PHIL Clifton
In 2009 Phil moved to London and submitted a demo to radio station Xfm, where he was given his first presenting gig, hosting the Early Breakfast Show across the network. After just a few short months he was nominated for the prestigious Sony Rising Star Award and quickly promoted to the Weekend Breakfast slot. During his time at Xfm, Phil also produced shows for the likes of Danny Wallace, Rick Edwards and Dave Berry while providing presenting cover for various slots across the schedule.
He was quickly picked up by MTV to host their chart content and present across MTV programming. His regular gig, The Official Rock Chart, became a constant ratings smash and Phil continues hosting various shows across the MTV Europe Network.
In the summer of 2010 Phil hosted the ‘Backstage Show’ for Channel 5’s Don’t Stop Believing and by September was asked to join the presenting team for Channel 4’s popular morning music show Freshly Squeezed, together with Jameela Jamil, Matt Edmondson and Georgie Okell.
This year Phil featured in the Red Pages’ Hot 100 to Look Out For list which predicts the up and coming names in the world of fashion, music, TV, film, politics, sport and society.
Along with presenting, and his background in producing, Phil DJ’s regularly and is repeatedly booked to hosts live events. His talents do not end there and he has been known to write for the productions he has worked on and is honing his acting skills in his spare time.
Phil has just been annouced as the host of all of the online and radio content for this years BRIT awards. Phil will also be bringing us all the gossip back stage at this years L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2012, we can’t wait!
JAMIE Howard
My name is Jamie Howard and I am 24 Years of age (at the time of writing) I have been doing stand up comedy for 3 years. I have appeared on 1xtra with Tim Westwood, Sarah-Jane Crawford and Twin B and I was a Semi-Finalist in FHM’s ‘New Stand-Up of The Year’ competition (whoop whoop). I have since gone on to form a tight bond with ‘Highlights’ Comedy Chain and ‘Jongleurs’ performing in their venues up and down the country. I run and host my own monthly comedy show in London called Laughing Boy. (www.laughing-boy.com)
I have worked ‘Coming of Age’ and ‘The Jason Lewis Experience’ for BBC3, as well as being in a new feature film called ‘The Kid’ and have just finished working with Kswiss to present their new show ‘Gonzo Fit’.... Where some fit men (Men that work out, not phwaarrr, fit men) teach me tips and tricks on how to get fit, and beat me up whilst people film it. (www.gonzoworld.com)
I like making funny Facebook status’ and tweeeeting. (twitter.com/jamiehowardhaha) I like to moan about things that don’t make sense and always want to phone LBC to give my opinion on things but never find the courage. I love doing a job I enjoy and pretending I will be on time for things. I like eating bagels on Brick Lane at 2am and pretending i’m a little bit urban. I love going to watch live music (providing its music I like) and I have a real passion for stand-up comedy.
I want to be famous for not being on Big Brother, and I want to change everyones opinions about Smart Cars for the better.
I have a video camera and a few off my videos have made it on to youtube. (casper118118) I also have 65 unreturned pokes on facebook.
I mainly listen to songs that are on my ipod, but sometimes I listen to the radio….....
I also look look forward to taking over South West London and beyond.
Indy Selvarajah
Indy studied at the Bartlett School, UCL before embarking into the visual art world. He has shown work at The Whitney Museum of Modern Art in NY, The Serpentine, Tate, Barbican and ICA.
In 2008 Indy was commissioned by Channel 4 to write and create the comedy show ‘Aint it Funny Being Coloured?’ which won a Broadcast award for comedy and was a Guardian Top 50 show of the year.
He and his writing partner, Sean Cook (Spooks) are currently developing shows for C4 and the BBC.
Indy has created campaigns for Amnesty, Red Cross, Nike and Cancer UK.
Quotes
“he doesn’t think like other people and yet the work is inclusive and daring and smart and very funny. A wonderfully skewed look at the world”
John Landis (Film Director)
“He’s a very fresh voice, both in the world of comedy and the world of racial issues. He has the ability to talk about issues of identity without it becoming polemic, and that runs through all his writing.”
Charlie Brooker (TV Broadcaster / writer)
press for Aint it Funny Being Coloured
Top 50 Must see shows of 2008 – Guardian
Pick of the Week – Times
Pick of the Day – Independent & Time Out
**** - Metro NY
To order any of Indy Selvarajah CDs Click Here
Jim Tavaré
Jim Tavaré is an internationally acclaimed actor and comedian with a highly distinguished career. Jim co-wrote and starred in ITV’s ‘The Sketch Show’, which won a BAFTA and syndicated worldwide. To date, ʻThe Sketch Showʼ has been remade for audiences in seven different countries.
He wrote and starred in six highly acclaimed short silent films for BBC2 called ‘Jim Tavaré Pictures Presents’. This was followed by his own comedy sketch series ‘The Jim Tavaré Show’, a thirteen part series co-written with Ricky Gervais, who also starred.
Following three appearances on The Royal Variety Performance, Jim performed at several private functions for the British Royal Family, including a private Christmas party for HRH Prince Charles and a Gala held at Highgrove in front of Her Majesty the Queen and thirteen Crowned Heads of State. Jim Tavaré is renowned for being Prince Charles favourite comedian.
His success as a stand-up comedian has spread to the United States. He was the winner of ʻInternational Starsearchʼ (USA), had an episode of NBC’s ‘Wings’ written around his act. He also holds the distinction of being the only international act ever to reach the final of NBC’s ʻLast Comic Standingʼ. As a finalist, he embarked on a 63 date national US tour with NBC as part of the ʻLast Comic Standing World Tourʼ.
Jim Tavaré‘s film debut came in 2004 when he played Tom the Innkeeper in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’. He has since made several US film and television appearances, including landing a recurring role on Showtime’s ‘Californication’ alongside David Duchovny.
Ian Moore
Almost single-handedly leading the resurgence of all things mod, comedian Ian Moore has achieved great success on the London and National circuits and is a regular headliner at London’s famous Comedy Store.
Ian’s laconic observations on life, from the problems of using the wrong vocabulary in a German Pizza Hut to an almost pathological hatred of most forms of physical exertion, have proved hugely successful with live audiences all over the world from Australia to China, and the Phillipines to the Middle East. He hasn’t performed in South America, but feels no reason why they wouldn’t love him there too.
Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival where he appeared with Catherine Tate, Ian was one of only seven British comics selected to appear at the pinnacle of all comedy festivals - Montreal’s Just for Laughs. Alongside the likes of Jimmy Carr, Ian performed in the sellout Britcom showcase proving to be such a success he subsequently went on to headline the Worldcom show at the festival’s finale.
Ian was also, briefly, the warm up comic for the BBC’s ‘Friday Night with Jonathon Ross’ show, until the DAVID BOWIE incident, of which the less said the better. Ian has headlined at The Reading and Leeds music festivals, but he is too well dressed to consider appearing at Glastonbury
JAMES Allenby-Kirk
At the ripe old age of 23 James is already a veteran on the comedy scene, he started his first sketch group age 16 called All The Milkman’s Children, who went on to win the BBC Radio Scotland New Comedy Talent Award 2004. At the Edinburgh Festival in 2006 they performed a one off hour show that was recorded and broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland. James is now one third of award winning comedy troupe How Do I Get Up There and is also a stand up comedian.
As a stand up James won the 2010 “So You Think Your Funny” award and he was nominated for Best New Comedian at the Scottish Variety Awards 2011. In July James will be heading over to Montreal for the Just for Laughs festival. Over the Summer James can be seen at the Edinburgh Festival doing 15 days with two other up and coming Scottish comedians at Bannermans as part of the PBH free fringe.
James’s acting credits have seen him appear in Rab C Nesbit, Gary: Tank Commander and The Ushers at The Tron Theartre. James has also written for The Ellis and Clarke Show for BBC Radio Scotland.
CHRIS forbes
Christian Forbes is a Comedian, Actor and Writer. As a comedian Christian is a regualr on the UK circuit and has also appeared at the Legendary Yuk Yuk’s comedy club in Toronto, Canada. As well as being a regular act and compere for The Stand Comedy Clubs in Scotland, he also produces a night of comedy at the Glasgow venue called, The Fun Junkies. Christain is a popular act on the music festival circuit too, performing comedy at both the Wickerman festival and Belladrum festival (where is was the compere of the comedy tent) He is also a member of the critically acclamied Scottish Sketch group, ‘How Do I Get Up There?’ who are currently in development with TalkBack thames.
Christian is highly respected by his peers and as such he has been invited to support some great acts such as Phil Nichol, Kevin Eldon, Daniel Sloss and Des Clarke.
Christian’s alter Ego - Damien Crow - is also a stand up comedian and actor who, after a critically acclamied debut glasgow festival show, is currently in development with The Comedy Unit. “gloriously miserable” - The List. He makes his Edinburgh Festival Debut this year.
Christian has many strings to his bow. Being a Former scotland Basketball Internationalist and an award winning accoridan player are testiment to that.
Annabel Giles
Annabel Giles started her working life as a secretary in advertising, but was turned into a model by make-up artist Barbara Daly. She became the only British model under contract to a major make-up house, Max Factor.
She then moved into TV and radio presenting, making her name with Sarah Greene on ‘Posh Frocks and New Trousers’. She also presented on ‘Night Network’, ‘Hit the Road’, ‘Help Squad’ and “Bob Monkhouse’s Memory Masters’, and was a regular panellist on many gameshows. She is the only celebrity ever to have guessed her Noel Edmonds ‘Gotcha!’. She also appeared in the tv drama version of Jilly Cooper’s ‘Riders’, and has starred in a couple of pantomimes too.
A regular on ‘Loose Ends’ for some years, Annabel wrote and performed a one-woman show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which also went to the Adelaide Comedy Festival.
After the birth of her son, she wrote three novels, published by Penguin, and a potential comedy drama series for television, ‘Poppy and Prue.’ She then stopped work to focus on her son’s special needs, but has recently begun compering comedy gigs, and is due to take up where she left off at the Brighton Fringe Festival 2011 [and possibly Edinburgh too], with her new show ‘Annabel Giles Talks Too Much.’
She has a grown-up daughter, Molly, and lives with in Brighton with her son Ted and a one-eyed pug called Godfrey.
Catch a clip of Annabel chatting about her new show and generally being hilarious on The Wright Stuff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iTzpt8sWKo
Watch another clip of Annabel being fabulous here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBPT978QbG8
Susan Calman
“Glasgow-born comic Calman is a dead-cert-one-to-watch; she’s got an infectious bubbly manner but a caustic edge too, and both can yield comedy gold”.
Feisty Glaswegian Susan Calman gave up a lucrative career in corporate law to become a comedian. Thankfully, appearances on intelligent radio programmes like “the News Quiz”, “the Unbelievable Truth” and “Now Show” have shown that 7 years at University were not entirely wasted.
Recently seen on Jason Manford’s “Comedy Rocks” (ITV1), Susan has also appeared in Rab C Nesbitt (BBC2), How Not To Live Your Life (BBC 3) and Taggart(STV) when she was 17. A Scottish Bafta winner for Channel 4 Comedy Lab “Blowout” Susan has also twice been nominated for Chortle Awards. Firstly for sketch group “Ugly Kid” and then for “Best MC”. She didn’t win either but is totally fine about it. Because it’s the taking part that counts.
Resident MC at Scotland’s famous Stand Comedy Clubs, Susan is also the host of ‘Funny Friends’ (BBC Radio Scotland) in which she interviews notable comedians on their lives and careers. She is also often heard sitting in for Fred MacAulay on his BBC Radio Scotland breakfast show.
