The Comedy Defect

Lee Hudson (Comedian)

Lee has been performing standup for four years. He was a semi finalist in the 2018 ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ competition and a finalist in the 2019 Roast Battle UK tournament. His dry mix of self deprecation, observational humour and storytelling has seen him perform at top clubs both across the UK and internationally. In the US he has appeared on the Comedy Central and All Things Comedy podcast networks.

Aaron Levene (Comedian & Actor)

Aaron Levene is a likable Buddhist Jew comedian with darkly funny tales of neurosis and family, mixed with observational/self-deprecating material. Now regularly opening paid 20s, Aaron has performed over 600 gigs including runs every year at the Edinburgh Fringe since 2014. Two-handers with Philip Simon, Andy Zapp and Si Deaves (Brighton) led to a 2017 sell-out run at The Camden Fringe, "Jew-O-Rama."  This mixed bill of the best Jewish comedians in the country has since received 4-star reviews (with Aaron being called the highlight of the show) and will return to the Ed Fringe in 2019.

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For five years Aaron has worked his way up through the comedy circuit, now performing paid 20-minute sets in professional clubs around the country as well as Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris. Praised for his likeability, honesty, and joke telling, Aaron uses his strange but true-life story, transforming it into comedy.

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" The woefully self-deprecating comic Aaron Levene was next. He was the highlight of the set, letting the audience into his love life. The Uncle Fester lookalike confessed to struggling in the dating world, being more into M&Ms than S&M, and provided the best one-liner of the afternoon; there’s orange Jews and lemon Jews, some people find them a little Hassidic. " **** Jewish Chronicle

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"Acidic Wit" **** Edinburgh Reporter

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Aaron is a pro - with very funny expertly crafted material coupled with an endearing and engaging performance. We have consistently booked Aaron for 20-minute spots and look forward to having him on future bills. - Ric Wharton Comedy Knights

Jonathan Mayor (Comedian)

Jonathan Mayor is a huge cult figure in comedy. When Jonathan arrives on stage, with his savage and truly hilarious wit, its showtime!

He is one of the most requested MCs by many venues – including as resident compere at Manchester’s Frog and Bucket, where the list has included Johnny Vegas, Peter Kay, Dave Spikey and Steve Coogan. It also explains the huge variety of work he is asked to do across the country, including burlesque shows, cabaret nights, Pride festivals, biker festivals, corporate occasions, street theatre, gourmet nights at some of Manchester’s top restaurants, balls, weddings, civil partnerships, birthday parties and poetry nights. Presenting experience includes The North West Comedy Awards 2006 alongside Bradley Walsh and in 2007 alongside Dave Spikey.

He was Sarah Millican’s go-to host and support act, MC’ing her new material nights Sarah Millican and Friends and performing as warm-up man for her television series The Sarah Millican Television Show.

He has also appeared regularly for Manchester Pride, Europride, Glasgay Arts Festival, Homotopia Arts Festival, Queer Up North and Manchester/Leicester Comedy Festivals. He also hosts the annual Great British Bear Bash, Manchester Pride Games Dinner and has hosted a number of sporting events at Manchester Pride Games and the Gay Rugby World Cup (the Bingham Cup).

Calum Ross (Comedian)

‘Host of Roast Battle U.K. Calum is a regular on the London Comedy Circuit’

@calumcomedy

Charmaine Davies (Actress & Comedian)

Charmaine Davies has not only supported Jo Brand in London's West End, but has performed stand-up and MC'd at countless comedy venues and events. Her unique charm and sense of humour have kept audiences laughing on both sides of the Atlantic. Charmaine is currently the resident MC at the cult comedy night, 'Funny Fursdays' at The Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton

When working in the USA Charmaine appeared in 'Cheaters' (The Really Channel), and with Gary Coleman in the film 'Midgets and Mascots'. She also featured in several infomercials in the USA, and a commercial for Always Ultra transmitted in the USA, Canada, Russia, and the UK. Since returning to Britain, Charmaine has performed on 'Sing Date' (Sky TV Living), and starred in 'Funny Fursdays - A Mockumentary' (Latest TV). She also appears in the feature film 'Surprise', directed by Peter Hewitt.

Charmaine has worked as a presenter on Adur FM and Sauce FM And she can currently be heard on the Saturday Morning Breakfast show on Trickstar F

Johnny Kats (Comedian)

A talented and energetic performer with an arsenal of impersonations, Johnny Kats is a dynamic Stand Up comedian. For over five years, this comedian and NOVA 100 presenter has been making audiences laugh all over Australia and the world.

