British Comedy Guide
Tony Allen
Tony Allen

Tony Allen

  • English
  • Actor, writer and comedian

Press clippings

Kim Wells on alternative versus old-style comedy

Kim Wells, compere and promoter of Earth Exchange Cabaret, one of the earliest alternative comedy venues, documents a heated dispute between Tony Allen, one of the founding fathers of alternative comedy, and old-style comedy script writer, Brad Ashton.

Kim Wells, Chortle, 4th September 2024

Andrew Bird named Comics' Comic 2023

Stand-up Andrew Bird has been awarded the Best Comic title in the Comics' Comic awards. Barry Dodds was named Best MC, James Alderson took the Best Independent Promoter title, and Outstanding Achievement to UK Comedy titles were posthumous awarded to Tony Allen, Andy Smart and Gareth Richards.

British Comedy Guide, 8th January 2024

Banksy writes tribute to pioneering comedian Tony Allen

Banksy has penned a rare statement to remember late comedian and "born troublemaker" Tony Allen.

Ian Youngs, BBC, 29th December 2023

Tony Allen obituary

Writer and performer hailed as the 'godfather of alternative comedy'.

Oliver Double, The Guardian, 10th December 2023

Tony Allen obituary

Pioneer of alternative comedy, lifelong squatter and Speakers' Corner veteran.

The Telegraph, 8th December 2023

The late comedy godfather Tony Allen: anarchy, creativity and a "Plan B" film

Following on from the last blog - a tribute to the late performer Tony Allen by his friend Becky Fury - performer Tony Green was sharing some memories of Tony Allen with me... At the end, he said: "Oh, I didn't mention the film we did... Plan B by Jerri Hart, one of Tony's workshop pupils. Tony's impatience regarding continued re-takes - "Fuck! Another car's just come round the corner! We'll have to go again!" - made his performance one to cherish."

John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 4th December 2023

Alternative comedian Tony Allen dies aged 78

Tony Allen, one of the founders of the alternative comedy movement, has died aged 78.

British Comedy Guide, 2nd December 2023

A tribute to Tony Allen, oft-called The Godfather of UK Alternative Comedy

Here, award-wining stand-up Becky Fury pays tribute to her long-time friend Tony Allen, who died yesterday morning, in London...

Becky Fury, John Fleming's Blog, 2nd December 2023

Comics pay tribute at a wake for alternative comedy pioneer Tony Allen... who's still alive

Friends threw the bash in West London so the 78-year-old pioneer, who was recently diagnosed with cancer for the second time, could appreciate the compliments, pre-mortem. However, he had to leave the show early and miss some of the later tributes - although it was livestreamed.

Chortle, 28th July 2023

A 'wake' for alternative comedy pioneer Tony Allen

Friends of alternative comedy pioneer Tony Allen are organising a farewell gig for him after he was diagnosed with cancer. The event is described as a wake for the 78-year-old 'while he is still alive, where he can be guest of honour'.

Chortle, 26th May 2023

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