Mike Doyle (comedian)

Mike Doyle is a Welsh comedian, vocalist and broadcaster from Carmarthen, Wales, now based in nearby Bridgend.[1][2] He is recognized for his versatile contributions to comedy, music, theatre, and broadcasting. He began his entertainment career in the early 1980s, performing in working men's clubs across Wales and beyond. His breakthrough came in 1988 when he appeared on the BBC television series Bob Says Opportunity Knocks, winning his heat and finishing second in the live final, which was viewed by over fourteen million people.

Career

Following this success, Doyle expanded his career into various entertainment mediums. In 1990, he was awarded Best Stage Newcomer at the British Comedy Awards. He became a regular performer in pantomimes, with his most recent being in Cinderella in the New Theatre, Cardiff,[3] celebrating over two decades in the genre. In 2002, he hosted his own television series, The Mike Doyle Show, which aired on HTV (ITV Wales).[4][1] Additionally, Doyle has worked as a presenter for BBC Radio Wales and other regional radio stations.

Doyle's theatre credits include performances in West End productions, notably a two-year stint as The Big Bopper in Buddy at the Victoria Palace Theatre and roles as Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine in Grease alongside Shane Richie and Samantha Janus. In 1999, he released an album titled Every Word. In 2010, he released the single What Colour is the Wind? to raise funds for the Cardiff Institute for the Blind.[5]

Throughout his career, Doyle has been a prominent figure in stand-up comedy, performing across the UK. He has appeared in three Royal Variety Performances, showcasing his talents to a national audience. In 2004, he hosted the BBC Wales game show The Lyrics Game, a music-based competition show.[6] He also voices the character "Trevor" in advertisements for the Trade Centre Group, a role that has made him recognizable in commercial media.[7]

In 2020, Doyle discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his personal and professional life, highlighting the challenges faced by performers during this period. He also expressed gratitude to the NHS staff who cared for his son during a severe illness in the same year.[8]

He maintains an active presence on social media, sharing updates about his performances and personal interests.[9]

References

1. Allen, Gavin (2009) "Twenty years of panto with Mike Doyle", South Wales Echo, 24 December 2009, retrieved 2010-01-24
2. Williams, Tryst (2003) "Doyle says thanks for the memories and the career", Western Mail, 30 December 2003, retrieved 2010-01-24
3. Life, South Wales (19 September 2024). "Meet the Cast of the New Theatre Panto Cinderella". South Wales Life. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
4. "Hire Mike Doyle | Booking Agent & Contact Details". Champions Music & Entertainment. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
5. Blanket Communications Archived 8 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 3 March 2010
6. WelshStars.co.uk, Retrieved 3 March 2010
7. "High Notes and Humour", Chester Chronicle, 26 August 2005, retrieved 2010-01-24
8. "Comedian Mike Doyle on returning to the stage and the impact of Covid on theatre". ITV News. 29 December 2020.
9. "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Archived from the original on 30 July 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2025.