The Comedy Shop returns with permanent home in Barnsley

The Comedy Shop – which played host to Peter Kay, Al Murray and Ross Noble – is returning with a new permanent home in Barnsley.
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And its Friday night weekly shows will put the spotlight on the biggest names on the UK comedy circuit, say new bosses, radio star presenter Steve White and local businessman David Clayton.

First on thr bill – on April 8, 8.15pm – will be Paul Tonkinson, of TV’s The Big Breakfast and The Sunday Show, who toured with Michael McIntyre; Sheffield’s ownTom Wrigglesworth, who was nominated for the main Edinburgh Comedy Award at the Festival Fringe and resident MC Joe Zalias, who supported Bill Bailey and Tom Stade.

Also booked for future dates are hugely popular comedians such as Beth Black Eddy Brimson, Alex Boardman and Matt Reed, to name just a few.

BUY TICKETS: The Comedy Shop has an entrance policy of audiences aged 16-plus, where under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. For tickets search for Comedy Shop Barnsley at wegottickets.com.

The new dedicated venue is on Graham’s Orchard, just off Shambles Street and adjacent to the Soho Music Institute.

First founded in 1998 by stand-up comedian and now Radio Sheffield breakfast show presenter Toby Foster, weekly shows where held in The Courthouse pub in Regent Street, where he was proprietor.

It played host many top name comedians and up-and-coming talent.

Now, in 2022, as Barnsley town centre enjoys its biggest resurgence in decades, The Comedy Shop is back, with its own permanent home.

Co-owner and Radio Sheffield presenter Steve, who is also co-organiser of the annual Wentworth Festival withToby Foster, said: “I’ve been a big supporter of Barnsley for many years and I’m a huge fan of the entertainment the town already has on offer.

"This is a chance for us to bring something extra to Barnsley by providing top name comedy every week for people to enjoy whilst then also experiencing the incredible restaurants and bars that surround us. I’m really excited about the comedians we already have booked!”

David said: “Barnsley really is the place to be for a great night out. We’ve known that for a long time, but you can also see that now by the amazing names that are coming to the new Glassworks in the town for example.

The Comedy Shop opening line up Paul Tonkinson, MC Joe Zalias and Tom WriglesworthThe Comedy Shop opening line up Paul Tonkinson, MC Joe Zalias and Tom Wriglesworth
The Comedy Shop opening line up Paul Tonkinson, MC Joe Zalias and Tom Wriglesworth

"This is the perfect time to open Barnsley’s first dedicated comedy venue and The Comedy Shop is perfect for it. We’ve spent a lot of time getting the venue right and now we can’t wait for people to come and enjoy the experience.”

MC Joe Zalias, a devoted father, comedian, author and actor, has been working in stand up comedy for more than 10 years, entertaining audiences nationally and internationally.

Joe’s life experiences, including cage fighting and as a firefighter, have helped to script his comedy routines and he has put pen to paper to write two successful crime novels.

His TV credits include Wannabees and Britain at Dinner. He has worked for Spike TV and Ted Talent.

The Comedy ShopThe Comedy Shop
The Comedy Shop

Scarborough born comedian Paul Tonkinson, a regular on the UK comedy circuit for over 15 years, plays public gigs, corporate events and has regularly taken shows to the Edinburgh Festival.

He has entertained UK Armed Forces and was the first comic to perform in Iraq after the war officially ended.

Paul has won two Time Out Comedy Awards and went on tour with Michael McIntyre in 2015, for his Happy & Glorious tour.

Radio,. television and comedy star Tom Wrigglesworth is from Totley.

After graduating, he worked in the telecommunications and satellite industry, before caving in to friends' repeated requests to perform stand-up comedy.

He regularly appears as a panellist on shows such as The Unbelievable Truth, It's Not What You Know and It's Your Round, as well as regularly providing continuity links for The Comedy Club on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

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