David Reed (born 26 May 1982) is a British actor, comedian and writer. He is one third of comedy troupe The Penny Dreadfuls.[1]

David Reed
Reed in 2008
Birth nameDavid Marshall Reed
Born (1982-05-26) 26 May 1982 (age 42)
York, North Yorkshire, England
MediumStand up, theatre, radio, television
NationalityBritish
Years active2006–present
GenresSketch comedy
SpouseDanielle Ward

Career

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Reed studied at the University of Edinburgh. During his studies he performed with the Edinburgh University Theatre Company, acting in, writing and directing two pantomime productions, and was a member of acclaimed[2] improvisational comedy troupe The Improverts.[3] It was with The Improverts that he first met and performed with fellow comedians Humphrey Ker and Thom Tuck.[4] He was also a frequent performer in the local comedy circuit and at The Stand.[5]

In 2008, Reed became the drummer for Karaoke Circus, a show where comedians perform songs with an accompanying live band. Since October 2011 he has co-hosted a weekly film podcast for Absolute Radio with Karaoke Circus bassist Danielle Ward.[6] In 2011 he performed his debut solo show Shamblehouse at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

in 2022, Reed's play Guy Fawkes was staged at York Theatre Royal from 28 October to 12 November.[7][8]

The Penny Dreadfuls

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Reed is probably best known for writing and performing alongside Humphrey Ker and Thom Tuck in sketch comedy team The Penny Dreadfuls. They performed their Victorian sketch show across Britain, including at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with Aeneas Faversham in 2006, Aeneas Faversham Returns in 2007 and Aeneas Faversham Forever in 2008.[9]

Their radio series The Brothers Faversham was first broadcast on BBC 7 in early January 2008. The second series, More Brothers Faversham, was aired in October 2008 and later repeated on Radio 4.

In 2009 they presented a broadcast for BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Play slot, Guy Fawkes. This covered the life of Guy Fawkes, his failed attempt to blow up Parliament and his subsequent interrogation in the Tower of London. Guest starring Kevin Eldon as Guy Fawkes, and also featuring Miles Jupp and Andrew Pugsley.

In 2011 they produced another radio play, Revolution. This time for the prestigious Saturday Play slot. Set in the aftermath of The French Revolution, it starred Sally Hawkins as Marie-Therese, the only surviving daughter of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and Richard E. Grant as the villainous Robespierre.

Film Fandango

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Since October 2011 he has co-hosted a weekly film podcast called Film Fandango for Absolute Radio with fellow comedian and partner Danielle Ward.[10]

Shows

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2006 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

  • Aeneas Faversham

2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

  • Aeneas Faversham Returns

2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

  • Aeneas Faversham Forever

2009 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

  • The Never Man

2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

  • The Penny Dreadfuls

2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

  • David Reed Shamblehouse

Television

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References

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  1. ^ Ferris, Glen. (16 October 2007) The Penny Dreadfuls, Pavilion Theatre, Brighton, 18 October. The Argus. Retrieved on 2012-03-10.
  2. ^ "The Improverts". British Comedy Guide.
  3. ^ "Edinburgh University Theatre Company | David Reed". www.eutc.org.uk. Archived from the original on 24 December 2012. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  4. ^ "Our Edinburgh: The Penny Dreadfuls". independent.co.uk. 26 August 2010.
  5. ^ Biography: David Reed Archived 9 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. debiallenassociates.com. Retrieved on 2012-03-10.
  6. ^ iTunes – Podcasts – Film Fandango by Absolute Radio. Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved on 2012-03-10.
  7. ^ "The Weekend Interview: Finding The Comedy In Guy Fawkes With David Reed". Yorkshire Times. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  8. ^ "Theatre review: Guy Fawkes at York Theatre Royal". British Theatre Guide. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  9. ^ The Skinny Archived 28 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Film Fandango on Absolute Radio Archived 19 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ David Reed (IX). imdb.com
  12. ^ Gary Tank Commander (TV Series 2009). imdb.com
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