We caught up with the Hall Green comedian, Tom Towelling to discuss starting out, winning awards and the city’s thriving comedy scene
In October last year, comedian Tom Towelling was presented with the Breaking Talent award at the Birmingham Comedy Festival during an evening of laughs at a packed out Glee club. Tom treated the audience to his unique brand of physical and musical comedy impressing the judges who say they were wowed by his “showmanship, unpredictability and impressive musical segments” which included a surprise rendition of the National Anthem.
Of Tom’s win, the Birmingham Comedy Festival team said: “It’s tough to select a winner when the standard of acts coming out of the region is so high. But the judges agreed that Tom’s approach to comedy was exciting, unexpected, buzzing with energy and showed great potential, making him a worthy winner.”
EYES ON THE PRIZE
On receiving the prestigious Mug of Victory, pictured, Tom says he felt ecstatic: “It’s really great to see the Birmingham comedy scene thriving. I’m really grateful for the award, I’m so chuffed. Birmingham Comedy Festival has been such a massive part of my comedy journey; it provides an opportunity to take risks and a forum for comedians. It’s been such a gift.”
Tom approached the competition with some jeopardy not knowing exactly what he might do on stage, which isn’t completely out of character. He explains: “There’s some uncertainty there. All the routines I’ve worked on before, but to an extent I’m guided by the atmosphere of the room when it comes to going into a particular bit. I move between set pieces – the set pieces bring everyone along.”
Tom is in good company as previous winners of the Breakthrough Talent award include Josh Pugh, Celya AB and Andrew McBurney. He’s also not new to winning awards having picked up the Musical Comedy Award last year at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London where he made multiple entrances and sang a song about the King. Now in its 16th year, 12 acts competed for the prestigious prize but it was Tom who was triumphant.
GOING SOLO
Tom was in various sketch troupes at university before starting the double act Good Kids with his mate Kieran Flynn known for their songs and sketches in which they had some success. He dabbled with stand-up over the years and started pursuing it more seriously in early 2023 and became a regular at Deep Fried Comedy at the Dark Horse in Moseley.
He describes his style as ‘deliciously rich and creamy’ and says he’s an admirer of John Kearns, Lara Ricote and Daniel Kitson. Immediate plans include working his material into an hour-long show which Tom can take to other festivals and eventually the Edinburgh Fringe. We can’t wait to see how Tom develops.