Helen Lederer

Part of the influential generation of alternative comedians who emerged from London’s Comedy Store in the 1980s alongside names including Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Rik Mayall and Ben Elton, Helen established herself as a distinctive comedy voice through both stand-up and television. Her extensive screen credits include The Young Ones, French and Saunders, Bottom, One Foot in the Grave, Hollyoaks, Miss Marple and Horrid Henry: The Movie, as well as appearances in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.

Alongside her acting career, Helen has built a successful reputation as a writer, broadcaster and live performer. On BBC Radio she has written and performed her own comedy series including Life with Lederer and All Change, while also appearing regularly on programmes such as Just a Minute, The News Quiz, Woman’s Hour and Quote… Unquote. She is also a columnist and contributor for a range of national newspapers and magazines.

Helen is the founder of the Comedy Women In Print Prize (CWIP), launched in 2018 to celebrate and support witty women’s writing and create opportunities for female comedy writers. Since its launch, the initiative has helped more than 35 authors become published.

Her memoir Not That I’m Bitter, published in 2024, received widespread acclaim and led to appearances at major literary festivals and venues around the UK. She has also continued performing live comedy, with her stand-up show I Might As Well Say It selling out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

As an event host and after-dinner speaker, Helen combines humour, storytelling and candid insight, making her a popular choice for awards ceremonies, corporate events, literary festivals and panel discussions. She regularly speaks on subjects including women in comedy, inequality in the creative industries, mental health and wellbeing, resilience and the power of humour as a tool for connection and communication. Known for her engaging and conversational style, Helen brings intelligence, empathy and comic timing to every event.

To book Event Host Helen Lederer, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com