“Feisty Scot Calman is one of the best female comics to ever come out of the land of bagpipes and haggis. She’ll make you chuckle your pants off” - Time Out 2009
“Calman fizzed manic energy, alternating between confessional tales and playing with facts she teased out of the audience…a perfect start to a fun-filled evening’ - Edinburgh Evening News
“Rarely have I observed an audience uniformly laugh so much… Not only is absolutely every person laughing, but they are falling about. And they don‟t stop for the entire hour.” - Scotsgay
“Who better to be locked away with at the end of the world than The Calminator?...Fabulous” - One4Review.com
“Calman can wring humour out of an Asda chicken and bacon bake… Sharp, warm and massively entertaining, Calman’s show is not one to miss if you take your pleasures seriously” - Chortle
Michael Caines
Michael Caines is one of Britain’s most acclaimed chefs. AA Chef’s Chef of the Year in 2007, and awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, Michael is an Operational Partner and Director of ABode Hotels and Michael Caines Restaurants, in overall charge of all food and beverage operations throughout the fast-growing group. He is also Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel on the edge of Dartmoor where he has earned his reputation - as well as two Michelin stars - serving distinctive modern European cuisine utilising the finest local and regional produce and ingredients. Since February 2009, he has been Executive Chef at The Bath Priory, Bath, Gidleigh Park’s sister establishment.
In 2000, he founded Michael Caines Restaurants and subsequently a chance encounter with Andrew Brownsword led to the creation of ABode Hotels. Amongst numerous other recent accolades, Michael has cooked in 10 Downing Street for the Prime Minister, and he took part in ‘The Great British Menu’ chef’s competition broadcast on BBC2 for the honour of cooking for the Queen’s 80th birthday.
Michael was born in Exeter in 1969 and adopted into a large and loving family. He gained his passion for food from his mother who he used to enjoy helping in the kitchen.
Michael attended Exeter Catering College where his precocious talent was already evident, earning him the accolade ‘Student of the Year’ in 1987. He subsequently spent a year and a half at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London, before embarking on three influential years under his mentor Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. From here he then moved to France for a further formative period of training, honing his profession under the guidance of such superstars chefs as the late Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu and Joël Robuchon in Paris.
Michael returned to Britain in 1994 to take up the position of Head Chef at Gidleigh Park. Gidleigh’s restaurant was already rated amongst the most prestigious in the country so the position represented a massive challenge and opportunity for a young and ambitious chef. Yet, only two months into the job, Michael suffered a terrible car accident in which he lost his right arm. Remarkably, he was back in the kitchen part time within two weeks, and full-time after just four. With the support of then owners Paul and Kay Henderson and an unwavering belief in his own ability to overcome obstacles, he returned to the kitchens of Gidleigh Park more focused and determined than ever to pursue his dream of reaching the top of his profession.
In 1999 he was awarded a second Michelin star and in 2001 he won Chef of the Year at the prestigious Cateys Awards.
Underlying Michael’s philosophy is a passionate belief that good food – and yes great food – should always be inclusive not exclusive, accessible to all, at whatever level.
Douglas Anderson
A broadcaster, writer and filmmaker, Douglas attained his first job in television by sending a short film he had written and directed entitled Getting Out The House to the BBC. He has gone on to work for the BBC, Channel 4 and BAFTA amongst others in genres ranging from music and film to sport and current affairs. This body of work has helped him gain a reputation as an accomplished, intelligent and witty broadcaster.
Whether it be letting his humour and opinions run loose as a regular on BBC 5Live’s Fighting Talk, starring in the Belle&Sebastian film Write About Love in the duel roles of host and the bands stressed out manager, or documenting the England cricket teams quest to win the Ashes with the players themselves, he still strives to find time to read books acquired from the library or recognised retailers which are devoured like a particularly succulent tiramisu.
Throughout various broadcasting projects, he has interviewed a multitude of actors, directors, musicians and sportspeople in his engaging, informative and humorous style. A keen writer, Douglas has written for the majority of shows he has presented and for BBC books and online while continuing to pen essays on cultural matters he feels passionate about. An adept live host, aside from hosting various BAFTA ceremonies he has chaired seminars for the music and sports industries. Furthermore, he has developed ideas for independent television production companies including Tiger Aspect and SO Television. Additionally, he is a voiceover artist having lent his tones to all the main UK channels and the commercial sector.
Whilst having one of his short films to thank for landing a job in TV, television hasn’t precluded him from continuing to write, direct and act in a series of shorts. This further reflects his passions which include film, music, literature and sport. He is an active member of Camden Libraries and enjoys waxing lyrical on all manner of cultural and sporting subjects over a rum and coke in the pub. He is equally happy to do so over a cappuccino if the milk used is skimmed.
Check out his showreel here: http://mrdouglasanderson.com/tv-radio/
Isabella Price
Isabella is a student at Benenden Girls Boarding School. She won the 2010 Lillis Award for the best Shakespeare Actress of the year for her portrayal of Lady Capulet in Romeo & Juliet. She achieved Distinction in her LAMDA Acting Silver Medal and is currently working on her Gold Medal, whilst also preparing for GRADE VII Singing.
Theatre at Benenden includes: Carol Ann Duffy’s Adaptation of Grimm Tales, Magdalene Laundries Improvised Piece, Romeo & Juliet, as well as playing ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’.
At only 16 years of age, she has recently completed the film ‘Oscar’s Date’ directed by Freddie Hall playing the lead female role of Becky.
Isabella will be playing Phebe in Kent Shakespeare Company’s ‘As You Like It’ between 15th -25th June in the very beautiful gardens of Mount Ephraim in Faversham.
Please contact David Lazenby on 020 7497 0849 or dlazenby@richstonepart.co.uk for further information
Casper Allpress
The youngest of the Allpress clan, Casper, only 6, has appeared in campaigns for Marks & Spencers, Cath Kidston, B&Q and Milk&More.
He has just completed his first film ‘THE BOY WITH CHOCOLATE FINGERS’ in the lead role of Donald for Gorgeous Productions opposite his brother Ted Allpress.
Please contact David Lazenby on 020 7497 0849 or dlazenby@richstonepart.co.uk for further information
Yvie Burnett
Yvonne “Yvie” Burnett was born in Aberdeen.
She studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama and embarked on the Opera Course at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, winning scholarships from The Caird Trust and The Countess of Munster.
She gained early success as a successful Operatic Soloist with opera companies as diverse as Glyndebourne, Opera North and Netherlands Opera.
However, a chance meeting with pop impresario Louis Walsh, led to her taking the first steps into the world of TV and becoming one of the industries leading TV vocal coaches.
Louis asked her to come and work with him on the second series of ITV’s smash hit The X Factor, where she jumped at the chance and went on to coach Mancunian shop assistant, Shayne Ward to victory.
Following this success, Yvie became the resident vocal coach to all of the contestants on the following series of X Factor, as well as lending her skills to X Factor Battle of the Stars, Grease Is The Word and Britain’s Got Talent.
In 2009 Simon Cowell appointed Yvie as vocal coach on the international hit America’s Got Talent. Her hard work and dedication saw her coach both 2009 winner Kevin Skinner and 2010’s winner Michael Grimm.
She then took the opportunity to work with Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber when he was looking for Britain’s Eurovision entry on BBC1, where she helped the contestants hone their skills and saw us vote in our millions to crown Jade Ewen our choice to represent the UK, and coming an impressive 5th in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. Lord Andrew was so impressed with her work on the show that he hired her as vocal consultant on his West End hit Love Never Dies, the follow up to his ground breaking Phantom Of The Opera. He also introduced Yvie to his ex-wife Sarah Brightman and for the past year, Yvie has been her vocal coach.
During 2009’s Britain’s Got Talent, Yvie started working with Susan Boyle and when she was signed to Syco she stayed with Yvie at her home to prepare for recording her debut album. She has travelled the world with her, even accompanying her to a memorable performance at Tokyo’s Budokan Arena.
Yvie is in constant demand and has worked in the studio, on tour and in theatre with, among others, Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, Kele Okereke of Bloc Party, Danny McNamara of Embrace, Murph of The Wombats, Lee Mead, Michelle Antrobus, Danny Bayne, Susan McFadden, Rachel Hunter, Carmen Electra and even David Guest.
In May 2010 Yvie won a Daily Record Our Hero Award for being Scottish Entertainment Personality.
Visit her website www.yvieburnett.com
Kate Walsh
A finalist of ‘The Apprentice’ in 2009 Kate Impressed Lord Sugar right to the end and was consistently cool under fire. Kate’s business career was set in motion at Marston’s Brewery in Burton-on-Trent, where she joined as a graduate trainee before working in marketing and operational roles acting and as a business consultant for 45 pubs and restaurants. Kate continued to ascend the corporate ladder moving to work in an account management/business development role for Starbucks.
Self-described as positive, tenacious, and confident, Kate established herself as a talented, intelligent, and proficient individual. Her highly motivated personality and sharp work ethic led her to success on series five of The Apprentice.
Although Kate Walsh didn’t win the Apprentice she was still offered a job with Lord Alan and worked with him until being offered a job on ‘Live From Studio Five’ for Channel 5
Kate was been a joint anchor from September 2009 when she took to the screen alongside Melinda Messenger and Ian Wright on ‘Live From Studio Five’. She remined the longest serving and only original presenter until joining OK!TV in 2010, presenting alongside Matt Johnson. Kate has successfully worked with a range of presenters holding her own amongst some big personalities and studio guests.
Also taking on reporting duties for the show Kate has won a number of A list celebrities over with her down to earth interviewing style including: Leonardo Dicaprio, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez to name but a few.
Other TV credits include business/fashion slots for GMTV, guest appearances on Market Kitchen, BBC3 comedy panel show ‘The King is Dead’ and a one-off ‘SATC2 Movie Special’ episode filmed on location in New York with red carpet interviews in the UK.
Born in Cannock, Staffordshire, Kate was raised in the West Midlands. Her mother, a dinner lady and teaching assistant, and father, a mine worker-turned-mechanic, divorced when Kate was 16. A straight ‘A’ student, she furthered her education with the completion of a first-class honours degree in Psychology and Management from Aston Business School.
A relentless enthusiast, Kate fills her spare time with cooking classes, gym workouts, and travel. She enjoys attending social events, and enjoys a challenge - as part of ‘Live from Studio Five’ Kate has tried dance lessons, sky diving, RAF training and even wing walking.
Donna Air
Donna is an established actress and presenter, having started her career aged 10 in the hit children’s BBC drama ‘BYKER GROVE’ where she stayed for 5 years, only leaving to pursue a career in music as one half of hit girl duo ‘CRUSH’. When CRUSH parted ways, Donna took on the challenge of being the first female presenter on the original MTV series ‘MTV Select’ for the UK, presenting a daily 2 hour live music request show.
Donna proved a hit with the audiences, and further presenting roles quickly followed across the UK’s main broadcast channels including ITV’s ‘Popstars: The Rivals’ which was the show which bought us the award winning girl band Girls Aloud. She spent time ‘on the bed’ on Channel 4’s runaway hit ‘The Big Breakfast’ and even co-produced her own series for E4 titled ‘Donna In Need’.
Donna remains focused on her acting, and is one of the lucky few who has regularly crossed over between acting and presenting and has appeared in a number of hit dramas including the BBC’s adaptation of Lynda La Plante’s ‘Supply and Demand’, Paramount Films ‘Still Crazy’ and the third series of BBC’s smash hit series ‘Hotel Babylon’. Most recently she took to the west end stage here in London in the 2 hander ‘The Watcher’ which was met with critical acclaim, and appeared in Channel 4’s flagship award winning soap ‘Hollyoaks’ as the feisty Sophia.
