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BRITISH LEGACY / THE COLLECTION

Comedians

British comedians have had a profound impact on global comedy, shaping the genre with their unique brand of humor. From classic slapstick to satirical comedy, British comedians continue to entertain and influence audiences worldwide. Their ability to address complex social issues through humor marks an important cultural contribution.

95 entries

John Bishop: from Liverpool football to the comedy stage

A former semi-professional footballer, Bishop built a career in stand-up and television, while raising millions for charity.

Dara Ó Briain: comedy, science and British television

The Irish comedian built a career across stand-up, topical panel shows and science broadcasting, becoming a familiar presence on British television.

Rory Bremner: comedy, impressions and political scrutiny

The Scottish impressionist built a long career making British politics and its public figures comic subjects.

Ben Elton: satire across television, theatre and the page

From The Young Ones and Blackadder to novels and West End musicals, Elton has carried a distinctive comic voice across British entertainment.

Paul Merton: improvisation, satire and the long game

From the London alternative-comedy circuit to Have I Got News for You, Merton built a career on quick thinking and an instinct for the unexpected.

Harry Enfield: characters that caught the British moment

From Loadsamoney to Kevin the Teenager, Enfield built a television career around comic characters shaped by class, money and social behaviour.

Catherine Tate

Comedian and actress known for "The Catherine Tate Show" and her role in "Doctor Who."

Russell Howard

The English comedian moved from BBC radio and panel shows to a hit topical series and major live tours.

David Mitchell: comedy from Peep Show to Would I Lie to You?

The comedian, actor and writer has built a distinctive career across sitcoms, panel shows and books.

Robert Webb: comedy with Mitchell, and beyond

From Peep Show to sketch comedy, memoir and fiction, Webb has built a varied career across British television, radio, stage and books.

Micky Flanagan: East End stories on the comedy stage

From Billingsgate and adult education to arena tours, Flanagan built a stand-up career around sharply observed stories of ordinary life.

Bill Bailey: comedy built around music, curiosity and the unexpected

From musical stand-up and Black Books to Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Strictly Come Dancing, Bailey has made versatility his calling card.

James Corden: from British sitcoms to American late night

The co-creator of Gavin & Stacey built a varied career across British television and theatre before hosting The Late Late Show in the United States.

Hale and Pace: a decade of British television comedy

Gareth Hale and Norman Pace moved from teacher training and London clubs to a long-running ITV sketch show, memorable characters and a Comic Relief number-one single.

Julian Clary: camp comedy, television and the stage

From The Joan Collins Fan Club to pantomime and children’s fiction, Clary has built a career around a distinctive comic voice.