- RachelParris
When it comes to comedy, the Brits have a certain flair that’s hard to beat. From the slapstick brilliance of Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean to the sharp wit of Jimmy Carr, British comedians have been making the world laugh for decades.
Whether you’re into dry humor, satire, or something a bit more absurd, the UK’s comedy scene offers a rich tapestry of talents. Let’s dive into the world of the best British comedians and discover what makes them tick, laugh, and influence audiences far and wide.
Quick Look
| Rank | Name | Age | Award | Shows |
| 1 | James Acaster | 39 | Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award | Repertoire, Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 |
| 2 | Greg Davies | 55 | BAFTA Nominee | The Inbetweeners, Taskmaster |
| 3 | Lee Mack | 55 | BAFTA Winner | Not Going Out, Would I Lie to You? |
| 4 | Russell Howard | 43 | Best Compère Chortle Awards | Russell Howard’s Good News, The Russell Howard Hour |
| 5 | Rowan Atkinson | 69 | BAFTA Winner | Mr. Bean, Blackadder |
| 6 | Jimmy Carr | 51 | British Comedy Award | 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year |
| 7 | Jack Whitehall | 35 | British Comedy Award | Fresh Meat, Bad Education |
| 8 | Sara Pascoe | 42 | Edinburgh Comedy Award | Netflix Special, The Last Woman on Earth |
| 9 | Romesh Ranganathan | 45 | BAFTA TV Award | The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, The Ranganation |
| 10 | Bridget Christie | 52 | Edinburgh Comedy Award | A Bic for Her, Stand Up for Her |
Top 10 British Comedians in 2024
The realm of 2024 British comedy is rich and diverse, with each comedian bringing their unique flavor to the stage, screen, and airwaves. Their careers, filled with awards, iconic roles, and personal anecdotes, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of humor.
James Acaster
A stand-up comedian known for his surreal and intricate comedy, has been a significant figure in the comedy scene. His specials, Repertoire and Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999, showcase his unique style, winning him numerous awards. James Acaster‘s venture into podcasting with Off Menu adds another layer to his multifaceted career.
Greg Davies
Greg Davies, towering in stature and humor, has delighted audiences with roles in The Inbetweeners and as the host of Taskmaster. His background as a drama teacher adds a unique perspective to his comedy, making his performances all the more relatable and hilarious.
Lee Mack
With his quick wit and northern charm, has become a household name. His sitcom Not Going Out combines slapstick and wordplay, proving his prowess in both writing and performing. Lee’s role on Would I Lie to You? showcases his ability to think on his feet, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Russell Howard
The Bristol-born comedian, brings energy and optimism to his comedy. Known for Russell Howard’s Good News and The Russell Howard Hour, his ability to find humor in everyday situations resonates with audiences worldwide. His influences, including Lee Evans and Richard Pryor, underscore the breadth of his comedic palette.
Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson, perhaps one of the most iconic British comedians, has created timeless characters like Mr. Bean and Edmund Blackadder. His physical genre transcends language barriers, making him beloved globally. Atkinson’s role as Zazu in The Lion King showcases his versatility, bridging the gap between live-action and voice acting.
Jimmy Carr
He is synonymous with dark humor and deadpan delivery. His role as the host of 8 Out of 10 Cats and appearances on shows like The Big Fat Quiz of the Year have solidified his place in the comedy elite. Jimmy Carr’s distinctive laugh is just one trademark of his unforgettable performances.
Jack Whitehall
Jack Whitehall brings a posh persona and youthful energy to his comedy. His work on Fresh Meat and Bad Education has resonated with younger audiences, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary British comedy as of 2024. Jack’s foray into American television with Travels with My Father has introduced his humor to a global audience.
Sara Pascoe
Sara Pascoe champions feminist themes through her stand-up and writing. Her show A Bic for Her and her book Animal delve into complex social issues with wit and intelligence. Sara’s Netflix special further amplifies her voice in the satire world, making her an influential figure for future generations.
Romesh Ranganathan
He is known for his dry humor and candid delivery, has become a staple of UK television. From The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan to The Ranganation, his unique perspective as a British-Sri Lankan comedian adds depth and diversity to the humor landscape.
Bridget Christie
Bridget Christie stands out for her feminist-driven content, which challenges societal norms while making audiences laugh. Her award-winning show A Bic for Her exemplifies her ability to blend activism with comedy, proving that humor can be both enlightening and entertaining.FAQs
FAQs
Who is considered the best British comedian of all time?
