Sandwell comic named as winner of major award at Birmingham Comedy Festival

Ryan was presented with his award on Friday at a packed Glee Club by Black Country comedian and broadcaster Darren Harriott.

Ryan, who comes from Smethwick, said he recognised the power of humour from an early age after quoting a popular Sesame Street character.

He said: "When I was five-years-old, I made a good friend laugh by quoting Elmo,.

“I wanted to be a clown. Then, at seven, I saw I Spy with Eddie Murphy.”

“After discovering that he was a comedian, I decided I need to do that, and then procrastinated for 20 years.”

Eventually making his stand-up debut at The Holly Bush, in Cradley Heath, in 2022, Ryan has gone on to appear at numerous comedy nights around the region, including Sham Zaman’s Project Mayhem.

After collecting his trophy, The Mug Of Victory, he acknowledged his drive to perform as much as possible had given him essential experience in front of diverse audiences, allowing him to test and hone his material.

He said: “This award is a testament to all those late nights travelling to gigs, trying out material.

“It’s a benchmark in my career and this is a stamp that tells me to keep going, so watch this space.”

The award’s Judging Panel, who included Darren Harriot, The Glee Club's founder Mark Tughan and a representative from the comedy festival, commended Ryan for his commanding presence, energy and ability to engage the audience with a set that saw him tap into his upbringing, and discuss his Jamaican grandfather and relationship with his mother with warmth and humour.

Joining Ryan on stage were the award's regular MC James Cook, special guest Josh Pugh, who closed the night, and four other shortlisted acts from the West Midlands.

Among the finalists were character comic Abbie Hale from Bilston, who led the audience through a game of pass the parcel and sketch duo BAB (aka Amy Spinks and Lauren Soley) from Dudley, who appeared as a ukulele-playing singing duo and struggled with a life modelling class.

A spokesman for Birmingham Comedy Festival said: “Despite the considerable strengths of all the acts shortlisted for the award, probably one of the most diverse we’ve had in terms of style for a long time, and Ryan shined, delivering an accomplished and confident set that kept the energy high. He never missed a beat.

“We wish him the very best over the coming months, and can’t wait to see what he does next.”