Royal Spa Comedy Club

part of the Leamington Spa Comedy Festival

Let’s get this Festival comedy party started and what better way to do that that will a collection of some of the finest stand-up comedians on the UK stand-up comedy circuit.

Tonight’s delights are Ben van Der Velde, James Ellis and Esther Manito!

Do note that lines ups are subject to change

Esther Manito

An Arab Essex girl who will challenge every single preconception of what that means.

Esther has supported Alan Davies, Shappi Khorsandi, Sindhu Vee, Jason Mansford, Jo Brand and Al Murray. As seen on ITV’s Stand Up Sketch Show and heard on: BBC sounds Russel Kane’s Evil Genius, co-hosting Radio 4 Extra’s Newsjack Unplugged, CBBC Bitesize Parents, Drunk Women Solving Crime, Russell Kane’s Boys Don’t Cry and BBC New Comedy Awards.

“A comedian with keen instincts, and punchlines often delivered with a nice turn of phrase and a vivid metaphor.” Fest Mag

“Still a relatively new comic, she’s got her wired persona nailed down hard. Manito is a performer with undeniable stage presence.” The Scotsman

Ben Van der Velde is a stand-up comedian, actor, improviser and presenter. Over the past few years, has spread joy and nonsense to all four corners of the British Isles, as well as Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Finland and Norway.

Outside the circuit, Ben has performed a voodoo re-marriage ceremony, founded the Church of the Holy Kazoo with comedy legend Mark Thomas, and walked the entire London Underground network to raise money for The Refugee Council.

‘Wonderfully improvised riffs showcasing his impressive spontaneity and sharp tongue.’

Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

‘Turns lazy stereotypes and political messes into biting, personal, satire.’

**** Ed Fringe Review

‘On flights of fancy, he pushes ideas to extremes and displays a crackling, spontaneous energy in which we’re swept up.’

Fest

James Ellis

Award-winning comedian James Ellis is a rising star in the UK comedy scene.

His sharp observational humour and clever punchlines have won him raves reviews from audiences and critics alike.

James’ comedy is rooted in everyday life, and he has a knack for finding the funny in the mundane. A gifted write, his jokes are well-crafted and delivered with precision.

‘James Ellis is a triple threat, he’s really very bloody funny, has a great stage presence and has the best hair in the business”  Angela Barnes

‘A frightening amount of brilliant punchlines, delivered by a genuinely funny guy. I was laughing the whole time James was on and so was everyone else. Top stuff’  – 

Paul McCaffrey

‘Wonderful, wonderful jokes. James has a relaxed confidence, his set is well themed and thought out and most important of all: the gags are just funny. Really funny.’ – 

Laura Lexx 

Age 18+