Comedy Bunker

MILTON JONES + Barry From Watford

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:44:40 +0000

Wed, Nov 24th. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

MILTON JONES + Barry From Watford.

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

MILTON JONES

Milton Jones is a Perrier and Sony award-winning comedian, whose wordplay and surreal observations frequently reduce audiences to tears. The writer and star of three series of The Very World of Milton Jones on Radio 4 describes his live act as ‘weaving threads of ideas with the tatters of his life, to fashion a uniquely fetching jumper of obscurity’ - whatever that means.

Milton conjures up truly ridiculous images and finds hidden meaning in the most mundane phrases. He twists logic, mistakes handkerchiefs for ghosts - and waits whilst the penny drops. He is also never short of valuable advice: ‘If you’re being chased by a police dog, try not to go through a tunnel, then onto a little seesaw, then jump through a hoop of fire. They train for that.’

BARRY FROM WATFORD

Barry from Watford - the 82 year old lifestyle guru from BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright in Afternoon and Iain Lee’s Absolute Radio Show returns to The Comedy Bunker tonight.

Barry from Watford was first brought to public consciousness when he became a cult star on Iain Lee’s LBC 97.3FM phone-in show. Barry became a familiar voice on London’s popular talk radio station for over a year, phoning in a few times each week to offer the benefits of his octogenarian wisdom. Listeners were introduced to his beloved wife Margaret, offered up their sympathies over his rowdy neighbours and felt Barry’s frustration as he tried to get a celebrity to turn on his residential home’s Christmas Lights. London loved Barry’s sunny outlook and joie de vie and followed him to Iain Lee’s show on Absolute Radio where he regularly phones in today. He is a bi weekly contributor to Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 2 and his Absolute Radio podcast continues to do well on Itunes. In January 2010, it spent several weeks in the Top 10.

He has performed hit shows at The Pleasance in Edinburgh and at the Watford Palace Theatre - ‘Let’s Talk To Barry’ about the changing face of suburban Britain, and ‘Let’s Get On With It’, an antidote to the recession.

In 2007 Barry was taken under the wing of Marcus Brigstocke, making regular appearances on his topical Late Edition comedy show for BBC4, and since June 2009, he has been a regular feature in the form of “lifestyle guru” on Steve Wright in the Afternoon, BBC Radio 2.

“An endearing, enduring creation” Chortle

MYSTERY SHOW

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:41:34 +0000

Wed, Nov 10th. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

MYSTERY SHOW.

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

MYSTERY SHOW.

The identity of tonight’s performers will not be revealed until they are introduced to the stage.

ANDY PARSONS + Nathan Caton

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:39:48 +0000

Wed, Nov 3rd. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

ANDY PARSONS

Terrific satirical stand-up Independent on Sunday

Andy Parsons is one of Britain’s foremost topical funnymen. As a lynchpin of London’s infamous Comedy Store Cutting Edge team, he is one of the most prolific performers currently working, having to update weekly to keep up to speed with the team’s take on current affairs and political banter.

A regular on radio and television, Andy has performed many series of Parsons & Naylor’s Pull-Out Sections as well as being a frequent panellist on such shows as Mock the Week and QI.

Andy performs regularly across the UK and has become a stalwart of the world’s major comedy festivals. He’s regularly performed solo shows at the Edinburgh, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide Comedy Festivals.

NATHAN CATON

‘Caton is probably the most exciting young black comic currently on the scene’ – Fest Magazine

‘He specialises in laidback, on-the-nose material, chopping down fools of all colours, both in day-to-day life, and the media.’ - Guardian

BOB MILLS + Richard Sandling & Jeff Innocent

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:37:34 +0000

Wed, Oct 27th. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

BOB MILLS + Richard Sandling & Jeff Innocent.

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

BOB MILLS

Bob Mills is a true elder statesman of British stand-up comedy. The man who bridged the gap between the first wave of “alternative comedy” in the mid-eighties and the new laddism of the early ’90s, star Bob Mills is as popular today as when he first strolled on to the comedy circuit in 1985.

Now approaching his silver jubilee as a stand-up comic, Bob is one of the most recognisable and respected comedians in the business. His voice is pretty famous too as not a weekend goes past without Bob and his distinctive cockney drawl getting an airing not once but several times as either a host or guest on the numerous sports, comedy and current affairs that dominate the airwaves.

For although Bob Mills may have been born in Chester, it was only a brief stop, Bob is a dyed-in-the-wool Londoner and proud of it. Particularly the East End, home to both Mills himself and more importantly (to him at least) his beloved Leyton Orient Football Club. Bob Mills writes a regular column for the O’s match day programme.

It is his love of football (although not necessarily Orient) and all sport that has enabled Bob as a comedian, to tap into the modern male (and many female) psyche because he is talking the language of the people on the terraces, streets and settees of Britain.

