After Dinner Speakers Yorkshire Comedy & Comedians

Andy Wilkins

Andy Wilkins is a breath of fresh air. He's a cheeky and hugely likeable lad who never goes beyond the boundary of good taste by resorting to smutty comedy. He is one of the few comedians that can make entire family generations howl with laughter. Andy graduated from the Yorkshire Working Mens Clubs and his extensive experience includes Summer Seasons for the Haven, Warner & Butlins Centres throughout the country. Andy is a brilliant support comic and has been a highly acclaimed addition to National Tours accompanying stars such as Cannon & Ball, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Marty Wilde, Rose-Marie, The Drifters, Showaddywaddy and Joe Longthorne, and in 2002 he appeared at the Blackpool Grand Clubland Performance. He is increasingly in demand for performances as an after dinner speaker and comedian at corporate events for large companies and associations, as well as private parties for birthday celebrations and anniversaries.

Bill Barclay

Edinburgh-based singer and comedian Bill Barclay has learned his trade over years of hard and extremely entertaining work. Bill is second-to-none with the comic's stock-in-trade "one-liner", and has compered many events drawing upon his immense fund of "cracks" as well as taking the stage in his own right to produce side-splitting responses world-wide. In the 1970s Bill Barclay toured with the big boys of rock. In 1974 he supported Rod Stewart on his British tour. He has supported Elton John and a Glasgow Apollo gig with Bill Haley. He was on the bill for three nights in London's Theatre Royal with Dusty Springfield. Bill Barclay is very well-known back home here in the UK where he has appeared in countless sports and music clubs, concerts, and festivals, and at special dinner functions for every conceivable organisation. Bill Barclay is in constant demand as an after dinner speaker and entertainer.

Bill Woolland

Bill has been through the "wringer of life” and come out the other side!! With bizarre experiences and a slant on life guaranteed to amuse. His observational and chatty style encourages audience interaction and allows for a spontaneous and natural delivery that compliments his excellent material. Quick witted, up to date and topical his humour appeals to all audiences with the ability to read a room and adapt he is quite simply very funny. Bill is a popular choice of comedian at corporate and private events or as an after dinner entertainer. Bill has entertained on cruise ships worldwide for Thomson and Ocean Village. Corporate Clients Include; Yorkshire Bank, Travis Perkins, Halifax Building Society, British Telecom, The R.A.F, Mercedes Benz.

Billy Bean

Billy Bean is a big man with a big sense of humour. He is noted and respected on the comedy circuit for his ability to read an audience and over the past 15 years he has become a big favourite on the After Dinner Comedian Circuit - covering everything from Corporate Events to Sportsman's Dinners. Billy has appeared alongside some of the biggest names in the business from Jack and Bobby Charlton, Frank Bruno to Gary Lineker and George Best. He starred on Granada Television's "The Comedians" and Sky's "stand and Deliver" and has travelled all over the world entertaining, including the Middle East; South Africa; Europe and the Caribbean. Yorkshire based, he is a main corporate speaker for all Manchester United home games.

Bobby Knutt

For over 30 years, Bobby has been respected as one of Britain's finest and funny comedians winning award after award for his hilarious "Let's look at life" style of humour. He made his TV debut in 1973 on The Comedians and his TV work includes programmes like Blankety Blank, Celebrity Squares, Seaside Special, Live At Her Majesty's and the Des O'Connor Show. He supported many of the World's Top Stars including Tom Jones, Jack Jones, Shirley Bassey, Englebert Humperdink and Tony Bennett. In 1976 he made his acting debut in Ken Loache's award winning Play For Today "The Price of Coal" and his TV roles include 3 years in Coronation Street as the garage owner Ron Sykes and the lovable rogue Albert Dingle in Yorkshire TV's Emmerdale. `Knutty' as he is affectionately known, is one of the few clean comedians left on the circuit, so he can be booked without fear of offending anyone (as long as they remain in their seats whilst he's on stage!)

