After-dinner comedy

After-dinner comedians for dinners, awards and formal events.

An after-dinner comedian has to work a seated room, a mixed audience and a programme that already includes food, speeches or presentations. Tell us about the occasion and we can recommend a performer who fits that setting.

This is a different brief from a club comedy night. The timing, tone and room all matter.

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A comedian standing on stage beside a stool, holding a microphone.

A distinct format

After-dinner comedy is not a club set moved to a banqueting suite.

Guests are often seated at tables, the evening may already include a meal and speeches, and the comedian usually has a defined slot rather than a full club bill. The job is to land with that room: awards dinners, sports dinners, company dinners, association events and other formal functions.

Organisers sometimes search for after-dinner speakers and comedians as one brief. Share who will be there, how comedy sits in the running order, and any subjects you would prefer to avoid. We use that to recommend an appropriate professional comedian rather than asking you to pick from a catalogue.

What to consider

The room, the audience and the slot.

A long dinner, a mixed-age top table, client guests or an awards sequence all change what will work. An after-dinner appearance can be a focused comedy slot, or it can sit alongside a comedy MC or awards host who keeps the rest of the evening moving.

Comedy Exchange books after-dinner comedy across the UK, from rising circuit talent to household names, with entertainment budgets from around £500 to £50,000 depending on the event, date, location and performer.

Practical details

After-dinner questions

Can you recommend someone for a sports or awards dinner?

Yes. Describe the audience, the tone of the evening and where comedy sits in the programme. Specific performers are always subject to availability, event fit and agreed terms.

Is this the same as hiring a corporate comedian?

Not always. Corporate comedy covers conferences, staff parties and client events as well as dinners. After-dinner work is specifically about a seated, programmed slot in a formal or celebratory meal.

Do you publish a fee for after-dinner comedians?

No. There is no public price list. The right level depends on the event, location, date and the type of performer. Tell us the approximate entertainment budget, or say that you need advice.

Also useful

Tell us about your event

Planning an after-dinner event?

Tell us about the audience, the running order, the location and the approximate entertainment budget.