He started out as a hotel valet (albeit a slow one) in that salubrious epitome of London, King’s Cross, before a visit to his friendly neighbourhood stand-up comedy club turned his world upside down when he discovered he could make people laugh.

It was then that Bob Mills found himself the man-of-the-moment, bringing some much-needed fresh new blood to the now not-so-alternative comedy scene, and at the vanguard of what become known as the “new lad” movement along with his long-term friend and colleague Danny Baker and other torch-bearers like Keith Allen, Chris Evans, Jack Dee and Jonathan Ross.

Bob Mill’s love of football, comedy and modern culture soon saw him splitting his time between life as an acclaimed and in demand stand-up comedian and an equally popular TV host. Hosting the first of cult shows like There’s Only One Brian Moore, Dial Midnight and In Bed With Medinner, which ran for a remarkable four series, all for LWT, and then more mainstream shows like Win, Lose or Draw for ITV and Not A Lot Of People Know That on BBC1.

As well as a successful host and stand-up comedian, Bob Mills is also an acclaimed writer of comedy and drama and so much in between. He created two series of ITV’s award winning comedy Bob Martin, starring Michael Barrymore and Keith Allen. He also co-wrote and produced Stan the Man, starring another friend John Thomson and Gaynor Faye, and created the festive flagship drama Christmas Lights and the six-part comedy spin-off Northern Lights, both starring Mark Benton and Robson Green. He has also penned an episode of Shameless and the screenplay for the feature film Pierrepoint, starring Timothy Spall as the infamous hangman of the 20th century.

On his debut as a film producer on My Beautiful Son, Bob Mills helped Julie Walters to a Best Actress BAFTA, and also picked up his own coveted nomination from the Academy along the way.

In 1995, Bob Mills created and starred in what he describes as his own finest work to date, The Show for Channel 4 - eight one hour programme fly-on-the-wall documentary about the making of a real chat show. Like a non-fictional Larry Saunders Show, the show was years ahead of its time and confirmed Mills as one of the finest comic writers of all time. The show is often pinpointed as the template for much of the reality TV that rules the schedules today. So it’s Bob’s fault then.

One of his greatest loves after stand-up comedy and writing is radio. Over the years, Bob has presented his own shows for BBC London, GLR, Talksport and Radio 5Live and he regularly works with and covers for Danny Baker. He’s a regular popular guest on Radio 5’s Fighting Talk, The Gabby Logan Show and Loose Ends (BBC Radio 4). He is also co-host of The Christian O’Connell Solution on Sunday mornings

He has also hosted several music and comedy shows on VH-1, including The Vinyl Years, Look Back In Angora, Ten Of The Best, Mills ‘n’ Tunes amongst others. He also appeared on The Weakest Link Comedian’s Special.

RICHARD SANDLING

Richard was the Writer and Performer in the sell out Edinburgh show VHS: Death to DVD in 2006 garnering **** from Kate Copstick and ***** from Broadwaybaby.com. and its follow up show VHS 2: Planet of the Tapes in 2007

In 2007 he won SO YOU THINK YOU’RE FUNNY

Quotes:-

‘'’He becomes properly angry on the subject, with a passion that’s truly engaging. It was an original routine, with a strong angle - which is no doubt why the judges awarded him first place.'’ Chortle (reporting on SYTYF Final 2007)

‘’Aligning the passion some people feel for football with his zeal for film, Sandling skilfully weaves his love and breathtaking knowledge of the medium into a comedic delight….Even putting his knowledge of film aside, Sandling is a fine comedian who one feels would succeed in any form of stand-up. ‘’ - Three Weeks 2007

‘’a must see for all film buffs and sci-fi junkies.'’ Groggy Squirrel 2007

‘’This is a joyful, funny, clever show. I don’t think I could have liked it more, even if it were on film.'’ - Kate Copstick, The Scotsman, 2006

‘’A funny and entertaining 50 minutes that the Daily Mail would no doubt hate'’ - The List, 2006

‘’His dedication to video over DVD is right up there with the truly great romances of our time - Stewart Lee and The Incredible Hulk and Wil Hodgson and My Little Pony spring to mind'’ - Kate Copstick, The Scotsman, 2006

‘’Darts loss is Comedy’s gain'’ - Phill Jupitus

JEFF INNOCENT

“It should be made law that every British Citizen must go and see Jeff Innocent. He’s that funny.” Evening Standard

JEFF INNOCENT will be making several Comedy Bunker appearances this season. He’s writing a new show called ‘Grey Matters’ and will be workshopping 15 minutes of new material each time he visits us.

Jeff is one of our favourite headliners and it’s a pleasure for us to be involved with this project.

As well as seeing the early stages of this show, regulars to the Comedy Bunker will get an unusual insight into the creative process which comedians undergo when developing their material.