Brendan Healey

"Brendan Healy is one of the best after dinner comedians." Brendan is a former member of the legendary rock band 'Lindisfarne'. He has a wealth of experience in theatre as well as TV most notably 'Razzmatazz' in the seventies. Brendan still works in television and has written over forty signature tunes to date. He still plays keyboards with John Miles and writes with Brian Johnson of 'AC/DC'. He was 'Eric' in 'Spender', appeared in 'Boon', 'Auf Weidersehen Pet', 'Crocodile Shoes' and 'Coronation Street'. Brendan has spent the last ten years as a successful comedian and after dinner speaker. He’s been invited to work all over the U.K. and abroad to give more and more audiences the chance to enjoy one of the funniest comedians on the planet.

Dave Adams

Dave Adams is a 'strong comic' and widely acknowledged as Britain's most original, adult comedian. He specialises in 'stag nights', 'military events' and 'mixed adult venues' where 'he always gives as good as he gets'. If you wish he will also run and organize the whole show for you and act as the compere for your event. He has a vast pool of comic knowledge and he is currently utilizing his invaluable experience tutoring would-be stand-up comedians in workshops throughout Britain. He is in huge demand as a highly topical comic, and his very up-to-date material has been very much appreciated on the after dinner circuit.

Dusty Young

Singer, songwriter, musician, actor, comedian and after dinner speaker. He started off as a big band musician in Ireland and is now one of the top Irish Comedy speakers in the world. His humour is gentle and clean and typically Irish. He also has a nice singing voice and plays Trombone and Penny Whistle, but not at the same time. Dusty was born in Dublin because he wanted to be near his mother. He is the youngest of 8 children, the neighbours didn't know if his father was a good catholic or a very sloppy protestant. Dusty is a match day host at Old Trafford for Manchester United and also travels all over the world and other places working on cruise liners. His comedy video and audio tapes are sold throughout the UK and worldwide.

Frank Carson

“It's the way he tells 'em!" … And, boy, can he tell 'em! Frank Carson is truly a comedy cut above the rest. Expert delivery unrelenting in his gags-per-minute ratio, this is a constant barrage of tall tales and short one-liners. Frank has become one of the most televised comedians in the UK, with appearances on a long list of top-rated shows, not least of which was the 1992 Royal Variety Performance. He has also received the compliment of being the subject of This Is Your Life - a programme which holds the record for the longest period of silence on record from a stunned Frank! Frank Carson’s comedy routine… “It’s A Cracker” !!

Gary Marshall

Gary is a third generation Yorkshire comedian, son of the late great Jimmy Marshall, of Granada TV’s 'The Comedians'. Gary has worked the length and breadth of the UK, as well as entertaining the troops in Germany, Holland, Dubai, Muscat and Cyprus. Gary’s favourite avenue of the business are Sportsman's Dinners. Gary has spoken at most of the top football clubs in the country. In 1999, he received the accolade of Comedian of the Year.

Greg Cook

‘Les Dawson of the 21st century’. A prolific writer of comedy, he has several hours of tested material to draw on, but reserves the right to dish up a blistering set drawn from this morning’s newspapers. Religion, politics, sport, terrorism, poetry, the police, philosophy, royalty and his long-suffering mum have all been given the Greg Cook treatment, since he began performing.
Greg’s after dinner comedy has been enjoyed by audiences throughout the UK. He abandoned a law degree after 2 years to devote more time to writing and performing comedy. ‘Law and comedy are essentially the same gig,’ says Greg, ‘telling lies for money. But this way I don’t have to wear a tie.’

Jamie Sutherland

This Wigan based scouser will keep you amused with tales, stories, gags, and all his own teeth.
Since launching himself into the comedy world, Jamie has established himself on the UK comedy circuit, and the more traditional setting of mainstream comedy. As a comedian he has the ability to adapt to suit any event, Jamie has played to audiences of four, up to four hundred. His act is enjoyed by many, and he is very well received playing to mixed rooms. For an audience who like a comic who is both modern, yet gag filled in his approach, then Jamie is your man. He is also a much sought after compere, and a popular choice for sportsmans dinners and corporate events. The mouth for all occasions Jamie Sutherland.

