2016 Edinburgh Fringe

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Fresh from the final of The BBC New Comedy Awards 2015, Athena Kugblenu is bringing her debut solo show to the Fringe this Summer. A comic with a razor sharp mind and an even sharper delivery, Athena has been performing since 2012. She has shared bills with acts such as Omid Djalili, Richard Blackwood, Dane Baptiste and Shazia Mirza and this year saw her unique brand of thought provoking, insightful humour given the seal of approval as she was invited to write on The News Quiz (Series 89).

"An intelligent set that managed to be both easily accessible and playful and still say something serious" - Bruce Dessau

Athena started performing stand-up in 2012 because she couldn't find anyone making jokes about the things she found most extraordinary in life. Politically outspoken and fiercely combative, Athena is a long suffering Labour member and author/creator of the popular blog Stupidity is painless

She made the semi-finals of the 'So You Think You're Funny Competition?' after only eight gigs. Following that up with semi-final appearances in The Laughing Horse and Leicester Square New Act competitions.

"...authentic, observational comedy presented beautifully...pleasingly original" - Broadway Baby, ****

Described by peers and audiences alike as fearless, charismatic and hugely likeable, Athena exhibits great skill and eloquence in highlighting societal flaws and shining a light on inadequacy. She doesn't seek approval - she earns it with a combination of astute observations and blistering punch lines.

"...socially astute... savvy observations..." - Steve Bennett

"...a breath of fresh air" - Funny Women

Athena Kugblenu has watched, listened and looked for a long time, and now she's grown tired of the conventions of the left wing press. Reality Check is the hotly anticipated debut show from an adroit comic who's found her voice and isn't afraid to use it. Her show squares up to the provocative. Issues including politics, class, immigration and heritage will be explored in a way that encompasses, rather than isolates, highlights rather than diminishes and relentlessly challenges stereotype. Drawing on accounts of her upbringing, travels and misdemeanors to form a backdrop for a hilarious and thought provoking show. Combining an acerbic wit with an intricately personable style, Athena has created a show not just about how far we've come, but how much further we still have to go.

"Confident on stage, charismatic...original ideas too. She is rapidly on the rise" - Comedy CV

"She had me laughing out loud...stinging and very witty. She'll quickly be a headline act" - Cheeky Monkey Comedy Club, Birmingham