From London’s East End, Canning Town, Jeff Innocent grew up the son of a real-life villain and could have chosen a career in the family firm. Instead he worked in the 70s as a window dresser in London’s fashionable Kings Road & Carnaby Street for a smart chain of boutiques and at night was moonlighting as a DJ popularizing Jamaican music. By the 80s, the retail industry had lost its charm and it was time for a new challenge. Jeff enrolled at University to study for a BA in Cultural Studies and stayed on to complete a MA in History & Philosophy, before finally answering his true calling 10 years ago and taking to stand-up.

Jeff is now very much part of the comedy gentry and widely acknowledge as one of the Uk’s top headlines acts and comperes. He has stormed comedy clubs all over the world including Singapore, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Dubai, Holland, Taiwan and more recently Japan.

Jeff’s many television credits as actor, stand-up and presenter include; Edinburgh Nights (BBC1), Gas (Ch4), I Love 1999 (BBC 1), Later with Jools Holland (BBC 2), The National Lottery Show (BBC1), The Stand Up Show (2 series for BBC 1), Take the Mike (ITV), Time Gentlemen Please (Sky), Real Eastenders (Ch4) and Brief Histories (BBC 3).

Jeff’s film credits include the role of a publican in ‘It Was an Accident’ and he played a prisoner in ‘Mean Machine’ alongside Vinnie Jones.

A prolific writer, Jeff has written for The Independent and The Scotsman and contributed to the book ‘Sit Down Comedy’ (published by Ebury Press). Jeff is currently researching a documentary for radio and working on several TV projects including a new sketch show for Sky 1.

“Clever, honest, funny, hugely likeable comedy.” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

“He commands the room, hits strong gags with confidence and style and has the audience bending to his every whim. In short, he’s one funny man - whatever the environment.” Chortle

IAN COGNITO + support

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:35:15 +0000

Wed, Oct 20th. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

IAN COGNITO + Support.

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

IAN COGNITO

“Cognito’s indignant polemic is a bracing antidote to more amiable routines. When a comedian can transform rage into humour without diluting their passion, the result is always riveting. Share his inspired madness.” - William Cook, The Guardian

“Cognito puts them all in the shade. If you want to know what’s wrong with New Britain, Ian Cognito’s going to tell you. And if you don’t, you’d better keep your mouth shut. Just stunning.” - Phil Daoust, The Guardian

“Ian Cognito is up there with the greats. He rants - but not without thought.” - Evening Standard

“There is no doubting Ian Cognito’s blazing talent as a stand-up.” - Time Out

Ian Cognito spits his viciously humorous vitriol over an unsuspecting crowd. Outspoken, opinionated, and totally clued up, he will have the hardest of cynics convinced and convulsed with laughter.

Ranting, without ever losing style or panache, Cognito is a bracing antidote to more amore user friendly routines, he challenges the audience to think for themselves and then agree with him.

If you want to know what’s wrong with the modern world and even if you don’t, then this is the man for you.

Too unconventional - and uncompromising - for TV, his world is on the stage and what a deliciously different mad one it is.

CARL DONNELLY + KEV ORKIAN & Jeff Innocent

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:33:01 +0000

Wed, Oct 13th. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

Carl Donnelly + Kev Orkian & Jeff Innocent.

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

CARL DONNELLY

“The reason why Donnelly is one of the highest-rated emerging stars on the UK circuit is his incredible ability to turn the seemingly mundane existence of the 21st-century slacker into gripping, unmissable stand-up. In Donnelly’s hands, something as simple as getting out of bed can be the springboard to a hilarious anecdote” The Guardian

“A hell of a lot of innocent fun” Chortle

“A flair for sharp observational humour and a superb delivery” Fest

“Brilliant stand-up - quick, well-paced and affable” ThreeWeeks

Despite being a relative newcomer, his confident, conversational style and silly sense of humour has seen him win a host of awards and become a regular act and MC at clubs all over the country.

Awards & Competitions:

Winner of the ‘Best Newcomer’ award at the 2007 Chortle Awards

Winner of Leicester Mercury Comedian of the year 2007

Winner of Laughing Horse New Act of the Year 2006

‘’..a hell of a lot of innocent fun..'’ chortle.co.uk

‘’..hilariously silly..'’ ThreeWeeks

‘’..wowed a packed local crowd and an esteemed panel of judges.'’ Yourlocalguardian.co.uk

‘’..the maturity of a 14 year old.'’ BBC Leicester

KEV ORKIAN

Kev Orkian is one of the UK’s most talented, up-and-coming comedians. A highly skilled pianist, singer and actor, he has been dubbed one of the world’s finest comedy pianists.

Born in 1974 to Armenian parents, Kev Orkian comes from a long line of entertainers; His great grandparents were scriptwriters and introduced the first theatre show to Turkey in the early 1900’s, whilst his grandparents all played numerous musical instruments and one of them was also an amateur comedian.

