Taskmaster. Live at the Apollo. Mock the Week. Sophie Duker is no stranger to the biggest stages and comedy shows in the world. Her award-nominated Edinburgh show Venus earned five-star reviews and a sold-out Soho Theatre run, whilst in 2023, Hag was extended to meet phenomenal demand. There’s no doubt that Duker is a comedy force of nature. Now, she’s headlining a night of all-women stand-up at York Theatre Royal. Sophie Duker & Friends kicks off Aesthetica Film Festival’s Beyond the Frame, a season of evening performances that run alongside the festival’s programme. She’s joined by Eleanor Tiernan, who has supported Jason Manford and Steward Lee, and Bella Hull, described by Rolling Stone as “a new template for generations to follow.” Aesthetica spoke to Duker ahead of this electric night of comedy.

A: Take us back to the beginning. How did you start working in comedy?

SD: I didn’t intentionally start a side-hustle in silliness – I just started signing up to say things sarcastically into microphones. If you do that often enough, someone will eventually stuff a bank note in your pocket. 

A: Do you have a particular gig that stands out to you as a highlight?

SD: Two of my best white male friends and I set up a tiny gig in the basement of a London saloon bar. I was in my mid-20s, doing stand up for the very first time, and it felt magic. There were some crude penis punchlines and whimsical riffs on the classic comedy topic of the international slave trade. I’d could pretend my style has evolved dramatically, but I’m still a sucker for routines about sex and race. 

A: You’ve also worked in TV production, including on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order. Has experiencing this side of comedy shaped how you write for performances?

SD: It’s a beautiful skill, writing and delivering jokes that will hit hard for at-home audiences as well as in the studio. I always want to write jokes that make people giggle or reflect long after they’ve switched off or driven home. 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order exposed me to a culture of cheekiness and boundary-pushing in comedy entertainment. That kind of TV isn’t being made as much at the moment, but it really hammered home how valuable it is as a performer to be able to swim in mainstream waters without losing the edges that make your voice unique.

A: What is it like being a queer woman of colour in comedy, a space historically dominated by straight, white men?

SD: I wouldn’t say comedy has historically been dominated by straight white men, so much as a lot of the spaces where “official” comedy happens haven’t been inclusive. While it’s sometimes frustrating to collide with discrimination or dinosaur opinions, it’s a joy and a privilege to be part of the new comedy generation. Not only are we finally getting a chance to showcase ourselves, we understand just how many hilarious people and perspectives exist outside the old dusty rooms of power.

A: You’re performing as part of Aesthetica Film Festival 2025? What are you looking forward to about being part of the festival?

SD: It’s the perfect setting to throw out weird silly new work. Plus, York is a vibe. I think the vibes and conversations that are going to be happening across the festival are going to be impeccable, and I’m increasingly obsessed with the creative possibilities of film as a tool which comics can use to create maximum impact.

A: What can we expect from your comedy night at York Theatre Royal?

SD: A sweet couple hours of guaranteed delight! A humpday comedy spectacular. And in this economic climate? You can’t afford to miss it. 

A: Aesthetica Film Festival brings together comedy, music and other artforms alongside film. What do you think this kind of crossover adds to the experience?

SD: I think artists and lovers of creativity alike love the way a festival like Aesthetica Film Festival tickles their brains in multiple different ways. The curation reflects the community it attracts – we may appreciate certain artforms more than others, but we’re passionate and curious about so many different things. No genre is an island!

A: You’ve performed in York before. What do you enjoy about the city?

SD: York crowds always show up wanting to have a laugh – it’s really rare to spot an audience member with a proverbial stick lodged in their rectum. As a city, you know what you like, but you also like being surprised, which makes you the perfect crowd.

A: The show also features Eleanor Tiernan and Bella Hull. What does it mean to be able to share the stage with other talented female comedians?

SD: Bella and Eleanor count among the most talented comics in the country, regardless of gender. I’m gassed that anyone coming for me who isn’t yet familiar with their work gets to experience just how joyful, charming and stupid they both are onstage. 

A: What’s next for you? Are there any projects you’re especially excited about right now?

SD: I should be popping up on your screens a lot more in 2026! I’m also writing a novel called DONG and working up a new live show. If you’re in the elite group that of hotties and legends that keep an eye my Instagram stories, you’ll be the first to know when the juice drops @sophiedukebox 

---

Join us for Comedy Night: Sophie Duker & Friends at York Theatre Royal on 5 November. Book Your Tickets Here.

Discover the full Beyond the Frame programme here.

---