GRINSTOCK COMEDY CLUB - May 8th (Meridian Hall, East Grinstead)

Night 6 of our 9th season of comedy, and this month is another corker of a night as always from Grinstock Comedy Club. 

GRINSTOCK 8TH OF MAY EAST GRINSTEAD LINE UP 

MC Russell Hicks

"Russell Hicks is Amazing", Comedy Palace

One of the most exciting comics to come out of America, Russell Hicks is branded one of the 'Top Six Comics to Watch' by LA's Stand Up Talk Magazine. He has appeared on LA based panel show Direct TV's 'What's News?' and is a regular guest on hit podcasts such as Talkin' Sh*t with Eddie Ifft.

Headlining the nationally acclaimed student circuit in the United States, Russell regularly takes his hour long solo shows across the country to the biggest universities. Prolific and consistently delivering quality new work, audience members are often compelled to return for two nights in a row. Fast and loose, no two shows are ever the same. If you’ve ever seen one of his shows, then you’ll know exactly what we are talking about.

He’s played alongside some of the biggest names in the industry and soon will be one himself, his razor sharp wit, and fully off the cuff sets are legendary and envied by hundreds of acts across the national circuit. Now in his 5 th year with Grinstock. Make sure you don’t miss this incredible and talented comedian on your doorstep

What the Press have to say:

"Hicks has a sharp wit.. the pessimism of Jack Dee mixed with the deadpan aggression of Denis Leary. A riproaring night of tough love from a witty comedian ****", Broadwaybaby.com - Aug-2014

"Russell Hicks was a surprising highlight for me – American standup who wove wide-ranging improvisation and interaction with the crowd with deprecating jokes about American stereotypes and a wry swipe back at British culture... very funny.", Ashbourne Voice - Jul-2014

"Russell Hicks is Amazing", Comedy Palace

"absolutely smashed it last night. What was most impressive is that he somehow managed to completely improvise for the entire 30 minutes, which I have never seen done before. I have worked in numerous different comedy venues and I have also never seen a comedian get a huge round of applause for simply leaving the green room, which Russell did. I believe he has a bright future in comedy with his unique talent to riff so well.", Bearcat

"It’s impressive to witness the fountain of verbal gold that comes out of the comedian.", NerdsDoItBetter

"a gift…very funny", Stand Up Talk

"Russell Hicks is Amazing", ADN

"He had us in stitches….non stop laughs", NoFrillsThrills

ESTHER MANITO

BBC New Comedy Award Nominee 2017

Esther is an exciting British-Lebanese comedian who burst onto the stand-up circuit in 2016 and within her first 18 months of performing she has already reached the finals rounds of 6 major comedy competitions.  As heard on BBC Radio 4, Esther’s observational stand-up reflects on how being a mum can be hard work, how being a woman is challenging, how being Arab is tough at times and how being middle class English is….never tough….(unless Waitrose is out of Avocados). Esther ably proves that being all four, can be hilarious.

“An adept and assured performer” - Chortle

“Esther Manito has a lot of hair and a lot of talent” - Bruce Dessau

Winner Comedy Store King Gong March 2018

So You Think You’re Funny Finalist 2017

Bath Comedian of The Year Finalist 2017

Amused Moose Semi Finalist 2017

Leicester Square Comedian of the Year Semi Finalist 2017

Funny Women 'One to Watch’ 2016

ANTHENA KUGBLENU

"funny and original" The Skinny

Athena is a comedian with thought-provoking jokes that still have an edgy sting. A 2015 BBC New Comedy Awards Finalist and a 2017 nominee for the 99 Club Female Comedians’ Bursary, she’s written for BBC Radio 4 (News Quiz and The Now Show), appeared on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales and the BBC World Service, guests on BBC Five Live and in 2017 performed at the Johannesburg international Comedy Festival.

Athena is a true comic genius and we are excited to have her back at Grinstock after some years away.

Quotes

"a very likable comic with a unique stage presence"  Shortcom

"an informed social observer and invested cultural commentator" The Scotsman

"a smart, relevant comedian" Chortle

Henry Paker

As seen on Russell Howard’s Good News

In 2008 he won the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year and realised he might be onto something. Since then Henry’s many comic talents have seen him carve out a career as a comic writer, stand up, actor and cartoonist. Seen on Russell Howard’s Good News, Sean Walsh World and Edinburgh and Beyond.

Awards and Competitions

WINNER - Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2008

SECOND PLACE- Laughing Horse New Act Of The Year 2008

Press

“Henry Paker delivers a mightily impressive set that is rarely less than superb… The man will be a star.” Chortle

“…the star is Henry Paker; every one of his jokes is built up perfectly, and the punch-line is always hilarious. Clever material, but silly enough not to alienate anyone; see this show while you can!”  Three Weeks, Edinburgh Festival 2007, ****