independent and the i, addressing topics ranging from pub crawls to political figures like Liz Truss and Boris Johnson. He is currently working on a new show and has a podcast called Slacktivist Action Group.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Karen Dunbar

Karen Dunbar is a Scottish comedian, actress, and writer born on April 1, 1971. She moved to Glasgow in the late 1980s after completing secondary education at Ayr Academy. She is often referred to as 'The Queen of Scottish Comedy'. In 1999, Dunbar launched her television career with a guest spot on the BBC Scotland comedy program, Chewin' the Fat (Chewin' the Fat, 1999–2005). The Golden Rose European TV Awards saw four nominations for The Karen Dunbar Show, presented by her during the years 2003 through 2006. Her work extends beyond television, encompassing roles in films such as Happy Hollidays (2009) and M.I. High (2009), and appearances on BBC Radio Scotland series like Karen Dunbar’s Beautiful Sunday and Karen’s Summer Supplement . On May 27, 2008, Dunbar also served as a reviewer on Britain's Got More Talent. Dunbar has demonstrated versatility in her performances, starring in pantomimes from 2007 onwards, including productions at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow. She played roles in Sleeping Beauty , Cinderella , Aladdin , and again in Cinderella and Aladdin . Furthermore, her performance history encompasses portrayals of Burns and Shakespeare, alongside roles in Denise Mina’s adaptation of A Drunk Woman Looks at the Thistle, and participation in Phyllida Lloyd’s all-female Shakespeare productions at the Donmar Warehouse from 2012 to 2016. She combines comedy, music, and acting in her performances, having performed at venues ranging from Oran Mor to the National Theatre. Dunbar toured Scotland with a stand-up show in 2025, which was broadcast on BBC Scotland, and in the previous year completed 80 dates touring Scotland. Beginning in September 2026, Dunbar is presently developing a new stand-up comedy tour across Scotland called Aw Roon the Hooses, with VIP options including a backstage meet and greet. A British Academy Games Award acknowledged Finlay’s voice acting, provided by her in Still Wakes the Deep, the 2024 video game, earning recognition as Performer in a Supporting Role. She continues to perform stand-up comedy.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Karl Lucas

Karl John Lucas, an English comedian, actor and writer, has penned material for and performed in a range of television shows, music videos and radio comedy series, as well as taking part in multiple theatre productions.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Ken Campbell

Kenneth Victor Campbell, born December 10, 1941, in Ilford, Essex, was a British actor, writer, and director. His parents were Elsie Handley and Anthony Colin Campbell, who worked as a telegrapher. From a very young age, Campbell demonstrated a penchant for performance; he began staging shows in his childhood bathroom at just three years old, often featuring an ‘invisible friend’ named Peter Jelp. Having received a formal education, Campbell studied at Chigwell School, where he earned the Drama prize, and then enrolled in RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), but departed in 1960. During his initial professional period, Campbell held the role of understudy for Warren Mitchell at Colchester Repertory Theatre; subsequently, he became a resident dramatist and member of the acting ensemble at the Victoria Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, beginning in 1967. He founded The Ken Campbell Roadshow in 1969, a troupe that included members like Bob Hoskins, Bernard Wrigley, Jane Wood, Dave Hill, and Sylvester McCoy. The Roadshow played in unusual places from 1969 to 1973, telling urban myths and tall stories, and did stunts like hammering nails into noses and putting ferrets in performers' trousers. Campbell’s most notable works included the adaptation of Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson's Illuminatus! in 1976, a nine-hour cycle of five plays staged by the Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool. This production, which featured Neil Cunningham, David Rappaport, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, and Prunella Gee (who played Eris), moved to the National Theatre in 1977, opening the new Cottesloe Theatre. He also created The Warp in 1980, a twenty-two-hour play cycle based on Neil Oram's experiences, which earned recognition as the longest play in the world by the Guinness Book of Records. Campbell gained recognition for his extended and unusual stage presentations; by the time he reached 52, he was recognized as an expert in solo comedic performances, frequently presenting shows lasting three hours, which incorporated ideological discussions, ventriloquism, sausage-based card tricks, and rambling anecdotes. Theatre reviewers characterized him as a 'one-man dynamo of British theatre' and a 'one-man whirlwind of comic and surreal performance'. He died on August 31, 2008.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Kerry Godliman