Johnny is currently co-host of the fast paced, top rating, irreverent and hilarious NOVA night show (DMG radio) with Johnny and Jody (7pm-10pm Weeknights) broadcast throughout Melbourne.

On the Stand Up comedy scene, Johnny has had sold out shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He has won several Stand up comedy competitions including the Anglers Tavern “Angling for a Laugh” hosted by Russell Gilbert and first prize in the same year in the Comics Lounge “So you think your funny” (2004).

In 2004 Johnny Kats travelled to New York City to perform his unique brand of comedy at some of the most popular comedy clubs and attended a five-week workshop at the American Comedy Institute.

Johnny Kats was Co-Host with Dave Hughes for “Make poverty History” at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl (2006). Johnny is also a regular ‘fill in’ for the NOVA breakfast show ‘Hughsey and Kate’, when the team are on holidays.

Johnny was also a support act for American Comedian Dave Chappelle at the Boston Comedy Club in New York City (2004).

“”¦the frontrunner is Kats for his original style”¦.big laughs.” The Age Newspaper (2002)

Joe Jacobs (Jester Jacobs) Comedian/Rapper

Joe Jacobs is a London based comedian, rapper and writer. His live shows effortlessly flit between hip hop and comedy and he’s been seen/heard on Channel 4, BBC Radio 4, BBC 6 Music, Radio 1XTRA, plus gained millions of viral video views online. 

On the live circuit, he’s a regular at The Comedy Store, Top Secret, Glee, Up The Creek, Backyard Comedy Club, Covent Garden Comedy Club, Knock2Bag, Downstairs At The Kings Head, Banana Cabaret, The Distraction Club and many others.

He has provided tour support for acts such as Jamali Maddix, Dane Baptiste and even opened for Bill Burr at The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

In 2017, Joe took Ripe to the Edinburgh Fringe where it received critical acclaim. In 2019, he returned with Grimefulness.

His TV work includes Harry Hill’s ClubNite on Channel 4, Nazi Pug: Joke or Hate on BBC3, plus his viral rap track I’m Dog was featured on E4’s Rudetube. 

Joe’s first foray into radio was with Hip Hop’s Laughing Stock on BBC Sounds in September 2020. This show was soon added to BBC’s Seriously podcast, showcasing the best documentaries from the BBC worldwide.

In addition to stand up, as solo artist Jester Jacobs, he’s put out music since his debut Mental Disorder in 2008. Since then, he has had regular releases with performances nationally and internationally.

Aaron Hood (Comedian)

Stand up comedian based in Norwich with a few years experience doing 10-20 minute spots deals with observational, dark or political material.

Also runs an excellent night The Hoodenanny for Charity in Norwich.

Instagram @theoldboar 

Jay Handley (Comedian)

Jay Handley used to make beautiful sculpted oak furniture before fucking it all off to become a comedian instead. A decision that has been financially catastrophic.

That said he does get to perform all over the country at some of its very best venues. These include The Glee Club, Jongleurs, The Stand, The Comedy Store & Baby Blue.

Clearly, what he has lost financially he has gained artistically.

He has also twice been a finalist/bridesmaid in the Birmingham New Act of the Year Awards as well as appearing in the semi-finals of the LOADED Laftas and the Final of the Levity Festival Act of the Year.

Alas, he has won nothing... nothing at all. 

But what he has lost in potential accolades he has gained in a zen-like acceptance of his place in the world. 

He is a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe and has performed 4 solo shows. "Free Comic" &  "Free Comic Vol 2", the cretinously titled "You Want the Truth? You Can't Handley the Truth" and his favourite... "Hansplaining". He will be returning in 2018 with his new favourite show "White Jesus"

Over the years some people have formed opinions of Jay Handley. Some even worthy of being published on blog-based review sites! 

'There are moments here that can go toe to toe with some of the funniest stand up skits I've seen' - EdFringeReview.com

'A top class comic with a great mix of material...his gags are imaginative, polished and proper proper funny' - 4GoodComedians

'Absolutely brilliant!' - Artificial Light

'A highly funny act' - Comedy Sheep

Joe Foster (Comedian)

Joe Foster is a stand up comedian from Brighton who has been on the UK circuit 7 years. His dry wit and likeable persona established him as a firm favourite with audience and promoters alike. In 2015 Joe won the Fosters South Coast Comedian Of The Year Competition which cemented his reputation as one of the fresh new voices on UK comedy circuit.

(Winner of Foster's South Coast Comedian of the Year 2015)

** (ThreeWeeks)

"He tells them well, with an off-hand wit" (Chortle)

"Tightly written and very funny material" (Latest 7)

"Reassuringly Confident" The List