Oldham’s new comic wins big at the Frog and Bucket World Series

In a city brimming with musical heritage, storied football clubs, and endless nightlife, Manchester has also been the cradle of an impressive roster of comedians, many of whom found their footing on the dimly lit stage of the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club.

Recently, that stage hosted a fresh face from Oldham who won over the audience with his unique humour and a keen sense of hometown pride.

Known as Murph, this rising comic not only took home the audience vote in the club’s renowned World Series but is making a name for himself on the local comedy circuit.

Murph

Murph’s journey began in Oldham, where the spark for comedy was ignited by watching Mick Ferry, an Oldham-born comedian who made a name for himself on national television.

“Seeing someone from Oldham doing comedy on TV was inspiring,” said Murph.

“It made me realise this isn’t just for people from London —it’s possible for people from here too.”

Murph’s humour is shaped by a blend of unusual observations and quirky, offbeat thoughts.

He describes his comedy style as a mix of wit and casual storytelling, avoiding one-liners in favour of short, engaging narratives.

“I don’t have a clear-cut style,” he admitted.

“It’s somewhere between strange observations and little oddities that just pop into my head.”

The Frog and Bucket

The Frog and Bucket has been instrumental in Manchester’s comedy scene since its founding in 1994. Originally housed in a smaller space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the club was the brainchild of David Perkin, who aimed to create a platform for local comedians to grow.

Today, the club, run by Perkin’s daughter Jessica Toomey, has a storied reputation, helping to launch the careers of household names like John Bishop, Peter Kay, Sarah Millican, and Jack Whitehall.

The comedy hub remains a launching pad for emerging talent, exemplified by Murph’s recent victory at the “Beat the Frog” night, a nerve-wracking weekly gong show where hopeful comics must last five minutes on stage without being “croaked off” by the audience.

Beat the Frog World Series

The road to victory for Murph was anything but straightforward. Like many, he toyed with the idea of doing stand-up for years before finally taking the plunge.

The pandemic lockdowns proved to be a pivotal moment. “I told myself, ‘When this is over, I’m going to give it a go,’” he recalled.

A course at the Frog and Bucket in 2021 marked his formal entry into the world of comedy, and his first performance was on the very same stage that he would eventually conquer.

“I thought I’d do the course, maybe try a few gigs, and let it fizzle out, like starting a band when you’re a teenager,” he laughed.

“But here I am, still at it.”

Manchester – the perfect place to be a comedian

Manchester, as Murph points out, has been the perfect training ground. The city’s comedy scene is packed with open mics almost every night of the week, from Stage Time Comedy to Comedy at Thirsty Scholar, providing ample opportunities for budding comedians to refine their craft.

“You can find an open mic Sunday through Thursday,” he explained. “Friday and Saturday might not have open mics, but there are plenty of shows.” In addition, seasoned comedians in Manchester are known for their camaraderie and willingness to mentor newcomers.

When Murph started out, comics like Dan Tiernan, Jordan Ducharme, and Molly McGuinness were quick to offer advice and share resources. “It’s been a supportive community from day one,” he said.

“People have been incredibly encouraging, especially comedians a few years ahead of me.”

Not everything has gone smoothly, of course. Murph recalls some memorable early gigs, including one particularly challenging performance at a packed pub in Chorlton, where the audience was more interested in catching up with friends than listening to stand-up.

“We were just set up in a corner with no microphone, and I had to shout through my set,” he remembered. But these experiences, though tough, only strengthened his resolve. “In hindsight, I should’ve taken on more challenging gigs sooner,” he said.

“But open mics helped me build confidence until I felt ready.”

Murph’s dedication paid off, and his perseverance was rewarded with his first major win in the weekly Beat the Frog competition.

He celebrated by getting the club logo on his bottom.

Winning the audience vote at the World Series was just the icing on the cake, cementing his place in Manchester’s comedy scene.

“I never thought my style suited competitions, so it was a shock to win,” he admitted.

Now, as part of his prize, he has a trial spot lined up on one of the club’s Thursday nights, a crucial stepping stone for any up-and-coming comedian looking to break through in the industry.

Since the club’s inception, many of its World Series alumni have gone on to achieve impressive careers.

Dan Tiernan, for example, won the BBC New Comedy Award, while Brennan Reece became a fixture on Live At The Apollo. Sam Gore, Rob Mulholland, and Kathryn Mather are just a few others who have leveraged their time at the Frog and Bucket to build successful comedy careers.

But Murph’s sights are set on the near future. While he still works a day job in an  office, he’s focused on building his comedy career one step at a time. Winning Beat the Frog has provided him with an invaluable boost, but the hard work is far from over.

“The next step is to make a good impression with my trial spot,” he said. The Frog and Bucket, known for its dedication to nurturing local talent, offers substantial support for emerging comedians, particularly those who have come up through their course.

“They’re especially keen on helping local acts,” Murph said, a sentiment that resonates deeply with a comedian as rooted in his Manchester identity as he is.

Manchester’s comedy scene, with its combination of high-calibre talent and a supportive network, offers fertile ground for comedians at every stage of their careers.

From legends like Peter Kay to newcomers like Murph, the city has proven itself to be an ideal launching pad. The Frog and Bucket remains central to this ecosystem, fostering an environment where up-and-comers can rub shoulders with established acts and refine their art.

For Mancunian Murph, this supportive setting has been the backdrop to his success, and with his recent win, he’s well on his way to joining Manchester’s distinguished roll call of comedy alumni.

With a trial spot lined up and the full support of the Manchester comedy scene, the next chapter of Murph’s career is one to watch. For now, though, he’s content with his hard-earned victory, a tattoo to match, and the knowledge that he’s taken his first steps toward making his hometown laugh.

What’s on at the Frog and Bucket?

You can see what’s going on at the Frog and Bucket and get tickets to see Murph by clicking here