Sarah Millican

An iron fist in a marigold glove
Guardian

Sarah Millican is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer.

Since winning the 2008 if.comedy Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for her debut solo show, Sarah Millican’s Not Nice, Sarah has fast-established herself as a household name, being nominated three times for The British Comedy Awards People’s Choice: Queen of Comedy and winning the award in 2011. In 2013 she was also nominated for the British Comedy Awards Best Female TV Comic for the fourth time, her eighth nomination in total.

On top of this raft of awards and nominations, Sarah‘s debut DVD, Chatterbox Live!, is the biggest selling stand-up DVD by a female comedian of all time, shifting over 150,000 units in the first five weeks of release alone. Sarah’s second DVD, Thoroughly Modern Millican Live, was released in November 2012 and was one of the biggest selling stand-up comedy DVD’s of 2012, entering the live comedy DVD top 10 chart on its first day of release while her third DVD, Sarah Millican: Homebird, was also a bestseller. Sarah Millican: Outsider was released in November 2016 and went straight to number one in the sales chart upon release and Sarah Millican: Control Enthusiast hit the charts in 2018.

Sarah is a regular on top comedy TV shows including QI, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Big Fat Quiz, Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show and as a headliner on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and as a guest on The Wheel.  You can also catch Sarah on season 14 of Taskmaster. Sarah’s very own series, The Sarah Millican Television Programme, combined TV-inspired stand-up and unique interviews with some of her favourite TV stars. It aired on BBC2 in March and April 2012. A second series, (which followed a Christmas Special in December 2012) broadcast January 2013 and notched up an incredible 2.4 million viewers for its first episode, with a third series broadcast in the Autumn of 2013. Sarah earned two BAFTA nominations for the series for Best Entertainment Performance. In December 2010, Sarah appeared at The Royal Variety Performance performing stand-up to Princes Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Palladium Theatre. She made her second appearance at the legendary variety show in November 2014.

Sarah has also written and performed two series of Sarah Millican’s Support Group for Radio 4 and in June 2012 Sarah began writing her own column for national magazine the Radio Times. In 2014 Sarah started Standard Issue, an online magazine for women. 2017 saw the publication of Sarah’s debut book How To Be Champion (Orion). The ‘part autobiography, part self-help book’ shot straight to the top of the literary charts, becoming a Sunday Times Number One Bestseller. That year she also launched the Standard Issue podcast and in 2019 devised and hosted the first series of panel show Elephant in the Room, also for Radio 4. The second series of the show hit the airwaves in 2021.

Alongside her television and radio work Sarah is one of the foremost touring comedians in the UK. After two critically acclaimed, sell-out Edinburgh Fringe runs in 2008/9, Sarah returned to Edinburgh in 2010 with Chatterbox. An unqualified success, Sarah capped the sell-out run with a nomination for the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award, affirming her status as one of the most exciting comics in the country. Sarah embarked on her first national tour with Chatterbox, which completely sold out, and in March 2011 announced her second tour, Thoroughly Modern Millican, which sold over 190,000 tickets including an unprecedented 13 sold out nights at the Newcastle Tyne Theatre. 2014 and 2016 saw Sarah take two more sold-out tours on the road, Home Bird and Outsider. Sarah’s fifth tour, Control Enthusiast, also sold out its performances across the UK and Ireland in 2019, before heading out internationally in 2019. Her current tour Bobby Dazzler is her biggest to date and will be seen by over 300,000 people in sixteen countries.

Awards

  • Nominee: Best Entertainment Performance, British Academy Television Awards (BAFTA) 2014
  • Nominee: Best Female TV Comic, The British Comedy Awards 2013
  • Nominee: People’s Choice Award: King or Queen of Comedy, The British Comedy Awards 2013
  • Nominee: Best Entertainment Performance, British Academy Television Awards (BAFTA) 2013
  • Nominee: People’s Choice Award: King or Queen of Comedy, The British Comedy Awards 2012
  • Nominee: Best Female TV Comic, The British Comedy Awards 2012
  • Winner: People’s Choice Award: King or Queen of Comedy, The British Comedy Awards 2011
  • Nominee: Best Female TV Comic, The British Comedy Awards 2011
  • Nominee: Best Female TV Comic, The British Comedy Awards 2010
  • Nominee: Best Female Comedy Breakthrough Artist, The British Comedy Awards 2010
  • Nominee: Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award 2010
  • Winner: Chortle Awards Best Headliner 2010
  • Nominee: Barry Award, Melbourne Comedy Festival 2009
  • Winner: Chortle Awards Breakthrough Act 2009
  • Winner: if. Comedy Best Newcomer 2008
  • Winner: Best Breakthrough act, North-West Comedy Awards 2006
  • Nominee: Chortle Awards Best Newcomer 2006
  • Winner: Amused Moose Comedy Awards 2005
  • Runner Up:  BBC New Comedy Awards 2005
  • Runner Up: So You Think You’re Funny 2005
  • Runner Up: Funny Women 2005

