Cypriot Open Mic Comedy

Olga Thompson, more widely recognised as the “Big Fat Greek Mother,” is a multifaceted Greek Cypriot character comedienne, actor, presenter, singer, and writer, known for her character skits and comedic brilliance, she has captivated audiences globally with her infectious humour and charismatic performances.

Growing up in her Greek family’s North London hair salon in the ’80s, Olga has gathered a treasure trove of experiences, which she lovingly shares in her hit Edinburgh fringe show, “El Greco of Hornsey.” From hilarious anecdotes to heartwarming moments, she takes audiences on a journey through her upbringing with nostalgia, humour and authenticity. This year Olga goes on tour with Live Nation with her new show “My Big Fat Greek Menopause” as she battles hormonal panic with belter comedy songs and raucous larger than life characters.

With a wealth of experience in the performing arts as an actor, writer, director, and trained lecturer, Olga continues to push boundaries and explore new creative endeavours. With credits including BBC’s “This Is My House” and regular appearances on BBC Three Counties Radio, BBC Radio Scotland, and Radio 5 Live, Olga has made a name for herself on both screen and airwaves. Her new book (Split Ends And New Beginnings) about her comedic experiences growing up in the 1980s debuts in the spring.

Beyond the stage, Olga has dedicated over 25 years to drama coaching workshops, using the power of theatre to inspire and empower individuals of all ages – from schools and colleges to young offenders institutions and prisons, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of storytelling.

Recently, she was honoured with The Pitch Film Fund’s “Lucy Sher Female Filmmaker” award for her side-splitting comedic short film, “Stavros & Demetra” which offers a distinctively feminine perspective on the tale of Samson and Delilah. This accolade adds to her diverse portfolio of accomplishments and credentials. Recently Olga was awarded the Arts Council Writers grant award for her screenwriting work.

As an ambassador for Kidscape, an anti-bullying charity and The Young Barnet Foundation, which seeks to improve the life chances of children and young people, Olga is committed to using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and social causes close to her heart.

Whether it’s through her comedy campaigns for high-profile brands like EE, Zoopla, and ITV, or her uplifting persona as the Big Fat Greek Mother, Olga strives to spread happiness, kindness, and compassion wherever she goes.

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and in no particular order, performing are:

Chris Mousicos (London-born Greek Cypriot) began performing stand-up two decades ago, running his own comedy nights, and sharing stages with several comedians who are now household names. After stepping away to raise three young children, he’s returned with a fresh perspective and a finely tuned sense of humour. As a full-time counsellor, Chris is used to private listening — but on stage, it’s all about public speaking, storytelling, and finding the funny side of life’s complications.

Muhsin Yesilada is a British-Turkish Cypriot comedian and regular performer on some of the UK’s most respected stages, including Top Secret Comedy Club, where he also hosts, as well as Up the Creek, Big Belly, Glee Club, Hot Water Comedy Club, and Komedia.

His sharp writing and relaxed storytelling style have seen him quickly rise through the live circuit, with recognition from major competitions including the BBC New Comedy Awards (2024), Hot Water Comedy Club’s Comedian of the Year Final (2024), and Chortle Student Comedy Awards (2023). In 2025, he was named one of Komedia Brighton’s Top 10 Club Comedians and nominated for The Pleasance Reserve.

Muhsin has appeared on BBC Three and BBC Radio 4, and supported some of the UK’s biggest names on tour, including Guz Khan, Paul Choudhry, Kae Kurd, Tez Ilyas, Richard Blackwood, Eddie Kadi, Nabil AbdulRashid, Sukh Ojla, and Mo Gilligan.

Online, his sketches and podcast clips have reached over 100 million views, blending social commentary with the dry humour and cultural insight that define his stand-up.

As Komedia put it: “Terrific. Dark but hilarious material and really good delivery. He had everyone in fits of laughter.”

And according to Chortle: “Yesilada shares these entertaining stories with the poise of an experienced pro in command of the room and his material.”

Georgia Thorp is a standup comedian whose deadpan humour draws on her struggles with family life, technology and getting old.

If she was a type of food she’d be a Greggs sausage roll, because she’s warm, comforting and doesn’t crumble under pressure.

Christoforos Epaminondas: Christof’s punchy routines have won him admiring fans among his immediate family and moderately impressed fans among his extended family. ‘Had the room erupting with laughter from start to finish’ - North West End UK