Andy Zaltzman

Andy Zaltzman is one of the UK's sharpest satirical comedians, celebrated for his masterful blend of lacerating wit and playful absurdity. He hosts BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, co-hosts the globally acclaimed podcast The Bugle, serves as statistician on Test Match Special, and triumphed as champion of Taskmaster series 18. His sell-out national tour The Zaltgeist has extended into 2026, whilst his latest project, a stand-up review of the global year, showcases his unique ability to unearth hope and hilarity from political chaos. Audiences leave his sessions energised with fresh perspectives, equipped to navigate complexity with humour, intelligence, and renewed optimism.

When Andy Zaltzman won the Piece of Wood Award at the 2007 Melbourne Festival, it confirmed what his peers already knew: here was a comedian's comedian, capable of turning political absurdity into razor-sharp art. Since being nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award in 2001, he has taken multiple acclaimed solo shows to the Edinburgh Festival and built a career defined by intelligent satire, meticulous wordplay, and an ability to find genuine hilarity in the chaos of current affairs. His victory as champion of Taskmaster series 18 introduced his distinctive comic voice to millions of new viewers, whilst his ongoing work as host of BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz and co-host of the globally acclaimed podcast The Bugle has cemented his reputation as one of the UK's most trusted satirical voices.

Andy's credentials span decades of broadcasting, writing, and performance at the highest level. He serves as statistician on Test Match Special, where his love of cricket and comedy converge in a role that showcases his encyclopaedic knowledge and quick wit. Alongside John Oliver, he co-wrote and hosted the BBC Radio 4 show Political Animal and co-created three series of The Department, whilst his collaboration with Rory Bremner has included writing and performing on numerous television and radio projects. His work extends beyond the microphone: he has written for several series of Bremner, Bird & Fortune, contributed to John Oliver's Comedy Central stand-up special, and published Does Anything Eat Bankers?, a satirical response to the financial crisis. His guest appearances on programmes including 8 Out of 10 Cats and Russell Howard's Good News demonstrate his versatility, whilst his radio series Andy Zaltzman's History of the Third Millennium and Yes! It's The Ashes reveal his ability to blend historical insight with contemporary comedy.

Following the sell-out success of his national tour The Zaltgeist, which extended into 2026 across the UK and Australia, Andy continues to evolve his craft with a stand-up review of the global year that harnesses both modern and ancient technologies to unearth hope amidst political cantankerousness. Audiences leave his sessions with more than laughter: they gain fresh perspectives on navigating complexity, the tools to approach overwhelming news cycles with intelligence and humour, and a renewed sense that even the most chaotic moments can yield genuine insight. Whether delivering keynote entertainment, hosting panel discussions, or offering bespoke corporate performances, Andy transforms current events into lasting impact, equipping organisations and audiences to face uncertainty with clarity, optimism, and the sharpest of wits.