UTA Welcomes British Comedian Simon Brodkin to Its Roster

The United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed renowned British comedian Simon Brodkin, recognizing him as “one of the U.K.’s most exciting stand-up comedians.” This move highlights UTA’s commitment to expanding its talent portfolio in the comedy sector. Brodkin has gained significant popularity in both the digital and stand-up comedy realms, transitioning from his earlier persona as the audacious “comedy legend” Lee Nelson to a prominent figure known for his engaging performances and clever pranks.

Brodkin’s recent international tour, titled “Screwed Up,” has been a major success, extending four times due to high ticket demand. His performance at the Royal Variety Performance in front of Prince William and Kate Middleton further solidified his standing in the entertainment industry. The tour culminated in a YouTube special, which became the most viewed U.K. stand-up show on the platform, showcasing Brodkin’s broad appeal and dynamic presence in the comedy scene.

UTA’s Ambitious Plans for Brodkin

Bjorn Wentlandt, UTA’s London-based comedy touring agent, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re very excited to work with Simon, who is truly in the Premier League of U.K. stand-ups.” The agency aims to leverage its extensive comedy touring department, which has over 20 members across offices in Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, and London, to help Brodkin reach a wider audience, especially in the U.S. market.

Brodkin’s career has seen a remarkable resurgence, particularly as he has embraced digital platforms. “Simon had early TV and touring success,” Wentlandt noted, “and since going through a reinvention, he has had this massive resurgence in his career by leaning into the digital space as himself.” This strategy has proven effective, as Brodkin’s stand-up clips frequently garner millions of views online.

In his own words, Brodkin stated, “I wanted elite level representation for my international tours, and with Bjorn and UTA, I have signed with the best in class.” His goal is to accelerate his comedic career globally, focusing on new touring opportunities that will expand his reach and influence.

A History of Provocative Comedy

Brodkin, often described as “the world’s most famous blagger,” has made headlines for his audacious pranks targeting high-profile figures. In June 2016, he infamously interrupted the reopening of the Trump Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, distributing golf balls adorned with red swastikas. His antics have also included crashing the Conservative Party conference in October 2017, where he presented then-Prime Minister Theresa May with a mock employment termination form amid speculation about her leadership.

In 2015, Brodkin gained notoriety for showering Sepp Blatter, the then-president of FIFA, with fake dollar bills during a press conference. Additionally, he made an unforgettable appearance on stage with Kanye West at the Glastonbury Festival, solidifying his reputation as a comedian unafraid to confront the powerful through satire.

With his signing to UTA, Brodkin joins a growing roster of international comedy talent, which includes notable names such as Celeste Barber, Vittorio Angelone, and Zakir Khan. This collaboration signals a promising future for both the agency and Brodkin as they aim to redefine comedy on a global scale.