Donna successfully divides her career between acting and presenting, as well as being a desirable brand ambassador working with a number of high profile brands. This year saw her team up with eHarmony to launch their new book and to blog her hilarious yet insightful dating stories, past and present. Taking her writing to the next level she was appointed as the new contributing features editor on the monthly glossy SHE Magazine with her own feature ‘Donna Meets…’ playing a part in their last issue.
This year her presenting work has seen her join forces with ITV1’s ‘This Morning’, Channel 5’s ‘OKTV!’, ITV2’s ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ and we are currently developing a documentary for the BBC where Donna looks into extreme beauty and the lengths people go to, to stay beautiful.
Gideon Coe
Gideon Coe has a long career in radio broadcasting. He joined GLR Breakfast Show in 1995, winning a Sony Award and went on to present various other programming, continuing when the station became London Live. He presented their evening show and won another Sony for his Saturday Sports Show.
Gideon now presents the 9pm til 12pm show on 6 Music http://www.bbc.com/6music/shows/gideon_coe/
He is also a regular contributor to Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4.
On TV, Gideon has presented VH1’s “Something for the Weekend”. In demand as a narrator, Gid has recorded Channel 5’s “Rosemary on the Road” (Wall to Wall Prods), Channel 4’s “Top Ten TV Sexbombs” and “Top Ten TV Soap Queens” (Chrysalis TV), together with documentaries for Channel 5 on John Travolta, Jean Claude Van Damme, Jackie Chan, Evel Knievel and Bruce Lee! (Chrysalis TV).
Chris Cox
Chris Cox is ‘one of the most exciting entertainers in Britain’ according to The Guardian, Time Out thinks, ‘he does tricks that would make Jesus proud… Loveable, geeky & deceptively talented,’ they’re not alone, The Times think he’s ‘stunning’ and ‘leaves other magicians scratching their heads.’ Chris agrees with all these things but also likes to think he’s far to modest to make them the first things people read about him.
He is a unique force when it comes to mind-reading entertainment. Chris already has a string of accolades under his belt including 5 Edinburgh Fringe shows, 3 UK Tours, 2 West End Shows, an extended & sell out run at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, a bloody big heap of 5 star reviews, 2 Edinburgh Fringe Awards, a 2011 Best Comedy Award, 2007/08/09/11 sell out shows, must see show listings and numerous TV and Radio appearances. All that and he’s still in his early 20s. What a busy boy.
The self proclaimed mind reader who can’t read minds is an accomplished and much loved performer, making a mongrel hybrid mix of witty chit chat, magic, psychology, body language, influencing, devilish good looks… and lying, to make you think he knows what your thinking. All this helps him to produce a highly-entertaining and very funny cutting edge show.
He’s popped up doing tricks on Radio 1, has been on your screens on The Mentalist Revealed (C5), Dick & Dom’s Funny Business (BBC 2) The Culture Show (BBC 2) and Little Howard’s Big Question (BBC 1) not only that but he was also part of the Bafta nominated team as the man who brought magic to bbc.co.uk’s Merlin. As well as writing his own shows he has written articles for Mr & Mrs Smith, The Times and Virgin Atlantic.
Ricky Gervais said Chris is, ‘Brilliant, he’ll blow your mind’ and he is never wrong. Other celebrity fans of Cox include Dannii Minogue, Kelly Osbourne, Agyness Deyn and Tim Minchin.
Chris is currently developing several mind-reading projects for TV in the US and the UK while still focusing on his critically acclaimed live work.
“Does tricks that would make Jesus proud. Lovably geeky & deceptively talented” Time Out
“Hugely entertaining” The Observer
“One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain…the hottest ticket in town” The Guardian
“Stunning…. has other magicians scratching their heads” The Times
“We are clearly in the hands of a master technician – MUST SEE!” The Stage
“He’s brilliant, he’ll blow your mind!” Ricky Gervais
Louie Spence
The dance guru, God of gays and lover of all people, with a speech impediment and enough chat to talk the leg off a chair.
Sarah Campbell
Sarah Campbell is a writer, stand-up and actor. She has organised her biog by skill area (I know, you’re totally welcs):
Writing/performing: Most recently Sarah has written and appeared in sketches for BBC Online (watch them here and here) with Amy Hoggart, her partner in the double act Christmas For Two. The pair have just returned from a successful debut Edinburgh run.
Sarah currently writes for Russell Howard’s Good News on BBC3 and has written jokes for ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Now (which somehow ended up on Harry Hill’s TV Burp…) Her work beat over a thousand entries to win BBC7’s topical sketch writing competition “7 on 7” judged by then Head of Radio Comedy Gareth Edwards.
She was promptly hired as resident writer and performer at Myspace Comedy, during which time she produced the most successful clip in the channel’s history Christian Bale’s Public Apology which was picked up and broadcast by TV shows as far flung as the US and Scandinavia.
She has written and performed for BBC3’s sketch and stand-up show LaughterShock and the channel commissioned another of her sketches, “Fraud Squad Smackdown” in which she also performed, as one of its comedy idents.
Other writing and performing credits include Channel 4’s T4, and MTV’s gameshow Grooveriderz, where she appeared as a talking stretch Hummer limo.
She has long-form comedy projects in development with Channel 4, Radio 4 and CBBC.
Still reading? Ooh. Either you’re professionally intrigued or you’re her stalker, Marie. GO AWAY Marie.
Stand-up: Sarah began her career as a finalist in the national stand-up competition Funny Women in 2008. She is founder and MC of the wildly successful comedy soiree a The Cheese and Pineapple Club, which enjoys a fiercely loyal following four years on. She was resident MC of Myspace Comedy Live, and has gigged all over the UK for clubs including The Stand, Spank!, and the Frog and Bucket club in Manchester. In 2010 she took her debut solo show, Sarah Campbell: 27 Up to Edinburgh (List Magazine Pick of the Fringe, **** The Skinny.) For fun she hosts and devises a strange quiz night in Dalston.
Radio: Sarah has loved radio ever since she was resident children’s reviewer for BBC Radio Manchester aged 12. Whilst studying at Cambridge she had a show on the University’s station, Sarah Campbell’s Unsolicited Shout-outs. She has more recently guested on Russell Brand-producer Nick Philps’ latest project for BBC6 Music, and regularly guests on Resonance FM, with whom she is developing her own show.
Other: She also dabbles in TV Development, trying to make a quick million with wacky quiz show ideas. This is where she met now-stalker Marie and led her on with false promises. She’s as much to blame as Marie is. Maybe they should be together after all?
“Hugely talented…If you haven’t heard the name Sarah Campbell yet, then log it into the old memory banks, you’ll be hearing from her again” Time Out
“Smart and sassy” **** The List
“One of the standout stand-ups of the future” British Comedy Guide
“You can’t help but feel genuinely privileged to be in the room with Sarah Campbell…her sharp, conversational style has abundant freshness and charm.” ****The Skinny
James Brown
James Brown is the man behind the new internet hit SabotageTimes.com. An online magazine and content creation company Sabotage Times has been described as ‘awesome’ by Jonathan Ross ‘superb’ by Richard Bacon and ‘fantastic’ by Stephen Fry. It was recently the 9th most recommended site by twitter in the United Kingdom and 123rd out of all 6 million tweeters worldwide.
James started in magazines as a reader of Tiger and Jag. After leaving school he started writing his own fanzine, joined the NME as features Editor aged just 21 and then launched Loaded magazine which created a worldwide genre, spawned two generations of imitators and has sold over 40,000,000 copies. It is widely considered to be the magazine of the 90s.
He edited GQ, launching their prestigious Man of The Year Awards, significantly increased revenues whilst publishing Viz Comic, and then launched Jack magazine. He sold his publishing company IFG in 2002 for £6.5m and has since run Black Ops a media agency advising numerous major media companies. In Jan 2010 he relaunched the world’s biggest sports magazine for Sky Sports.
He has been profiled in numerous titles from Vanity Fair to Newsweek. And was once voted more influential than Mrs Thatcher and the Pope by Channel 4 and The Observer (who were clearly on drugs at the time). As a writer he began his career on Sounds and the NME, since then he has written for most of Britain’s leading newspapers and magazines which currently include Readers Digest, Grazia, Glamour, Junior and Esquire.
He has also made documentary series for television and is a regular guest on leading television news and arts programmes. A popular and light hearted business speaker he has shared a stage with Prime Minister David Cameron and billing with Al Gore, Kofi Anaan and Karen Brady. This week he likes Midget Gems, The Clash, James Lee Burke and the look of the world from a beach. He reads Fortean Times, 442 and The Week.
TIM SHAW
Having made the ‘less radio and more TV’ move two years ago, Tim has already presented Channel 4’s primetime series, ‘Extreme Male Beauty’ and hosted three series of Ch 5’s motoring show Fifth Gear. He was one of only a few new faces on Channel 4 last year.
Previous key TV series for Tim include Channel 4’s ‘Balls of Steel’ where he featured as character Mr Inappropriate and Virgin 1’s ‘Britain’s Worst Learners where clueless people behind the wheel are taught to drive by their long-suffering loved ones. He also has presented on More 4’s ‘The Last Word’ and ITV1’s ‘Pulling Power’.
Radio-wise, last year Tim won a Sony Award in the most prestigious category, ‘The Entertainment Award’. This was for his TFI Friday style show on Absolute radio (previously Virgin radio). Branded as A TV show on the radio, with usually an audience of 50 people every night, he has also picked up 9 of the prestigious New York Radio awards (notably 6 golds).
Tim was also awarded two of EMAP’s most distinguished awards ‘Speech Broadcaster of the Year” and of course another ‘Entertainment Award’. In May 2008 he was awarded ‘Presenter of the Year’ by the British Radio Industry. Having recently chosen to leave Absolute radio, Tim now presents his ‘Rehab’ show on the BRMB network across Birmingham and the Midlands. Previous radio shows have included Kiss 100 breakfast, Kerrang Radio breakfast, Magic breakfast, Hallam FM, BBC local stations, Century Radio,
Tim has earned the title of “The Most Internationally awarded Radio Presenter in the UK today”.
His latest project ‘Man In Box’ saw him locked in a box for 30 days somewhere in the UK, however neither he or anyone he knows (bar two people) knew where he was. Being told that his location was meaningful to him, 8.5 million people tuned in to watch the 24hr a day live stream. Viewers had to try to find him with a prize of £30,000 to the first correct coordinates. Man In Box was an idea that Tim himself devised, realised and funded. To date it is the second biggest live streamed event in history.
Tim has two first class honours degrees (one in TV Development) and randomly enough was Young Engineer of the Year in 1994. He spends the majority of his spare time writing treatments (one of which has just been commissioned), rebuilding crash damaged cars and filming stuff with mates! He admits that is biggest fascination is with everyday people. Tim is that bloke that starts talking to you on the tube and before you know it you’re exchanging numbers! He believes that everyone is interesting (having carried out over 8000 interviews) and his personal goal is to travel the world and meet everybody! Good luck with that.
Jo Caulfield
The minute Jo Caulfield hits the stage you know you’re in for a good time seeing as she was recently nominated as ‘Funniest Woman 2010’ (LAFTA Awards), ‘Best Female Stand-Up’ (Chortle Awards).
Jo has appeared regularly on our screens with appearances on ‘Have I Got News For You (BBC1), ‘Mock The Week’ (BBC2) ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’ (BBC1), ‘Saturday Night Live’ (ITV), ‘Argumental’ (Dave UKTV), ‘Comedy Store’ (Paramount Comedy Channel), “Colin Murphy’s Great Unanswered Questions” (BBC N. Ireland), “The Wright Stuff” (Ch 5), ‘The Blame Game’ (BBC N. Ireland), “It Takes Two” (BBC 2), “Bremner, Bird and Fortune- The Daily Wind-Up (Ch 4) and has also been seen on numerous ‘Talking Head’ shows due to her wide ranging knowledge of music, comedy and all popular culture.
