thursday 14th march 2024
grinstock comedy club @ THE crowne plaza hotel
- east grinstead -
the home of east grinstead comedy FOR 15 YEARS
Night 2 of our award-winning comedy season, in East Grinstead, West Sussex. For our 15th season, as the South East’s longest-running independent provider in the town where it all began.
14 seasons of packed-out shows behind us, expect this month’s show to be no different and it’s all happening at the fantastic Crowne Plaza Felbridge Hotel Ballroom.
It’s a fantastic line-up as always, and one not to be missed. So grab tickets quickly. Don’t forget we’ve got cracking deals on group advance tickets, for 2 / 3 / 4 & 5 people. Guaranteed a fantastic line-up at every show, that would rival even the biggest of the big smoke comedy clubs. Our hand-picked line-ups are always packed full of acts from the TV and national touring circuit.
Twice nominated for comedy club of the South 2 years running by national media brands DAVE TV & Absolute Radio. So you can rest assured, that you’re in vastly experienced hands, when it comes to award-winning comedy shows monthly, on your doorstep.
CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OUTSTANDING LINE-UP OF ACTS
the 4 Award-Winning comedians
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james dowdeswell
MC
As seen on Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC2)
As seen on Extras (BBC1)
As seen on Mock the Week (BBC2)
“A real master of the comedian’s craft” – Chortle
“Intelligent and inventive” – **** The List
“An excellent line in comedy” – The Guardian Pick Of The Week
As seen on The World Stands Up (Paramount)
As seen on Jongleurs Live (Loaded TV)
As seen on Celebrity Deal Or No Deal with Jimmy Carr (C4)
As seen on Edinburgh and Beyond (Paramount)
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dan antopolski
OPENER
As seen on Comedy Cuts (ITV)Past winner of the BBC New Comedy Award
Finalist - Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny
Three-time Perrier Award Nominee
Finalist - Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award
‘A happy reminder of how the best comedy can leave you smiling for the rest of the evening." - The Observer
"Intelligent, thoughtful standup...Hilarious, imaginative and wonderfully cheap." - The Independent
“So uplifting, you'll leave wishing you could stay in his head for your summer holidays." - The Times
"Master of the surreal and natural heir to Bill Bailey..." - The Observer
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MATT LOWES
MIDDLE ACT
East Grinstead local-based circuit comedian
New Forest New Comedian 2023 Finalist
West End New Old Act Of The Year 2023 Finalist
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ESTHER MANITO
HEADLINER
Tour Support for Jason Mansford, Al Murray, Jo Brand, Alan Davies, Shappi Korsandi & Sindu Vee
So You Think You’re Funny finalist
As seen on Live At The Apollo - (BBC2)
As seen on Stand Up Sketch Show - (ITV2)
Winner of Best Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2021
BBC New Comedy Award 2016-2018
As seen on Hypothetical - (Dave)
“At times it’s like Victoria Wood has taken the mic” - Radio Times
First female comedian to perform at Dubai Opera House
BBC New Comedy Award 2016-2018
MC
JAMES DOWDESWELL
As seen on Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC)
As seen on Extras (BBC)
As seen on Mock the Week (BBC2)
As seen on The World Stands Up (Paramount)
As seen on Jongleurs Live (Loaded TV)
As seen on Celebrity Deal Or No Deal with Jimmy Carr (C4)
As seen on Edinburgh and Beyond (Paramount)
Prepare for a comedic journey like no other with James Dowdeswell, a true master of versatility and wit.
James Dowdeswell, a comedic chameleon with a twist, who has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile and dynamic performers in the comedy world. Born and raised in the UK, James’ comedic journey began with a love for entertaining and a passion for making people laugh.
On stage, James Dowdeswell’s performances are a delightful blend of clever observations, quirky characters, and captivating storytelling. His ability to seamlessly transition between different comedic styles, from high-energy antics to thought-provoking insights, sets him apart as a true comedic virtuoso.
As a seasoned comedian, James Dowdeswell has earned acclaim on the comedy circuit, performing at prestigious comedy festivals and earning praise from critics and audiences alike. His appearances on popular TV shows, including “Russell Howard’s Good News” and “Mock the Week,” have further solidified his status as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
He is a headline act at most top UK comedy clubs. His comedy has travelled as far as Shanghai, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Australia and Singapore.
With a comedic repertoire that knows no bounds and a twist of uniqueness in every performance, James Dowdeswell continues to captivate and charm audiences worldwide. As he fearlessly explores the vast landscape of comedy and shares his comedic brilliance, his legacy as a comedic chameleon with a twist remains firmly etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience his extraordinary talent.