Credit

Stand Up Specials

  • Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler (Chambers Productions, 2023)
  • Sarah Millican: Control Enthusiast Live (Chambers Productions, 2018)
  • Sarah Millican: Outsider Live (Chambers Productions, 2016)
  • Sarah Millican: Home Bird Live (Chambers Productions, 2014)
  • Sarah Millican: Thoroughly Modern Millican (Chambers Productions, 2012)
  • Sarah Millican: Chatterbox Live (Chambers Productions, 2011)

Television

  • I Literally Just Told You (Contestant, C4, 2023)
  • QI (Guest, BBC2, 2011-2023)
  • 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (C4, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) (Guest Panelist & Guest Captain)
  • The Chase Celebrity Special (Contestant, ITV1, 2023)
  • Taskmaster (Contestant, C4, 2022)
  • The Wheel (BBC1, 2022)
  • Would I Lie To You? (Guest, BBC1, 2010 – 2022)
  • Extraordinary Escapes (Guest, C4, 2022)
  • The Wall Versus Celebrities (Contestant, BBC1, 2022)
  • Tipping Point: Lucky Stars (Contestant, ITV, 2022)
  • Mel Giedroyc’s Unforgiveable (Dave, 2022) (Guest)
  • Rolling In It (ITV, 2021)
  • Blankety Blank (BBC1, 2021)
  • Richard Osman’s House Of Games (Contestant, BBC2, 2021)The Complaints Department (Comedy Central, 2021)
  • Big Fat Quiz Of The Year (C4, 2014, 2016, 2021) (Performer)
  • Pointless (BBC2, 2016, 2018) (Contestant)
  • Live at the Apollo (BBC1, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018) (Performer)
  • The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice (C4, 2017) (Guest)
  • Jamie’s Friday Night Feast (C4, 2017) (Guest)
  • The Graham Norton Show (BBC1, 2011, 2012, 2017) (Guest)
  • The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One, 2017) (Guest)
  • The One Show (BBC1, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017) (Guest & Guest Presenter)
  • BBC Breakfast (BBC1, 2017) (Guest)
  • This Morning (ITV, 2017) (Guest)
  • Alan Carr’s Happy Hour (C4, 2016) (Guest)
  • World Of Weird (C4, 2016) (Narrator)
  • Michael McIntyre’s Big Show (BBC1 2016) (Performer)
  • Sport Relief Does Great British Bake-Off (C4, 2016) (Guest)
  • Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC2, 2011 – 2014) (Guest Panelist)
  • 8 Out Of 10 Cats (C4, 2008 – 2014) (Guest)
  • The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV, 2012, 2013, 2014) (Guest)
  • Alan Carr: Chatty Man (C4, 2013, 2014) (Guest)
  • Sunday Night At The Palladium (ITV, 2014) (Performer)
  • Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (Dave), (Guest), 2014
  • The Apprentice: You’re Fired (BBC2, 2012, 2014) (Guest)
  • The Royal Variety Performance (ITV, 2010, 2014) (Performer)
  • Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway (ITV, 2014) (Guest Announcer)
  • The Sarah Millican Television Programme (BBC2, 2012 – 2013) (Writer, Presenter, Stand-up)
  • Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC1, 2013) (Series 10 Episode 8)
  • Comic Relief’s Big Chat with Graham Norton (BBC3, 2013) (Guest)
  • Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe (BBC2, 2013)(Guest)
  • Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two (guest) (BBC2, 2012)
  • A League of Their Own (Sky1, 2012), (Guest)
  • Big Fat Quiz of the 00’s (C4, 2012) (Guest)
  • The Rob Brydon Show (BBC2, 2012) (Guest)
  • Celebrity Deal or No Deal (C4, 2012) (Guest)
  • Kevin Bridges: What’s the Story? (BBC1, 2012) (Guest)
  • Frank Skinner’s Opinionated (BBC2, 2010, 2011) (Guest)
  • Room 101 (BBC1, 2011) (Guest)
  • Ask Rhod Gilbert (BBC1, 2011) (Guest)
  • King Of (C4, 2011)
  • Lee Mack’s All Star Cast (BBC1, 2011) (Guest)
  • Marriage Ref (ITV, 2011) (Guest)
  • Channel 4’s Comedy Gala (C4, 2011)
  • Loose Women (regular panelist) (ITV1, 2010-11)
  • Michael Mcintyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1, 2009, 2010)
  • You Have Been Watching (C4, 2009, 2010)
  • The Bubble (BBC2, 2010)
  • Mock the Week (BBC 2, 2009, 2010)
  • Argumental (Dave, 2010)
  • Walk on the Wild Side (voiceover, various) (BBC 1, 2009, 2010)
  • The Culture Show (BBC 2, 2009)
  • Have I Got News For You (BBC1, 2008, 2010)
  • The Secret Policeman’s Ball for Amnesty, (Royal Albert Hall, Channel 4, 2008)
  • Sunrise with Eammon Holmes (Sky News, 2008)
  • The Comedy Store (Paramount Comedy, 2008)
  • Comedy Shuffle (BBC3, 2007)
  • Rhod Gilbert’s Big Welsh Joke (BBC2 Wales, 2007)

