Good Ship Comedy presents Paul Sinha

PAUL SINHA

A trained medical doctor who is perhaps best known as the Sinnerman on the hugely popular ITV quiz show 'The Chase', Paul has been a successful comedian for a number of years. As a club comedian, he has played every major comedy club in the UK, performed in eighteen other countries across the globe, and been three times nominated for Best Club Comedian at the Chortle Awards, winning in 2014.

Paul has taken eight solo shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, his 2006 show Saint Or Sinha being nominated for whatever the Perrier award was called back then. His 2017 show Shout Out To My Ex had a sellout run and toured nationally, with 2018’s The Two Ages Of Man following suit. On Radio 4, Paul has appeared several times on venerable favourites Just A Minute, The Now Show, and The News Quiz; and has carved out a career in factual comedy — making programs on cricket, the 2012 Olympics, the Magna Carta, and UK citizenship, as well as three series of the Rose d’Or-winning Paul Sinha’s History Revision. On Radio 5 Live, he is a regular (and twice series champion) on the feisty sports panel show Fighting Talk. Most impressively, in the middle of 2019 he was crowned UK Quizzing Champion for the first time.  If he doesn't make you laugh, you'll definitely learn some impressive trivia.

"This is what a good stand-up should be. Hilariously funny, passionate and articulate." Chortle

"Full of insight and delight. One of our most thoughtful and enjoyable comedians." The Times

"One of the most technically gifted comics on the British circuit." The Scotsman

"Honest, heartfelt, uplifting." The List

ESTHER MANITO

Esther is an observational, stand up comedian who takes you on a whirlwind tour of what life is like for an Anglo/Lebanese mum of two.  She was a finalist for So You Think You’re Funny 2017, is also a published writer in the satirical collection, “Don’t Panic I’m Islamic” and blazed a trail as the first female comic to play the Dubai Opera House.

“A lot of hair and a lot of talent." Beyond the Joke

“An adept and assured performer.” Chortle

ANDREA HUBERT

Winner of the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Award and with an exciting new sit-com in development, Andrea is one of the finest new writers in the country at the moment, specialising in deliciously dark and transgressive material that will have you laughing despite yourself.

“A keen writing skill…archly cynical attitude…her slick, fluid set is rich with inventive, sarcastic gags hung round an intriguing personality.” Chortle

KEVIN O'CONNELL

Kevin is a small Irish man in shiny boots who tells jokes. Since moving to London in 2016 he has been making waves with his high energy performances and whimsical material. In 2019 he was featured on Union Jack Radio's "One Night Stand" and has been a finalist in the Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2017 and the prestigious NATYs (New Act of the Year) 2018.

Kevin is an alumni of the Soho Youth Company and regularly gigs across the UK and Ireland. He regularly plays at venues such as the Comedy Store, Angel Comedy, The Poodle Club and The Stand.

"Comedy's next pin-up." Chortle

"An Irish Russell Brand." Beyond the Joke

AND YOUR RESIDENT HOST:

BEN VAN DER VELDE

Freshly returned from the Edinburgh Festival, Ben is ready to take the helm at Good Ship once more and steer it through the vast ocean of comedy we have on offer.  One of the quickest wits around and a much-loved compere, he always brings a jam-packed back of nonsense, silliness and wisecracks to every gig he hosts.

"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