Russell Hicks, the award-winning comedian known for his electrifying and unpredictable stand-up, is embarking on his debut UK tour, “Happy to Be Here.” Although this is his first official tour, Hicks is far from a newcomer, having dazzled live audiences and TV viewers alike with his unique, improvisational style.
A Comic with No Script
Russell Hicks has built a reputation for making up his performances on the spot, a talent that has both baffled and delighted his fans. His ability to weave together irreverent observations, incisive commentary on British life, and spur-of-the-moment improvisations has made him a standout figure in the comedy scene. The tour will see Hicks performing 36 dates across the UK, starting at the Hen & Chicken in Bristol on Friday, October 11.
A Rising Star
Hicks’s career has been on a steady rise. He starred in ITV’s Stand Up Sketch Show, won Channel 4’s comedy competition show Captive Audience, and hosted the Prime Video reality series Lovestruck High. Fresh from winning Best Comedy Show at the 2024 Prague Fringe Festival, Hicks has also completed shooting a feature film set to premiere next year, marking his acting debut.
A Comedian’s Comedian
Russell Hicks has garnered admiration from both fans and fellow comedians. Jamali Maddox, star of Taskmaster and Nevermind the Buzzcocks, praised Hicks, saying, “Russell Hicks is the real deal of a comedian. I’m definitely in the back of the room to watch.” Producer Jay Pond-Jones also highlighted Hicks’s talent, noting his ability to captivate audiences with no prepared material: “You watch him walk out on a massive stage like the Hammersmith Apollo, knowing he has no jokes—he’s just about to make it all up and take the roof off the place. You have to see it to believe it.”
An Independent Path
Despite initial resistance from an industry driven by trends, Hicks has forged his path as an independent artist. Eschewing traditional comedy industry trappings like agencies and PR reps, he has embraced social media and live performances to connect directly with his audience. His efforts have paid off, with over 250,000 followers and millions of views across his social media channels.
Ready for the Election Season
Hicks’s tour coincides with the upcoming American election, a topic he’s sure to tackle during his performances. “I always talk about whatever’s going on. What’s happening in the room, in the audience, in the world,” Hicks says. “There’s no way I’m not gonna have to let loose and joke about what’s happening in the states right now. Looking back at America from outside the country is like seeing a photo of yourself from 15 years ago, with a terrible haircut. You think, how did I ever think that was normal?”
Don’t Miss Out
Russell Hicks has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting live performers on the comedy circuit. Even legendary England Cricket Captain David Gower was left in awe after one of Hicks’s performances, humorously admitting, “That was ******* awesome. How am I supposed to follow that?” Luckily, no one has to follow Hicks on this tour.
Tickets for “Happy to Be Here” are available now at RussellHicks.co.uk/Tour. Don’t miss your chance to see this comedy powerhouse in action.
