Showcasing underrepresented working-class comedy voices. Sponsored by Spam, chippy teas, waste grounds, hanging around, knock-off trainers, a fella your dad knows, weed, the unions, crap schools, bunking off, electric meters, Brixton, Toxteth, Grenfell, hand-me-down clothes, caravans, the back of a lorry, failed MOTs, failed GCSEs, bus stops, payday loans, bacon, pubs, pints, tobacco, Margaret f*cking Thatcher, Cash Converters, Universal Credit, zero-hour contracts, jam butties, gravy, pyjamas, broken glass, broken homes, playing out, white lightning, E, backyards, slums, dying young, the NHS, tired dads, fierce mums and empowerment. A crowd-funded profit-share, as it should be.
The 2019 Best in Class line up features:
William Stone
Stuck somewhere between reality and dreams, offering glimpses into his world through whimsical one-liners and oblique observations.
BBC New Comedy Award Finalist 2018. Leicester Square Theatre new act of the year finalist 2018.
"William Stone cracks me up, he's got some belting gags that I wish I'd thought of. Highly recommended" Angela Barnes (Radio4 Newsjack, Live at the Apollo)
"excellent writer of quirky one-liners" Steve Bennett, Chortle.
Jordan Gray
Jordan wrote and co-starred in the award-winning Tall Dark Friend webcom and her 2018 show “People Change” was met with critical acclaim. She hosts a weekly radio show on Phoenix 98FM and writes a monthly column for Diva Magazine.
Panic Awards Comedian of the Year (2018)
Colchester New Comedian of the Year (2017)
DIVA 100 Most influential Les/Bi/Trans Women in the UK (2018)
“Hilarious!” Jim Norton
“She’s amazing!” Boy George
“Open, honest, creative genius.” Scroobius Pip
Fran Garrity
Fran has been making waves on the comedy circuit for some time now. As well as headlining a showcase for BBC Radio comedy series 'It's Grin up North' he also has writing credits on the show. His tour shows ‘Secret Agent Fran’ and ‘Faith, Hope and Garrity’ both enjoyed sell out runs. Fran has also provided tour support for Jason Manford.
“Gritty and punchy, backed up with a keenness in observation and a good turn-of-phrase.” (The Stand, Newcastle)
"Fran Garrity has an easy and instant rapport with the audience and not only gets frequent laughs but also they are always big laughs" (Agraman, Buzz Comedy)
Hannah Platt
Hannah Platt has a frank, acerbic and brutally honest approach to stand up, never shying away from sensitive topics.
‘Dark, damaged and hilarious’, Josie Long
‘Voice of a new generation’, The Skinny
‘Liverpudlian Daria’, Ents24
Wilson Milton
Wilson is the cheeky chappie from a council estate in south london. with sharp observations, curveball one liners and pin point accents, he is sure to please any audience.
"Smart, charismatic and a huge hit with audiences, Wilson is fast becoming a great name to watch out for" - David Geli, Up The Creek
Kimi Loughton
Dirty stories delivered with a uniquely infectious energy, Kimi is one of the fastest rising stars in Scottish comedy. Bold brash, brave and busy, Kimi brings plenty of laughs while leaving you pondering about your own views.
“Promising young stand- up... Kimi Loughton is confident & engaging” Fringe Monkey
Ash Preston
Ash has been on the circuit for over two years. He has performed all over the country with his eccentric storytelling and high energy stage persona. Once described as a 'friendly misanthrope.' Fiercely proud of his working class upbringing and underdog mentality... He also resembles several murderers
Charlie George
Charlie is a former circus performer and dancer, she came to comedy to find her voice. Turns out her voice is a lot like an 18th century white man’s trapped inside the body of a queer brown lady, so, that should be comfortable then…
Pride's Got Talent Finalist 2018. Leicester Square New Comedian Award finalist 2018
"Charlie George has an elegantly calm and collected demeanour, wry observations and her situation and background are interesting." - Steve Bennett, Chortle.
Hosted by commander and chief Sian Davies
Liverpool based comedian with a passion for social justice and equality. Often hindered by her dog, who is too posh for his own good and would probably vote Tory if given half the chance.
Recipient of The Hive Mentorship Award 2019
Hilarity Bites New Act Winner 2018
Finalist Nando's New Comedian and Harrogate New Comedian 2017
“Excellent compere” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman
“Sharp and focused… fantastic ability as a comedian and compere” **** Backstage on the Fringe
“Perfect timing and audience engagement. A confident performer with an appetite for politics and challenging the status quo” Lynne Parker, Funny Women.