All Work Some Play

So now I can post the pre release version of the DNOVA music video I shot earlier this year. The album is been released very soon if not now so keep an eye on their official website if you like the music and want to buy it! Hope you enjoy it, let me know what you think via twitter as usual :)

My stand up return commences with two earlier than planned gigs this week. I'm performing at The Verve, Leeds tomorrow night and then at The Vault in Witham near Hull I believe on Thursday, so if your around, then come on down! In the mean time I put together a really quick montage of my holiday in Benidorm with Jade, no fancy editing packages used hence why it's a tad rough around the edges, thought I'd enter it into the public domain. Enjoy!

DNova, Reel Banter, Will Power

Hello everyone. Been a busy bee as usual! 


The finished version of the DNova music video I shot has been completed and I'm very impressed. Would love to show it you but his record company won't allow any footage to be released. However I can show you some screenshots. Let me know what you think via twitter. By the way, I don't usually don this much make up, honest!

I've just finished the filming for 'Will Power' which I must say was one of the best times I've had on a shoot. Brilliant cast n' crew and the film looks amazing. Will probably be next summer till it's screened, as usual I'll keep you in the know. (Because suprisingly people actually read this blog..... amazing I know) :P


Also I've been given the first part of 'Reel Banter' the film panel show I told you about, it's good and very interesting. Well, if your a real film buff it is, if you don't like film you'll hate it. I try and project some humour into it, I probably fail :P I'll let you all have a gander when it's all done. There's some pics below. If your around in Hull next Thursday, come and see me do a bit of that stand up, details on twitter.

I Have The Power

Last weekend was a tad busy. Firstly I attended the 'This Is Not Medicine' pilot premier. It was brilliant! I honestly haven't seen a sketch show that good in a long time. One of the sketches had me in hysterics, unfortunately I can't give anything away as it will mess with commissioning it. 

All my attention has been pointed at the film 'Will Power' in which I play the part of Brain Waddle a freelance photographer, again I can't divulge any more details, but production so far has been brilliant. It was my first day on set this Sunday and August is pretty much full with filming the rest. Here are some sneaky production shots I promised. Typically I hijacked one of the closed set scenes (In red, if you give a shit)

I'll leave you with probably one of the best shorts I think I've ever seen. Amazing! Hope my directoral debut is even a 1/5 as good as that and I'll be over the bloody moon. I will be travelling around again from October on a huge stand up mission, really excited and filling my pants at the same time about that, but 'Hey' that's comedy. Jade took me to experience a Krispy Kreme for the first time, they've only gone and built one near Leeds. It was amazing, but the strawberries & cream milkshake was vile! You've been warned!

July In Brief

Hello, I know I say it all of the time. But I'm sorry for the lack of updates. I'm struggling to find any free time of late, I haven't even tweeted. Think I may be over my twitdiction now! Holiday went well! Didn't go anywhere nice, Benidorm :| But actually the stigma is uncalled for, as once you get out of the Blackpool English section, it's really bloody nice.

Here is a clip from from the last episode of Waterloo Road which I was 'briefly' in. Wasn't going to upload it but as the girlfriend says 'It will be nice, like a little virtual scrapbook of where it all began' It's a nice thought I suppose. The little boy haircut is back now as I needed it for the filming of the DNova music video, which I am told will be ready to view in the next couple of weeks. I look like a scary transvestite! Well not as bad as the other two :D That should be good. I finished filming it on Monday, which basically had me running around Sheffield to a crowd of bemused onlookers (Pretty much like my stand up) :P

Also had to go back down to Stoke-On-Trent and film a pilot panel show about film. It was very serious to be honest, I don't think they enjoyed me wishing AIDS upon Robert Pattinson or randomly talking about those sexy pens from the 60's which had water in them. You know the one's when you turned it upside down and the ladies bra fell off? No? Neither did they...... They invited me back to do another so not all bad :P

Off to the premier of the pilot for 'This Is Not Medicine' which I was again 'briefly' in, on Saturday in Leeds. I've had to take the clip and other media for it down, which I previously posted in the blog due to it not being helpful with regards to commisioning. That should be good. Also filming 'Will Power' in Manchester this weekend and throughout August. You'll definitely be seeing a little more of me in that, I'll sneak some production pictures for next week.


'THCC' is still going well, struggling to keep of with promotion for it, but hopefully previous gigs have been good enough to keep everyone coming back. We've got the crazy Wes Zaharuk on next Thursday. He's MENTAL!

Haven't seen anything funny or weird to share with you as I haven't been online that much. Sorry for the massive post (If anyone is actually reading) I'm going to be solidly gigging from September / October onwards, so I'll update the site with my dates. I'll be all over the place, so if I'm near you, come and see me!

