Athena Kugblenu

Comedian and writer
Athena Kugblenu

Athena is a stand-up comedian and writer. A BBC New Comedian of the Year finalist, she leads with intelligent, edgy, thought-provoking jokes.

She is one of those rare souls that can make you gasp, laugh out loud, and think about something on a deeper level all at the same time. Making the bold leap to leave her career as a project manager to try her hand at stand up, Athena now makes regular appearances on the UK circuit and at comedy festivals.

She was a member of the BBC Comedy Room 2019/20 and 2020’s recipient of the Felix Dexter Bursary from the BBC. Her first two Edinburgh Fringe Shows led to 4 and 5-star reviews, and both featured in The Guardian, The Independent and The Telegraph’s best jokes compilations.

She has appeared on Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC2), Mock the Week (BBC2), and co presented Yesterday, Today and the Day Before (Comedy Central).

She has written for Horrible Histories, The Russell Howard Hour, Radio 4’s Bameshow, The Lenny Henry Show, Dead Ringers, The News Quiz and The Now Show amongst others.

She has recently completed a stand up special for Radio 4, Athena Kugblenu: Shaking Her Class, and hosts her own show on Colourful FM and regularly co-hosts The Guilty Feminist podcast.

Athena is also a trusted commentator and has penned pieces for The Guardian, Time Out and Stylist Magazine, and makes regular appearances on BBC Radio 5 Live and Talk Radio.

Athena Kugblenu