Live Comedy - 4th July

MARK SILCOX - Ex-scientist and part-time teacher, Silcox is known for his experimental, deadpan style of anti-humour.. If you were to meet him you would immediately realise that you were in the presence of a masterful academic, but someone who struggles with the subtleties of human connections and everyday life.

Mark made it to the finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2013 and was one of several Asian comedians to be featured on BBC’S, The Big Asian Stand-Up. He has also appeared on Romesh: Comedians in Pubs Talking Comedy on BBC Three, An Immigrants guide to Britain on Channel 4 and Sick of It alongside Karl Pilkington on Sky1, amongst others. Mark is mainly known for his starring role as Joe Lycett’s side kick on channel 4’s consumer rights comedy show, Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, with a clip of him challenging Burger King on their motto "Have it your way" going viral and prompting a response from Burger King themselves.

“Infectious weirdness”

Bruce Dessau, Beyond the Joke 

TONY COWARDS - Tony is a rapidfire gag merchant with an arsenal full of one-liners, for laughs-per-minute he's a tough act to beat! His quick wit has made him a sought after act and compere by comedy clubs and promoters across the UK and even for gigs worldwide. Something of a Twitter sensation, Tony's jokes turn up in all sorts of places, from greetings cards to The Times newspaper, even if you've never heard of him there's a good chance that you'll have laughed at one of his gags. Tony's likable 'everyman' character and wide ranging humour (mostly clean) means he is comfortable in front of any audience and is regularly booked to host comedy nights for the military (from the Irish Guards to the Royal Army Dental Corps to top brass at Norwood HQ). In July 2014, he won third place in the prestigious 'English Comedian of the Year' competition.

PAUL TONKINSON - A sensational live performer, Yorkshire man, marathon runner and former (double award-winning) Time Out Comedian of the Year, Paul Tonkinson has long upheld his esteemed reputation as one of the finest stand-ups the UK has to offer. With a unique and distinctive style, Tonkinson is noted for his effervescent physicality and skillful impressions, which bring alive exuberant, tender comic reflections on love, family and the day-to-day idiosyncrasies of 21st century living. A plethora of first class material, combined with tremendous charm and irrepressible, infectious energy make for quite a formidable talent.

Following a hugely successful solo tour, he was given the opportunity to play to a wider audience, joining the mighty Michael McIntyre as a special guest on live shows around the UK. In 2013 he had the honour of joining Michael as a special guest on his global arena tour; playing to millions across the globe, as far and wide as Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Paul joined Michael again in 2015 as special guest on the Happy & Glorious Tour; playing to sold-out crowds in arenas across the UK.

On TV, he’s most recently performed on BBC One’s Michael Mcintyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Comedy Central’s The Comedy Store and The World Stands-up. He was recently a contestant on Ch. 4`s hit show Celebrity Come Dine With Me, proving he’s not just a dazzling stand-up talent, but a whizz in the kitchen, scooping first place to win the cash prize for charity. Back in the day, when he was a mere whippersnapper he had a stint presenting Ch. 4’s The Big Breakfast and he has also presented radio shows on XFM in London and Manchester. He has just completed a stint as a Programme Associate on BBC One’s Michael Mcintyre Chat Show.

His first love remains stand-up, and Tonkinson remains in great demand in the UK and across the globe, performing at all the major international comedy festivals including the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs festival where he hosted the esteemed Britcom Gala. Confirming his status as an invincible and highly versatile performer, he is also a regular entertainer for the UK Armed Forces, and has performed in Afghanistan and Iraq; playing to 2,500 troops in 45 degree heat in the middle of the desert.

MC DAWN BAILEY - Dawn is a forty something (ahem just turned 50) Mum who views life through happy specs and giddy knickers (her own words). An original performer, Dawn won the XS Manchester Radio Comedian of the Year in 2016, which led to her presenting a show on the station. A likeable and affable nature, Dawn is a regular on the UK comedy circuit and performs for some of the most reputable promoters in the Country. Dawn’s honesty regarding life and love are raw, straight to the point and comes with a no-holds-barred delivery. She is a merry maker and definitely loves to have a damn good chuckle.

*ACTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE