United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed British comedian Simon Brodkin, recognizing him as “one of the U.K.’s most exciting stand-up comedians.” This partnership marks a significant step in Brodkin’s career, as he seeks to enhance his global presence, particularly in the United States.
Brodkin is renowned for his unique blend of stand-up comedy and character work, having gained fame through his alter egos, such as the brash and humorous “comedy legend” Lee Nelson and soccer star Jason Bent. His comedic style often involves satirical pranks targeting high-profile figures, including Donald Trump and Kanye West, which have garnered substantial media attention.
In recent years, Brodkin’s popularity has surged, culminating in his extensive 170-date international tour titled “Screwed Up.” The tour’s success led to four extensions, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences. Notably, he performed at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance, attended by Prince William and Kate Middleton. The recording of his show, released on YouTube, became the most viewed U.K. special on the platform.
Strategic Partnership with UTA
Bjorn Wentlandt, a comedy touring agent at UTA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re very excited to work with Simon, who is truly in the Premier League of U.K. stand-ups.” He emphasized that UTA aims to support Brodkin in harnessing his remarkable trajectory in the comedy scene.
Brodkin himself acknowledged the importance of this partnership, saying, “I wanted elite level representation for my international tours, and with Bjorn and UTA, I have signed with the best in class.” The focus of this alliance is to accelerate his growth in various markets, especially in the U.S. UTA boasts a robust comedy touring division with offices in Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, and London, providing a wealth of resources for Brodkin’s touring ambitions.
A History of Provocative Comedy
Brodkin has built a reputation not only for his stand-up but also for his audacious pranks. His past antics include crashing the re-opening of the Trump Turnberry golf resort in Scotland in June 2016, where he distributed golf balls adorned with red swastikas. In October 2017, he disrupted then-U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party conference by presenting her with a parody employment termination form, coinciding with speculation about her leadership.
His history of satirical commentary extends to the world of sports as well. In 2015, Brodkin made headlines when he showered Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president, with fake dollar bills during a press conference. Additionally, he once joined Kanye West on stage at the Glastonbury Festival, further showcasing his flair for blending humor with public spectacle.
With UTA’s backing, Brodkin is poised to expand his reach and continue engaging audiences worldwide. His signing adds him to UTA’s growing roster of international comedy talent, which includes notable names such as Celeste Barber, Zakir Khan, and Vir Das.
As Brodkin embarks on this new chapter, the entertainment industry will be watching closely to see how this partnership influences his already dynamic career.