Dance it up & Fuel it up!

Been driving all over the North of England it seems the last couple of weeks, still some more to go. 

'Being busy is being alive' - Tel Banham

You can have that quote above, I'm hardly the next John Locke or Rene Descartes so don't expect to see it in any modern philosopher journals soon or if you do it's plagiarised........and you should be buying better books.

Exciting stuff happening, I'm featuring in a new music video for DNova. Some of this guys music is amazing, give it a listen if your not now reading about Thomas Aquinas ridiculous theories (If your not reading it, wikipedia will fill you in I'm sure) So I'll be down there in Sheffield mid July shooting that.

Feeling like I'm just walking in and out of auditions at the moment, petrol is scandalous! Blame Tory!

All week I've been watching and researching vampire films, from the greatness of Nosferatu to THIS! :( For a pilot web panel show about film. Hopefully it will be a hit.

'THCC' July show with Mick Sergeant has almost sold out, so if your wanting some giggles and are about in West Yorkshire. Book tickets now! I'm hosting 'The Smiling Mule Live Music Festival' in Bradford on Saturday, in the area? Check it out, will probably full of kids, goths and general drunks so don't expect much.

Oh and apparently the episode of Waterloo Road I filmed the back end of last year is on next Wednesday. Look at my young persons hair cut, 100% makes me look 14. That is pure method acting right there.

Your Host For The Evening

Bethany Black at THCC

What can I tell you? Oh yeah! I'm hosting 'The Smiling Mule Live Music Festival' in Bradford on 2nd July and 'The Only Way Is Burnley' (I know, I know!) night in August. To be honest I have no idea how much comedy I can/will do as comedy is not the main focus of either of these events. I'm sure I'll put my foot in it at both of them :\


Thanks again for everyone's support with 'Funny Guy' more info on the film festivals soon! Also another great 'THCC' night coming up next month, I hope Jerry Seinfeld just turns up like he did at The Comedy Store earlier this month. One of THE best?


Back annoying everyone on twitter. With things like this, My mind cannot comprehend what on Earth is happening! However this is cool!


Got a photoshoot next week, so my agent doesn't have to use THAT picture anymore. Plus hopefully I'll have some groovy (I'm feeling very 80's today) comedy promotional pics too.

Funny Guy

Ola! Nope, I haven't been to Spain, I just like to broaden my use of alternative European languages from time to time :P

Finally! The finished version of 'Funny Guy' is here to show you all. The response has been amazing already, I've even been told it made some people cry. Job Done! I'd like to thank Joe Winchcombe for creating such an amazing film and the crew who made it such fun to do, I loved it. I hope you all like it, please let me know your thoughts via twitter.


If you are interested in social networking and media, this will be so interesting! Quite scary really, the word needs to be spread! Do it now! 

Also performed last night in Huddersfield, which was a lot more enjoyable than I thought it was going to be. Nice, small, intimate crowd in what has become a beautiful venue at Bar 1:22. I was basically trying out some new stuff and a few re-writes, which seemed to bloody work better than my 'safe' stuff. Here's a clip

(Don't be offended, I'm joking)

I'll leave you with this WTF moment, and if nothing else in this blog entry has entertained you, then this and this definitely will. Enjoy!

No Screening, Just Laughing

Some disapointing news, 'Funny Guy' didn't make it to a screening. This doesn't necessarily mean the film is bad, I know me and Joe are a bit gutted, but we've still got many short film festivals for us to screen at. The finished product will be available to view online within the next week or so, and obviously I'll link you to it for you to decide for yourself. Joe posted this on Facebook earlier this week, which freaked me out and confirms  that he is crazy. I will no longer be left alone with that man.

May's 'THCC' was another well attended affair which was nice, not without it's problems, but still it went amazingly. Venue running out of alcohol, general cleanliness and a shockingly bad microphone. These have now been resolved. Our headliner Andy Watson blew the roof off though, so if you get chance to see him anywhere GO!


I'm gigging in Huddersfield at Bar 1:22 on the 19th May which will be my first 'proper' gig in two months. Looking forward to it a lot. It's only a small open mic venue, so I get to stretch my legs a bit. From past experiences I don't usually perform to my best ability on such small stages, but I have a few new gags and rewrites I want to throw out there. If you're a fat lady with AIDS do not attend as you WILL be offended :P


Found this on twitter, if you like Flash App's and Daft Punk watch it!

The Voice of Reason

Again, I've been very lazy at updating but better late than never right?