Tough question! It really depends on who you ask. Legends like Rowan Atkinson and John Cleese have their fans, while newer talents like James Acaster and Sarah Millican are top contenders among younger audiences. Comedy is subjective, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
Are there any England comedians who are famous worldwide?
Absolutely! Rowan Atkinson, with his universally loved character Mr. Bean, is a global icon. Ricky Gervais, known for The Office, and John Cleese, of Monty Python fame, have also made significant international impacts.
Can you recommend a comedian from UK known for witty humor?
Stephen Fry is a master of wit! His intelligence and sharp humor make him a standout in the British humor scene. Plus, his work on QI is a treasure trove of witty gems.
Who are some top female British comedians?
Sarah Millican, Jo Brand, and Victoria Wood (rest her soul) are comedy powerhouses. Their brilliant stand-up and television work have made significant contributions to England humor.
What Uk comedy show should I start with?
Monty Python’s Flying Circus is classic comedy gold. For something more contemporary, The Office by Ricky Gervais or Peep Show featuring David Mitchell and Robert Webb are fantastic picks.
Who’s the best England stand-up comedian right now?
James Acaster’s unique style has won him many fans, and his stand-up specials on Netflix are critically acclaimed. Romesh Ranganathan and Katherine Ryan are also huge names in the stand-up scene today.
Are there any British comedians who excel in dark humor?
Jimmy Carr is the king of dark humor with a deadpan delivery that’s simply unmatched. Frankie Boyle is another name you’ll want to look up if you’re into something a bit edgier.
Which Uk comedian is known for their storytelling?
Billy Connolly, the Big Yin, is an absolute legend when it comes to comedic storytelling. His anecdotes, often about his own life, are as heartwarming as they are hilarious.
Is there a British comedian who’s great for family viewing?
Michael McIntyre has a knack for observational type that’s relatable and family-friendly. His shows can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Who’s a rising star in British comedy I should keep an eye on?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has received critical acclaim for her dark comedy Fleabag. While she’s more known for her writing and acting, her comedic timing is impeccable. Another name to watch is Mo Gilligan, whose energetic style and hilarious observations have quickly made him a favorite among comedy fans.
Conclusion
The legacy of British comedians is as vast as it is varied. They’ve not only entertained audiences within the UK but have also left a significant mark on the global stage. Exploring the best British comedians reveals a world where humor transcends cultural boundaries, connecting us through laughter.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the scene, these comedians’ ability to blend satire, observational humor, and classic comedy makes them truly stand out. Remember, in the world of comedy, the Brits have a joke for every occasion, proving that laughter really is the best universal language.
Thanks for reading at Rachel Parris!
Discover more hilarious English comedians in this list below:
Chris Barrie
Faith Brown
Kevin Connelly
Bobby Davro
Peter Goodwright