Kev started playing the piano at four years old. Music came naturally to the young Kev — by the time he was 12 he had already composed his first pieces and by 15 had passed all eight piano grades — gaining a Performers Diploma in Music along the way.

At 15, after competing in many competitions and concerts, Kev decided to complete his training and move on to performing arts at Brunel University — earning himself a National Diploma in Performing Arts and Music in 1994.

From 1988 - 1992 Kev toured the UK with the Russian Armenian Dance Troupe as a way of connecting to his heritage. From the age of 23 he became very involved with the piano and it was soon an ‘instrumental’ part of Kev’s life. As a consummate concert pianist he toured with a variety of orchestras and appeared at many prestigious venues including the Sydney Opera House, performing classical repertoires.

However, the piano alone wasn’t enough, so with both comedy and the theatre calling him, Kev was soon back on the stage. He made his West End debut in 1996 starring in Fame at the Victoria Palace Theatre. This foray into London’s theatre scene led to many other roles including Me & My Girl (1996-1997), the Grease concert tour (1998), Buddy Holly concert tour (1998), Happy Days (1998 - 2000) and Boogie Nights (2001-2004).

Not wanting to tender his relationship with the piano, Kev Orkian spent his spare time writing and developing comedy routines that incorporated music but was never fully aware he could turn this into a full act until 2004. Kev decided not to perform in musicals for a few years so he could concentrate on building his stand up career, which ultimately led to combining the piano and comedy together. Kev Orkian’s heroes include Victor Borge and Dudley Moore (he has been compared to both), so he felt their styles of comedy needed to be brought back… and he was the man to do it.

By chance, Kev happened to be performing in Blackpool when a well-known act pulled out of the renowned Comedy Bonanza Show — in stepped Kev to try out his new material and the stand-up comedy act was born!

Since then Kev Orkian’s career as a stand-up comedian has gone from strength to strength. He has toured as the support act to some of Britain’s premier entertainers including Jim Davidson, Julian Clarey, Cannon & Ball and Joe Pasquale to name just a few. He has been involved with numerous variety shows including gala events for the Duke of Kent, Prince of Oman, Baroness Margaret Thatcher and Dame Vera Lynn.

Between 2004 and 2009 Kev made a name for himself in the cruise ship industry and toured the world with his Stow Away act visiting all continents, drawing rave reviews with numerous leading cruise operators along the way. From the Caribbean and North America to Europe and the Middle East, he packed in as many as 30 cruises some years.

In 2005 Kev released his first piano album Little Fingers, which claimed the top 10 spot in the AMA Instrumental category that same year. Kev has also performed many of the tracks from his album in numerous concerts and galas. In 2008 he hosted LA’s own Armenian Music Awards to a sell-out audience at the famous Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

Kev now spends a large proportion of the year touring with his one-man show, which features an energetic mix of hilarious stand-up comedy and spectacular recitals on the piano, many of which have been composed by Kev himself. Cities recently visited include Sydney, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Dubai, Oman, Montreal and Toronto.

2009 saw Kev Orkian’s leap onto the UK comedy circuit with performances at London’s Comedy Store and the Jongleurs chain of comedy clubs at which he regularly receives encores, standing ovations and rave reviews for the originality of his act.

In 2010, Kev’s profile soared as a result of his success on ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’

Absolute Genius!” HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales

“Whenever I need someone to lift the morale of our troops, the first person I call is Kev Orkian.”
Mark Cann - Chairman, British Forces Foundation

“I have seen no one else out there on the comedy circuit quite like [Kev] Orkian and this perhaps is his major selling point in a comedy market where originality is as rare a commodity as it is a welcome one.” Mark Ritchie, The Stage

JEFF INNOCENT

“It should be made law that every British Citizen must go and see Jeff Innocent. He’s that funny.” Evening Standard

JEFF INNOCENT will be making several Comedy Bunker appearances this season. He’s writing a new show called ‘Grey Matters’ and will be workshopping 15 minutes of new material each time he visits us.

Jeff is one of our favourite headliners and it’s a pleasure for us to be involved with this project.

As well as seeing the early stages of this show, regulars to the Comedy Bunker will get an unusual insight into the creative process which comedians undergo when developing their material.

From London’s East End, Canning Town, Jeff Innocent grew up the son of a real-life villain and could have chosen a career in the family firm. Instead he worked in the 70s as a window dresser in London’s fashionable Kings Road & Carnaby Street for a smart chain of boutiques and at night was moonlighting as a DJ popularizing Jamaican music. By the 80s, the retail industry had lost its charm and it was time for a new challenge. Jeff enrolled at University to study for a BA in Cultural Studies and stayed on to complete a MA in History & Philosophy, before finally answering his true calling 10 years ago and taking to stand-up.

