Comedy at The Taproom September with headliner Markus Birdman

Stand Up Comedy in Reading is back. Mates Rates Comedy is proud to present Comedy at The Taproom with Headliner Markus Birdman.

Mates Rates Comedy has teamed up with Double-Barrelled Brewery to bring you the best acts from the UK comedy scene.

We will have TV names, up and coming circuit comics and as always, you will be guided along by our trusty MC Carl Richard.

The show takes place at Double Barrelled Brewery between 8pm - 10pm (doors open 7:30pm).

Early Bird - £12.50
Advance - £15

Lineup subject to change.

Markus Birdman

From The Palladium to Pakistan, a highly experienced, versatile & award winning comedian, Markus is one of stand-up’s most well travelled comedians, much in demand in the UK and all over the world, and one of the very first British Comics to have his own Netflix Special - Live in Amsterdam.

He has written and performed thirteen Edinburgh Festival Solo shows, and toured Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Scandinavia and throughout Europe, The Middle East and Far East. He has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows both in the UK and abroad.

AS SEEN ON BRITAINS GOT TALENT 2023

"Birdman is the all-round package; witty, controversial, hip, topical, silly. A master of timing and physical comedy, he made me laugh so hard it hurt." BBC

"Grab a ticket. He’s brilliant.”
Sarah Millican

“How the f**k is Markus Birdman Not Famous?”
Paul Sinha

Chortle ‘Best Club Comic’ 2023 nominee

“I did a tour of NZ with Markus Birdman, who wiped the floor with me every night. He was fantastic.”
James Acaster

As seen on Britain’s Got Talent (ITV) and Rosie Jones TV Disability Extravaganza (UKTV)

“MARKUS ÜBER ALLES! One of the best acts around.”
Henning Wehn

Support

Arielle Souma

Arielle Souma, a French-Ivorian comedian, is an unapologetic force in the comedy world. Her authentic voice, commanding stage presence, and razor-sharp delivery make her a comedic powerhouse. Known for her hilariously blunt style, Arielle Souma is not for the faint of heart.

Awards and accolades have marked her journey, including being a nominee for the 2021 Leicester Comedy Award and the 2019 BBC Comedy Awards. In 2019, she also secured a finalist spot in the “Not So New Comedian of the Year” competition.

Arielle’s talent has shone through in various prestigious comedy contests. She was a finalist in the 2017 NATYS and the 2016 Frog & Bucket Manchester “World Series.” Additionally, she made her mark as a finalist in the highly competitive “So You Think You’re Funny” competition in 2016.

David Ward

Recognisable from BBC Three’s We Are Klang, David Ward is one of comedy’s most sought after presenters, writers and comedians. David’s upbeat warmth and spontaneity has made him the choice host for the heats for both BBC’s New Comedy Awards and C5’s So You Think You’re Funny? and corporates all over the UK, with a speciality in business and sports events and awards. His ability to engage with his audience and think on his feet makes him an ideal TV presenter and interviewer.

David’s Edinburgh show The Whole Truth and Nothing But… was performed to great acclaim, proving his skills as a writer, storyteller and actor in addition to his presenting and stand-up skills.

With an early professional golfing career, an invite to enter the trials for Middlesex Cricket team at a young age and a keen interest in football, David Ward is a first choice comedian to present or guest on any sports programme or event.

“The Evening was a huge success and David was great, so pleased – Lots of good feedback”, Cricket Club Winter Ball

“Audiences instinctively warm to Ward’s naturally friendly demeanour and likeable and effusive manner”, Chortle

“Guaranteed to be well-received, especially as his material is so universal – a reliably funny addition to any bill ” Chortle

“This poignant and moving show about a man’s struggle through his gambling addiction, time in prison, and various relationships, is not the comedy I expected, but rather a retrospect that is darkly funny, in that way life can be. His observant nature is an excellent tool for both his comedy and his reflections, and Ward proved to be a skilled storyteller, able to take the audience with him as he spoke honestly about all he has been through. If you want a show that speaks with honesty, and with an added slice of black humour, you won’t be disappointed.” Three Weeks-Edinburgh Fringe

“observant, engrossing, a skilful bit of storytelling …Ward has an interesting tale to share, and the audience remains engaged because they want to hear it. In the telling, he proves himself very good company ” Chortle.co.uk-Edinburgh Fringe

“Enjoyable and entertaining” Malcolm Hay, Time Out