Travelled down to Stoke-On-Trent (Even though I said I'd never go) to record the final voice-over for 'Funny Guy' which is now the working title for the short documentary, that title will probably stick according to Director Joe (Who's afro is clearly visible in clip). I'm happy with that, however it does put add a lot of pressure :P I was asked to come up with something better, which I can't as I lack creativity! Obviously!


So have a gander at the clip, apologies for the terrible quality and change in perspective half way through, Alex the sound guy was obviously intoxicated. The finished film should be finished within the coming weeks which is exciting. I'm probably going to have to head back down to the greyest, most depressing city in the UK again shortly then :|


What else has happened? Oh that Easter thing, hope you had a great holiday.


Let's not forget Will & Kate's big day, that was nice, I didn't think I was going to watch it to be honest, the 'Royal Wedding' Come Dine With Me, 'Royal Wedding' Grand Designs, 'Royal Wedding' Apprentice, 'Royal Wedding' Crufts everything annoyed me slightly. However upon spectating the event (Wasn't there obviously) I felt amazingly patriotic and bloody proud to be British. Although I couldn't help but be constantly waiting for Lady Gaga to burst out of Camilla's stomach and give her rendition of 'Judas' during the hym's section. Good to see all the great British historic faces there too like John Major, Elton John and The Beckhams, who were just sat there the whole time looking smug thinking "The thrones were definitely bigger at our wedding" (Yes, I've repeated these from my twitter account, it's very topical, I'll have to through them away next week, I'll be using them at this months 'THCC' too if your coming - Warned!)


Speaking of Will's and Kate, this is very funny!


Oh and Osama is dead (Apparently) however I don't have many joke's on fundamental terrorists to be fair :S


Also finally got my Birthday present, which is amazing, if anyone cares.

Older, No Wiser

I was quite ill over my Birthday weekend, I think it must have something to do with this.

Virus has gone now and weekend enjoyed, I won the prize for the worst shirt! Standard!


Haven't been up to much lately, promoting "THCC" takes alot of my time up these days, however I will be travelling to Stoke-On-Trent next week to record the final voice over for the documentary.


Had alot of ideas and more time now to focus on writing some new material and for my short project, so that will be fun. Both are very dark :|

Debut Success!

I've been pretty lazy in updating, this doesn't bode well for the future I guess. Oh well better late than never. I call this anticipation.....

Seen quite a few cool things over the past week or so including this!

Read a script for a new NFS production titled "Foil Head" One of the best scripts I have read in a long time, I'm not going to be part of it, but I'll be sure to throw it your way once it's finished. All the crew seem like they are going to do a fantastic job on it. For those of you not in the know, it's "The Northern Film School" which is part of Leeds University, I worked on the short "Blind" with them earlier in the month.

The main focus of last month was The Halifax Comedy Club's first night. Which went amazingly, almost filled the venue on our debut show and all acts were amazing. Excited for May's show now!

Also bought the second camera for my own production, primarily we will be shooting on RED and EOS7, here's a beautiful example of what it can do. Flick it to 720p through Youtube. I've made a few tests of my own, if anyone actually cares I'll throw them on here next time.

The next time you read this blog, I'll be 24. Exciting times! Quiet one this year, Birthdays get worse and worse every year, I always said that when I was 80 I would be bungee jumping on my birthday, I won't, I'll be in a home with no friends and carers force feeding me while I struggle to blow out a single candle........While your in that head space, cry to this, like I did! Depressing program!

The Blind Leading The Blind

Filmed my scenes for "Blind" yesterday for The Northern Film School located in some woods in the middle of nowhere North of Leeds. I play a Chauffeur, I won't spoil the story for you, I'll let you watch it with an open mind later after post production has finished. They were a great team to work with!


What else has happened? Oh yeah, "The Halifax Comedy Club" opens its doors next Thursday, so I've been busy promoting that. An article will be going into the local newspaper with some cheesy snaps of me, oh the joy!


Got some awful eczema infesting my eyes which is really annoying, I'll update you on it's ground coverage over the coming weeks. Next time you see me I'll just be a flaky mess.


Also check out these screen shots of my filmed documentary performance. This won't be part of the documentary so consider it an exclusive LOL :P

A Bit of Everything

Performed at Kill For a Seat Comedy Club at The Verve in Leeds earlier this week. I loved it, two of my best gigs ever have come back to back. I'm so loving stand up at the moment. Such a lovely small intimate venue, the audience were a little hesitant at first but I didn't want to leave the stage after my set.

The documentary film crew were their. I was nervous about the whole scenario in the build up to the gig but in the end it was fine. Had a sneaky look at some of the shots back and it looks AMAZING! Joe Winchcombe is a young director to look out for in the future. If you haven't seen his previous work yet!