And, let’s not forget her stints as a guest presenter on ‘The Politics Show’ (BBC1) ‘The ONE Show’ (BBC1) and ‘The World Rally: Portugal 2009’ (Dave UKTV).
Writer and star of her own critically acclaimed Radio 4 comedy show ‘It’s That Jo Caulfield Again’. Jo was Programme Consultant on all 5 series of the BAFTA award-winning ‘So Graham Norton’ (Channel 4). She was Head Writer on Ruby Wax’s ‘ The Waiting Game’ – A BBC 1 Game show. Jo has also written for Joan Rivers, Anne Robinson and Denise Van Outen.
A trained actress, as well as acting in her own Radio show Jo has appeared in several sitcoms, including Life’s A Pitch (BBC1), Days Like These (ITV), Beast (BBC1), and Get Real (ITV). She also played someone’s sister in Family Affairs (Ch5) but can’t remember her name. Other acting credits include: So Graham Norton (Ch4) and Stitch-Up (CBBC).
Jo is in regular demand as a host and after-dinner speaker at corporate events across the country. She has spoken at corporate dinners, business lunches, award ceremonies, charity events, St. Andrew’s nights and many more.
She specialises in giving ‘The Response on Behalf of The Lassies’ at Burns Suppers.
Her Celtic qualifications for this are the fact that she was born in Wales to Irish parents and is married to a Scotsman.
‘Many of the points Jo Caulfield makes about the human condition would have sociologists stroking their beards in admiration, but her audiences tend to be laughing too much to notice’ – THE TIMES
‘Jo Caulfield is incapable of doing a bad show, so sharp is her tongue and so in tandem is it with her mischievous mind’ – THE SCOTSMAN
‘Jo Caulfield is an inspiration to all would-be female comedians’ – THE OBSERVER
To see clips of Jo visit www.jocaulfield.com
Jo Caulfield Won’t Shut Up! Her hilariously brilliant radio show is on BBC Radio 4 Thursdays at 11pm for 3 weeks- (that’s the 17th, 24th June and the 1st July to be precise). Make sure you tune in.
Seetha Hallett
Seetha was born in London to Sri-Lankan parents. Having gained a degree in finance, she worked in the City for a number of years as a business analyst for major American and Dutch investment banks, before a chance meeting led to her being asked to front a new property series for Channel 4 - A Place By The Sea, for which she has filmed 4 series to date.
Since moving into presenting, Seetha has worked on a variety of productions, which have seen her doing everything from debating current affairs and interviewing government ministers to feeding dolphins and trekking through rainforest… in genres as diverse as current affairs, travel, food, lifestyle & property for various broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4, Discovery, ITV, More4 and UKTV.
Outside work, her love of wildlife and desire to experience new things have led her to travel to more than 40 countries so far and she has, amongst other things, climbed the mountains Kilimanjaro and Kinabalu, scuba dived with whale sharks, trekked to see mountain gorillas, driven across the desert to see desert elephants…
Seetha, with the aid of a 443 page manual, taught herself Final Cut Pro to understand the edit process of programme making and has put it to good use by cutting her own showreel, which can be viewed here: http://vimeo.com/10204865
Channel 4 (Property) - A Place By The Sea (presenter)
UKTV (Lifestyle) - Fantasy Homes Down Under (presenter)
BBC One (Current Affairs) - Inside Out (presenter)
BBC Asian Network (Current Affairs) -The Forum (regular guest)
UITV (Various) – United Indians Television (presenter)
NTL Broadband (Business & Finance) - NTL Broadband (presenter)
Rabo Bank (Corporate) – Rabo Development (presenter)
ITV (Entertainment) – Loose Women (guest)
UKTV (Food) - Market Kitchen (guest)
Low Cost Holidays (Corporate) – International Travel (presenter)
Heshima Thompson
Heshima Thompson is one of 2010’s ‘‘ones to watch’’ following his nomination for SCREEN NATION AWARD 2009 in their ‘‘Young Shooting Star’’ category.
His extensive work as an actor includes television roles in ‘‘CASUALTY’’ (BBC), the lead role of Jez in ‘‘SPOOKS: CODE 9’’ (BBC), ‘‘CITY LIGHTS’’ (ITV), starring opposite Helen Mirren in the final series of ‘‘PRIME SUSPECT’’ (ITV), ‘‘AHEAD OF THE CLASS’’ (BBC), ‘‘JUDGE JOHN DEED’’ (BBC) and 2 series of the BBC hit series ‘‘BABYFATHER’’ to name a few.
His theatre credits include productions at The Young Vic in Sacha Wares ‘‘GENERATIONS’’ and at The Royal Court for Sean Holmes hit ‘‘INCOMPLETE AND RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS’‘.
Alongside his growing acting career, for the past two years Heshima has sang and toured the world with Amy Winehouse, contributing to her 5 x Grammy win and 50 x Platinum success.
He was also approached by girl group ‘‘FYA’’ to write for their new album. Putting his song writing skills to use he co-wrote a song with his brother Zalon called “Can We Dance” which went Gold in Japan. Heshima is currently working on Zalon’s album, which is being produced by Grammy Super producer Mark Ronson due out later this year.
Miss London Hughes
Miss London (aka London Hughes) is the winner of 2009’s prestigious Funny Women Awards which were held at the Comedy Store in central London, and it’s been a while since a female voice has taken the UK comedy scene by storm, but Miss London is about to change all of that having already amassed a huge following in celebrity circles and secured a loyal fan base around the UK, which grows bigger by the second.
The south Londoner began writing plays for talent shows at her college and was taken aback at the rapturous laughter and reception her material received. It was at this point that she realised her true calling in entertainment. When she moved back to London to study television, media and cultural studies at university, she was adamant that she would begin etching out a career in comedy.
When a friend asked her to perform a dance routine at her university’s annual talent show, Miss London saw this as a prime opportunity to trial her one-man comedic skills in front of a captive audience, and asked her friend if it was possible for her to combine the two art forms within her set. Although, confused at such a request, her friend agreed to let Miss London try her hand at comedy on the premise that having her perform one of her famed dance routines was better than her doing nothing at all. She was an instant hit and landed her first paid gig the following weekend at the popular night, The Sunday Show.
Not only is London now gracing our screens daily as a presenter for CBBC, but she has filmed the comedy ‘All Over The Place’ (BBC), and was seen in the BBC3 one off ‘Laughtershock’ as well as voicing the BBC animated series ‘Big Babies’. Recently she completed filming the Silver River produced pilot ‘Regulars’ directed by John Hardwick, and appeared in the hit ‘Stephen K.Amos Show’ (BBC) as well as taking time to film ‘The Plot’ opposite Christopher Eccleston, Jo Brand and Miriam Margoyles for Blue Tiger Productions and BBC.
Harvey Allpress
Harvey has worked alongside some of the most influential actors of his generation including Sally Hawkins, Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan to name a few and he’s not yet 14.
His most recent achievement is the feature film’‘Oscars Date’’ directed by Freddie Hall in the lead role of Oscar and playing the role of Young Charlie in BBC Radio’s adaptation of ‘‘Private Peaceful’‘.
His past credits include the feature film ‘‘Never Let Me Go’’ (Fox / DNA), ‘‘The Crossing’’ (Between The Eyes), the stage productions of ‘‘Beauty And The Beast’’ and ‘‘Oliver!’’ as well as appearing in the BBC’s ‘‘Casualty’’ and also ‘‘Phineas and Ferb’’ for The Disney Channel. His radio credits include the lead role of Chris in ‘‘White Chameleon’’ and Claudius in ‘‘I, Claudius’’ both for BBC Radio.
Harvey has recently been seen in ‘‘The Late Middle Classes’’ playing the lead role of Holly opposite Helen McCrory at The Donmar Warehouse.
Harvey also appears in the stunning short film ‘‘The Crossing’’ directed by Arthur Landon. Based on the experience of Landon’s mother’s experience at the end of WWII, the film focuses on discovering the true value of family under the most difficult of circumstances. Watch the film here; http://newtidefilms.com/shorts/the-crossing/
Please contact David Lazenby on 020 7497 0849 or dlazenby@richstonepart.co.uk for further information
Harrison Charles
Harrison, only 14 years old, from a shy self conscious boy has developed a confident outgoing young man who loves to perform.
Currently he enjoys four drama sessions a week at Bradfield College, where he has, in his first year, already played Napoleon in ‘Animal Farm’ and is looking forward to parts in ‘The Canterbury Tales’, the opera ‘Dido and Aeneas’ and ‘Oliver!’ before the end of the academic year.
His love of humour came to the fore in his portrayal of Benn Gunn in Treasure Island at Aldro, his Prep School, where he was also Head Chorister. His singing roles in the choir included many solos undertaken with a confidence and maturity that belied his years.
He has recently completed filming the feature films ‘‘SKATEBOARDS AND SPANDEX’’ for B3 Media and the UK Film Council and ‘‘EXTRAORDINARY FEATS OF THE SEVENTH PERIOD’’ in the lead role of Zach, directed by Will Bridges.
He was recently heard as ‘‘Edward’’ in Polly Thomas’ version of ‘‘WHITE CHAMELEON’’ for BBC Radio 4.
Please contact David Lazenby on 020 7497 0849 or dlazenby@richstonepart.co.uk for further information
Ted Allpress
Ted, made his professional stage debut at the age of 9 in The Donmar Warehouse opposite Gillian Anderson playing Ivor in Kfir Yefets hit production of ‘‘The Doll’s House’’ in 2009, and then in 2010 he then went on to take the role of Bert’ in the sell out, smash hit Howard Davies production of ‘‘All My Sons’’ opposite Zoe Wanamaker and David Suchet at The Apollo, Shaftesbury Avenue.
He has also worked closely with LAMDA on their 3rd year graduation production of ‘‘Tommy’’ taking on the lead role of ‘‘Young Tommy’‘, directed by John Baxter.
Ted made his screen debut in 2010 in the film ‘The Boy With Chocolate Fingers’ opposite his younger brother Casper Allpress, and can currently be seen in the box office breaking feature film ‘THOR’ as Young Loki opposite Antony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston and Natalie Portman directed by Kenneth Brannagh.
Alongside his brother Harvey, Ted can be heard in the dramtisation of ‘‘Private Peaceful’’ as Tommo, and soon as Young Sergei in ‘‘Freud The Talking Cure: The Wolfman’’ both for BBC Radio.
Please contact David Lazenby on 020 7497 0849 or dlazenby@richstonepart.co.uk for further information
Jake Canuso
Jake Canuso was born in a small village near Zurich in Switzerland to Italian immigrants from southern Italy.
He started his career as a dancer and at the age of 16 became the youngest member of Zurich’s leading contemporary dance company.
What followed was a move to London via Paris and New York and a career that lasted nearly 2 decades, which (as well as helping him become fluent in SIX languages!!!) would see him work with some of the leading choreographers and companies in the world; and eventually taking a more commercial side performing, choreographing and touring the world with some of the world’s biggest recording artists including Annie Lennox, Take That, Elton John and The Spice Girls to name a few.
Jake finally stepped over into acting and over the last few years has built up an extensive CV appearing in films such as ‘‘Piccadilly Jim’’ (Myriad Films / UPI), ‘‘School For Seduction’’ (Ipso Facto Films), Kinky Boots (Mirimax / Columbia), Fly Boys (MGM), ‘‘Russian Dolls’’ (Lunar Films), ‘‘Journal Of A Contract Killer’’ (MJ Films), ‘‘City Rats’’ (Urban Way Productions) and most recently ‘‘Nine’’ (The Weinstein Co. / Sony Pictures) with Daniel Day Lewis and Judi Dench.
