Friargate's own comedy club is back for 2025! Featuring the best comedians from across the circuit! Hosted by our own Tony Vino! Joining Tony in May are Mitch Benn Mitch Benn is not only one of the most sought-after acts on the comedy circuit but is widely acknowledged as one of the best writer/performers of comic songs in the country. Mitch began his comedy career in Edinburgh in 1994. He moved to London in 1996 and quickly established himself as a comedy club "headliner" as well as a favourite on the university circuit. Mitch is a regular writer and performer on "The Now Show" for BBC Radio 4 and "It's Been a Bad Week" for BBC Radio 2. Three series of his successful Radio 4 show, "Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music" have been broadcast so far. He also presents "The Mitch Benn Music Show" on BBC Radio 7. "Although the UK has a fine tradition in producing top- notch musical comedians, we have recently been left in the dust by the arrival of acts like Tim Minchin and Tenacious D, two acts who have found international stardom holding a tune as well as splitting their audiences sides. This is where Mitch Benn comes in. Not exactly a new name on the comedy circuit, Benn has spent the last few years quietly composing some of the best rib-ticklers youll ever hear." Tom Goodwyn, Oxford Times Paul Tonkinson HILARIOUS; NOBODY MAKES ME LAUGH LIKE PAUL TONKINSON. SIMPLY ONE OF THE GREATEST COMICS AROUND. GO SEE HIM! Michael McIntyre A sensational live performer, Yorkshire man, marathon runner and former (double award-winning) Time Out Comedian of the Year, Paul Tonkinson has long upheld his esteemed reputation as one of the finest stand-ups the UK has to offer. With a unique and distinctive style, Tonkinson is noted for his effervescent physicality and skillful impressions, which bring alive exuberant, tender comic reflections on love, family and the day-to-day idiosyncrasies of 21st century living. A plethora of first class material, combined with tremendous charm and irrepressible, infectious energy make for quite a formidable talent. After many years of storming the circuit, and much badgering from fellow professionals, he took to the road in 2012 with his eagerly anticipated debut tour: Paul Tonkinson; Fancy Man. The tour took in 50 dates across the UK, and gave audiences the opportunity to experience the full Tonkinson phenomena in all its glory. Following his solo tour, he was given the opportunity to play to a wider audience, joining the mighty Michael McIntyre as a special guest on live shows around the UK. In 2013 he had the honour of joining Michael as a special guest on his global arena tour; playing to millions across the globe, as far and wide as Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Closer to home, Paul joined Michael again in 2015 as his special guest on the Happy & Glorious Tour; playing to sold-out crowds in in arenas across the UK. On TV, hes most recently performed on BBC Ones Michael Mcintyres Comedy Roadshow and Comedy Centrals The Comedy Store and The World Stands-up. He was recently a contestant on Ch. 4`s hit show Celebrity Come Dine With Me, proving hes not just a dazzling stand-up talent, but a whizz in the kitchen, scooping first place to win the cash prize for charity. Back in the day, when he was a mere whippersnapper he had a stint presenting Ch. 4s The Big Breakfast and he has also presented radio shows on XFM in London and Manchester. He has recently worked as a Programme Associate on BBC Ones Michael McIntyre Chat Show. His first love remains stand-up, and Tonkinson remains in great demand in the UK and across the globe, performing at all the major international comedy festivals including the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs festival where he hosted the esteemed Britcom Gala. Confirming his status as an invincible and highly versatile performer, he is also a regular entertainer for the UK Armed Forces, and has performed in Afghanistan and Iraq; playing to 2,500 troops in 45 degree heat in the middle of the desert. EXCELLENT...EXTREMELY TALENTED...BRILLIANT Time Out CHARISMATIC, COMBINES THE VISUAL TRICKERY OF A LEE EVANS WITH THE IMPROVISATIONAL SKILLS OF PAUL MERTON. BRILLIANT CHARACTERISATIONS, HIS FACE, A WONDER OF CONTORTION Independent MASTER AT WORKING A CROWD, INFECTIOUS VIBRANCY, LIGHTNING-FAST COMIC MIND, WARMHEARTED, EFFORTLESSLY LIKEABLE Chortle