Radio & Podcasts

  • Tell it to Steve: Best of Guests (Guest, BBC Radio 2, 2023)
  • Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (Guest, 2023)
  • Obsessed With Line Of Duty Podcast (Guest, 2021)
  • Elephant in the Room (Host, BBC Radio 4, 2019, 2020)
  • Locked Together (Co-Host, Audible, 2020)
  • The Jason Manford Show (Co-host, Absolute Radio, 2018, 2021)
  • Book of the Week (BBC R4, 2017)
  • Sarah Millican’s Support Group (BBC R4, 2010, 2011)
  • 7 Day Sunday (BBC R5 Live, 2010, 2011)
  • Jason Manford and Friends (BBC R2, 2009)
  • 4 Stands Up (BBC R4, 2009)
  • Act Your Age (BBC R4, 2008)
  • Loose Ends (BBC R4, 2008)
  • Keep Your Chins Up (pilot for BBC R4, 2008)
  • Des Clarke’s Friday Feeling (BBC Radio Scotland, 2008)
  • The Rhod Gilbert Radio Show (BBC Radio Wales, 2006, 2008)

Live

  • Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler (National & International Tour 2021 – 2023)
  • Sarah Millican: Control Enthusiast (National & International Tour 2018-2019)
  • Sarah Millican: Outsider (National Tour 2015-2016)
  • Sarah Millican: Home Bird (Edinburgh Festival 2013, then National Tour 2013-2014)
  • Sarah Millican: Thoroughly Modern Millican (Edinburgh Festival 2011, then National Tour 2011-2012)
  • Sarah Millican: Chatterbox (Edinburgh Festival, 2010 then National Tour 2010)
  • Sarah Millican: Typical Woman (Edinburgh Festival, 2009)
  • Sarah Millican’s Not Nice (Edinburgh Festival, 2008)
  • Reginald D Hunter’s ‘Pride, Prejudice & Niggers’ national tour – support (2007)

Books

  • Sarah Millican: How to be Champion (Orion, 2017)

Press

The comic laureate of unglamorous-but-glorious womanhood.
The Guardian

This is why she is one of the most successful comedians in the country.
The Times 

Undisputed queen of stand-up.
The Mail On Sunday

Watch her transition to national treasure begin here.
Sunday Times

Probably the finest female comedian working at the moment.
Time Out

Her laughter rate is exceptional.
The Scotsman

This woman will go far.
Times

Wonderfully wrong . . incredibly funny.
Metro

Like a young Thora Hird.
The Observer

One of the hottest new things in Stand up.
The Herald

On 2011 Edinburgh Fringe show Sarah Millican: Thoroughly Modern Millican

Supremely talented.
The Daily Telegraph

A distinctive blend of northern charm and utter filth.
The Observer

Skilfully delivered anecdotes with punchlines and topper gags aplenty.
The Scotsman

Champion.
Metro

A natural storyteller, with charm by the family-sized trolley load.
The List

Killer cosy delivery and knowing comic timing.
The Herald

An outstanding hour from one of the best comedians in the country.
Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