Jeff is now very much part of the comedy gentry and widely acknowledge as one of the Uk’s top headlines acts and comperes. He has stormed comedy clubs all over the world including Singapore, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Dubai, Holland, Taiwan and more recently Japan.

Jeff’s many television credits as actor, stand-up and presenter include; Edinburgh Nights (BBC1), Gas (Ch4), I Love 1999 (BBC 1), Later with Jools Holland (BBC 2), The National Lottery Show (BBC1), The Stand Up Show (2 series for BBC 1), Take the Mike (ITV), Time Gentlemen Please (Sky), Real Eastenders (Ch4) and Brief Histories (BBC 3).

Jeff’s film credits include the role of a publican in ‘It Was an Accident’ and he played a prisoner in ‘Mean Machine’ alongside Vinnie Jones.

A prolific writer, Jeff has written for The Independent and The Scotsman and contributed to the book ‘Sit Down Comedy’ (published by Ebury Press). Jeff is currently researching a documentary for radio and working on several TV projects including a new sketch show for Sky 1.

“Clever, honest, funny, hugely likeable comedy.” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

“He commands the room, hits strong gags with confidence and style and has the audience bending to his every whim. In short, he’s one funny man - whatever the environment.” Chortle

SIMON EVANS + Jeff Innocent & 1 other

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:30:15 +0000

Wed, Oct 6th. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

SIMON EVANS

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

SIMON EVANS

Simon Evans is a firmly established headline act on the circuit; he has performed sell out shows at the Edinburgh Festival for several years. He has many television and radio credits to his name and has performed extensively on the improv circuit. He dresses smartly, uses no bad language whatsoever… he can raise an eyebrow Jack Benny would have been proud of.

Simon has appeared all over the world recently, with performances at the New Zealand Comedy Festival 2002 as well as in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Dubai and last year at the Cape Town Comedy Festival 2001.

TELEVISION AND RADIO
Simon’s talents have been put to good use on both television and radio. He has written for Big Breakfast, Lily Savage, Johnny Vaughan Tonight, The State We’re In and has a sitcom in development. He’s a favourite of Radio 4 - hosting and writing seven series of spoof news show The Way It Is (as Richard Richard) as well as appearing on numerous panel games and discussion programmes - and has appeared on the Comedy Store (Five) and The Stand Up Show (BBC1).

Simon’s other television appearances include the Comedy Network, Five’s Company (Five) and an appearance on The Krypton Factor, but that’s another story. He is a regular contributor to both Radio 4 and London Live and has had full-length comedy scripts commissioned by the BBC for both TV and radio.

JEFF INNOCENT

“It should be made law that every British Citizen must go and see Jeff Innocent. He’s that funny.” Evening Standard

JEFF INNOCENT will be making several Comedy Bunker appearances this season. He’s writing a new show called ‘Grey Matters’ and will be workshopping 15 minutes of new material each time he visits us.

Jeff is one of our favourite headliners and it’s a pleasure for us to be involved with this project.

As well as seeing the early stages of this show, regulars to the Comedy Bunker will get an unusual insight into the creative process which comedians undergo when developing their material.

From London’s East End, Canning Town, Jeff Innocent grew up the son of a real-life villain and could have chosen a career in the family firm. Instead he worked in the 70s as a window dresser in London’s fashionable Kings Road & Carnaby Street for a smart chain of boutiques and at night was moonlighting as a DJ popularizing Jamaican music. By the 80s, the retail industry had lost its charm and it was time for a new challenge. Jeff enrolled at University to study for a BA in Cultural Studies and stayed on to complete a MA in History & Philosophy, before finally answering his true calling 10 years ago and taking to stand-up.

Jeff is now very much part of the comedy gentry and widely acknowledge as one of the Uk’s top headlines acts and comperes. He has stormed comedy clubs all over the world including Singapore, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Dubai, Holland, Taiwan and more recently Japan.

Jeff’s many television credits as actor, stand-up and presenter include; Edinburgh Nights (BBC1), Gas (Ch4), I Love 1999 (BBC 1), Later with Jools Holland (BBC 2), The National Lottery Show (BBC1), The Stand Up Show (2 series for BBC 1), Take the Mike (ITV), Time Gentlemen Please (Sky), Real Eastenders (Ch4) and Brief Histories (BBC 3).

Jeff’s film credits include the role of a publican in ‘It Was an Accident’ and he played a prisoner in ‘Mean Machine’ alongside Vinnie Jones.

A prolific writer, Jeff has written for The Independent and The Scotsman and contributed to the book ‘Sit Down Comedy’ (published by Ebury Press). Jeff is currently researching a documentary for radio and working on several TV projects including a new sketch show for Sky 1.

