Edinburgh Comedy Warm-ups

Friday 5th July: Josh Wellor & Sophie Duker

Recently hand picked by Fred Armisen to be his opener, Josh Weller is a failed musician turned comedian, viral content maker, comic book author and podcast host. He was born in England, raised in Malaysia and now lives in London. As seen on ITV2 Stand Up Sketch Show, Weller’s high energy brand of cleverly self-deprecating stand-up landed him on pro bills after just one year on the circuit. His 2020 mockumentary ‘The U2 Taken Paradox’ has had over a million views and angered legions of loyal U2 fans.

Sophie Duker is a comedian and writer whose favourite things include breaking hearts, taking names and telling jokes with the confidence of a cis straight middle-class white man. Her Edinburgh Fringe Show, Venus, saw her nominated for the Best Newcomer award and gained critical acclaim and five star reviews, leading to a two week sold out run at Soho Theatre. Sophie is a regular guest on Frankie Boyle’s New World Order (BBC2). She has appeared on Live at The Apollo (BBC2), Mock the Week (BBC2), 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4) and Hypothetical (Dave). Sophie is the winner of the 13th series of Taskmaster (Channel 4).

Friday 12th July: Sara Barron & Katie Norris

Sara Barron is one of the fastest-rising comedians of her generation. Since her 2018 debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, she’s starred on shows including Live at the Apollo (BBC), Would I Lie to You? (BBC) and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order (BBC). A powerhouse live act, Sara has taken 3 critically acclaimed stand-up hours, For Worse (2018), Enemies Closer (2019), and Hard Feelings (2022) to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and had multiple runs in London’s Soho Theatre. 

Katie Norris is a comedian, actress and singer, best known for her work as one-half of the critically-acclaimed double act Norris & Parker. Their show See You at the Gallows was one of the best reviewed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2016 and was featured in The Guardian’s top 10 best comedy shows of the year and their 2018 show Burn the Witch sold out in Edinburgh and London and was a top pick in The Guardian, The Evening Standard and The Independent. The pair made their long awaited return to the Fringe in 2022 with their show Sirens, which transferred to the Soho Theatre in January 2023.