Good Ship Comedy NYE Special feat. Michael Akadiri

MICHAEL AKADIRI

Michael is the latest comic to carry on the noble tradition of NHS doctors who are also hilarious stand-ups. His natural charm and cheeky, observational style has already seen him become a regular headliner around the country and a burgeoning TV star on Comedy Central LIVE, The Stand Up Sketch Show and Radio 4. His biggest show so far - ‘No Scrubs’ - sold out the entire run at the Edinburgh Fringe, culminating in a nomination for NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy. He's now preparing for his second national tour and certainly well on his way to becoming a household name.

“Hugely entertaining. A sharp-witted everyman." Chortle

“Politically punchy." Guardian

"Supremely talented and likeable.” Metro

JIN HAO LI

Made in China and marinated in Singapore, Jin Hao was plagued with nightmares of becoming an accomplished writer and performer. This is now a reality after sneaking onto the UK circuit.

Loved and feared for his dry wit, gritty softness, and surreal energy, he quickly became a Chortle Student Finalist, BBC New Comedy Award Finalist, and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival.

"Served up the unexpected." Chortle

“Soothing meets unsettling.” The Guardian

SHALAKA KURUP

Shalaka Kurup is an Indian stand-up comedian and writer based in London. Known for her sharp observational humour and distinctively deadpan style, she has quickly made her mark on the UK comedy circuit. A doctor by education and a comedian by choice, Shalaka has earned several accolades including, Funny Women Finalist, winning the West End New Act of the Year, runner up Brighton Komedia New Act of the year and second runner-up at the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year.
Performances include opening for Eshaan Akbar, Ria Lina, and being selected for both the Leicester Comedy Festival Circuit Breakers and the Pleasance Reserve in 2023. Her critically acclaimed debut show, Get A Grip, premiered at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She has starred on Comedy Central Live Season 3, Jokes Only A…Can Tell, Asian Network Comedy and Arts Hour Comedy Special.

“An impressive arsenal of cool, sardonic stand-up.” Chortle

AND YOUR HOST:

ALEXANDER BENNETT

Alexander Bennett’s comedy has been variously described as dark, silly, filthy and thoughtful. He has filmed several stand-up specials, created the cult hit comedy game show Hell To Play and recently started his new high-concept podcast Born Yesterday, which has already had guests including Jordan Gray, Phil Wang and Eshaan Akbar.

His 2023 show recieved several 5 and 4 star reviews, was shortlisted for the Amused Moose Comedy Award and a joke from it appeared in the Telegraph's Top 10 Funniest Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe.

He has collaborated with Mark Watson, was nominated at the Leicester Comedy Awards as part of Consignia and co-orchestrated a huge charity event at the Pleasance Grand in Edinburgh called Dan Vs Food, in which a cast of 25+ comedians including Ed Gamble, Iain Stirling, Nick Helm, Sophie Duker and Ivo Graham watched a man called Dan eat his lunch. 

"Warm, insane and very funny." The Guardian