A comedian once known for punk rock will return to the stage in a city he knows well.
Rory Marshall, a former member of the punk band Birdskulls, is set to perform his critically acclaimed debut comedy show, Pathetic Little Characters, at Komedia Brighton on Saturday, January 17.
Tickets for the show are available at komedia.co.uk/shows/rory-marshall-pathetic-little-characters/.
Fresh from a sell-out run at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, the show marks his return to the city with a new voice - and a different kind of microphone.
Mr Marshall said: "I spent my younger years playing punk rock to the people of Brighton in my old punk band Birdskulls, and I can’t wait to be back on stage for the good people of the city.
"Yes, I've laid down the guitar and picked up the microphone (the comedy one) but the attitude remains as punk as ever.
"Many people are calling me the Johnny Rotten of comedy - I have a real 'up yours' attitude and since I’ve left my band I've become a complete prick."
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Pathetic Little Characters explores masculinity through a cast of oddball figures, some of whom Mr Marshall admits share more than a passing resemblance to himself.
He said: "I’ve always been fascinated by why people - specifically men - behave differently depending on their situation.
"Why do we feel the need to show off, to make others laugh, or to be liked?
"I wanted to really get into the strange and uncomfortable ways people behave when they’re desperate to impress, desperate to belong, or just desperately pathetic.
"All the characters in the show emerged organically - maybe too organically - from my own observations and experiences."
The show introduces a cast of relatable characters, from a know-it-all barman and a weary Teaching Assistant to a Love Island contestant and a dad trying to bond with his son.
Pathetic Little Characters has earned glowing reviews, including ‘Best-Reviewed Fringe Shows 2025’ from British Comedy Guide, Observer’s Edinburgh Fringe Highlights, and Time Out’s Best Comedy Shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2025.
Mr Marshall has also appeared on TV and radio, including Starstruck, Ellie & Natasia, Channel 4 and Radio 4.
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