On 2010 Edinburgh Fringe show Sarah Millican: Chatterbox

She’s on the brink of comedy superstardom and rightly so.★★★★★
Sunday Express 

Such is her skill at joke-telling that she can find the funny in even the most mundane of subjects. ★★★★★
Sunday Telegraph 

An hour of stand-up that flies by, fluent and feisty, polished and professional. ★★★★★
The Herald 

Sarah Millican’s performance is one of the most consistent and accomplished I have ever seen at the fringe. ★★★★
The Independent 

Entirely in charge of her craft…she laces everything with a generous amount of gags. ★★★★
The Times 

Lewd and lovely stuff. ★★★★
The Telegraph 

The most gifted female comedian of her generation. Her show is jam packed with gag after gag. Adorable, filthy and fab. ★★★★
Time Out 

Assured writing with its perfectly-expressed thoughts and ideas gelling into piquant jokes. ★★★★
Chortle 

A consistent pleasure. ★★★★
The List 

She’s a great joke-teller, topping off her tales of a divorcee and daughter’s life with bulletproof laugh-lines.
The Guardian

An outstanding hour from one of the best comedians in the country.
The Scotsman

On 2009 Edinburgh Fringe show Sarah Millican: Typical Woman

Rising star.
Observer

Very good at being naughty.
Telegraph

At times poetic, at times brutally honest, Sarah Millican is never less than belly-laugh hilarious. ★★★★★
Mirror 

Enormously funny…before you know where you are you are doubling up with great gusts of laughter. ★★★★
Scotsman 

Ice-pick wit…this girl is anything but ordinary, and we are all the better for that. ★★★★
Metro 

In flying form…smart as a whip.
List

She can make a room rock with laughter.
Guardian

On the 2008 If. Comedy Best Newcomer Award winning show Sarah Millican’s Not Nice

It requires exceptional skill to be a cruel yet likeable comedian and Sarah Millican nails the contradiction beautifully with a wonderfully assured Fringe debut. ★★★★
The Scotsman 

A mercilessly unsentimental wit…her set is as neatly constructed as her individual, triple-punchline jokes.
The Daily Telegraph

It’s credit to Millican’s talent that her man-baiting isn’t man-alienating; the blokes in the audience howl as loudly as the women.

There isn’t a spare second in this gag-packed, deliciously dark show.

One of the hottest prospects on the UK circuit. ★★★★★
Metro 

British comedy needs a new female star and might just have got one. ★★★★
The Herald 

She surely has one of the highest gags-per-minute counts on the Fringe, with punchlines arriving every few beats with unwavering punctuality….Laughs come thick and fast.

Millican has a frank, self-effacing manner and an obtuse approach to writing that avoids clichés and refreshes the genre.

An impressive, and consistently funny, festival debut. ★★★★
Chortle 

A delightfully dirty and hilarious show. ★★★★
Three Weeks 

Millican’s gift is in her gentle, unthreatening delivery and the way she engages with the audience.

This is a fully crafted first show and a real delight.
The Observer

The jokes feel fresh and ring true. And there are plenty of them.
The Guardian

Sarah Millican is one of the most talented newcomers I have seen in many years.

A perfectly formed hour.

Touching, witty and wonderfully ribald.
Sunday Telegraph

Excellent comedy from a performer with a great future. ★★★★
Sunday Times

A delight…A great Fringe debut. ★★★★
The Independent 

Effortless and very clever. ★★★★
The Mirror 

Fabulous comedy…It’s clear she has a long and very successful career ahead of her.

The Bridget Jones of comedy. She’s rude, she’s risqué. A must-see. ★★★★★
Sunday Express 

An incredibly honed, laugh-every-ten-seconds performance.
Time Out

The hour flew by… very funny ★★★★
The Age, Melbourne

On the Secret Policeman’s Ball for Amnesty International

Geordie Sarah Millican jumped into the big league with a dazzling set.
Times

Sarah Millican was the epitome of cool on this night… she loaded the short set with an enviable number of rock solid punchlines.
Chortle

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2024-01-31T18:09:47+00:00

Late Bloomer

Sarah Millican

When Sarah Millican was a bairn, she wouldn’t say boo to a goose. Quiet at school, not many friends, no boobs til she was 16.

Now? NOW she is loud, with good friends, a cracking rack and goose booing all over the shop. In Late Bloomer, Sarah’s brand-new stand-up show, she explores how one became the other. Plus, lots of stuff about dinners and lady gardens. Come along, laugh at her, with her, beside her.