“Clever, honest, funny, hugely likeable comedy.” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

“He commands the room, hits strong gags with confidence and style and has the audience bending to his every whim. In short, he’s one funny man - whatever the environment.” Chortle

SOL BERNSTEIN + DAVE THOMPSON & JEFF INNOCENT

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:25:35 +0000

Wed, Sept 29th. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

SOL BERNSTEIN + DAVE THOMPSON + JEFF INNOCENT (Short set of new material for his ‘Grey Matters’ show.

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

SOL BERNSTEIN

Show-biz legend Sol Bernstein is back !!

Sol Bernstein has written and performed 2 solo shows - “ALMOST ALIVE” and “ALMOST ALIVE 11″. He won a “Spirit of the Fringe award” for the first of these at the Edinburgh Festival.

” One part Alf Garnett, two parts Mel Brooks, and three parts like nothing you’ve ever heard” The Guardian

“An instantly winning creation” Evening Standard

“No age barrier to comic genius” Edinburgh Evening News

“Bernstein’s the real deal, you’d better believe it” The Scotsman

Yes it’s true! After 25 years of semi retirement, playing nursing homes, Sol Bernstein is back where he belongs, in smokey nightclubs performing to drunks.

The legend that is Sol Bernstein escaped the Pogroms in Russia, the Nazis in Germany, and went on to become the World’s 1st all-round entertainer. He’s a song and dance man, a comedian, a magician, an actor, a Jazz musician (Sol was rated “BEST TRIANGLE” player in the USA in the 50’s by performers like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington ). Also rated the best impersonator EVER !!

He’s performed all over the world at venues including The London Palladium, New York’s Carnegie Hall, The Paris Olympia, Caesars Palace Las Vegas, and Scunthorpe Baths, but it’s at night clubs where Sol really comes to life. His charisma, his style, his catch phrase “why don’t you put on a tie” his chutzpah, put it all together and you see the magic that is Sol Bernstein.

He’s the man who helped the career’s of Elvis Presley. Marcel Marceau (and never even got a “Thank you”) and even the Beatles were influenced. He’s worked with, and been friends with, some of the worlds GREATEST performers, Elvis, Judy Garland, The Rat Pack, Lenny Bruce, Jack Benny, George Burns, Milton Berle, Doris Day, Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, Eddie Large

Most young performers will mention Sol B as a major influence. A major influence to do what, we aren’t sure, but an influence never the less!

What performers have said about Sol:

“Sol broke all the barriers” Lenny Bruce

“He’s the greatest” Frank Sinatra.

“The man is what SHOW-BIZ is all about” Sammy Davis Jr.

DAVE THOMPSON

Dave Thompson was the star of the smash hit TV show, Teletubbies (the original Tinky Winky).

“Mr Thompson has become a cult among students.” (DAILY TELEGRAPH).

“Dave Thompson is hilarious and goes down a storm with the crowd.” (DAILY MAIL).

“Dave Thompson has a unique style and some of the best one-liners”. (THE GUARDIAN).

“The best one-liners I’ve heard this season”. (THE INDEPENDENT).

“His ballerina routine nearly brought the house down”. (COMEDY REVIEW).

“Dave Thompson astonishes with his lanky eccentricities… talented and always amusing”. (TIME OUT).

“Dave Thompson… everything in the world is beautiful”. (COMEDY MAGAZINE).

“One of the finest joke writers in the country”. (TIME OUT).

“The weirdest dude on the face of the earth”. (TIME OUT).

JEFF INNOCENT

“It should be made law that every British Citizen must go and see Jeff Innocent. He’s that funny.” Evening Standard

JEFF INNOCENT will be making several Comedy Bunker appearances this season. He’s writing a new show called ‘Grey Matters’ and will be workshopping 15 minutes of new material each time he visits us.

Jeff is one of our favourite headliners and it’s a pleasure for us to be involved with this project.

As well as seeing the early stages of this show, regulars to the Comedy Bunker will get an unusual insight into the creative process which comedians undergo when developing their material.

From London’s East End, Canning Town, Jeff Innocent grew up the son of a real-life villain and could have chosen a career in the family firm. Instead he worked in the 70s as a window dresser in London’s fashionable Kings Road & Carnaby Street for a smart chain of boutiques and at night was moonlighting as a DJ popularizing Jamaican music. By the 80s, the retail industry had lost its charm and it was time for a new challenge. Jeff enrolled at University to study for a BA in Cultural Studies and stayed on to complete a MA in History & Philosophy, before finally answering his true calling 10 years ago and taking to stand-up.

Jeff is now very much part of the comedy gentry and widely acknowledge as one of the Uk’s top headlines acts and comperes. He has stormed comedy clubs all over the world including Singapore, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Dubai, Holland, Taiwan and more recently Japan.

