Stephen Carlin is a Scottish-born stand-up comedian, writer and actor who has spent his career on the London circuit after growing up in Scotland, building a reputation for sharp, well-observed material that has drawn praise from some of comedy's most respected names. Stewart Lee has named him among his favourite comedians working today, a mark of the regard Carlin holds among his peers. His sets combine dry, incisive stand-up with the instincts of an experienced radio and sketch writer, giving his material an unusually tight, well-crafted edge.
Carlin has supported major names including Stewart Lee, Tom Stade, Stephen Merchant and Felix Dexter on national tours, and appeared on Comedy Central's The Alternative Comedy Experience alongside Lee across two series. His screen and radio credits include ITV2's Comedy Cuts and BBC Radio 1's The Milk Run, while as a writer he has contributed to BBC Radio 4's The Now Show and The News Quiz, and created the mockumentary series Gus Murdoch's Sacred Cows. He has taken solo shows to the Edinburgh Fringe most years since 2014, including Drink Carlin Sensibly and Rise of the Autistic.
Carlin's combination of sharp writing and stage experience makes him a strong booking for comedy clubs, festivals and corporate events looking for a proper stand-up's stand-up, someone respected by comedy insiders as much as club audiences. His material is smart without being inaccessible, giving him the range to headline a dedicated comedy night, open for a bigger name, or hold his own on a mixed corporate bill where a confident, well-written set matters more than shock value.