Draft:Simon Emanuel Comedian

Overview

Simon Emanuel is a Welsh stand-up comic, TV presenter, and radio personality known for his manic energy, quick wit, and abstract delivery. He is also the co-host of The Problematic Pub Podcast, alongside fellow Welsh comedian Sandro Ford. The podcast has achieved notable success, amassing over 4 million views online. Simon is actively performing live across the UK and Europe, working with some of the biggest names in the comedy circuit and appearing at top clubs nationally and internationally.

Early Life and Education

Simon Emanuel was born and raised in Swansea, Wales, where his love for comedy began to take shape during his school years. He attended Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive School, where he first performed his own comedy sketches and stand-up routines at the annual Christmas show, discovering his natural talent for making people laugh. Simon continued to develop his passion for performance when he went on to study Performing Arts at Gower College.

At the young age of 17, Simon performed his first stand-up comedy gig, an experience that would lay the foundation for his future in comedy. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that he fully embraced stand-up comedy as a career path, returning to the stage and launching himself into the UK and European comedy scenes.

Competitions and Early Recognition

Simon’s talent was recognized early in his career when he was named a finalist in two major comedy competitions:

• Comedy Callback with Jongleurs - Finalist, 2009
• Loaded Lafta's Search for a Star - Finalist, 2010

Following his competition success, Simon expanded his reach by performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where his act gained popularity. In 2012, he moved to Norway, joining the English-speaking comedy scene and serving as the house MC at The Oslo Comedy Clubs. During this time, he frequently performed across Scandinavia, including Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

Return to the UK and Welsh Unsigned Stand-Up Award

In 2013, Simon returned to the UK and was awarded the Welsh Unsigned Stand-Up of the Year. This accolade marked a significant milestone in his career. That same year, he appeared on The Rhod Gilbert Show on BBC Radio Wales and supported Alan Davies at the Cardiff Comedy Gala held at the Cardiff Millennium Centre.

Television, Radio, and Podcast Appearances

From 2014 onwards, Simon became a recurring presence on Welsh media:

• BBC Radio Wales - Regular guest on The Jamie Owen Show from 2015 to 2018, where he shared his unique comedic take on weekly news and current events.
• Made TV - Starting in 2016, Simon presented for the channel Made in Cardiff, hosting shows like Bad Press with fellow comedian Ignacio Lopez and contributing to other programs, including The Lowdown and Live at the Glee.
• The Problematic Pub Podcast - Co-hosting with fellow Welsh comedian Sandro Ford, Simon launched The Problematic Pub Podcast, which has garnered over 4 million views online. The podcast features the duo’s comedic insights and reflections, quickly gaining a dedicated fanbase and furthering Simon’s influence in digital media.

In 2017, Simon was selected as a support act for comedian Tom Green's European tour at the Glee Club in Cardiff. He joined BBC Sesh as a main writer and performer in 2018, producing content that showcased his comedy style.

Stand-Up Debut on Television

In 2020, Simon made his television stand-up debut on BBC’s Stand Up for Sesh, solidifying his reputation in Welsh comedy. His work on the BBC Sesh platform has been widely celebrated, showcasing his ability to translate live performance into digital media.

Professional Appearances

Paid Club Work

Simon has performed at various well-known comedy clubs, including:

• Off the Kerb
• Comedy Cabaret
• Jongleurs (Cardiff, Portsmouth, Birmingham)
• The Oslo Comedy Club
• The Glee Club (Cardiff, Birmingham)
• Avalon
• Just the Tonic (Leicester, Nottingham)
• The Hull Comedy Lounge
• The Comedy Station, Blackpool
• The Gottenburg Comedy Club
• Dattera til Hagen, Oslo
• The Copenhagen Comedy Club
• Comedy 42

Paid Theatre Work

• Support act for Alan Davies at the Cardiff Millennium Centre
• Stand-Up in the Land of the Sheep DVD recording at Neath Little Theatre
• Comedy and Cwtches at The Dylan Thomas Theatre

TV and Radio Credits

• The Lowdown (Made TV)
• Questionable (Made TV)
• Bad Press (Made TV)
• Live at the Glee (Made TV)
• Guest on The Rhod Gilbert Show (BBC Radio Wales)
• Regular guest on The Jamie Owen Show (BBC Radio Wales)
• Comedian on Cardiff Radio’s MASA
• Contributor to BBC Sesh
• Stand-up performer on BBC Stand Up for Sesh

Corporate Work

Simon has also been hired for corporate performances, including events for Myspace Norway and Sweden, Specific Media Norway, and at The Hilton Hotel in Swindon.

Reception and Reviews

Simon’s unique comedic voice has garnered positive reviews:

• "Hilariously inappropriate" – Buzz Magazine
• "One man comedy scene" – Wales Online
• "A Welsh bundle of charm, Simon turns the problems he encounters in life into a unique brand of observational comedy with brilliant delivery. Simon is summed up in one word, 'hilarious'" – Comedy Callback

Simon Emanuel continues to perform live across the UK and Europe, bringing his signature style and energy to audiences everywhere.

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