I've also been asked to take part in a charity run for Macmillan Cancer Support in Leeds, which I'll be doing in June with some of the Emmerdale cast and followers from twitter. I'll be asking you to part with some dough soon..... So be prepared...... I know I joke about the disease in my comedy, but it's such a worthy cause! Help as much as you can!

Almost forgot, probably biggest news too. Got a part in a Northern Film School short which I'm filming in Leeds next week. I'll be playing a chauffeur in a film titled "Blind". Will be shot in Black & White moving from Present day to the 1960's. The script is very good. (Well I guess you knew that, if you know me you'd know how fussy I am about shorts)

Also keep an eye out at The Emmerdaily where I'm going to be interviewed about working on set.

Stoke Sounds Good Now

Absolutely shattered, haven't slept for 32 hours! I've just come back from filming for a comedy sketch show pilot "This is not medicine"

I was part of a faux political campaign mocking the taboo of race, it was right up my street actually. Meaning tackling political correctness...... (Not racist)

Also remember I said I was part of a documetary, Yep! Joe Winchcombe popped up from Stoke today and we finished the draft voiceover for it. Loved the interigation! Some bloody good questions, hope I come across okay, and not overly arrogant, I was being completely honest thats all.

I have a good feeling about this little project. Very much looking forward to how this one shapes up. Joe was very nice, might have to visit Stoke now and see if this is a common occurance, however he's originally from Portsmouth so.... No! My initial thoughts are probably correct......... No reason to visit Stoke! :P

New Website

Hello, welcome to my new website / blog for everything to do with me Tel Banham.

(To be honest I can't think of any better website) :D

I will be constantly updating this on my travels performing comedy, or in front or behind the camera for whatever reason be it TV, film or generally just messing around and have something funny I want to show you all!

You'll notice posts before this! These are just bits of stuff that are scattered around the net about me or past projects, enjoy them!
Also found this from Whats on TV magazine regarding my little appearance in Waterloo Road, (They could have at least addressed "comedian") :P

Laugh in the face of Climate Change 2011

Just got back from this years "Laugh in the face of Climate Change" (The Riley Award Winning Event of 2010) that was invited to do.
Bloody good night, nice big student crowd, with an amazing venue at Leeds University Stylus. Loved the huge stage. Went out and threw some of my "edgier" stuff out their. They took it well, these young liberals!

Was very impressed by fellow comic Dan Logan (I've invited him to do a spot at The Halifax Comedy Club later this year) it's not every gig you get to attempt to break the world record for Malteser rolling, and also long standing comedy friend Tony Basnett.

When heckled "Pull your pants up" I will next time refrain from pulling them fully down on stage and replying "I will not conform to your regime" there isn't really an easy way out of getting out of those pyshical gags :D

Talking About Me

This is exciting :D

I've been approached by a brilliant young director "Joe Winchecombe" to be part of a documentary about myself and the journey through becoming a new act and what faces young comedians in the industry.

This should be good, I'm looking forward to it, I wouldn't have said yes if he hadn't shown me his previous work, Insomnia.

His proposal sounded right up my street, love the creative elements he's trying to achieve.

Oh! He also wanted me to watch this (A form of inspiration of what he would like the documentary to be like)

I cried!

More Farming and Saving the Planet

 Okay so busy week this week, quite a bit to tell you about.


Firstly I've been asked to perform at Laugh in the Face of Climate Change 2011, which was last years Riley Event of the Year apparently, so this is pretty special. It's going to be held at Leeds University Stylus Bar, big venue and student crowd :) Excited! Will get to stretch my legs at this one!


Get tickets from Leeds Tickets and have a look at the charity we're helping save some Orangutans It's not cancer but it's just as worthy...... Dead child?, Dead chimp?...... balls to it, it's your money, I'm not judging ;)


Also just been and shot another episode of Emmerdale, literally way in the background of this one, on an old fashioned night bus, I know it's meant to be in the Yorkshire dales, but a 1930's style bus? It's not Heartbeat! Was just talking about this the other day, how Yorkshire is portrayed as so "oldy worldy" and ancient, yes, we all wear tweed and flat caps and drive wind up cars with coal fires and pipes. Look at One Foot In The Grave for example, this was a documentary you know. Rant Over!


So this episode will be aired in around 6 weeks, so end of March begining of April. For all you Emmerdale fans, it was a night time scene with Wolfenden and Chelsea at the farm. First time I've been to the farm set, it's in the middle of nowhere, like a military base to get into, but it's beautiful at night. I'm hard to impress, but I was!

Back to Bar West

You can catch me in Bar West in Emmerdale again tonight, and if you didn't catch my scene last week then take a look at that below. Blink and you'll miss me :D

No speaking part for either of these, but nice to be invited back to furnish Bar West.