Duchess Theatre Stand Up Comedy Night
Join us for a night of absolute hilarity as 4 professional stand up comedians appear at the beautiful Duchess Theatre for one night only!
Let’s meet the acts:
Rob Rouse (Closer)
Rob Rouse is one of the country’s hottest comedians. His super-charged brand of humour, complete with his trademark cheeky banter, has helped him to become one of the fastest rising stars of stage and television.
Rob is fronting a new ‘talent showcase’ for BBC3 ‘Comedy Shuffle with Rob Rouse’ this spring and recently starred in Grown Ups, a new sitcom for BBC3, which has just been re-commissioned for a second series and Guilty Pleasures, a new chat show hosted by Rob.
In 2005 Rob was one of the presenters of The Friday Night Project, an entertainment show for Channel 4, with guest hosts ranging from Boy George to Brigitte Neilson. Rob also starred in Spoons, a Channel 4 Sketch show.
His other acting work includes a role in Tunnel of Love, a prime time comedy-drama for ITV and a staring role in the BBC3 sit-com The Bunk Bed Boys. Rob was also a member of the cast of The Pilot Show for E4.
Rob is also a popular TV panellist and has made appearances on 8 out of 10 Cats, and Bognor or Bust amongst others.
Rob first made his name on the live circuit, winning Channel 4′s prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? competition at the Edinburgh festival in 1998.
As part of the successful trio Big and Daft, Rob took three shows to the Edinburgh festival culminating in 2001 with the sell-out Big and daft Christmas show. Big and Daft went on to host their own weekend show on BBC London Live.
Rob’s 2002 solo Edinburgh show was a sell out, he received great critical acclaim.
The following year Rob returned to Edinburgh with another hit show. He finished the year with a performance at London’s Soho Theatre.
Throughout 2004 Rob continued touring his live show and performed the Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Rob is also a highly sort after warm up artiste. He has worked on a variety of shows including Q.I, The Paul O’Grady Show, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Vicar of Dibley and more.
“Immensely likeable, immaculately funny and thoroughly energetic” – The Sunday Times
Barry Dodds (MC)
Barry is an award-winning MC and comedian, and has won best MC at the Midlands Comedy Awards four consecutive times. He effortlessly charms audiences with his unique brand of disarming wit and wry, down to earth observational humour.
In 2015, Barry co-created The Parapod, a podcast debating the existence of the paranormal, explored hauntings and the unknown. Three series, over 3 million downloads, sold out live shows and specials later, The Parapod Movie was unleashed on the show’s many loyal fans hitting the Apple Movie Top Ten movie chart immediately and gathering much praise from both fans and critics alike. The Parapod movie is now available on Amazon Prime.
A talented storyteller, Barry is an assured act with regular bookings across the UK’s top comedy clubs including The Glee Club, Frog and Bucket, Manford’s and Hifi. Barry has recently been supporting Jason Manford on his Like Me tour and many other artists in the past including Jim Jefferies, Tape Face, Dan Nightingale, Hayley Ellis, Scott Bennett and Pete Firman. He has also performed at many festivals, including Kendal Calling, Download and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Barry also has a podcast with fellow comedian Hayley Ellis called The Worriers where they fight with their anxieties, fears, OCDs and general bad thinking.
Chris Brooker (Opener)
One of comedy’s heavy hitters, Chris Brooker’s infectious energy and enthusiasm sweeps through a room like an irresistible force. Chris’ combination of hilarious, original material and inspired improvisation means that you will never see the same routine twice. Immensely likeable, there’s no doubting his ability to win over any crowd and drag them along for the ride.
Described only half-accurately as comedy’s ginger viking, Chris has taken his brand of comedy and compering all over the UK as well to the US and Canada. In 2008 he made history when he became the first foreign player to be chosen for the All-Star team at the ComedySportz World Championship in Portland, Oregon. Currently in high demand as an MC due to his ability to energise a room and think on his feet, Chris is also a polished performer with three full length solo shows under his belt. The most recent of which, Unstoppable, played to glowing reviews on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Very funny, very quick… On the spot humour.” BBC
“A fitting finale, had the audience in stitches.” StudentOnline
“The best act of the night, his quick wit silencing hecklers and getting plenty of laughs.” Manchester Evening News
“The revelation of the night. Spot on.” Now Toronto
“A truly touching, inspiring and hilarious show that provided heart felt laughter and moved many in attendance to tears. Absolutely absorbing and thoroughly recommended.” The Oregonian on “Unstoppable”
Eddy Midgley (Middle)
Eddy Midgley’s quarter life crisis hit him like a shovel. Now, he attempts to find humour in his most chaotic stories and scrapes. As a self diagnosed hypochondriac, who spends a bit too much time in the pub, Eddy has knack for going off on personal over-sharing tangents, that will be sure to get the room bouncing from laugh to laugh.
“This cheerful and happy looking comic gave an engaging performance that everyone enjoyed. A fast moving set and he built up a lot of momentum. The makings of a formidable act and his energy fills the room.” NottsComedy Review
“A cheeky, wonderfully engaging delivery mixed with excellent writing and quick thinking. A future star.” Top Notch Comedy
Please be advised that our comedy line-ups are subject to change. Our talented comedians are in high demand and, on occasion, may need to cancel at short notice for television or radio recordings, among other reasons. Rest assured, we will always provide a replacement act of similar quality to ensure that our guests receive a great overall show experience.
While most of our guests come for the entire show, we understand that some may be travelling to see a particular comedian. If that’s the case, we recommend checking our website on the day of the show or joining our mailing list to receive the latest updates on any changes to the line-up. We’re committed to providing our guests with the best possible experience, and we thank you for your understanding.
This event is a 18+ event and may contain strong language.