“A real master of the comedian’s craft” – Chortle
“Intelligent and inventive” – **** The List
“An excellent line in comedy” – The Guardian Pick Of The Week
opener
DAN ANTOPOLSKI
As seen on Comedy Cuts (ITV)
Past winner of the BBC New Comedy Award
Finalist - Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny
Three-time Perrier Award Nominee
Finalist - Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award
Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer Award – Nominee, 2000.
Dave Funniest Joke of the Fringe Award – Winner, 2009.
Edinburgh Fringe Award – Nominee, 2001.
Dan Antopolski is an award-winning comedian and comic actor, who exploded onto the comedy scene in 1998, winning the BBC New Comedy Award and reaching the finals of the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award and Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny. Over the next three years, he was nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Festival for his debut hour Second Coming and received Perrier Award Nominations for both his solo show Antopolski 2000 and for sketch show Lee Mack’s New Bits with Lee Mack and Catherine Tate. In 2009 he won the Dave Award for Best Joke at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
2017 was an exciting year for Dan as a comic; he returned to the Edinburgh Festival with a brand new stand-up show after a 7-year hiatus. The Return of the Dan Antopolski received fantastic reviews, including **** from The Sunday Times and The List, and a spot in The Guardian’s ‘Top 10 Jokes of the Fringe’.
During his break from stand-up, Dan performed with critically acclaimed sketch group Jigsaw, alongside Tom Craine and Nat Luurtsema. They enjoyed sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival, headlined Sketchorama (BBC Radio 4), were series regulars on Live At The Electric (BBC3), and recorded two series of their own show, Jigsaw, for BBC Radio 4.
Dan has performed extensively around the UK and Europe and at international festivals including Just For Laughs in Montreal and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. His sketch group Jigsaw were series regulars on Live at the Electric (BBC3) and made two series for Radio 4.
‘A happy reminder of how the best comedy can leave you smiling for the rest of the evening." - The Observer
"Intelligent, thoughtful standup...Hilarious, imaginative and wonderfully cheap." - The Independent
“So uplifting, you'll leave wishing you could stay in his head for your summer holidays." - The Times
"Master of the surreal and natural heir to Bill Bailey..." - The Observer
MIDDLE ACT
MATT LOWES
East Grinstead local-based circuit comedian
New Forest New Comedian 2023 Finalist
West End New Old Act Of The Year 2023 Finalist
Experienced and established open mic act now starting to break into paid work.
Initially taught by Francis Foster Angel Comedy Club in January 2019 and more recently by Logan Murray, Dave Cohen and Chris Head.
A ‘’straight acting’’ bisexual who shares with audiences how that affects his daily life using storytelling, Innuendo and wordplay. Having performed at Vaults Festival 2023- alongside appearances at, Angel Comedy Club, Hot Water Comedy Club, and Vauxhall Comedy Club.
HEADLINER
ESTHER MANITO
Tour Support for Jason Mansford, Al Murray,Jo Brand, Alan Davies, Shappi Korsandi & Sindu Vee
So You Think You’re Funny finalist
As seen on Live At The Apollo - (BBC2)
As seen on Stand Up Sketch Show - (ITV2)
Winner of Best Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2021
BBC New Comedy Award 2016-2018
As seen on Hypothetical - (Dave)
Arab Woman of the Year nominee
Asian Woman of the Year Finalist
Funny Women Regional Finalist
Bath and Sussex Comedian of the Year finalist
Lebanese-British stand-up comedian and winner of Best Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival.
An Essex girl who will challenge every single preconception of what that means. As seen on Live At The Apollo (BBC), The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV), Hypothetical (Dave) and heard on: BBC Sounds Russel Kane’s Evil Genius, co-hosting Radio 4 Extra's Newsjack Unplugged, CBBC Bitesize Parents, BBC'S Breaking the News and Russell Kane’s Boys Don’t Cry.
Aside from being a fiercely funny stand-up comedian, Esther Manito is also a writer and actor,, with credits including Mark Watson Talks A Bit About Life, The Stand Up Sketch Show, and Yesterday, Today & the Day Before.
Esther already has three hit Edinburgh Comedy Festival shows under belt: Crusade (2022) and #NotAllMen (2019, 2021), both of which tackled notions of feminism and everyday sexism, and won her glowing reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Esther has made appearances at the Women in Comedy Festival, Latitude Festival, Greater Manchester Fringe, and both Cambridge and Oxford comedy festivals.
Esther’s hour #NotAllMen won best show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2021. She has supported Alan Davies, Shappi Khorsandi, Sindhu Vee, Jason Mansford, Jo Brand and Al Murray.
"Manito skilfully weaves her own personal story with a wider look at gender issues in society"★★★★ Evening Standard
“At times it’s like Victoria Wood has taken the mic” - Radio Times
"an astute observer of everyday daftness as well as being able to tackle the bigger issues with wit and guile.” – The List
“A comedian with keen instincts, and punchlines delivered with a nice turn of phrase.” - FEST MAG