Jim Bowen

Way back in the early 70's, Bowen's appearances on The Comedians got him noticed and he is still one of the nicest guys you can find in showbiz, but also one of the wickedest wits. On Sunday evenings through the winter months, Bullseye stopped being a game-show and became an institution. Jim Bowen's droll delivery earned him cult status and in many peoples eyes he became a God amongst television gameshow presenters. Jim's style and popular catchphrases such as "super, smashing, great", "stay out of the black and into the red, nothing in this game for two in a bed", "you can't beat a bit of bully" and "look at what you could have won" spawned a large number of mickey-takes (not to mention the odd notable out-take on "It'll be Alright on the Night").

Jimmy Cricket

This star comic is a graduate of the holiday camps and the northern club and pub circuit where he developed his own individual and recognizable style. His first TV break came with his successful appearance on LWT's 'Search for a Star' second grand final in 1981. Since then he has appeared on numerous Radio and TV shows including starring roles in 4 series of 'And There's More' for Central Television, ITV's Royal Gala Show 'Night Of A Hundred Stars' from the National Theatre, and 5 series of 'Jimmy's Cricket Team' for BBC Radio 2. He also has 2 successful books to his name. He never resorts to smutty comedy and he is one of the few comedians that can make all generations of one family howl with laughter.

Jo Jo Sutherland

"Far funnier than anyone has the right to expect" Edinburgh Evening News. Since bursting onto the scene, Jo Jo has climbed the comedy ladder at an alarming pace. She regularly plays at comedy clubs across the UK and is in great demand for corporate events. Her "healthy neglect" approach to parenting forms the backbone to her comedy material interspersed with everyday grievances and motherly advice. Jo Jo was a finalist in the inaugural Funny Women Comedy Awards and was part of two world record breaking events - Stand Up 150 and One Big Laugh.

Joey Howard

Not just a stand up comedian, but an entertainer who works non-stop, performing visual routines, zany sketches, impressions and a nice line in patter. Joey served his apprenticeship on the Yorkshire Clubland circuit and his success brought him many rewards including 'Comedian of the Year' and the 'Blackpool Command Performance'. He has worked abroad for Thompson's Holidays in Greece, Portugal, Minorca, Ibiza and the Costa Del Sol. Numerous corporate companies have requested the services of Joey over the years as a performer, as well as writing comedy and performing sales videos for MFI, the Rover Group, Barrett Houses, Hygena and Dixon Motors. He is the perfect comedian for black tie dinners and conferences.

Johnnie Casson

Johnnie Casson is a legend amongst comedians the length & breadth of the UK. Johnnie has a unique comedy style using clever material and his own personality, he’s dynamic and genuinely funny. He started in showbiz as a drummer with one of the UK’s favourite comedy show groups “The Cresters”. As the lead comic role with the band he was perfectly suited giving him the launch pad to his now highly successful career as a stand up comic. With the band he toured with The Beatles and found success on many television shows such as “Cliff Richard & Friends”. As soon as you meet Johnnie Casson you realise he not only tells funny stories, based on real life situations, he is a genuine funny man with a natural asset, “like-ability”. If you need a master of his craft, who also happens to be a television celebrity, then the hilarious Johnnie Casson will give your event a night to remember.

Keith Harris & Orville

His recent appearance on BBC’s “Louis Therioux meets...”, reminded us that he is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most inventive and talented performers with his instantly recognisable creations, Orville and Cuddles. He has starred in every major theatre in the UK, including two seasons at the World famous London Palladium. He starred in his own BBC TV shows from 1982 to 1993 and has a new show planned for Channel 4. He appeared in 5 Royal Command Performances and was honoured to perform for Prince William’s 3rd Birthday Party at Highgrove and Prince Harry’s 3rd Birthday at Kensington Palace. He now has a hugely successful adult show (“Duck Off”), which is not for the easily offended. You’ve grown up with them, now see them as you've never seen them before - in their maturity! This act could seriously damage your childhood memories.

