Barry Ferns is a London-based stand-up, writer and director, and co-founder of Angel Comedy and  The Bill Murray in Islington. He began performing stand-up at 15, reaching national competition  finals at 18, including So You Think You’re Funny, and appearing at Glastonbury. 

He co-wrote and directed The Leisure Virus (Edinburgh 1999–2000) and Doreen (2001), earning  early acclaim — “sickeningly talented” (Venue) and “one of the most promising comedians I’ve  seen” (Matt Lucas). He continued Stand Up and Sketch work – his early sketch work received 4-  and 5-star reviews from The Scotsman, ThreeWeeks and Broadway Baby. He undertook an MA in  Creative Writing at the University of Galway (2004) after which he returned to London to continue  stand-up, write for BBC Radio and Channel 4, and develop new live work including The OAP  comedy Spectacular in 2004. 

In 2010 he co-founded Angel Comedy, which grew into a seven-nights-a-week “comedy  institution” (Time Out), later opening The Bill Murray via crowdfunding in 2016. 

At the Edinburgh Fringe, Ferns became known for his audacious “This Belongs to Lionel Richie” series — including daily shows atop Arthur’s Seat in 2012 and 2013, hailed as “genuinely funny,  un-cynical and life-affirming” (ThreeWeeks). 

His accolades include the Malcolm Hardee Cunning Stunt Award (2013), Spirit of the Fringe,  and multiple Chortle Awards, including Best Small Comedy Club for Angel Comedy. His latest  show, My Seven Years as Lionel Richie (2025), was praised as a moving, funny origin story by  The Scotsman and Fest.