Kerry Godliman is an English actress and comedian born in 1973. She spent her childhood in Perivale, West London. Her training at Rose Bruford College in South London provided a foundation for her subsequent career. Godliman’s journey into performance began with acting roles, including appearances as Hannah in the TV series Derek (2014), Belinda Dawes in Our Girl , and Liz Carter in Carters Get Rich . She also played Nicky in the ITV sitcom Bad Move in 2017. Godliman is recognized as one of the UK’s best performers, and she has established herself through both acting and stand-up comedy. She has appeared on numerous television shows, including Mock the Week , Live at the Apollo , and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show . Her comedic talents were further highlighted by her victory in the seventh series of Dave's Taskmaster in 2018. She performs regularly on BBC Radio 4 shows such as The News Quiz and Just A Minute , and has hosted her own series, Kerry’s List . Her stand-up performances include appearances on Live at the Apollo and a successful Bandwidth tour which played to sell-out audiences across the UK. A filmed special of this tour is available on Comedy Central and other platforms. She also co-hosts the podcast Memory Lane with Jen Brister, focusing on stories behind photos. She starred in After Life from 2019 to 2022 as Lisa, and has since taken on roles such as Stella Maitland in Adult Material (2021) and Pearl Nolan in Whitstable Pearl (since 2021). She also appears in the crime thriller series Trigger Point since 2022. Godliman’s voice acting credits include Lara in the Netflix series Alley Cats . She has narrated the true-crime podcast Stolen Hearts , earning an Ambies Award nomination. Upcoming projects include a role alongside Nina Singh in Dalziel and Pascoe , and she is set to star in Spinal Tap II . She also starred in The Wilsons Save The World and presented BBC’s Bitesize Parenting Teens series.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Kevin Connelly

Kevin Connelly works as an impressionist, comedian and after‑dinner speaker, and most people recognize him for his work on the well‑known BBC radio and TV show Dead Ringers.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Kirsten O'Brien

Kirsten O'Brien is an English television presenter, actress, and comedian born on February 23, 1972, in Middlesbrough. Having earned a degree in media and communications from the University of Central England in Birmingham in 1993, she launched her career with broadcasting work at the university's student radio. Her professional journey started in 1995 presenting a children's science program for Tyne Tees Television, quickly establishing her presence in television. From 1996 to 1999, O’Brien presented continuity links for CBBC, becoming widely recognized for her partnership with the puppet Otis the Aardvark. She then co-presented SMart and its spin-offs, including SMart on the Road and SMarteenies, from 1999 to 2009, hosting children's TV programs like Smile, Springwatch Trackers, Totally Doctor Who, Short Change, Smarteenies, SMart, and Smart Hart. Demonstrating her diverse talents, she portrayed Peter Pan in a pantomime in 2004, and competed in a lumberjack event for the BBC’s Bring It On series, also in 2004. O'Brien also filmed a documentary, Kirsten's Topless Ambition, which aired in April 2009. O’Brien’s career continues to evolve. She appeared on GMTV from 2009 to 2010 and co-presented EastEnders: The Aftermath with George Lamb in February 2010. She has demonstrated a competitive spirit, winning three episodes of The World's Toughest Driving Tests in 2010 and participating in Celebrity Mastermind in December 2010, donating her fee to Teesside Hospice. Since 2019, she has presented and read news on Andrew Peach’s Breakfast show on BBC Radio Berkshire; her role expanded to become the primary presenter in 2023. Beginning in May 2026, she has provided traffic and travel updates for BBC Radio 2. O'Brien creates and performs The Boss Bitch Show, a live standup show and podcast which received recognition from Time Out NY and was designated Podcast Pick of the Week by The Guardian. She is writing a book about her IVF experience and recently welcomed twins into her family.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Les Dennis

Born Leslie Dennis Heseltine on October 12, 1953, Les Dennis is an English entertainer who works as a television presenter, actor, and comedian. From 1953 to 1972, Les Dennis’s childhood was spent in the Garston area of Liverpool; his education included Stockton Wood Primary, Joseph Williams Primary, Morrison Rose Lane Secondary Modern, and Quarry Bank Comprehensive, culminating in an A-level in Art obtained in June 1972. While still at school, Dennis held a weekend job at Burton's men's clothing store. His father played football for Liverpool FC, though he did not play for the first team. This early period laid the foundation for a career that would span over 50 years. During the 1970s, Dennis launched his career as a stand-up comedian and impressionist, developing his talents through performances at venues such as working men’s clubs and holiday parks. He appeared on BBC Radio Merseyside’s Variety Time in 1971 and gained prominence after winning a set on the ITV talent show 'New Faces' in 1974. The 1980s and 1990s saw him become a regular on Saturday night television, notably appearing in 'The Russ Abbot Show', where he met Dustin Gee. Together, they formed a comedy partnership and created 'The Laughter Show,' a successful prime-time program. Dennis continued 'The Les Dennis Laughter Show' after Gee’s death. Beyond television, Dennis has demonstrated considerable versatility as an actor. He has appeared in stage productions such as Chicago (as Amos Hart) and Me and My Girl (as Bill Snibson), and more recently starred as Wilbur Turnblad in touring productions of Hairspray, including a 2021 revival at the London Coliseum. His acting credits also include roles in films like 'Intimate Relations' (1996), 'Sideshow' (2020), and 'Large' (2001). Throughout his career, Les Dennis has acted with both the Royal Shakespeare Company in Restoration-era dramas and the English National Opera; he most recently portrayed Sir Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore Opera in 2022. Dennis has also had a two-year regular role on 'Coronation Street', playing Michael Rodwell from 1960 and again in 2000, and appeared in other television programs like 'Extras', 'Moving On', 'Birds of a Feather', 'Death in Paradise', and 'Life's Too Short'. His autobiography, 'Must The Show Go On?', became a Sunday Times bestseller. He continues to work, currently starring in a stage adaptation of Victoria Wood’s 'Dinnerladies'.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Toby Hadoke

