Lee Peart
Lee Peart (born 16 July 1990) is an English comedian, actor, and presenter.
Early life and education
[edit]Peart grew up in Cleethorpes and attended The Humberston School in Humberston.
He studied performing arts at the University of Salford, where he graduated with 1st Class Honours.
Career
[edit]Comedy
[edit]In 2010, Peart became a regular on the UK comedy circuit while studying for his degree. In 2012 he took part in the BBC New Comedy Award and Chortle Student Comedian of the Year Award.
Peart replaced comic Helen Keeler for a gig in 2015 after she was dropped for "being a woman".[1] Taking a stand against sexism in comedy, Peart and fellow comics refused to perform unless Keeler was reinstated.
In 2017, Peart became the warm-up on ITV's daily magazine panel-show Loose Women.[2]
In October 2021 he spoke out regarding the stereotypes he has received as an openly gay stand-up comic, stating audiences "expect a certain style of comedy based purely on his sexuality". He also notes that as a gay comic he felt he always has to address his sexual identity, stating "If we don't, we'll never have the audience on our side, they'll always be on edge."[3]
In 2022 Peart supported Jason Manford on his UK stand-up tour.
On 3 July 2022 it was announced that Loose Women will bring back their studio audience for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, and Peart would be returning as their resident warm-up.
In 2023 Peart supported Judi Love on her UK tour.
Acting
[edit]Peart toured the UK in 2016 with Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry,[4] a show about the life of British comedian Larry Grayson.
Radio
[edit]Peart regularly contributes on talkRADIO, and was previously a presenter on Gaydio.
Personal life
[edit]Peart is openly gay and a vocal supporter of LGBT equality. He has connections working with George House Trust and Manchester Pride.[5][6] In 2012, during Manchester Pride, he hosted a candlelit vigil in honor of those who have died of HIV/AIDS. He described the vigil as "one of the most amazing experiences of my career to date".[7] In 2022, Peart appeared on Good Morning Britain discussing the importance of Pride.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Bennett, Steve (14 January 2015). "Another comic dropped for being a woman : News 2015 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide". www.chortle.co.uk. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "Lee Peart: Salford, showbiz and success – Made in Salford". 11 June 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ^ Healy, Rachael (13 October 2021). "'If I'm funny, no one cares who I sleep with': queer comedians on finding a stage". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
- ^ Bennett, Steve (25 April 2016). "Three Days And Three Minutes With Larry : Reviews 2016 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide". www.chortle.co.uk. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ Bourne, Dianne (28 March 2014). "X Factor winner Sam Bailey to headline Manchester Pride "Supersonic" fundraiser". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
- ^ Crone, Jack (23 April 2014). "Over £9,000 raised for Manchester Pride at airport event". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
- ^ "Lee Peart: Salford, showbiz and success". Made in Salford. 11 June 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ Should Companies Stay Away From Pride? | Good Morning Britain, retrieved 7 July 2022