Comedy Night: Horatio Gould, Markus Birdman & Hal Cruttenden

This show’s line-up features Horatio Gould, Markus Birdman and Hal Cruttenden, hosted by MC Colin Owens. Expect a properly brilliant Friday night of live stand-up comedy at Papillon in Southampton, with three top-billed comics, a cracking crowd and big laughs from start to finish.

Whether you’re planning a date night, rounding up your mates, sorting a work social or just looking for something fun to do in Southampton, Stand Up in the Basement brings club-style comedy nights to some of the city’s best independent venues.

Tickets are limited and our shows often sell out. Book early to get the best price and guarantee your seat.

Horatio Gould

Horatio Gould is a stand-up, writer and podcaster whose comedy pulls apart modern masculinity, generational anxiety and internet culture with warmth and mischief. He’s co-host of the chart-topping podcastFin VS History, has clocked up millions of views online (over 70mill), and sold out Edinburgh Fringe runs withSweet PrinceandReturn of the Space Cowboy. A Leicester Square Theatre sell-out and tour support forFrankie Boyle, Horatio has quickly established himself as a standout voice of his generation.

“Unequivocally excellent.” – ★★★★ The Skinny
“The funniest, freshest act out there.” – Frankie Boyle
★★★★★ Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe
“A great comic mind.” – Chortle

Markus Birdman

Markus Birdman is one of British comedy’s most experienced and well-travelled performers, with a career spanning clubs, theatres and comedy festivals across the globe. A Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, he was also nominated for Chortle’s Best Club Comic in 2023 and has appeared on Rosie Jones’ Disability Comedy Extravaganza and Netflix’s Live From Amsterdam.

A veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe, Markus has headlined top comedy clubs throughout the UK and toured internationally across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He has worked alongside comedy legends including Jerry Seinfeld and toured with Paul Sinha, who famously asked: “How the f*ck is Markus Birdman not famous?”

"Grab a ticket. He’s brilliant.” – Sarah Millican
“How the f**k is Markus Birdman Not Famous?” – Paul Sinha
“I did a tour of NZ with Markus Birdman, who wiped the floor with me every night. He was fantastic.” – James Acaster
“MARKUS ÜBER ALLES! One of the best acts around.” – Henning Wehn

"Birdman is the all-round package; witty, controversial, hip, topical and silly. A master of timing and physical comedy, he made me laugh so hard it hurt" – BBC

"Energetic, engaging… thought-provoking and funny" – The Stage

Hal Cruttenden

Hal Cruttenden is one of the UK’s most established and in-demand stand-ups, known for his sharp observational comedy, effortless crowd work and brilliantly chaotic takes on modern life. A regular on British television, he’s one of a select few comics to have performed onLive at the Apollothree times andThe Royal Variety Performancetwice.

His many TV appearances includeHave I Got News For You,Mock the Week,Would I Lie To You?,The Apprentice: You’re Fired,Bake Off: An Extra Slice,Celebrity Mastermind,Richard Osman’s House of GamesandThe One Show.

“Reminded me how much I love stand-up” – The Times
“Funniest he’s ever been” – The Sunday Times
“He’ll make you laugh a lot” – Daily Mirror
“The comedy gift that keeps on giving” – The Scotsman
“Had the audience in stitches” – Daily Record

Colin Owens [compere]

Colin Owens is the charming chaos at the heart of Stand Up in the Basement. He’s been gigging across the UK comedy circuit since 2005, known for his dry delivery, laid-back style, and razor-sharp crowd work. Colin’s the glue that holds the night together — setting the tone, warming up the room, and making sure no one gets too comfy in the front row.

He first made waves after winning the Jimmy Carr Comedy Idol Competition, going on to support Carr at Bloomsbury Theatre and perform alongside comics like Frank Skinner, Tim Vine, and Michael McIntyre.

“Brilliant, like a funny neighbour.” —Tim Vine
“I knew he’d be funny and he was.” —Michael McIntyre

INFO

🕗Time: Doors 7.15pm / Show 8–10.30pmISH (with intervals)

🎤What to Expect: We showcase three top-billed acts, each one a headline-worthy name in their own right – one to open the show, one to perform in the middle, and one to close the night.

🍻Bar: Venue bar open before, after, and during intervals

📍Venue: Papillon, 61 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GG (opposite Mayflower Theatre)

📱Follow us: @standupinthebasement on Insta & Facebook

⚠️Line-ups can be subject to change:but quality will never compromised!

🎟️Tickets:more tickets & show info on our website

www.standupinthebasement.com