Jeff’s many television credits as actor, stand-up and presenter include; Edinburgh Nights (BBC1), Gas (Ch4), I Love 1999 (BBC 1), Later with Jools Holland (BBC 2), The National Lottery Show (BBC1), The Stand Up Show (2 series for BBC 1), Take the Mike (ITV), Time Gentlemen Please (Sky), Real Eastenders (Ch4) and Brief Histories (BBC 3).

Jeff’s film credits include the role of a publican in ‘It Was an Accident’ and he played a prisoner in ‘Mean Machine’ alongside Vinnie Jones.

A prolific writer, Jeff has written for The Independent and The Scotsman and contributed to the book ‘Sit Down Comedy’ (published by Ebury Press). Jeff is currently researching a documentary for radio and working on several TV projects including a new sketch show for Sky 1.

“Clever, honest, funny, hugely likeable comedy.” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

“He commands the room, hits strong gags with confidence and style and has the audience bending to his every whim. In short, he’s one funny man - whatever the environment.” Chortle

MILES JUPP + IMRAN YUSEF

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:16:47 +0000

Wed, Sept 22nd. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

MILES JUPP + IMRAN YUSEF.

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

MILES JUPP

Miles Jupp was nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe, for his show ‘Gentlemen Prefer Brogues’. He has been described as ‘’A clever, dead pan, dead funny upper-class bloke, physically reminiscent of Martin Clunes but funnier his musings are classic'’ [The Scotsman]. Other awards include winner of Channel 4’s - SO YOU THINK YOU’RE FUNNY and winner of the Leicester Festival Comedian of The Year Award.

On television Miles recently appeared as a regular on the (BAFTA nominated) LIVE FLOOR SHOW (BBC Scotland - 2 series) and guested on DOES DOUG KNOW (CH4). Other TV includes the hit children’s series BALAMORY (BBC 126 episodes), T in THE PARK (BBC Scotland), CALEDONIAN MACBRAINS (BBC Scotland), YOU MUST BE JOKING (Channel 4), REVOLVER (BBC Choice), WEIRDSVILLE - MILES JUPP INVESTIGATES (BBC Choice Scotland) and BBC NEW COMEDY AWARDS (BBC Choice).

‘’Miles Jupp’s gloriously offensive posh-boy persona makes for an hour’s great entertainment.'’ The Independent

‘’Laugh? I nearly dropped my Debretts'’ Evening Standard

IMRAN YUSEF

FOSTERS COMEDY AWARD WINNER 2010.

5 STAR REVIEW - AUGUST 2010 BELOW.

Bounding on stage for his first ever solo show at Edinburgh, Imran Yusuf isn’t your stereotypical stand-up. For one thing, he’s a Muslim, though he barely refers to this fact. He is also full of positive energy, happiness and joie de vivre.

He’s no doom merchant lamenting his lack of luck with the ladies but a man so full of fun that the audience can’t fail to not only warm to him, but feel positively fired up by his infectious personality. He has the feelgood factor on tap.

He’s no oil painting with his scrawny build, large nose and irregular teeth, but his smile lights up the room and the sound of his laughter peppers his material. Born in Kenya, he moved to England at an early age but was educated in the USA and it is from here that he draws the inspiration for most of his material.
His stories of going to school it the States were told in faultless American accents and delighted the bunch of Americans in the audience who, by coincidence, came from the same town.

The comedy drew on his experience of being ridiculed by the Americans for his English accent, but his cultural comparisons are seen from a totally different perspective as he subverts the traditional UK-USA dissonance.

By not focussing on the obvious racial stereotypes, he wins over the entire audience. His happy, positive personality leaves them feeling uplifted, energised and privileged to have had An Audience With Imran Yusuf.

ROB DEERING + BARRY FROM WATFORD & JEFF INNOCENT

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:00:22 +0000

Wed, Sept 8th. 8.45pm (doors 8.15 pm).

ROB DEERING + JEFF INNOCENT (Short Set of New Material for his ‘Grey Matters’ Show + ‘Barry From Watford.’

Large Group? Click Here Before Booking.

Tickets available now. Click Below. Tickets will NOT be posted. Please print off your paypal receipt and bring it along at 8.15 pm on the night.

ROB DEERING

Over the years award-winning guitar-playing comedian Rob Deering has cemented his reputation as one of the country’s finest stand ups, taking six solo shows to the Edinburgh Festival, headlining all the major comedy clubs throughout Britain and taking part in Paramount Comedy’s Edinburgh and Beyond live show as well as his own Charmageddon tour.

On TV Rob’s stand up appearances include The World Comedy Tour (Granada), The World Stands Up and Edinburgh and Beyond (Paramount Comedy Channel). Rob has also presented Soapstar Superstar - Bonus Tracks (ITV2) and Strictly Dance Fever (BBC Three), appeared on Annually Retentive (BBC Three), Celebrity Juice (ITV2) and Never Mind The Full Stops (BBC Two) and on Big Brother’s Big Mouth/Little Brother (Channel 4/E4) as a regular guest. Rob has provided daily coverage for ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and was the winner of the Weakest Link Comedians Special on BBC1. However he may still be best known for drinking his own wee on 99 Things To Do Before You Die (Five).

