Good Ship Comedy presents Dana Alexander

DANA ALEXANDER

One of Canada’s most outspoken and hilarious women has packed her bags and is now in the UK. The only black female comedian on the circuit in Canada, Dana's comedic style is both refreshing and irreverent, drawing her material from her diverse lifestyle, her gay friends and her crazy Jamaican family. She is also a veteran of the international circuit, having performed in over 40 different countries.  

She moved to the UK in 2011, making her Edinburgh Fringe debut that same year. She was then nominated for best club comic in the 2012 Chortle Awards and soon after appeared on Russell Howard’s Good News. Dana continues to draw her material from her diverse lifestyle, from her gay friends to her crazy Jamaican family. She is a comic you definitely do not want to miss.

“Like a gift from the Comedy Gods.” The Herald

“An ebullient and instantly likable presence on stage.” Arts Desk

KEVIN GILDEA

Kevin began his comedy career in the sketch group Mr Trellis, alongside Barry Murphy and Ardal O' Hanlon. They co-founded The Comedy Cellar, Dublin's longest-running comedy club. He has hosted a music programme, Reverb, on Ireland's RTE television and also has a comedy-music act The Kevin Gildeas, which made a short film NoNoNo, based on one of their songs.  

Most recently he supported Reginald D Hunter on his 15 date Irish tour.  

"Comedy on a different level." The Irish Times

"Highly original, explosively funny." The Sunday Times

"Creative, original, pioneering." The Guardian

KAI SAMRA

Kai Samra has quickly risen to become one of the most exciting acts on the circuit today. Combining an edgy stage presence and a confident delivery, he talks frankly about issues such as class, race and modern culture from an intelligent and fresh perspective.  A unique voice in the comedy industry he is unafraid to tackle lazy stereotypes perpetuated by comedy.

Kai has appeared on the comedy stage at the Mayor of London’s Diwali Festival in Trafalgar Square presented by Soho Theatre  He’s opened for Paul Chowdhry at Watford Colosseum Arena in front of 2000 people, performed a sold out showcase at Soho Theatre as part of the Soho Young Company, gigged professionally with people like Sara Pascoe, Nish Kumar, Dane Baptiste and now gigs regularly at Top Secret Comedy, Up the Creek and Angel Comedy club.

"Slick and confident…A strong comic voice that tangentially addresses big issues, but from a distinctively personal point of view." Chortle

JESS BRAY

AND YOUR RESIDENT HOST: 

BEN VAN DER VELDE

Standing a statuesque five foot five inches high (not in heels) and weighing in at eleven stone (on a good day) Ben is the current light-middleweight contender for compering champion of North London.

"Sharp and crafty gagsmith, a life-giving compere." Chortle

"Wonderfully improvised riffs showcasing his impressive spontaneity and sharp tongue." Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

“The perfect comedy club host – he is a master of audience interaction. The audience weren’t just warmed up, but pretty hysterical even before the first act of the night hit the stage.”  Huffington Post