Alistair McGowan
Morgana Robinson
Tracey Ullman
Bernard Cribbins
Flanders and Swann
Hinge and Bracket
Mike Harding
Chris Sievey
Jake Thackray
Arthur Askey
Michael Barrymore
Billy Bennett
Frank Carson
Tom Costello
Billy Danvers
Fayne and Evans
Ken Goodwin
Dick Henderson
Rex Jameson (“Mrs Shufflewick”)
Kenway and Young
Bill Maynard
Nat Mills and Bobbie
Dave Morris
Tom O’Connor
Billy Russell
Vesta Victoria
Jimmy Wheeler
Wee Georgie Wood
Tim Brooke-Taylor
Jimmy Edwards
John Finnemore
Graeme Garden
Deryck Guyler
David Hatch
Kenneth Horne
Harry Korris
Cyril Fletcher
Betty Marsden
Joy Nichols
Dennis Price
Ikenna Azuike
Munya Chawawa
Armando Iannucci
Michael Spicer
Clive Anderson
Frankie Boyle
Alan Davies
Clement Freud
Nick Hancock
Richard Ingrams
Rory McGrath
Frank Muir
Andy Parsons
Robin Ray
Sandi Toksvig
Steve Pemberton
Alexander Armstrong
James Bachman
Sanjeev Bhaskar
Charlie Higson
Paul Whitehouse
Anil Gupta
Lenny Henry
John Junkin
Graham Chapman
Eric Morecambe
Rob Newman
Mel Smith
Nigel Planer
Peter Richardson
Meera Syal
Marty Feldman
Eric Idle
Stan Laurel
Norman Wisdom
Kathy Burke
Martin Clunes
Windsor Davies
Paul Eddington
Robert Fyfe
Emma Chambers
Nick Helm
Karl Howman
David Jason
Matt King
John Laurie
Robert Lindsay
Roger Lloyd-Pack
Nicholas Lyndhurst
Neil Morrissey
Paul Nicholas
Geoffrey Palmer
Bill Pertwee
Pauline Quirke
Leonard Rossiter
Eric Sykes
Gary Waldhorn
Robert Webb
Richard Wilson
Rebecca Front
Paul Kaye
Chris Morris
Bennett Arron
Alistair Barrie
Ninia Benjamin
John Bishop
Jen Brister
Rhona Cameron
Julian Clary
Janice Connolly
Lewis Costello
Jack Dee
Joel Dommett
Jo Enright
Ed Gamble
Rosie Holt
Willie Rushton
Harry Bedford
Max Bygraves
Roy Castle
Tommy Cooper
Leslie Crowther
Will Evans
Bud Flanagan
Bruce Forsyth
Arthur Haynes
Frankie Howerd
Jimmy James
Ray Martine
Des O’Connor
Frank Randle
Tommy Trinder
Robb Wilton
Dick Bentley
Jenny Eclair
Graham Fellows
Ronald Frankau
Joyce Grenfell
Tommy Handley
Jon Holmes
Jo Kendall
Victor Lewis-Smith
Robert Moreton
Stephen Murray
Hugh Paddick
Leslie Phillips
Al Read
Eleanor Bron
John Fortune
Tom Walker
Simon Amstell
Russell Brand
Susan Calman
Omid Djalili
Micky Flanagan
Andy Hamilton
Tony Hawk
Simon Hoggart
Peter Jones
Nish Kumar
Arthur Marshall
Paul Merton
Robert Morley
Ross Noble
Katie Perry
Jonathan Ross
Mark Watson
Mark Gatiss
Jeremy Dyson
Matt Berry
Adrian Edmondson
Harry Enfield
Simon Day
Arabella Weir
Gregor Fisher
Stephen Fry
Bill Oddie
Patricia Hayes
Rufus Jones
David Mitchell
Terry Gilliam
Bob Mortimer
Griff Rhys Jones
Nicholas Parsons
Vic Reeves
Alexei Sayle
Fiona Allen
Laura Solon
David Walliams
Charlie Chaplin
Robbie Coltrane
Martin Freeman
Will Hay
Terry Jones
Michael Palin
Alastair Sim
Kenneth Williams
Margaret Rutherford
Richard Ayoade
Ronnie Barker
Richard Beckinsale
Richard Briers
John Challis
John Cleese
Michael Crawford
Richard Dawson
Clive Dunn
Jane Freeman
Nick Frost
Tamsin Greig
Miranda Hart
Jane Horrocks
John Inman
Lesley Joseph
Penelope Keith
Belinda Lang
Helen Lederer
Robert Llewellyn
Joanna Lumley
Greg McHugh
Warren Mitchell
Bill Owen
Simon Pegg
Caroline Quentin
Linda Robson
Peter Sallis
Isy Suttie
Reg Varney
Julie Walters
Brian Wilde
Daisy May Cooper
Matthew Holness
Doon Mackichan
Peter Serafinowicz
Avril Angers
Sadia Azmat
Julian Barratt
Rob Beckett
Danny Bhoy
Adam Bloom
Marcus Brigstocke
Roy Chubby Brown
Ted Chippington
Laurence Clark
