ADRIAN POYNTON
Adrian stumbled across stand up comedy in mid 1999. Already an accomplished actor Adrian started to experiment with this new medium. Within months he was a finalist in the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award and the Jongleurs Best New Act Award. This was followed by the Hackney Empire Best New act Award and an appearance on BBC1's Football Focus (to this day he is still not sure how it happened because what Adrian knows about football could be written on the back of a stamp).
He has now carved a name for himself as a much sought-after live performer, performing at all of the country's major comedy venues including The Comedy Store, The Glee Club and Up the Creek. His engaging and fun style mixes freeform spontaneity with a writer's eye for detail in original and hilarious storytelling. It is this off-the-cuff style backed up with well-honed material that has made Adrian such a hit in clubs across the country. His is frequently used for 20min and extended sets in all major clubs but is truly in his element as a compere bringing infectious warmth and laughter to even the most stone-faced of crowds.
Adrian is also an award-winning writer. In 2000 he won the 'Fuji Film New Writers Award' for his short film 'The Voice of God' and in 2003 a Fringe First Award for his play 'A Very Naughty Boy'. Working for Disney UK Adrian wrote several episodes of the shows 'The Spooky Sisters', 'Good Morning Raoul' and 'Raoul Summer Camp'. His work for Disney was so successful that he was the only writer from the original team asked to oversee the launch of 'Raoul' in 11 other countries. Adrian now has several projects in the works including a sitcom and a film in development '.
In 2003 Adrian took the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm with a total sell out run of his play 'A Very Naughty Boy'. The play followed the roller coaster life of Monty Python's Graham Chapman. The play was supported by many of Chapman's colleges. Adrian performed the play (in the role of Graham) and gained glowing reviews for his performance and script. A hugely successful national theatre tour of 'A Very Naughty Boy' followed concluding with a run at the Soho Theatre, in London's West End. The rights were bought and Adrian is currently turning the play into a film. Adrian returned to Edinburgh in 2004 with his one man play 'Success' ad again in 2006 with his acclaimed stand up show 'The New Rock and Roll' which gained 5 Stars in The Independant newspaper.
Adrian used his Comic talents as the face of Stimorol Chewing gum filming several adverts for them in Cuba with 10 glamorous models. Tough work but someone's got to do it! He can also be seen on TV as a comedy performer on the C5 show 'S.W.A.G', and as a regular on the late night comedy show 'That's So Last Week'. Adrian is also a highly experienced TV studio warm up.