So, you’ve decided to find out more about the mysterious enigma that is comedian, actor and writer Toby Hadoke? Probably not, more likely you’ve mis-typed Haddock and are currently a bemused and somewhat disappointed fisherman. Sorry.

But curb your disappointment – imagine what it’s like having a stupid name nobody can pronounce or spell. Imagine having been born on January 2nd (the day the nation sleeps) in the wilds of Shropshire, where electricity is frowned upon and the only eligible females are blood relatives. No wonder Toby shouts about mundane things in front of drunk people for a living (some people call it stand-up comedy – it’s actually mostly just noise).

Anyway … Toby Hadoke is the highly regarded regular compere at XS MALARKEY, Manchester ’s multi-award winning comedy venue. He has also headlined at many Northern comedy venues and is an accomplished serious actor with experience on television, the stage and even in an opera! Toby’s stand-up is renowned for its topicality and occasionally uncompromising political slant, and his delivery giddily straddles the humbly self-deprecating to the ferociously in-your-face. He is a frequent broadcaster on BBC radio, and live audiences can get drenched in his saliva (sorry, entertained by him) at XS Malarkey and Manchester’s The Comedy Store on a regular basis.

He won the inaugural LES DAWSON AWARD at the 2003 North West Comedy Awards, topping a shortlist that comprised of himself, Peter Kay, Daniel Kitson, Dave Spikey, Ken Dodd, Johnny Vegas, Caroline Ahearne, Agraman, Victoria Wood, Craig Cash and Steve Coogan (they’re all much richer and more famous than him though, so they probably don’t mind).

His first one man show, Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf, has toured internationally for over three years and spawned a Sony Award nominated radio series.