Television credits include, ‘‘Keen Eddie’’ (Paramount), ‘‘Hustle’’ (BBC), ‘‘Shameless’’ (Ch4), ‘‘Suburban Shoot Out’’ (Ch5), ‘‘Casualty’’ (BBC) and four series of ITV1’s hit comedy ‘‘Benidorm’‘, for which he is probably best known for his role as the loveable ‘‘Mateo’‘.
Matt Rudge
Matt Rudge is an award winning, BAFTA nominated Comedian, Writer and Documentary Filmmaker.
“Warm, funny and perception changing. This will win awards” The Times
“Charming, unpretentious and gently witty, Rudge’s real gift is relating with the crowd – he all but exchanged numbers with the front row” Fest Magazine
“Draws parallels to Louis Theroux and Morgan Spurlock” The Independent
Matt was nominated for the prestigious BAFTA ‘Breakthrough Talent’ Award after his recent films The Autistic Me, and The Autistic Me - One Year On were broadcast on BBC. He went on to win the Top Factual Talent award from the TV Collective, in recognition for his work on the films, plus his previous film for Channel 4, My Dad The Serial Killer. His four short films ‘25 Years’ appeared on Channel 4 as part of the channel’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
In addition to his film-making, Matt is in demand as both a writer and comedian. Recently he’s finished writing on Wallace And Gromit’s World of Invention for BBC1, toured the country supporting Mock The Week regular Stewart Francis, and appeared as part of the illustrious ‘AAA Stand Up ’ show in Edinburgh at The Pleasance Courtyard. As a comic he was nominated as Comedian of the Year in England’s biggest comedy festival, the Leicester Comedy Festival, as well as being a finalist in various major new act competitions when he started out, such as Edinburgh’s Laugh Off 2008, and New Act of the Year 2007.
“Effortlessly wins over the crowd within moments…. Impressive Stand Up.” Three Weeks
Ricky Grover
Multi-award winning actor, comedian, presenter and writer Ricky Grover has an impressive list of TV & film credits and is a hugely popular headline act, on both the national and international comedy circuit. Born and bred in the East End of London, Ricky was an ex-champion boxer and hairdresser before taking the comedy scene by storm. Grover was illiterate until his early thirties but it didn’t stop him from becoming a highly versatile performer able to flit between powerful drama and hilarious comedy, no doubt his improvisational ability is his strongest talent
Ricky’s many television credits include, Black Books (CH4), TV To Go (ITV), ‘Orrible (BBC 2) and Red Dwarf (BBC 2).
Ricky’s film credits include Tony, Cargo, Revolver, Love Honour and Obey, Punch and Hungry.
On the comedy circuit Ricky is perhaps best known and loved for his explosive comic character ‘Bulla’ (gangster and god amongst the London underworld). ‘Bulla’ also appeared as a regular guest on - The 11 o’clock Show and was famously interviewed by Michael Parkinson. (Bulla The Movie is currently in production).
A prolific writer, Ricky has written and starred in two short films, receiving international acclaim. The UK released Punch won him the prestigious Silver Bear Award and Hungry (broadcast on Channel 4) won him the Best Actor Award at the Brest Film Festival.
Ricky also presented F*** Off I’m Fat for the BBC, which grossed the highest viewing figures ever for the channel!
Ricky is currently starring in Eastender’s playing Andrew Cotton, Dot’s nephew, and has recently seen his directorial debut ‘Big Fat Gypsy Gangster’ , which he also wrote, produced and starred in, alongside other Clore Clan member Rufus Hound, released on DVD
Oliver Wilson
Oliver was born in Manchester during the height of the ‘Madchester’ era and was christened in The Hacienda. That set the scene for a life long love affair with music.
As a teenager Oliver became well known in Manchester for his pirate radio shows and the raves he staged in venues across town, something he continued when moving to London for University, putting on gigs and parties across the capital.
As his career in the music industry grew Oliver’s compulsive obessission with new music grew with it, seeing him nurture new acts in London and become involved in festivals in Los Angeles. All the while his love of sport grew too. A life long Manchester United fan and Mechaphile (for those that don’t know that’s someone who falls in love with cars), Oliver can usually be found somewhere between a racetrack and a football stadium on the weekends.
Having recently fronted television shows covering music, politics and motorsport Oliver is looking forward to expanding on all these, and taking his radio career further from his pirate radio roots.
Claire Young
Claire Young, 32, is the straight talking, no-nonsense business woman who is well known for reaching the final of series 4 of BBC1’s The Apprentice (2008) watched by over 11 million viewers.
Since then she has worked non-stop setting up numerous business ventures including www.schoolspeakers.co.uk and www.girlsoutloud.org.uk. She is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship and enterprise to our younger generation and founded TeenBiz www.teenbiz.org.uk the UK’s first business start up scheme for under 18s. Claire works ‘hands on’ in schools (primary through to university age), and across multiple government organisations, helping students to raise aspirations, take off the blinkers and think big!
Claire supports the National Apprenticeship Service by heading up their Young Ambassador Network and works in partnership with the Peter Jones Foundation supporting Tenner Tycoon and Global Entrepreneurship Week. Recently she met with the Prime Minister for roundtable talks and has been invited to join the House of Lords Youth Unemployment taskforce. Claire has been nominated for the Queen’s Enterprise Award 2011 and is also delighted to represent the UK in The European Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors. She was delighted to accept a position in the Gazelle Group www.thegazellegroup.com developing entrepreneurship plans in college level education.
Claire is Honorary President of Young Chamber UK (www.youngchamber.com) a not-for-profit social enterprise organisation which is dedicated to ensuring that young people of all levels of ability and background are equipped with the skills needed to fulfil their aspirations and achieve their goals.
Now a successful young businesswoman she hopes that her story will motivate others to realise that with hard work, drive and determination anything is possible.
Media
Claire is an experienced presenter on TV (previously presenting on GMTV / Day Break) and regularly contributes to a variety of magazines. She currently co-hosts BBC Radio Leeds Saturday lunchtime show – Something for the Weekend.
Claire is available for interviews and has access to ISDN at BBC Leeds.
Claire is available to discuss / comment on a range of issues which impact on young people including :
• Education and enterprise
• Entrepreneurship and starting a business
• Careers
• Youth unemployment
Rich Williams
Rich Williams is an award winning radio presenter having picked up the Arqiva Commercial Radio Presenter Of The Year in June 2010. He was again nominated in 2011. Leeds born and bred, he currently presents Radio Aire Breakfast in the city broadcasting to one of the largest radio markets in the UK having taken over the show in summer 2011.
He has national radio experience having presented mid mornings on The Hits Radio for four years, taking audience figures to an all time station high of over half a million.
Rich also has experience of live TV having taken part in a BBC show to find a new presenter where he made it through to the final 5.
When he’s not working in radio, Rich also writes for publications reviewing music and when he’s not involved with TV and radio work, his three big passions are music, politics and sport. Don’t mention Leeds United’s recent plight though. You might see a grown man cry.
For a look at Rich on camera, check out his Party in the Park backstage blog here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF1gmmUyiLE
John Sparkes
Swansea born John is more commonly known on Welsh television as Barry Welsh, in the award-winning (Best Light Entertainment, Welsh Baftas, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004) series Barry Welsh is Coming for HTV.
As well as this hit, he is widely known for his comic creations ‘Siadwel’ and ‘Frank Hovis’ from the days of BBC’s “Naked Video” and Channel 4’s “Absolutely”.
John Sparkes has since written for and performed in many shows including four series of “Celebrity Pub Quiz” (HTV), “Like It or Lump It” (Vera Prods for Ch4), ‘‘Jeff Global’s Global Probe’’ (ITV) and “The Morwenna Banks Show” (Absolutely for Ch5). He has also performed in both series of Radio 4’s “Mouth to Mouth” (Zeitgeist Prods).
Behind the camera he provides the voice of the Narrator children’s animated series ‘‘Peppa Pig’‘. He also lends his voice to the series ‘‘Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends’’ and ‘‘Shaun the Sheep’‘, and is the voice of Cbeebies “Fireman Sam” (Siriol Productions).
He also writes and presents “Ghost Story” in which he spends the night alone with a camcorder in haunted houses around Wales. He has also co-written and presented Doug Strong’s Special Places, a factual comedy series for ITV Wales and ITV Central.
Brix Smith-Start
Fashion guru, Brix Smith Start began her career in the legendary post-punk British band The Fall in 1983 as a guitarist/singer/songwriter, first appearing on the Perverted by Language album, and going on to record and release numerous albums with them. She left them temporarily before re-joining to record the hit albums ‘Cerebal Caustic’ and ‘The Light User Syndrome’ before finally leaving for good back in 1996. Brix went on to release 2 solo albums under the name ‘‘Adult Net’’ working with the likes of Craig Cannon and Clem Burke. After leaving The Fall and disbanding The Adult Net, Brix went on to tour with The Bangles…! She soon after released the Happy Unbirthday EP on Strangelove, which is a collaboration with Marty Willson-Piper and includes a cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”.
Brix recently put out her first solo LP Neurotica which is available as a digital download on Loser Friendly Records and from iTunes.
Multi-talented Brix has since gone on to pursue a career in presenting and most notably, fashion.
Having launched her first boutique Start with her husband Philip in 2002, they have pretty much taken over Rivington Street in East London, with 4 fabulous boutiques and an online store!
The Start stores are A-list boutiques, loved by the elite of the media and fashion and are considered to be amongst the best stores in the world. With huge designer labels such as Mulberry, See by Chloe, Philip Lim and so many more, Brix has worked hard to bring fashion for everyone.
The fashionista and stylist has become one of the most recognizable faces in fashion having worked on all three series of C4’s runaway smash ‘Gok’s Fashion Fix’ pitting her high end outfits against the bespectacled stylist’s high street picks. She has recently finished the hit Sky 1 lunchtime chat show ‘Angela and Friends’ (Sky TV) as their fashion guru. Numerous television appearances include an episode of BBC’s ‘The Culture Show’ presenting a piece on Andy Warhol and his impact on the fashion world, and regular appearances on LK Today’s ‘What’s Hot and What’s Not’ segment to name a very tiny few.
Brix has just been seen gracing our screens in the exciting hit six part series ‘Promzillas’ for Sky Living. A multiple makeover show that sees the characters and the proms themselves being made over by a team of celebrity
stylists known as the ‘prom squad’. It explores the extreme and colourful world of proms and provide a snapshot of modern British teenagers (and their parents) at a crucial time in their lives. Brix makes up a third of the ‘Prom Squad’ alongside make-up artist Gary Cockerill and celebrity hairdresser Stephen Glendenning. Surprisingly for Brix this isn’t all about designer names, it’s about the sparkle, spangle and looking simply fabulous for the biggest day in a teenagers life.
She kicked off 2011 by hosting exclusive coverage for SKY of ‘The Golden Globe Awards’ and the ‘Oscars’ talking through the highs and lows of the red carpet fashion parade and conducting live interviews yet again demonstrating her ease and aptitude for live television. She followed this with BBC’s Radio 1 Big Weekend celebrating Lady Gaga’s status as a fashion icon.
Brix can currently be seen handing out valuable fashion tips on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ as their resident fashion expert showing members of the public how to work with what they have in terms of budget, body shape and personality.
A regular key contributor to both Elle magazine and Grazia magazine, Brix has worked on and fronted numerous campaigns working with Google Street View Awards, IsMe.com, Scholl, Thompsons Holidays, Special K, Selfridges, Lastminute.com, Tia Maria, Triumph and The Lowry.
