Robin Ince
Multi award winning comedian, writer and broadcaster and populariser of scientific ideas.
Robin is perhaps best known for co presenting the Gold Sony Radio Award winning Radio 4 series, Infinite Monkey Cage, with physicist, Professor Brian Cox
Robin has toured solo shows about consciousness, Charles Darwin, and physics. He wrote the book, The Bad Book Club, and has edited and written short stories for two volumes of Dead Funny: Horror Stories by Comedians, as well as writing and presenting documentaries about the history of self-help, comedians and melancholy, Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds, Schrodinger’s Cat and General Relativity. Robin’s book, I’m A Joke & So Are You – A Comedian’s Take On What Makes Us Human, was published in 2018 and feedback includes, “Clever, funny, kind and interesting - just like Robin.” - Sara Pascoe, comedian and author of Animal. Other publications include The Importance of Being Interested.
Numerous TV and radio appearances include Just a Minute, Mock the Week, and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Robin has won three Chortle Awards, including Best Compere & the Time Out Outstanding Achievement Award and was nominated for Best Live Show at the British Comedy Awards. He has also won a prestigious award for science journalism – the Crick award (named after the Nobel-winner who co-discovered the structure of DNA) – largely for his work co-presenting the R4 science programme The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox.
He has curated, produced and hosted numerous nights mixing science, music and comedy at the Hammersmith Apollo and across the UK. He has received Honorary Fellowship of UCL, an honorary doctorate from Royal Holloway College (University of London), and is a fellow of the British Science Association.
Robin co-created and launched The Cosmic Shambles Network in 2017 together with Trent Burton of Trunkman Productions. The Network brings together the world’s leading scientists, comedians, writers and performers to create podcasts, digital content and live events covering science, art, history, philosophy, music, literature with an emphasis on accessibility and fun. In August 2020 Robin began presenting Laws That Aren’t Laws for BBC Radio 4. Also in 2020 Robin created the Stay at Home Festival in the wake of the Coronavirus Covid 19 situation, enabling audience members to watch for free but with a `pay what you can’ option, with any profits going to help performers and venues that are in the most need. In 2021 Robin received a Chortle Award – Legend of Lockdown for his Cosmic Shambles Network.
Robin’s Edinburgh shows are always very well received and feedback includes, “fast paced, smart, funny” Edinburgh Reporter.
He is an excellent corporate performer and compere who combines complex, compelling topics and current affairs with his own observations and anecdotes from his life.
‘Robin was relaxed, warm and funny, as well as incredibly well-informed and prepared; he set the tone of the evening perfectly.’ Chloe Johnson-Hill, Penguin Random House
“Just as it couldn’t get any better it did!! Robin Ince from infinite monkey cage - great after lunch speaker” Dr Susan Paterson, President BSAVA, SVP ESVD, Bayer Conference
“Thought Robin Ince was exceptional at the R3 event yesterday. Utterly hilarious, once of the best after dinner speeches I’ve witnessed.” Ben Peterson, Associate Director BDO – Association of Business Recovery Professionals Conference Dinner