...and the second Liverpudlian!

Dean Coughlin has become the second comedian to be named as a Chortle Hotshot for 2025.

The Liverpudlian now gets help with the costs and promotion of his Edinburgh Fringe debut this summer after being selected at a showcase at the city’s Monkey Barrel Comedy Club.

Coughlin was named breakthrough act of the year in the 2023 North West Comedy Awards, where his show, Mild High Club, which he co-hosts with Amy-Le Owens, was named best podcast.

He has supported Dan Nightingale, Paul Smith, Adam Rowe, Jason Manford, Fin Taylor and Lloyd Griffith on tour while his Fringe show, entitled Oblivious Sausage, is describe as ‘a whimsical adventure through working class culture and the obliviousness of man’.

Coughlin is the second Scouse comic to be chosen as a Hotshot, after Alex Stringer won a place at the first showcase in Manchester at the weekend.

The next showcase takes place at Top Secret in London on Monday. Tickets available here.

Published: 6 Feb 2025