Working closely with The Soho House Group they have celebrated her status as one of the leading sartorial experts by hosting an exclusive ‘An Evening With Brix Smith-Start’ event, at their suptious Babington House Estate.
With her keen eye for fashion and an array of other talents, it appears that Brix’s career can know no boundaries!
Jon Ronson
Jon Ronson is a writer and documentary film maker. His books, Them: Adventures With Extremists and The Men Who Stare At Goats were international bestsellers. The Men Who Stare At Goats has been turned into a major motion picture starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges. He’s also the author of two collections, Out Of The Ordinary: True Tales of Everyday Craziness and What I Do: More True Tales of Everyday Craziness.
He’s written the popular “Human Zoo” and “Out of the Ordinary” columns for The Guardian, where he still contributes features. He currently writes and presents the twice Sony nominated BBC Radio 4 series, Jon Ronson On….
For Channel 4, Jon has made a number of films including the acclaimed five part series the Secret Rulers of the World and the multi award-winning Tottenham Ayatollah. His most recent documentaries are Reverend Death (Channel 4), Citizen Kubrick (More4) and Robbie Williams and Jon Ronson Journey to the Other Side (Radio 4).
In the US, he is a contributor to Public Radio International’s This American Life.
“Mr. Ronson sets The Men Who Stare At Goats up beautifully. It moves with wry, precise agility ...so entertaining… a smarter, nuttier version of “The Tipping Point” or “Blink.” ...Mr. Ronson, a filmmaker and journalist whose earlier book, “Them: Adventures With Extremists,” was also outstandingly artful and chilling, eventually follows his trail of bread crumbs to the realms that really matter ...Somehow he is able to keep his book both light and nightmarish ...He remains terrifically adept at capturing the horror of these developments without losing track of their lunacy.” (review of The Men Who Stare At Goats) Janet Maslin - The New York Times
‘‘Unlikely though it certainly will seem to most readers at this difficult hour…Jon Ronson has managed to write a hugely amusing book about the lunatic fringe.’‘
(review of THEM) Washington Post
‘‘Often entertaining, more often disturbing…[Ronson] has gotten closer to these people than any journalist I can think of.’‘
New York Times (THEM)
‘‘I’ve never read such a delightful book on such a serious and important topic’‘.
The Nation (THEM)
Katie Puckrik
Katie Puckrik is a broadcaster, writer and performer – and with the worldwide success of her popular YouTube channel and blog, Katie Puckrik Smells, a respected fragrance expert. Katie’s snappy patter and irreverent interviews were a highlight of hit variety series The Word (Channel 4), the show she co-hosted after beating out 5,000 other applicants for a coveted presenter’s slot. She went on to host and write The Sunday Show (BBC2), Pyjama Party (ITV), 4 Goes to Glastonbury (Channel 4) and many other TV and radio programmes. In the US, she executive produced and hosted two series for Oxygen, Pajama Party and Who Needs Hollywood?, the latter winning a Gracie Award for Best Reality Series. Additionally, Katie is a journalist writes on pop culture, entertainment, lifestyle and travel for a range of publications including the Guardian, Elle, Marie Claire and the Sunday Times. Reviewers have called her memoir, Shooting From the Lip, “Gonzette journalism…an ammunition-packed bad girl’s guide to life.”
Katie began her career as a singer and dancer, including a tour across the globe with the Pet Shop Boys. More recently, she performed at the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival in the Sparks opera, The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman, recreating her role from the album of the same name. Katie was born in Virginia, but her father’s career as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer led the family to Berlin when she was three and to Moscow when she was 10. Thrill seeking and ill-advised romance has led her everywhere else.
http://www.katiepuckriksmells.com/
Colin Murray
Colin Murray is a TV and radio presenter who currently anchors the BBCs Match of the Day 2 programme and the BDO Lakeside World Darts Championship.
He is the figurehead of the acclaimed BBC Radio 5 Live Saturday morning show Fighting Talk, as well as hosting a popular Friday night sports preview show as part of 5 Live Sport, called Kicking Off.
He was also a key part of the BBCs World Cup 2010 coverage in South Africa, presenting the main highlights show, as well as two live games.
Colin began his career as a journalist, something that he has maintained throughout his broadcasting career. He recently published his first novel ‘A Random History Of Football’, which sold well in hardback and has been reprinted in its paperback version, and is currently working on his second book.
Colin made his name over a successful decade at BBC Radio 1, which began by co-hosting the Session In Northern Ireland, before going on to forge a relationship with Edith Bowman, eventually co-hosting the weekday afternoon slot, during which figures rose to a decade high. His love of alternative music saw him return to the coveted 10pm to midnight slot for his final three years at the station, during which time he scooped the coveted Sony Award for Music Broadcaster Of The Year, before deciding he wanted to leave BBC Radio 1 to concentrate on sporting projects.
He began his career as a news reporter, cutting his teeth at the Ulster News Letter. Colin then set up and co-published his own cutting-edge music magazine Blank.
In fact, he was crowned IPR Northern Ireland Entertainment Journalist Of The Year 2002, and it was this journalistic ethos that helped him win another Sony Gold – The Feature Award - for a documentary he made with All Out Productions entitled “The Trouble With Drugs”.
Currently, Colin also presents a weekly Friday night music programme from 10 until midnight for BBC Radio Ulster, called The Late Show, which he records from his own bedroom.
Other major TV credits include anchoring the UEFA Cup/Europa League for Channel Five over a number of years, as well as heading up their American Football coverage. He also co-wrote and presented the BBC2 sports documentary The 85 Final: Davis vs Taylor.
A full list of his various professional activities and personal interests and can be found on his Wikipedia, but don’t believe everything you read on there!
Sophie Morgan
After having a car accident in 2003 that left me paralysed and in a wheel chair for life, my attitude was altered dramatically. Initially I planned to study law, but due to this shift in consciousness (!!) I followed my heart. After a year of adapting to my new life in a chair, whilst studying art at foundation level, I was awarded an unconditional offer to study fine art at Goldsmiths University. I had my first exhibition in my first year, and since then have continued to exhibit throughout London. My love for learning has also led me on to study an English Literature Degree with the Open University, which grants me the freedom to study while still balancing my career as an artist and my determination to pursue my dream of TV presenting and writing.
I have seized two rare and incredible opportunities given by the BBC to take part in very contrasting but equally groundbreaking series. “Beyond Boundaries”, a month long expedition across Nicaragua in 2004 and “Britain’s Missing Top Model” a six part reality show in 2008 focusing on disabled women, aspiring to challenge stereotype and break into the fashion industry. The experiences have awarded me an insight to the power that the media could have in changing perceptions of disability, as well as revealing my ability and talent in articulating opinion, passion and insight.
I have more drive and ambition than I know what to do with, and while representing diversity is obviously very important to me I am equally dedicated to living my life to the full! I continue to challenge myself everyday – from skydiving to public speaking, from racing driving to modelling, and my lust for life has taken me around the world to experience cultures and countries that have taught me valuable lessons in my short life!
Also I work closely with a charity called the Back Up Trust which helps spinal chord injured people metaphorically back up, encouraging them to try different sports and activities. I am starting work with the charity Enable Me, through which I will be lucky enough to talk to young women at schools around the country to help deal with issues of insecurity and confidence.
I am aiming as high as I possibly can, and am very excited to be involved with a project with BBC Horizons this summer as well as a project with ManyRivers films.
Derren Litten
Derren Litten was born in 1970 in the northern fishing town of Hull; thankfully things have improved greatly since then. Graduating from The Central School of Speech and Drama in 1993 he quickly became a regular face on numerous television shows and countless TV commercials.
In 2002 Derren’s best friend from drama school, Catherine Tate, asked him to write for her Edinburgh sketch show. Although he had never written comedy before it was thought he would be the best man for the job as he often said hilarious things and would do it for nothing. Although Catherine knew people funnier than Derren, thankfully none of them could beat his rates.
When Catherine was offered her own TV series on BBC2 Derren became a main writer; he also performed in the show as they remembered at the last minute that he is rather marvellous at acting too. In 2005 Derren was nominated for a BAFTA Craft Award in the “New Writer” category. After two series and a Christmas Special pulling in record viewers, Derren decided it was time to concentrate on his own projects and turned down the offer to be involved in a third series.
Derren’s first project after The Catherine Tate Show was commissioned by Paul Jackson on the strength of two scripts with no cast at that time attached. Benidorm proved a huge hit with ITV audiences and has gone from strength to strength, switching from half hour to an hour long format in series 3. Series 4 of Benidorm will shoot in the Summer of 2010 and air in the early part of 2011. 2010 will also see a spectacular Benidorm Christmas Special.
Jason Lewis
Multi-talented actor, writer, comedian Jason Lewis burst onto the UK comedy scene with his unique stand-up comedy routines, which wowed and intrigued audiences across the UK.
Despite his natural ability to bring a smile to any face, Jason had not planned to become a comedian. As a professional actor Jason trained at the Anna Scher Theatre for six years and constructed an award winning one man show Black O’ Rama at the Anna Scher Festival of Plays.
It was not long after Jason’s initial introduction to stand-up comedy that he began writing his digital showpiece, The Jason Lewis Experience; a unique presentation of sketch comedy at its best, looking at real life issues with a humorous twist. Jason gave people a taste of The Jason Lewis Experience with two sketches, Small Change and Ready for War, made available on YouTube. The positive response was a sign of things to come.
To date The Jason Lewis Experience has received rave reviews. The controversial sketch Black Boys; a spoof music video which pokes fun at certain celebrities within the entertainment industry, was an instant hit with viewers prompting interest from MTV and Channel4. The response to his work was so much so that Jason landed a role on The Andi O Show (part of the E4 Comedy Season, also know as Funny Cuts) and Adulthood, the sequel to the UK feature film Kidulthood.
The Jason Lewis Experience gained more exposure when producers from MTV Base agreed to broadcast selected sketches throughout Black History Month, during commercial breaks. MTV Base later decided to give The Jason Lewis Experience its own thirty-minute slot. As a credit to his hard work Jason received an Urban Comedy Award 2009 nomination for The Jason Lewis Experience, in the Best TV Performance category.
Jason was cast as an actor and writer for the new BBC sketch show Bellamy’s People, created by BAFTA award winners and UK comedy heavyweights, Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson and appeared as Mick in the award winning BBC sitcom Miranda.
To date Jason has appeared in Coming Of Age Series I & III (BBC), Holby City XII (BBC), Watson and Oliver (BBC), Jail Tales (BBC), the third series of Artmstrong and Miller (BBC) and the second series of Harry and Paul (BBC). Jason is also currently working on the second installment of The Jason Lewis Experience with the BBC which will be hitting our screens in 2011.
He has recently wrapped on shooting the Rodrigo Cortes feature ‘Red Lights’ opposite Robert De Nero, Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy.
Check Jason out at:
Saira Khan
Businesswoman, Author, Public Speaker and Television Presenter…Saira Khan!
Saira shot to fame in the first series of the smash hit BBC TV Series “The Apprentice” and has since taken the UK by storm. In 2006 Saira also presented the BBC1 daytime series, “Temper your Temper”, a programme dealing with anger management, and British-Asian lifestyle show Desi DNA. She was a regular columnist for the second series of The Apprentice as well as being snapped up by the Daily Mirror where she was given her own column, ‘Saira Sorts it’.
Also in 2006 she set up a new campaign called OUR SAY to campaign for local and national referenda on issues of major public interest.
Saira has presented on various BBC and ITV programmes such as: “Tonight with Trevor McDonald-Behind the Veil” and “This Week with Andrew Neil” where her piece on Muslim extremism in Britain was applauded by the media. Saira is popular with GMTV and Breakfast News and is a popular contributor on these programmes.