Nina Conti
Ben Elton
Simon Fanshawe
Paul Foot
Rhod Gilbert
Kerry Godliman
Jeff Green
Jeremy Hardy
Richard Herring
Rufus Hound
Lee Hurst
Jimeoin
Phill Jupitus
Phil Kay
Andrew Lawrence
Josie Long
Francesca Martinez
Sarah Millican
Bob Monkhouse
Al Murray
Andrew O’Neill
Papa CJ
Sue Perkins
Jon Richardson
George Roper
Lou Sanders
Freddie Starr
Jimmy Tarbuck
Paul Taylor
Ava Vidal
Eros Vlahos
Holly Walsh
Mike Wozniak
Pam Ayres
Craig Charles
Roger McGough
Lemn Sissay
Michael Dapaah
Dan Howell
Barry Appleby
James Gillray
Bill Tidy
Peter Ustinov
Dave Gorman
Malcolm Hardee
Natalie Haynes
Wil Hodgson
Robin Ince
Jimmy Jones
Russell Kane
Shaparak Khorsandi
Norman Lovett
Shazia Mirza
Eleanor Morton
Lucy Porter
Matt Richardson
Adam Rowe
Frank Skinner
Mark Steel
Ellie Taylor
Dave Thompson
Andre Vincent
Oliver Wakefield
Seann Walsh
Josh Widdicombe
Gina Yashere
Les Barker
John Cooper Clarke
Henry Normal
Stanley Unwin
Amelia Dimoldenberg
Phil Lester
George Cruikshank
William Hogarth
Barry Cryer
Terry Alderton
Stanley Baxter
Paul Burling
Phil Cool
Dawn French
Mike Hayley
Mark Perry
Jennifer Saunders
Mike Yarwood
Harriet Braine
Alex Horne
Edwyn Collins
John Hegley
Neil Innes
Gary Le Strange
Earl Okin
Philip Pope
Vivian Stanshall
Victoria Wood
Charles Austin
George Beauchamp
Issy Bonn
Jimmy Cricket
Sid Field
Dickie Henderson
Yootha Joyce
Jimmy Learmouth
Max Miller
Edmund Payne
Ted Rogers
Suzette Tarri
Max Wall
Charlie Williams
Michael Bentine
Kenny Everett
Leonard Henry
Roy Hudd
Bill Kerr
Richard Murdoch
Jon Pertwee
Peter Sellers
Douglas Adams
John Bird
Peter Cook
Mark Thomas
Chris Addison
Jo Brand
Kevin Bridges
Rob Brydon
Alan Coren
Hugh Dennis
Ian Hislop
Miles Jupp
Jason Manford
Michael McIntyre
Diane Morgan
Derek Nimmo
Linda Smith
Barry Took
Francis Wheen
Reece Shearsmith
Ben Miller
Katy Brand
Olivia Colman
Charlie Drake
Dick Emery
Caroline Aherne
John Thomson
Mark Williams
Benny Hill
Dom Joly
Ernie Wise
Pamela Stephenson
Steve Punt
Sally Phillips
Catherine Tate
Harry Worth
Bernard Bresslaw
Sacha Baron Cohen
Sid James
Bill Nighy
Terry Thomas
Helen Atkinson-Wood
Morwenna Banks
Norman Beaton
James Bolam
Patrick Cargill
Ronnie Corbett
Julia Davis
James Dreyfus
James Fleet
Tony Hancock
Julia Hills
Peter Howitt
Danny John-Jules
Gorden Kaye
Jessica Knappett
John Le Mesurier
Maureen Lipman
Arthur Lowe
Rik Mayall
Brian Murphy
Gary Olsen
Trevor Peacock
John Pickard
Tony Robinson
Andrew Sachs
Julia Sawalha
Liza Tarbuck
Rudolph Walker
June Whitfield
Steve Coogan
Chris Langham
Russ Abbot
Stephen K. Amos
Shaista Aziz
Angela Barnes
Aaron Barschak
Katherine Bennett
Bethany Black
Doc Brown
Alan Carr
Jo Caulfield
Roisin Conaty
Jim Davidson
Les Dennis
Sophie Duker
Janey Godley
Dominic Holland
Eddie Izzard
Milton Jones
Peter Kay
Daniel Kitson
Sean Lock
Joe Lycett
Bernard Manning
Stephen Merchant
John Moloney
Simon Munnery
John Oliver
Andi Osho
Lee Peart
Abi Roberts
Suzi Ruffell
Daniel Sloss
Ian Stone
Mackenzie Taylor
Johnny Vegas
Tim Vine
Rick Wakeman
Joe Wilkinson
Andy Zaltzman
Penny Broadhurst
Ivor Cutler
Tim Key
Owen O’Neill
Rogan Whitenails
Mo Gilligan
Rhodri Marsden
Chris Donald
Gerald Scarfe
Lance Percival
Ronni Ancona
Rory Bremner
Brian Conley
Jon Culshaw
Matt Forde
Dave Lamb
Jan Ravens
Debra Stephenson
Mitch Benn
Adam Buxton
Angus Deayton
Noel Fielding
Jay Foreman
Rainer Hersch
Tim Minchin
Kev Orkian
Rowland Rivron
Jim Tavaré
Hylda Baker
Ken Dodd