Comedian - Barry Ferns - Comedy in Your Eye

Comedian - Barry Ferns - Comedy: The Maverick Founder Who Changed His Name for a Laugh

Barry Ferns is more than just a comedian; he is a foundational pillar of the London comedy scene. A true polymath, he is a stand-up, writer, director, and even a trained physiotherapist, but his most significant contribution might be as an architect of comedy itself.  As one of the co-founders of the legendary Angel Comedy, he has helped create a space that has nurtured a generation of comedic talent, all while maintaining a brilliantly inventive and unpredictable performance career of his own.  He is a true innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of what a comedy show can be.   

Barry’s career is marked by a fearless creativity and a love for the brilliantly absurd. He is known for his high-concept shows and audacious comedic stunts. Most famously, for his Edinburgh Fringe show "This Show Belongs To Lionel Richie," he legally changed his name to Lionel Richie for seven years—a level of commitment to a bit that has become the stuff of legend.  This playful and inventive spirit runs through all his work, from his comedy shorts series "Why Are You Doing This To Me?", which has been shown at international film festivals, to his unique Edinburgh Fringe shows performed on the peak of Arthur's Seat, a feat which once involved carrying fellow comedian Arthur Smith up the hill.  He even introduced the first audio tour of the Edinburgh Fringe, "Dial-A-Sketch."    

As a performer, the multi-talented Comedian Barry Ferns has a reputation for delivering a kind of comedy that is bold, original, and deliciously funny.  His imaginative approach has earned him numerous awards and nominations, including the Malcolm Hardee Cunning Stunt Award in 2013 for his sheer creative audacity.  He is also a masterful compere, a skill recognised with a nomination for Best Compere at the Chortle Awards in 2014 for his work hosting at Angel Comedy.  His stand-up is as sharp as his concepts are wild, having won the prestigious Comedy Store New Act competition and reached the final of the Leicester Square Comedian Of The Year competition.  His recent work has also touched on his ADHD diagnosis, which he explores in his latest show, "My Seven Years As Lionel Richie."    

While his performance career is impressive, Barry’s legacy is cemented by his work as the co-founder of Angel Comedy and The Bill Murray. These venues are not just clubs; they are vital hubs for the entire UK comedy scene, putting on over 60 shows a week and providing a supportive environment where both new acts and superstars like Eddie Izzard and Sarah Pascoe can develop their craft.  This incredible contribution to the art form earned Angel Comedy the Chortle Award for Best Small Club in 2015.  Barry has also lent his writing talents to major broadcasters, with credits for "School of Comedy" on E4, "The Bearded Ladies" on BBC Radio 4, and "The Milk Run" on BBC Radio 1.  You can follow his work on Instagram at @barrybarryferns.    

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