Comedian - Alex Franklin - Comedy in Your Eye

Comedian - Alex Franklin - Comedy: The Cambridge Scientist Hacking the Comedy Code

In the ever-evolving world of stand-up, the most exciting voices are often those who arrive from unexpected places. Alex Franklin is a prime example, a comedian who brings the analytical mind of a Cambridge scientist and the performance chops of a Footlights alumnus to the stage. She is a critically acclaimed performer who is rapidly carving out a unique space for herself, blending stand-up, musical comedy, and character work into an unforgettable package. Her shows are a whirlwind of ideas, a beautiful and proud exploration of family, identity, and belonging, all delivered with a joyous, silly, and charmingly chaotic energy that leaves audiences both laughing and thinking.    

Alex Franklin’s journey to the comedy circuit is as impressive as it is unconventional. She first began performing while studying Biological and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Cambridge, a background that lends a unique intellectual weight to her humour.  It was at Cambridge that she joined the legendary Footlights, the iconic student comedy troupe that has been a launchpad for some of Britain’s greatest comedic talents. Through the Footlights, she discovered a passion for improv and sketch comedy, honing the skills that make her such a versatile and compelling presence on stage today.  This combination of scientific rigour and creative freedom defines her unique approach to performance. Beyond academia and comedy, Alex has also excelled in the world of competitive gaming, at one point ranking among the top gamers in Europe—a testament to a strategic mind that she now applies to her creative projects and digital platforms.  This diverse background allows her to draw from a deep well of experiences, creating a rich and multifaceted comedic persona.   

With a sharp scientific mind and a flair for performance, the critically acclaimed Comedian Alex Franklin has crafted a brand of comedy that is as thought-provoking as it is hilarious. Her style is a multifaceted blend of stand-up, musical comedy, and character comedy, often touching upon the world of science.  Her most recent show, "Gurl Code," which played to sold-out crowds and earned rave reviews at the Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe Festivals, is a perfect illustration of her unique voice.  The show, described as "fabulously funny, absurd and intelligent," is a powerful and moving exploration of the trans experience, powerfully portraying trans joy and sharing her personal story of coming out to her father.  One reviewer noted that the show is "very clever and very stupid at the same time," a difficult trick to pull off, as it bounces around complex philosophical ideas like Mary's Room and The Trolley Problem while remaining accessible and life-affirming.  She masterfully uses PowerPoint, not as a crutch, but as an essential part of the show, displaying hilarious WhatsApp conversations with her dad that form the emotional heart of the performance.  This ability to tackle deeply personal and complex subjects with warmth, wit, and intelligence sets her apart. She can deconstruct complex social and biological ideas in a way that is both accessible and humorous, making her an important and singular voice in modern comedy.    

Alex’s talent has not gone unnoticed, with a string of impressive achievements marking her as a rising star to watch. She has consistently proven her mettle on the competitive circuit, reaching the finals of the Brighton Comedy Award in 2021, the Max Turner Competition in 2019, and the prestigious Chortle Student Comedy Award in 2018.  In 2019, she was also shortlisted for the highly coveted BBC Radio 4 New Comedy Award, a significant recognition from one of the industry's most important platforms.  She is a regular face at the UK’s most respected comedy venues and festivals, with performances at Underbelly, Latitude Festival, The Pleasance, Bill Murray, and Up The Creek, cementing her status as a formidable new force in the UK comedy scene.  Her show "Gurl Code" was nominated for a Brighton Fringe Comedy Award, further solidifying her critical acclaim.  You can follow her journey and get a glimpse of her unique comedic mind on Instagram at @alex_franklin_hallo.    

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