An Evening of Political Comedy hosted by The Department of Politics

Topping and Butch - Headline

'Edgily funny ... from their opening the laughs cascade' The Evening Standard

We are delighted to welcome Topping and Butch back to Surrey. Gloriously camp and always topical, they rocked the show last year with numbers including a love song to Ed Milliband, and the David Cameron rap. Who knows what for this year? The Nick Clegg two-step? Their solo show, 'Sex, Lies and Harriet Harman', ran to considerable success in the West End in 2009.

Kate Smurthwaite - Compere

'A powerhouse of observational wit' The Spectator.

Journalist, feminist, and rising star of British political comedy, Kate has recently been on tour, supporting Omid Djalli. She was the compere at Peter Tatchell's much publicised gig in September, Say Nope to the Pope. Political comedy projects have included producing all-female stand-up shows as fundraisers for Object (who campaign against ‘sex object culture’). Currently she is the resident compere at the Soho Comedy Club, and also the host and writer of London’s most popular live political panel show, The Comedy Manifesto.

Shazia Mirza 

'A comic who can make audiences think as well as laugh' The Daily Record

One of Britain’s first Muslim female stand-up comedian, she caused a stir when she first started performing in comedy clubs in the 2000, shortly after the 9/11 attacks, wearing her burqa and doing jokes about getting a pilot's licence. She now performs all over the world, and writes a regular column for The Guardian, 'Diary of a Disappointing Daughter'. TV credits include Have I got News for You. She has also attracted academic attention, including from Dr Sharon Lockyer (Brunel), whose book, Beyond a Joke: the Limits of Humour, includes an interview with Shazia.

Nick Doody 

'This is simply the best unadulterated, gimmick-free hour of pure stand-up I’ve seen so far this Fringe ... sharp, intelligent and satirical' Chortle

A prolific writer of satirical and topical comedy, Nick has written for shows such as The Friday Night Comedy Project, and 8 out of 10 Cats. As a performer, he has appeared on The Now Show (BBC Radio 4) and The Political Animal (BBC Radio 4)

Tobias Persson

Adding an international element to the show, Tobias Persson is a huge stand-up comedy star in his native Sweden, winning his country’s top comedy award in 2008. His solo show, Call me an old Fascist’, ran to much acclaim at the 2010 Edinburgh festival. Expect a comic look at French, Swedish and Italian politics from a hugely fun and likeable performer.