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The world would be a more miserable place without
the unique gifts of the after dinner speakers and
the classic comedian. We at Yorkshire Entertainment
have access to a huge wealth of experienced professionals
with plenty to declare at the customs of good taste.
These professional entertainers perform in Yorkshire,
but also ply their trade throughout the whole of
the UK. Comedy styles vary tremendously from barking
mad ventriloquists, and irresistibly infectious
impressionists, through to musical comedy and masters
of the visual joke. Traditional stand-ups can be
as clean as a whistle, or a bunch of saucy lunatics
who've definitely 'lost their conkers'. After Dinner
Speakers are good for morale & can really put
your guests in the party mood.
Here is a list of our UK After Dinner
Speakers for hire. To ensure your audience dribbles
with happiness & gets that 'feel-good factor',
contact us to discuss the most appropriate speaker,
comedian or comedy style that is suitable for your
event. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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, he is a
great after dinner speaker. His observational and
chatty style of comedy 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. |
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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 the hugely
popular Television series "The Comedians"
and Sky's "Stand and Deliver" and he has
travelled all over the world entertaining, including
the Middle East; South Africa; Europe and the Caribbean.
A Yorkshire based comedian, he is a main corporate
speaker for all Manchester United home games. |
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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. This Yorkshire
after dinner speaker 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!)
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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. |
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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 comedian and 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
speakers circuit. |
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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. |
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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 best loved of all the comedians
in the country. He is 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! If you want a fantastic night
to remember then you should hire a Frank Carson’s
after dinner speakers comedy routine… “It’s
A Cracker” !! |
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Gary Marshall
Gary is a third generation Yorkshire comedian and
one of the new breed of younger, dynamic after dinner
speakers. Gar is the son of the late, great Jimmy
Marshall, who was one of the star performers on
the nationally reknowned Granada TV series '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 is the Sportsman's
after dinner circuit, where he is always brilliantly
received. Gary has spoken at most of the top football
clubs in the country. In 1999, he received the accolade
of Comedian of the Year.
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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.’ He is a topical comedian and
one of the most hilarious after dinner speakers
on the circuit today. |
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Jamie Sutherland
This Wigan based scouser will keep you amused with
tales, stories, gags, and all his own teeth. Since
launching himself into the world of comedy and after
dinner speakers, Jamie Sutherland 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 eight, up to eight 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. |
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Jim Bowen
Way back in the early 70's, Jim 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"). Jim has a cult following
due to the status of Bullseye and he's also very
popular with the student crowd. You can't have a
bad night with Jim Bowen. he's a master comedian
and after dinner speaker. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 one of
Yorkshire's top after dinner speakers for conference
functions. |
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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 and after
dinner speaker. 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. |
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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. |
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Marian Pashley
Marian is an established comedian on the UK comedy
circuit and one of the highly sought after women
after dinner speakers. 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. |
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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 as a stand up comedian in theatres,
pubs, clubs. At corporate events throughout Yorkshire
and the whole of the UK, Mark Rough is one of the
top after dinner speakers. His refreshing style
and 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. |
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Mike Lodge
Mike Lodge 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 and after dinner speaker 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. |
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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! |
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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 and the after dinner speakers
circuit. 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. |
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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 the after dinner speaker and
corporate cabaret 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. |
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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 Yorkshire and 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 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 speakers around today. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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