Athena Kugblenu

Athena Kugblenu

Athena Kugblenu was a BBC New Comedian of the Year finalist in 2015,  and she made her Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2017 with KMT.

She is  regular co-host on The Guilty Feminist podcast and has written for Time Out and Stylist Magazine and in 2020 was the recipient of the Felix Dexter Bursary, which gave her six months experience working in BBC comedy.

She has appeared on Mock The Week and had her own Radio 4 series Athena’s Cancel Culture as well as appearing on other shows including The Museum of Curiosity and Loose Ends.

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Athena Kugblenu writes two children's history books

Comic reveals 'fibs and fails' from the past

Athena Kugblenu has written two children’s books about History’s Most Epic Fibs and Fails.

The titles, aimed at readers aged eight and over, will be published this September and next by Hachette Children’s Group.

The comedian – who has been a writer CBBC's Horrible Histories - said: ‘I am thrilled to be taking young people on a very funny tour of history’s most epic fibs and failures. 

‘We’ve got stories of creative truth-telling and questionable decision-making that will make young readers gasp at the past. I can’t wait to share these historically humbling tales with the world.’

Jonny Leighton, senior editor at the Wren & Rook imprint, told publishing trade website The Bookseller: ‘We are thrilled to be publishing Athena – her hilarious voice and fresh perspective is the perfect combination and makes history for middle-grade readers truly epic! 

‘We can’t wait to publish these brilliantly inventive and clever collections of true stories that will take children on a riotous ride through hidden histories, learning all about the past in a high-interest, fun and accessible way.’

The first title to be released is History’s Most Epic Fibs, in which Kugblenu ‘separates the truth from the historical whoppers and uncovers the historical fact behind the fake news, from ancient Rome to the Vikings and beyond’.

Examples include the facts that Vikings never really wore horned helmets and that  Cleopatra wasn't actually Egyptian.

Out on September 12, it is available to order now: 

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Published: 26 Apr 2024

Past Shows

Edinburgh Fringe 2016

Reality Check


Edinburgh Fringe 2017

Athena Kugblenu: KMT


Edinburgh Fringe 2018

Athena Kugblenu: Follow the Leader


Agent

We do not currently hold contact details for Athena Kugblenu's agent. If you are a comic or agent wanting your details to appear here, for a one-off fee of £59, email steve@chortle.co.uk.

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