A great comedian can be the highlight of an event. Laughter brings people together like nothing else, and the right comic can turn a room of strangers into a crowd that's on the same side. But comedy is also the most personal form of entertainment: what one audience finds hilarious, another finds uncomfortable. Booking the right comedian takes a little more care than booking a band.
Here's how to do it.
Types of comedy act
Stand-up comedians
A stand-up performs a set of material, usually 20 to 45 minutes. They suit comedy nights, clubs and corporate dinners.
After-dinner speakers
An after-dinner speaker combines humour with stories, often tailored to the audience. Jack Ryan is a comedian and after-dinner speaker. This format is ideal for formal dinners and sports club functions.
Vocal comedians
A vocal comedian mixes songs with comedy, making them a favourite on the club circuit. Craig Harper and Ricky K, both Britain's Got Talent alumni, and Chris Britten all combine singing with humour.
Comedy hosts and compères
A host keeps an event moving, introduces other acts and handles awards. Comedians often make excellent hosts.
Tribute comedians
A comedy tribute such as our Peter Kay tribute offers familiar material with a twist.
One-person shows
James Brandon performs a one-man comedy show, blending music, characters and humour.
Know your audience
The biggest factor in a comedy booking is the audience.
- Age range
- Mix of guests: colleagues, family, friends
- Sensitivities: topics to avoid
- Formality: black-tie dinner or relaxed party?
Share all of this with the comedian.
Clean or adult?
Ask for a clean set if:
- It's a corporate event
- Children or older relatives are present
- You don't know the audience well
Most experienced comedians can adapt their material. Be clear about what you want.
Timing
Comedy works best when the audience is settled and attentive.
- After dinner is usually the best slot.
- Avoid noisy moments, like when the bar is busy or tables are being cleared.
- Keep sets to the right length. 20 to 40 minutes is typical for private events.
The room
Comedy needs focus. Help the comedian by:
- Arranging seating to face the performer
- Keeping the bar quiet during the set
- Dimming the lights on the audience and lighting the performer
- Providing a microphone and PA (or confirming the act brings their own)
Big names
For a major event, a well-known comedian like Billy Pearce or Jo Little can be a big draw. Their experience means they can handle almost any room.
Briefing the comedian
A good brief includes:
- The occasion and the guest of honour
- Names and in-jokes the comedian can use
- Topics to avoid
- The running order and the length of the set
- A contact on the night
Combining comedy with music
Many events book a comedian alongside a band or vocalist: comedy after dinner, music afterwards. This gives the night variety.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking comedy during dinner. Clattering cutlery and staff moving between tables make it hard for a comedian to build momentum.
- Putting comedy too late. After a long evening at the bar, attention spans drop. Comedy is usually better before the dancing starts.
- Not briefing the act. A comedian who doesn't know the audience is working blind.
- Expecting a comedian to host without warning. If you need the act to introduce speakers or run awards, agree it in advance.
- A poor room layout. Long rows of tables with the comedian at one end makes it hard to connect. A horseshoe or cabaret layout works better.
Comedy for different occasions
- Sports club dinners: an after-dinner speaker with sporting stories and plenty of humour is a long-standing tradition.
- Charity nights: a comedian can host the auction and keep the energy high, encouraging people to bid.
- Social clubs: vocal comedians who mix songs and jokes are perennial favourites.
- Birthdays and anniversaries: a comedian who can weave in a few personal stories about the guest of honour can be a real highlight.
- Corporate awards: a polished host who keeps things moving and avoids anything controversial.
How long should a set be?
At private events, 20 to 40 minutes is usually right. Longer sets can work at dedicated comedy nights where the audience has come specifically for comedy. If you're booking a comedian to host, agree how much material they'll perform at the start and how often they'll return between awards or other acts.
Checking material
It's reasonable to ask a comedian about their material, especially for a corporate or family event. Most experienced comics will talk you through the style of their set and adapt it to the brief. If anything is off-limits – politics, religion, a particular colleague's recent misfortune – say so clearly. Good comedians appreciate a clear brief.
Quick answers
Can a comedian perform without a stage?
Yes. A raised area helps visibility, but many comedians perform on the floor. Good lighting and a microphone matter more.
Do comedians bring a PA?
Many do; some prefer to use the venue's system. Confirm when booking.
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Ready to book?
Browse our comedians and comedians in Yorkshire, or request a quote with your event details.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
