Rugby comedian shortlisted for breakthrough award at major festival in Birmingham
A Rugby comedian has been named among the five emerging acts nominated for an award at a forthcoming major comedy festival.
Tarik Badwan, who grew up in Rugby and Leamington, has been put forward for The Breaking Talent Award at the Birmingham Comedy Festival on from Friday October 2 to Sunday October 1.
The comedian/ actor/musician made his stand-up debut in 2023 for Project Mayhem at Coventry's Sky Blue Tavern, where he attempted to play air guitar, with mixed results. Describing his career highlight as making someone laugh so hard they fell off their chair, Tarik - who performs as character Rik Goodman - cites such acts as Jordan Brookes, Nate Kitch and Tony Law as inspiration.
Discussing his approach to stand up, he said: "Definitely on the alternative spectrum.
"And, just generally, on the spectrum.”
The city-wide Birmingham Comedy Festival - which first tohttp://www.bhamcomfest.co.ukok place in 2001, includes more than 100 performances this year.
The line-up includes Daniel Sloss, Stevie Martin, Olga Koch, Paul Foot, Matt Richardson, Jason Byrne, Laura Smyth, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Serena Terry.
The awards event will take place on the first day of the festival.
A spokesman for the event said: “Birmingham and the wider West Midlands continues to be a genuine hotbed for live comedy talent - and that's very much reflected in this year's award shortlist.
"With such a strong line-up, it's going to be an amazing event, and we cannot think of a better way to officially launch the 25th anniversary festival.”
For more information about the event and for tickets visit www.bhamcomfest.co.uk