Photo of Benjamin Elliott

Benny's Website: www.bennyshakes.uk
Blue Badge Bunch: www.bluebadgebunch.com
Represented by Susanna Clark at Ingenious Fools www.ingeniousfools.co.uk
Stand-Up Set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJDON67R1Cc
WINNER of the ND Review Disabled Champions Awards 2023
“What a wonderful evening we had with Benny Shakes. He is very funny. His set had everyone chuckling. Everyone loves him. Please pass on our praise and thanks.” The Community Coaching Company CIC
“Sharp, funny and fearless” (Karen Bayley, Comedian)
“Animated and energetic” (Liam O'Dell)
Biography:
Benny is an established stand up comedians, co-host of the hit Edinburgh comedy show, Disabled Cants, and the creator and star of Blue Badge Bunch, a critically acclaimed groundbreaking disabled led game show for all ages funded by Arts Council England. Benny has toured the UK twice, had a two successful runs at the Pleasance Courtyard at the Edinburgh Fringe, appeared at Vault Festival and many other prestigious events across the UK, as well as speaking and running workshops at corporate events such as ITV Able, schools and community groups. He has received praise for his disabled representation and innovative, fun ideas.
The driving force behind his work is to show people the societal and physical challenges disabled people live with every day, to inspire celebration of disability and educate children and adults.
Praise for Blue Badge Bunch:
***** “Lots of fun” - MixUpTheatre.com
***** - “Extremely inclusive” - A Youngish Perspective
**** “Engagingly interactive.” Three Weeks
**** "A mighty show" Neurodiverse Review
**** “An abundance of charm & humour” Theatre & Art Reviews
**** “An inspired, brilliantly energetic game show for kids like you've never seen before!” Everything Theatre
Best Show Midlands Comedy Awards (2nd Place)
Neurodiverse Representation Award 2022 (Shortlist)
Lyn Gardner's VAULT Festival 2023 Top Picks
Praise for Disabled Cants
“Wonderfully relaxed and friendly” The Scotsman
***** “The most accessible, friendly and inclusive show I've ever seen at the Edinburgh Fringe” - Neurodiverse Review

I have progressed to pro bills since I started in 2019. I was recently nominated for the Neurodiverse Representation Award 2022 at the Edinburgh Fringe and was a West End New Act of the Year Quarter Finalist
WINNER of the ND Review Disabled Champions Awards 2023



I have recently performed at Manfords (supporting Rob Deering), Nottingham Theatre Royal, for Sion James (headliner Lloyd Griffiths), Funhouse Comedy & for Howard Walker (headliner Nina Gilligan), Matty Oxley (20), Laugh out Loud (Opening), Kev's comedy Club, Rofl Comedy Club, Anthony J Brown & for (Opere) Just The Tonik.



https://youtu.be/waAgXgTXkM8


East Midlands Awards: 4th place for Best Act, 2nd place for Best Show for Blue Badge Bunch



“Warm and very infectious. From the moment he walks on stage Benny fills a room with his presence” Steve McLean

“Funny man. Brimming with natural like-ability that warms an audience and has some killer jokes to boot.” - Joe Zalias

“Love Benny's comedy. He's a fabulous nutter! What's not to like?” - Kyle Wallace from G&B Comedy Night