Marian Pashley

Marian is an established comedian on the UK comedy circuit. Marian’s observation of everyday life is refreshingly funny an ideal for after dinner comedy entertainment. With her stories of growing up and coping with adulthood she tells hilarious stories which any age will associate with. This is good fun comedy at it’s best and such a change to find someone of the fairer sex with a terrific sense of humour. Marian’s TV acting career includes appearances in “My Family” on BBC 1 with Robert Lindsay & Zoë Wanamaker. And with Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha in “Absolutely Fabulous” also on BBC 1.

Mark Rough

Mark Rough has come a long way in his successful career as a Professional Comedian. From his initial success on the UK comedy circuit, he is now at the forefront of mainstream comedy.Mark is a popular choice to entertain in theatres, pubs, clubs and at corporate events throughout the UK. His refreshing style and 100% original material is taking the mainstream cabaret world by storm and he has a real ability to reach out and communicate with his audience. Mark was booked through Yorkshire Entertainment to host the 2005 Edinburgh Beer Festival. On each evening he successfully entertained a capacity audience of 500 guests.

Mike Lodge

Mike has been performing since the tender age of 9 and is one of the most experienced entertainers you could possibly meet. He is not only a hilarious comedian but has a fabulous singing voice and he performs incredible portrayals of Elvis, Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Boy George, Gary Glitter, Sammy Davis Jr, and Liza Minnelli. He won the Eileen Frank Award for the “Top All Round Entertainer for the East Coast”. Yorkshire based but he regularly appears in Blackpool, including several guest spots at the “Talk of the Coast”, one of the country’s top cabaret venues, which regularly features many star entertainers. Mike is a stunning host and his vocal and comedic talents have successfully supported many stars including Tommy Cooper, Ken Dodd, Paul Daniels, Russ Abbott, Cannon and Ball, Joe Longthorne, Roy Walker, Duggie Brown, and Brian Conley

Mr. Methane

Mr Methane is the world's only performing "Flatulist". This amazing man possesses the rare ability of "singing" from both ends, putting the "art into fart". Rock, pop, and classical selections are included in his musical repertoire which, combined with his stunning visual display of candle snuffing, talc blowing, and the incredible dart farting, guarantees uncontrollable laughter from his audience. His hilarious act appeals to all of society from children to royalty, barristers to builders, and students, mums and dads. Mr Methane says, "Farting is the first thing we laugh at in life and probably the only thing we can always laugh at. Mr Methane will blow you away". This is one of the most unusual and hilarious acts you will ever see (and hear!). Warning: Anyone attempting to copy Mr Methane should do so in a well ventilated room!

Oliver

Oliver has more than 30 years of entertainment under his comedy belt, Oliver started out working as a singer in Ibiza, before returning to the UK. Still singing, Oliver was spotted by a record producer, whereupon he was asked to record a few records in Germany. The result, three hit records, one of which went to number one! Not content with world fame, Oliver returned to the UK once more and decided to try his hand at comedy. An instant success, he picked up 2 Awards in 1994 and 1995 as best comedian, and followed this up with release of the video, “The Best of Today’s Comedians.” A native of the North East, Oliver’s show is a combination of stand up comedy, zany impressions and daft humour. Nothing smutty nor offensive. Yorkshire Entertainment’s Oliver will bring hysteria to any party or function.

Paul Zenon

The UK's leading comedy magician with dozens of TV credits to his name. In 1999 the Channel 4 Easter special, 'Turning Tricks' received rave reviews, and 'Paul Zenon's Tricky Christmas' was Channel 4's highest rating entertainment show of the holiday season. He has performed at major theatres around Britain as part of the Comedy Store National Tour. He has specialised in corporate entertainment for 15 years, presenting and performing at conferences and events worldwide. Recent highlights include an appearance at the Formula One Grand Prix in Barcelona, a show for the Ford Motor Company in Las Vegas, and numerous successful TV appearances. His client list is littered with Blue Chip companies and his style and material is fresh, original and contemporary One of his major strengths is his ability to gauge an audience and adapt accordingly.