In 2008 Saira presented BBC1’s “Beat The Boss” - the show was heralded in Broadcast Magazine as the Number 1 children’s programme! Additionally, Saira has presented “Saira Khan: Saving Turtles” for the BBC’s Saving Planet Earth series and two one hour documentaries for BBC 2 entitled “Saira Khan’s Pakistan Adventure”. She presented an edition of the BBC’s Money Programme about entrepreneurial mothers. She is a columnist for the Daily Mirror, a regular panelist for BBC Radio 5 Live and has appeared on a number of other stations including BBC Radio 4 and the BBC Asian Network. Phew!
Saira has also written a self help book, “P.U.S.H. For Success”, published by Vermillion – part of the prestigious Random House stable. The title has become a best selling self-help book.
Saira is a regular corporate and motivational speaker - her straight talking, no nonsense approach makes her an energetic and captivating speaker. Her business insight comes not from text books or theories but from her own direct experience, added to which, her cultural background and experience makes her an exciting, modern spokeswoman.
Saira has gained both an MA and BA Hons degree as well as working in sales for some of the UK’s leading blue chip companies including, United Biscuits, Yell and The Guardian Media Group and is the MD of her own company “miamoo” a luxury range of skincare products, www.miamoo.com.
Most recently she has taken part in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS for the BBC. In a re-enactment of Jules Verne’s literary odyssey, six pairs of celebrities race against the clock to raise money for 2009’s BBC Children in Need, where she saw herself partnered with Nick Hewer from her days on The Apprentice. In the second episode of this remarkable series we saw Saira take the baton from Turkey to Kazakhstan.
Please visit www.sairakhan.co.uk
Paul Kaye
Paul Kaye: Comedian, writer but first and foremost an actor.
He exploded onto our screens way back in 1995 as ‘‘Dennis Pennis’‘, a shock interviewer whose mocking style terrorised celebrity victims on both sides of the Atlantic. Since then he has created an eclectic CV for himself in television, film and theatre, appearing in hits such as; ‘‘SPACED’’ (Chanel 4), 2 series of the BBC series ‘‘PERFECT WORLD’‘, the leading role of Kenny Marsh in 3 series of BBC’s successful ‘‘TWO THOUSAND ACRES OF SKY’‘, ‘‘WAKING THE DEAD’’ (BBC), ‘‘DOWN TO EARTH’’ (BBC), ‘‘MISS MARPLE’’ (Granada), ‘‘HUSTLE’’ (BBC), ‘‘EASTENDERS’’ (BBC), ‘‘HOTEL BABYLON’’ (Carnival / BBC) and 2 series in the Stephen Fry smash ‘‘KINGDOM’’ (ITV) to name a tiny few.
He starred alongside Johnny Vegas, James Cromwell, Imelda Staunton and Vince Vaughn in the Mel Smith directed ‘‘BLACKBALL’‘, and then in 2005 he took the role of deaf DJ Frankie Wilde in the mockumentary ‘‘IT’S ALL GONE PETE TONG’’ which won eleven awards worldwide, including ‘Best Film’ at the Toronto Film Festival and ‘Best Actor’ for Paul at the HBO Comedy Awards.
Other film credits include ‘‘AGENT CODY BANKS 2: DESTINATION LONDON’’ (MGM Films), ‘‘SPIVS’’ (Carnaby Films), Woody Allen’s ‘‘MATCHPOINT’’ opposite Scarlett Johanssen, ‘‘WAZ’’ (Vertigo Films) directed by Tom Shankland, ‘‘CASS’’ (Optimum Films), and ‘‘THE BIG I AM’’ (Cinematic Productions).
Paul had the opportunity to take to London’s West End, appearing in ‘‘DINNER’’ opposite Harriet Walter at The Wyndhams Theatre to rave reviews.
Recently Paul worked on the second series of his hugely successful MTV series ‘‘STRUTTER’’ playing the lead role of ‘Mike Strutter’. It is MTV’s highest rating show (after the MTV Awards!). He starred in the hit Channel 5 series ‘‘ANGELO’S’‘, series 2 of the BBC’s comedy ‘‘PULLING’‘, opposite Timothy Spall in ITV’s 2 part thriller ‘‘GUNRUSH’‘, ‘‘PA’S’’ (BBC), ‘‘MIDSOMER MURDERS’’ (Bentley Productions for ITV), the new series of ‘‘KATY BRANDS BIG ASS SHOW’’ (ITV), and will be seen in series 4 of Channel 4’s huge hit ‘‘SKINS’‘.
Most recently Paul has worked on the films ‘‘MURDER IN MIND’’ (White Feather Films), ‘‘MALICE IN WONDERLAND’’ (2B Pictures), ‘‘THE INFIDEL’’ (Met Films) and the forthcoming ‘‘EATING DUST’’ (Jinx Films).
For television he has worked with Ruth Jones on her new BBC comedy ‘‘A CHILD’S CHRISTMASES IN WALES’’ playing Uncle Gorwel, and continues to voice various characters in BBC’s ‘‘WE ARE MONGRELS’‘.
Paul has won various awards including Arena Magazine’s ‘‘Comedian of the Year 2008’’ and the Loaded Lafta ‘Best Television Personality Award’. He recently hosted FilmFour’s new season of ‘‘Films to See Before You Die’’.
Paul has most recently created the role of Mr. Wormwood in the smash hit production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda at both Stratford and currently in the Westend at teh Cambridge Theatre.
Rufus Hound
Rufus Hound is a comedian, presenter, actor and the owner of a fine moustache.
He won that dance thing for Sport Relief dressed up as Cheryl Cole. Remember? And he’s on ‘Celebrity Juice’ every week, sat next to Fearne Cotton. Or as the eponymous hero of CBBC’s ‘Hounded’.
So that’s what he does. Though there’s other stuff as well.
He hosts Radio 4’s “My Teenage Diary”, took over from Anne Robinson to present the final series of ‘OutTake TV’ for BBC1 and captained the Blue Team for three series of Dave’s ‘Argumental’. Having picked the year 2000 as his funniest, Channel 4 gave him two hours one Saturday night to explain why in “My Funniest Year: 2000”, which was very nice of them.
Oh, and he’s been a guest on a lot of things too.Jonathan Ross’s radio show, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Xtra Factor, The Five o Clock Show, This Morning… blah blah blah.
He also does loads of stand-up across the country and hosts glittering awards ceremonies.
Truth is, lists are boring, and all this is is a big long list of stuff he’s done. So instead of that, he wrote you this poem:
The little you
inside the you
that everyone can see,
is pretty much
identical
to the little me in me.
He hopes you like it, though agrees that there’s an unpleasant ‘cutesy’ element to it.
Anyway, he’s available for work.
Jon Holmes
Jon Holmes is a seven-time Sony and Double Bafta winning writer, comedian and polymorphic media alloy. He’s haunts BBC Radio 4 like a tiny ghost, writing and performing as one of The Now Show team, and his own series Listen Against is “glorious”, “triumphant”, “stunningly made” and “beautifully crafted and scalpel sharp” depending on which newspaper you read.
In music radio he presents his own weekend show on BBC 6 Music (Saturdays 4-7pm) and (with Miranda Hart) sits in to host the Radio 2 Breakfast Show when Chris Evans is off. He appears on 5Live’s Men’s Hour and also has his own show on the network Jon Holmes’s Mob Rule. He also holds a British Comedy Award for Best Radio Comedy.
On TV Jon has worked with Armando Iannucci, Stephen Fry, Harry Hill and Graham Norton. Jon also co-created Dead Ringers and co-writes the hugely popular Royal Television Society and Bafta Award winning Horrible Histories for BBC1. Other TV includes Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, Top Gear and 2010/2011 Unwrapped.
He is a travel writer for The Sunday Times and his books Rock Star Babylon, The Now Show Book and The History of the World Through Twitter are now also available on a futuristic Kindle.
He was once asked to go on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. He told them to sod off.
Paul Hawkyard
Paul is an actor with vast experience in eclectic roles.
He has graced our screens across the years in ‘‘Kiss Me Kate’’ (Carlton), ‘‘Maisie Raine’’ (Zenith), ‘‘Eastenders’’ (BBC), ‘‘Heartbeat’’ (ITV), ‘‘Where The Heart Is’’ (Anglia), ‘‘Miss Marple’’ (Granada), ‘‘The Last Detective’’ (ITV), and ‘‘Mike Bassett’’ (ITV) to name a (very select) few.
Most recently he has been seen in ‘‘Casualty’’ (BBC), ‘‘2 Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps’’ (BBC) and ‘‘MI High’’ (BBC).
Furthermore he has a distinguished Musical Theatre career, starring in “Peter Pan” at the Festival Hall, Trevor Nunn’s feted production of “South Pacific” at The National Theatre and “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Lyceum, London, to name but a few! Paul most recently starred as ‘Bill Austin’ in the hugely popular, Abba-inspired musical “Mama Mia” at the Prince of Wales Theatre.
Phil Hammond
Phil Hammond qualified as a doctor in 1987, became a GP in 1991 and has also worked in sexual health. He was half of Struck Off and Die, who had five sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, were twice selected for the Perrier Pick of the Fringe and won Writers’ Guild and Silver Sony Awards for their Radio 4 series. In 2002, Phil fronted ‘28 Minutes to Save the NHS” on Radio 4, which he extended to a sell out Edinburgh Fringe Show, and a highly successful 60-date UK tour .
He is currently on tour with ‘Dr Phil’s Rude Health Show’, which focuses on the health costs of hedonism and teaches us how to pleasure ourselves in a safe and sustainable way. Both Phil’s shows are available on DVD, and he has also written three books, ‘Medicine Balls’ – a comic prescription for the NHS, ‘Trust Me. I’m Still a Doctor’ – a collection of his investigative journalism for Private Eye, and ‘Sex, Sleep or Scrabble?’ – a pleasure seekers manual.
Phil has written Private Eye’s medical columns, ‘Doing the Rounds’ and ‘Medicine Balls’, since 1992, and broke the story of the Bristol heart scandal. He gave evidence to the subsequent Public Inquiry and presented five series of “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” on BBC 2, exposing wide variations in care across the NHS. He is a strong advocate of patients, both as a Vice President of the Patients Association and a Patron of the Herpes Viruses Association. He is also a patron of the Doctors Support Network, for doctors with mental health problems.
He has survived Ruby Wax and “Have I Got News For You” (seven times), has appeared many times on ‘The News Quiz’, ‘The Now Show’. ‘The One Show’ and ‘Countdown.’ He was the only doctor to appear for the prosecution on Channel 4’s “Doctors on Trial”. Phil has been reported to the General Medical Council by William Hague’s Press Secretary.
Phil’s first TV sitcom, “Doctors and Nurses”, co-written with Nigel Smith, was broadcast on BBC 1 in 2004. His radio 4 sitcom, Polyoaks, about GPs struggling with the current health reforms, airs on Radio 4 on Friday mornings at 11.30am. Phil also presents The Music Group on Radio 4, which is in its fifth series.
Phil has been a Lecturer in Medical Communication at the Universities of Birmingham and Bristol and currently works as a part time GP in the Bristol area. He is much in demand as a speaker, facilitator and conference chair, and was recently described by Professor Michael Rawlins, Chair of NICE, as “the best chair we’ve ever had”.
Phil is married to Jo, also a GP, and has two children, two Labradors, two cats, two ponies and a full head of ginger hair.
His website is www.drphilhammond.com
Dr Phil Hammond’s fantastic ‘Sex, Sleep or Scrabble? - Seriously Funny Answers to Life’s Quirkiest Questions’ is the perfect read to find the answers to some seriously bizarre questions! Available from all major bookstores and online ...