On the radio Rob has featured on Banter, Four From The Store, Four From The Fringe (BBC Radio 4), and Jammin’ (BBC Radio 2). He wrote and starred in three series of the Saturday afternoon comedy show Out To Lunch (BBC Radio 2).

In 2008, Rob began hosting the monthly stand up and music night Comedy Congregation, with headliner’s including Russell Howard and Stewart Lee. Rob is also hosts monthly comedy music panel game Beat This at The Leicester Square Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival plus is a regular at Frank Skinner’s Credit Crunch Cabaret.

“As sharp and versatile as a Swiss Army knife, Rob Deering is one of the best performers currently on the circuit.”
The Independent

“Uses music to brilliantly accessorise his swipes at the innate gormlessness of contemporary culture.” The Guardian

BARRY FROM WATFORD

Barry from Watford - the 82 year old lifestyle guru from BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright in Afternoon and Iain Lee’s Absolute Radio Show returns to The Comedy Bunker tonight.

Barry from Watford was first brought to public consciousness when he became a cult star on Iain Lee’s LBC 97.3FM phone-in show. Barry became a familiar voice on London’s popular talk radio station for over a year, phoning in a few times each week to offer the benefits of his octogenarian wisdom. Listeners were introduced to his beloved wife Margaret, offered up their sympathies over his rowdy neighbours and felt Barry’s frustration as he tried to get a celebrity to turn on his residential home’s Christmas Lights. London loved Barry’s sunny outlook and joie de vie and followed him to Iain Lee’s show on Absolute Radio where he regularly phones in today. He is a bi weekly contributor to Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 2 and his Absolute Radio podcast continues to do well on Itunes. In January 2010, it spent several weeks in the Top 10.

He has performed hit shows at The Pleasance in Edinburgh and at the Watford Palace Theatre - ‘Let’s Talk To Barry’ about the changing face of suburban Britain, and ‘Let’s Get On With It’, an antidote to the recession.

In 2007 Barry was taken under the wing of Marcus Brigstocke, making regular appearances on his topical Late Edition comedy show for BBC4, and since June 2009, he has been a regular feature in the form of “lifestyle guru” on Steve Wright in the Afternoon, BBC Radio 2.

“An endearing, enduring creation” Chortle

JEFF INNOCENT

“It should be made law that every British Citizen must go and see Jeff Innocent. He’s that funny.” Evening Standard

JEFF INNOCENT will be making several Comedy Bunker appearances this season. He’s writing a new show called ‘Grey Matters’ and will be workshopping 15 minutes of new material each time he visits us.

Jeff is one of our favourite headliners and it’s a pleasure for us to be involved with this project.

As well as seeing the early stages of this show, regulars to the Comedy Bunker will get an unusual insight into the creative process which comedians undergo when developing their material.

From London’s East End, Canning Town, Jeff Innocent grew up the son of a real-life villain and could have chosen a career in the family firm. Instead he worked in the 70s as a window dresser in London’s fashionable Kings Road & Carnaby Street for a smart chain of boutiques and at night was moonlighting as a DJ popularizing Jamaican music. By the 80s, the retail industry had lost its charm and it was time for a new challenge. Jeff enrolled at University to study for a BA in Cultural Studies and stayed on to complete a MA in History & Philosophy, before finally answering his true calling 10 years ago and taking to stand-up.

Jeff is now very much part of the comedy gentry and widely acknowledge as one of the Uk’s top headlines acts and comperes. He has stormed comedy clubs all over the world including Singapore, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Dubai, Holland, Taiwan and more recently Japan.

Jeff’s many television credits as actor, stand-up and presenter include; Edinburgh Nights (BBC1), Gas (Ch4), I Love 1999 (BBC 1), Later with Jools Holland (BBC 2), The National Lottery Show (BBC1), The Stand Up Show (2 series for BBC 1), Take the Mike (ITV), Time Gentlemen Please (Sky), Real Eastenders (Ch4) and Brief Histories (BBC 3).

Jeff’s film credits include the role of a publican in ‘It Was an Accident’ and he played a prisoner in ‘Mean Machine’ alongside Vinnie Jones.

A prolific writer, Jeff has written for The Independent and The Scotsman and contributed to the book ‘Sit Down Comedy’ (published by Ebury Press). Jeff is currently researching a documentary for radio and working on several TV projects including a new sketch show for Sky 1.

“Clever, honest, funny, hugely likeable comedy.” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

“He commands the room, hits strong gags with confidence and style and has the audience bending to his every whim. In short, he’s one funny man - whatever the environment.” Chortle