An English performer, Toby Hadoke engages in various roles, including acting, writing, stand-up comedy, and promoting comedic events. He was born in Shropshire, specifically between Ludlow and Bridgnorth, on January 2, 1974, and spent his childhood in Loughton. He attended Ludlow C.E. Following studies at Ludlow 6th Form College, Toby then proceeded to the University of Manchester, where he obtained degrees focused on English and Drama; he also previously went to school. Toby Hadoke performs regularly on the Manchester comedy circuit and is known for his interest in Doctor Who and classic television (Old Telly). He blends sharp wit and storytelling in his comedy, often incorporating personal anecdotes into his stand-up performances. In 1997, he began running the XS Malarkey comedy club, which has moved several times throughout Manchester, including Scruffy Murphys, Bar XS, The Bread Shed, and currently 53two. He serves as its regular compere on a non-profit basis and has hosted numerous well-known comedians such as Peter Kay and Jimmy Carr. He is also a founding member of The Unbroadcastable Radio Show sketch troupe. Toby Hadoke created the show Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf , which debuted at the 2006 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured internationally in 2008 and 2009. A radio adaptation was broadcast on BBC7 in 2007 and released as an audiobook. He followed this with My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Throughout his career, Toby Hadoke has received several accolades, including the Les Dawson Award for Services To Comedy in 2003 and the Chortle Award for Best Off-Stage Contribution in 2008. He has appeared in television shows like Phoenix Nights and Coronation Street , as well as voicing Toby the Tram Engine in Thomas & Friends . He has also moderated DVD commentaries for numerous Doctor Who stories between 2009 and 2012, and collaborated with Rob Shearman on Running Through Corridors , a series of books about watching Doctor Who episodes, published from 2010 to 2016. His 'Quatermass' publication has seen five reissues and received recognition as Radio Times’ Book of the Week. Currently, he presents ‘The 7th Dimension’ on BBC Radio 4 Extra, hosts a Patreon page with exclusive content, performs comedy every Tuesday at XS Malarkey Comedy Club, and hosts a comedy night called Testing, Testing. Along with his dog Bernard, Toby lives now with Cherylee Houston, who is an actress and his wife; additionally, he has two sons from before.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Tom Allen

Tom Allen is a comedian from United Kingdom, born in 1983. Known for Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, So You Think You're Funny.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Tom Major-Ball

Tom Major‑Ball made his career as a music‑hall and circus entertainer in Britain. He was the father of John Major, who led the United Kingdom as prime minister from 1990 until 1997.

View Profile

Verified Unclaimed

United Kingdom

Tom Scott

Tom Scott, a British presenter, broadcaster, and online content creator, was born either in 1984 or 1985. He spent his formative years growing up in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. His academic background includes a degree in linguistics and English language from the University of York, followed by a Master of Arts in educational studies in the early 2000s. This foundation in language and education appears to inform much of his work. In 2003, Scott initiated his career in comedy with lighthearted actions, including the coordination of the British segment for International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Scott's commitment to the unconventional led him to campaign for student president at the University of York Students' Union in 2008, adopting the identity 'Mad Cap’n Tom Scott', a campaign which unexpectedly resulted in victory. This persona continued into a parliamentary run in 2010, where he received 84 votes. Early on, he also demonstrated a knack for satire, creating a website parodying a British government website in 2004, which prompted a request for its removal. He presented the Sky 1 series Gadget Geeks in 2012 and co-founded Emojli, an emoji-only social network, in 2014. Since 2014, Scott’s YouTube channel has become a significant platform for his work. It features educational videos covering history, geography, linguistics, science, and technology. By April 2026, Scott’s YouTube channels had accumulated a combined total exceeding 8.1 million subscribers and 2.04 billion views. He frequently collaborates with other creators, including The Technical Difficulties and through the Lateral podcast. Lateral, which he hosts, explores unusual questions and provides fascinating answers, and has a corresponding book. From 2021 to 2026, Scott sent a newsletter each week with his creations and internet discoveries. He also participated in panel shows such as Only Connect in 2010 and Christmas University Challenge in 2022. Tom Scott is presently creating content for his YouTube channel and Nebula, chronicling a journey across every historic county in England; these videos are extended and more in-depth, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes in length. Scott's approach to his work is deliberate; he prefers to be called a ‘presenter’ or ‘broadcaster,’ with ‘content creator’ as an acceptable alternative, avoiding labels like 'YouTuber' or 'influencer'. He demonstrates a keen interest in visually compelling locations and processes, and generally avoids interviews or discussions about future technology without a tangible demonstration. He also maintains a principled stance against sponsorship or advertising involving microtransactions or gambling. The website associated with his work was last updated on July 20, 2026.