John Fortune
A home grown satirist of venerable standing, John Fortune has notched up eight series of BAFTA nominated “Bremner, Bird and Fortune” (Vera Prods for Ch4), with more planned!
John enjoyed a season in “Art” in 2001 and appeared in the films “Saving Grace”, “Maybe Baby” and “The Tailor of Panama” and Woody Allen’s “Match Point”. John also appeared in an episode of BBC TV’s “Love Soup”.
John Fortune and John Bird continue to write and perform their self-contained cabarets for corporate clients.
Sam Delaney
Sam Delaney is a journalist, broadcaster, author and the former editor of Heat magazine.
He is a regular host on Talksport and has also presented his own shows for BBC 5Live and BBC London 94.9
He recently presented the BBC Three documentary ‘Sex, Lies And Gagging Orders’ which looked into the phone hacking and superinjunction scandals.
Previously, he has written and presented documentaries for Channel 4 (on teen crime) and Channel Five (on pop culture). In 2007 he presented the well-received BBC Three documentary ‘Bust My Ass’ about civil liberties and the right to protest.
He has a weekly news review slot on Sky Sunrise with Eamonn Holmes and works as a pundit on news, sport and entertainment across various TV and radio stations.
He has published two books: ‘Get Smashed – The Story Of The Men That Made The Ads That Changed Our Lives’ (2007) and ‘Night Of The Living Dad – Confessions Of A Shabby Father’ (2009)
He has 14 years experience of writing in the national press for The Guardian, The Sunday Telegraph, the NME, The Independent, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, The Big Issue, Four Four Two, The New Humanist and countless others. He is a columnist for The Guardian and has written columns for The Sun too.
In a past life he was a parliamentary researcher for Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman.
Sam Delaney’s wonderful book ‘A Night Of The Living Dad’ follows Sam in his first year of fatherhood as he tries to figure out what a good dad should be, and, even more importantly, what sort of dad he should be! Available from all major bookstores and online.
Giles Coren
Giles Coren is a writer, critic, columnist and television presenter. For the last nine years he has been the Times’ restaurant critic and has written a weekly opinion column for them for even longer than that. In 2005, he was named ‘Food and Drink Writer of the Year’ at the British Press Awards. In the same year, his first novel, ‘Winkler’, won the Literary Review’s Bad Sex Award. His 1997 ‘autobiography’ of James Dyson, ‘Against The Odds’, did not. But it was a bestseller In Britain, America and Japan.
He co-presented the first series of ‘The F-Word’ with Gordon Ramsay in 2005, hosted Five’s ‘Movie Lounge’ in 2006, and in the same year wrote and presented ‘Tax The Fat’, a controversial documentary for More4 which made him no friends in the fat community.
In 2007 he co-presented, with Olivia Judson, Channel 4’s three part documentary series about bio-technology in the food chain, ‘Animal Farm’, and in 2008, with Sue Perkins, presented the six-part historical food series, ‘The Supersizers Go…’ followed by a second series in 2009.
His new series with Sue Perkins, ‘Giles and Sue Live The Good Life’, aired on BBC2 to ravew reviews in November 2010, and his new book, ‘Anger Management for Beginners’, has recently been published in paperback by Hodder.
John Burton Race
John Burton Race was born in Singapore in 1957 and spent his early years travelling and experiencing food from all over the world. In 1983 John became a Sous chef at Les Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxford from where he went on to become Head chef and manager of Le Petit Blanc, Oxford until 1986. He then opened his own restaurant L’Ortolan, Berkshire, where he achieved and maintained two Michelin stars. In 2000 he opened John Burton Race, Landmark Hotel, London and reclaimed both Michelin stars within the first year of trading.
In 2002 John moved to France for a year to relearn and discover ingredients and his love of cooking after many years in the fast lane. Channel 4 screened the television series “French Leave” and John wrote the book that accompanied the series.
John moved back to Devon in 2003 and teaming up with head chefs Nigel Marriage and Robin Zavou, John opened “The New Angel” in Dartmouth, a series of which was made for Channel 4, with accompanying book.
John has taken part in “Through The Keyhole”, “Great British Menu” and even took part in “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here” to name a few. He was a regular guest on ‘‘Cooking The Books’’ for Channel 5, but is probably best known for his role on ITV’s hit show ‘‘Britain’s Best Dish’’ which returns for it’s fifth series in 2011.
photograph copyright Adam Lawrence.
Rory Bremner
Twenty-five years ago, Rory Bremner performed his first public impression. Nine years later, he starred in his first BBC series “Now For Something Else”. Today, he is widely rated as Britain’s sharpest impressionist – a one-man opposition party – with his weekly Channel Four show “Bremner, Bird & Fortune” (Vera Prods) and seasonal ‘specials’, regularly winning awards as the best satire on television. He ‘does’ over 100 people, from Tony Blair to Mohamed al Fayed.
His unique brand of comedy and satire has sustained a highly successful career in radio and television for over 25 years. Nowadays, he’s equally in demand as a columnist for newspapers and magazines, a documentary presenter and one of the country’s leading after-dinner speakers.
Rory was born in Edinburgh in 1961 and educated at Clifton Hall, Wellington College and King’s College, London, where he was made a Fellow in 2006. He is an Honorary Fellow of Queen Mary College.
Together with John Bird and John Fortune, his satirical programmes (Rory Bremner- Who Else 1992-97, Bremner, Bird and Fortune 1997-present) have been a mainstay of Channel 4’s output since 1992, winning a total of four BAFTAs and three RTS awards. The trio regularly produce specials, including a trilogy on Iraq (Between Iraq and a Hard Place, Beyond Iraq and a Hard Place and Beneath Iraq and a Hard Place) and a number of programmes charting the rise and fall of New Labour.
Their book ‘You Are Here’, (‘a stockpile of satirical ammunition’- Daily Telegraph) was published in 2005.
In 2008 they created a four-part satirical documentary series on the global financial crisis, Silly Money.
Prior to that, Rory had seven series on the BBC, from 1986 to 1992, winning the Special Award at the Golden Rose of Montreux in 1987. Over the last two decades, Rory’s appeared in many of the top TV comedy shows, from Spitting Image and Whose Line is it Anyway to Have I got News For You, Mock the Week, and QI. He’s appeared more than any other guest on Parkinson and Wogan.
He is a frequent guest on The Andrew Marr Show (BBC1) where he provides a satirical review of current political events through his many characters.
In 2008 he retraced his family history for Who Do You Think You Are (BBC 1, January 2009)
In addition to his many comedy appearances he has translated two operas (Carmen and Der Silbersee) and a Brecht play (A Respectable Wedding, for the Young Vic). He is a regular contributor to The Times, The Telegraph, The New Statesman and Radio Times, for whom he has interviewed Michael Parkinson and David Frost.
When not working he enjoys travel, opera, cooking, sport (especially cricket- he had a 1985 Top 20 hit as ‘The Commentators’ with N.n..nineteen not out) and motor racing- he owns a 1963 Alfa Spyder.
He lives in London and Oxfordshire with his wife, artist Tessa Campbell Fraser, and their two daughters Ava and Lila.
Jo Brand
Since leaving her job as a psychiatric nurse in 1987, Jo Brand has built a large following across the UK, male and female alike appearing initially on the Saturday Live television show.
In 1993 she became a resident panellist, along with Tony Hawks, on BBC monologue show The Brain Drain. Soon after, she had her hit “Through the Cakehole” (Channel X for Ch4) series met with great acclaim, as did her series “All the Way to Worcester” (Vera Prods for Ch4). Jo’s diverse appeal is marked by appearances on such eclectic programmes as “Question Time” (BBC) to “Nevermind the Buzzcocks” (TalkBack Prods for BBC), “QI” (TalkBack Prods for BBC1) and “Countdown” (YTV for Ch4) to “They Think It’s All Over” (TalkBack Prods for BBC) and The Graham Norton Show (BBC). She presented “Jo Brand’s Commercial Breakdown” (Celador for BBC1), “Jo Brand’s Hot Potatoes” (Assembly Film & TV) and “Jo Brand’s Rudest Home Videos” (ITV1). She has just guest hosted “Have I Got News For You” (Hat Trick). She also appeared on Star Spell, a spin off from Hard Spell, during 2004, and in a bloomin’ fantastic cameo in Absolutely Fabulous.
In 2007, Jo narrated Laughter & Tears: The Les Dawson Story, a documentary tribute to Les Dawson. The programme was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 2007.
Jo took part in the first celebrity version of Comic Relief does Fame Academy, and then in 2007, she appeared as a celebrity contestant on Comic Relief Does The Apprentice, again to raise money for Comic Relief. In 2009 she participated in Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, another Comic Relief fundraiser, dancing as Britney Spears (‘tis true), reaching the final. She has proved herself an un-willing fashion victim on the BBC1 special “What Not To Wear On The Red Carpet”, learnt the organ for BBC’s “Play it Again”, which she then played to a sell out crowd at the Royal Albert Hall, and she has also taken part in a charity celebrity carol singing choir!
She appeared as a judge in the BBC2 series The Speaker in April 2009. She offered her advice, along with John Amaechi and Jeremy Stockwell, in the eight-part series charting the search for “Britain’s Best Young Speaker’‘.
This year saw her write and star in the utterly marvellous, Getting On, in which she starred along co-writers Joanna Scanlan and Vicki Pepperdine, on BBC in July 2009. The series, set on a hospital’s geriatric ward, was partly inspired by her earlier career in nursing, and has been commisioned for a second series to begin filming in 2010.
A critically acclaimed writer, Jo has written the hits ‘A Load Of Old Balls’ and ‘A Load Of Old Ball Crunchers’ (both Simon & Schuster), ‘It’s Different For Girls’, ‘Sorting Out Billy’ and ‘The More You Ignore Me’ (all for Headline Review). Her autobiography ‘Look Back In Hunger’ is now available from all good stockists.
To top it off Jo is a popular host and cabaret artist for corporate events.
Photograph copyright of BBC
Congratulations to Jo Brand for her BAFTA win for Best Female Comedy Performance in ‘‘Getting On’‘. Very well deserved!
In other news, the paperback edition of Jo’s fantastic new book “Look Back In Hunger”, volume one of her memoirs, is sitting proudly at Number 1. on Sunday Times bestseller list ... make sure to get your hands on a copy from all major bookstores and online retailers. WELL DONE JO!
Jo is also encouraging people to look out for the Carbon Reduction Label - www.Carbon-Label.com - when they do their weekly shop to help tackle climate change.
Matt Bell
In a short time Matt Bell has made a massive impact in the world of entertainment and comedy.
A TV presenter, comic, actor and writer Matt came to public attention when he hosted Channel 5’s monster hit ‘The Hotel Inspector’. From here he was offered the chance to move to SKY and host ‘GOT TO DANCE: Backstage’ alongside Davina McCall, and to take on co-hosting duties with Huey Morgan and Liza Tarbuck on the first series of ‘Pet Nation’ which was an animal celebration that combined must-see home videos with sharp, funny and jaw-droppingly extreme features, plus fantastic guests. Matt went on to host ‘Animal Squad’ for SKY which saw him join the RSPCA, and follow their inspectors as they rescue and protect British wildlife and animals.
Matt is a founding member of the comedy groups ‘Tramps Of Prey’ has completed the pilot ‘‘TRAMPS OF PREY’’ which you can view by clicking here and ‘The Jelly Moustache’.
Matt is about to start work on a transmittable pilot (with the view to go to series) titled ‘Kungfoolery’ being produced by TwoFour and to be shown on SKY1. The series plays on extreme sports, and viewers will watch Matt travel to Thailand and learn the art of Kung Fu , but with a comedic twist…