Phil Walker

Comedy Clubs to corporate events award winning Phil is the comedian for all occasions. Phil started his career on the tough holiday park circuit working around the UK for the likes of Butlins & Pontins & abroad for Airtours & Thomson. Phil was voted City Life Comedian of the year, previous winners include Peter Kay & Steve Coogan. As well as performing his stand-up comedy Phil also works as a voice over artiste. Phil has also appeared in Pantomime after being asked to star as Buttons in Cinderella on Ice at in Blackburn. His great act, along with his warm personality charm (& great looks!) has made Phil one of the most sought after comics and after dinner entertainers around today.

Roger De Courcey

Roger is the master of his craft with after dinner entertainment especially for corporate functions.
He prides himself on his topical awareness as well as a personal approach for clients and their delegates. He is also brilliant at tailoring his act to suit the occasion and the audience. Although he’s best known for his ventriloquism, he saves the appearance of the bear until the very last part of his routine, in other words it’s not just Nookie Bear all night! Roger DeCourcey has established himself as one of the UK’s leading entertainers. He has appeared several times at the London Palladium, including a Royal Command Performance, and has starred in theatres and night clubs throughout the UK including summer seasons and pantomimes. "Nookie Bear" first delighted viewers in the TV Series "New Faces" from which Roger went on to win the 1976 Grand Final. Roger continues to enjoy outstanding success in all spheres of the entertainment industry and is very much in demand travelling around the UK and worldwide to functions both as a cabaret artist, and after-dinner comedy speaker.

Roy Walker

Roy is one of the UK’s best known comedians. Instantly remembered for his top TV game show, “Catchphrase”. Now he has a whole new fan base through his regular ‘Carpark Catchphrase’ feature on Chris Moyles’ BBC Radio 1 breakfast show. In 1977 he came to national prominence through TV’s ‘New Faces’, receiving the highest marks ever given to a comedian. Ten years later he became host of ‘Catchphrase’ and since then there’s been no looking back for this genius comedian. He was the subject of ‘This Is Your Life’ in 1998; appeared in the hit series ‘Phoenix Nights’ and became a popular member of Living TV’s “I’m Famous and Frightened” cult TV show. He regularly headlines concerts, theatre and cabaret engagements both home and abroad and is regarded as one of the UK’s finest after dinner speaker and comedian.

Spanner in the Works - Comedy Waiters

If you're entertaining guests, then Spanner in the Works is the perfect alternative. The performers infiltrate and work alongside genuine waiters and waitresses, giving your guests an unforgettable evening of unique comedy and music. From pre-dinner drinks, through to coffee, your unsuspecting guests will witness a whole host of amusing and unusual capers. Watch with delight as unlikely canapés are nibbled, guests search in vain for the waitress's lost contact lens, and whilst a waiter takes a sneaky swig from a hidden bottle of wine. Can that maintenance man really be changing a light bulb over the top table? This deliciously mischievous atmosphere is enhanced by a suitably warped selection of background music. If requested, specific guests can be targeted, using inside information supplied by the organisers.

Steve Tandy

Steve is in great demand as an after dinner speaker, mainly due to his ability to tailor his marvellous material to suit the audience. In 1995 his prominent role in the television impressionists show 'Who Do You Do?' was the springboard to his popularity, and his ability to brilliantly impersonate a whole host of well known characters gives your audience a different type of speaker from the normal stand-up style. He mixes his humorous showbiz stories with irrepressible impressions of everyone from popular television stars to sporting spitting images. He has a wealth of experience, and his speeches are popular as far afield as Singapore, Germany & Monte Carlo, as well as the House of Lords. He will gladly present the prizes at Company, Sporting & Corporate events with a truly light-hearted delivery.

Steve Womack

Steve Womack is one of the country’s finest entertainers, the bulk of his work being in the corporate market. Yorkshire born Steve has the ability to turn mundane into the hilarious. In 1988 he was voted winning comedian in Central TV’s New Faces Grand Final. His humour is sharp, fresh and without being the slightest bit bland and is unlikely to offend. His work has taken him around the UK and world and back again. He is one of the most original comedians and after dinner speakers to come out of Yorkshire.