James Dowdeswell

James Dowdeswell is an award-winning stand-up comedian and highly sought-after MC, known for his intelligent, off-the-cuff and refreshingly clean comedy. A regular headliner at comedy clubs across the UK, James has performed internationally from Shanghai to Slovakia, Malta to Melbourne. He turned professional after winning the prestigious Jongleurs New Act of the Year Award in 2000.

James has appeared across television, including Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC) and Extras (BBC), where he memorably played the Count in the David Bowie episode. He has also presented World Cup Round Up for Sky Sports, showcasing his versatility as both a comedian and broadcaster.

In 2018, James published The Pub Manifesto: A Comedian Stands Up for Pubs with CAMRA Books. The book was nominated for the Guild of British Beer Writers’ “Long Live the Local” Award for Best Book on Pubs and was highlighted by the London Evening Standard as one of the best Christmas books by a comedian.

A popular choice for corporate events, James is trusted by organisations looking for sharp, inclusive entertainment. His ability to read a room and deliver razor-sharp crowd work has seen him entertain clients including Microsoft, Skype, JD Sports, major conferences, law firms, golf clubs and industry events.

James is also recognised as the world’s leading comedian on the subjects of beer, wine and pubs. Often dubbed “The Craft Beer Comedian”, he performs specialist stand-up shows that blend comedy with beer and wine tasting. His acclaimed show Beers of a Clown has enjoyed sell-out performances at venues including Brew York Brewery, Moor Brewery and The Alma Theatre in Bristol. Equally passionate about wine, his shows Wine and Sips and Giggles have played to audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe, international festivals and prestigious wineries, combining humour, storytelling and expert insight into a truly unique live experience.