The Horse & Plough Comedy Night

The Horse & Plough is host to our next brilliant comedy night on the 3rd October 2024 !

Check out this astonishing line up:

Ian Whitcombe (MC)

Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Taskmaster and Britain’s Got Talent are just a few of the programmes Ian’ has never appeared on. The list is literally endless!

Groan-inducing puns, sparkling one-liners and stories about where doctors like to put their fingers mean that this act is a must-see.

Ian’s one-liners are well thought out, clever and genuinely laugh out loud’ – Oli Clarke, Toolmakers Comedy Club

Ian has a natural & likeable stage presence with good pacing and nice jokes’ – Greg Phillips – Laffa Cake Comedy

Freddie Farrell (Headliner)

Freddie Farrell started his stand-up career in late 2010.

Birmingham based Freddie has a short storytelling style that brings you in to hang of his every word, he has a unique take on everyday life but with an added twist.

Within the first year of comedy he had shared bills with the likes of Sarah Millican, Chris Ramsey, Tom Stade & Phil Nichol to name but a few.

Freddie performs at such iconic venues such as the Glee Club, The Stand, Jongleurs, Highlight, Comedy Store.

He even had a 4 star review from Three Weeks for his first full run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

As you can see Freddie has gigged all over the UK in rooms ranging from just the toilet attendant right up to 500 people waiting to laugh, fortunately they usually do.

Freddie also has a very popular Podcast called ‘Going In Blind’. Subscribe & check it out on iTunes!

Competitions/Awards-

Loaded Laftas Finalist 2013
WMCF Breakthrough Act 2012
WMCF Best Newcomer 2011

“**** Very funny & likeable!” – Three Weeks
“Freddie Farrell is a charming funny man… one to watch for sure” – Joe Lycett
“A natural, genuinely funny” – Josephine Enright
“Gave the audience the most laughs!” – Stourbridge News

Benny Shakes (Opener)

“Benny Shakes is a powerhouse of ‘funny’ built on a foundation of clever joke writing, from the daily struggles of living with a disability to his observations on red neck life. Benny is a relatable and affable comic who ‘raises the roof’ every time.” – Anthony Williams, Rocks Central Promotions

Winner of the ND review Disabled Champions Award 2023, Benny is a formidable stand up who has progressed to pro bills in less than 3 years. He was recently Nominated for the Neurodiverse Representation Award 2022 at the Edinburgh Fringe. He is a regular Just the Tonic; Manfords and
has recently performed his first paid spot at Glee.

“Benny is sharp, funny and fearless.” Karen Bayley

In 2021 Benny was awarded over £10,000 Arts Council Funding for 8 very special episodes of his online show Benny Shakes Things Up. Interviewing 8-star guests from stage, screen and radio and supported by New Art Exchange Nottingham and produced by Ingenious Fools, these interviews will be transcribed to form a basis of research into the challenges faced by disabled people in the arts industries and the positive ways they have overcome these. This project aims to encourage early career disabled artists to meet likeminded people and find out more about the industry. A highlight of the project was an in depth interview with his hero and BGT winner Lost Voice Guy.

Below the Belt is Benny’s game show – coined a “disability Taskmaster”. The show launched on on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, from January 2021 and is now touring live venues.

Benny also hosts the online show ‘2 Crips One Cam’ show with co-host Mark Burkwood.

Matthew Hollins (Middle)

Matt Hollins is a UK-based comedian who has been performing professionally since 2003. His style is characterized by:

Dry, deadpan delivery
Offbeat material with unexpected punchlines
An awkward stage presence that enhances his act

Career highlights:

Won Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 2004
Performed solo shows at Leicester Comedy Festival for 5 consecutive years
Invited to perform at “The Best of Daves Leicester Comedy Festival Show” in 2013
Semi-finalist in BBC New Act 2005
Finalist in Old Comedian of the Year 2015

He has performed at numerous venues and events across the UK, including major comedy clubs, festivals, and theaters. His performances have ranged from intimate clubs to large venues like De Montfort Hall with a capacity of 1800.

Liz Johnson (AKA Slightly Psychic Cynthia (Middle)

Liz is very new to the stand-up comedy world. She did an 8-week comedy course in September/October 2023, ending with her first performance to 200 people. She is now continuing her journey with local groups doing stand-up. Her comedy is character-based as she uses puppets.

She likes to challenge the idea that puppets are for children with characters that are rude and sweary, trust me you don’t want little Johnny to watch Slightly Psychic Cynthia doing a tarot reading!

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 an 18+ event and may contain strong language.