If we could buy shares in five comedians...

Here at Always Be Comedy, we’re all about championing the best in live comedy — from the megastars to the brilliant up-and-comers and everyone we love in between.

At the risk of dislocating our shoulders while we pat ourselves on the back, our track record at spotting and "bigging up" (what is this? The Radio One Roadshow circa 1993?) comedy talent since our launch in 2011 is not too shabby (to handpick a few from way back when: Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Aisling Bea, and then through to Josh Pugh, Sarah Keyworth, Maisie Adam and on and on and on). And for us to keep ABCing, we need to ensure we remain on top of it when it comes to those emerging acts.

And so, if there were a magic stock market for comedy, where we could invest in raw talent and future stardom, these five names would be topping our portfolio. Get in early, folks — these stars are on the rise, and we’re proud to say we saw them first (OK, their parents and close family members technically saw them fir... Look, you know what we mean). And we're talking relative noobs here, guys:

💥 Shalaka Kurup

Shalaka is a force of nature on stage. A firecracker. She grabs 'em by the scruff of the neck from the off and never relents. She's Tigger in human form: full of beans and insanely likeable. Shalaka is what is known as a front-foot comedian. It can be tricky to pull off, but she's so warm and engaging that it makes you feel like you’re having a chat (albeit a high-octane one) with a particularly funny pal. Whether she’s dissecting cultural quirks or riffing on personal mishaps, she’s got that undeniable spark that lights up any room. Yes, that first Chelsea night had an icon in Harry Hill headline, but you'll notice who we had open and why (just to be clear: it was Shalaka).

Why we love her: For her smarts, her infectious energy, and her ability to pump magic into the room. And did we say she was likeable?

🧊 Samira Banks

Samira is a true delight. Her delivery can be wonderfully deadpan, often lulling you into a false sense of security before unleashing a punchline that hits you right in the gut. "Where is she going with this? <wallop> OK, we didn't see that coming." Samira's comedy superpower is how much she enjoys gigging - when she's on stage, it's as if she can't believe her luck, and that makes for a winning and authentic persona; we're having fun at her having fun. It's almost a contradiction that someone deadpan can be having the time of their life. Samira's writing is also Champions League quality, and you'll see her twist common scenarios into wonderfully absurd and relatable comedy. Her stage presence is understated yet captivating — the kind that sneaks up on you, taps you on the shoulder and performs a Judo throw (sorry, weirdly violent write-up, this).

Why we love her: For her dry wit, her surprising brilliance, and her knack for finding gold in the ordinary.

🌀 Dominic McGovern

Look, at Always Be Comedy, we do love a bit of camp. OK, let's be honest: WE CHUFFING LOVE CAMP. Dom McGovern is, in many ways, the answer to our comedy prayers: he's gloriously camp, he's naturally funny and we love him as much as [we think] he loves us. This sounds like an insult and it absolutely is not: for all of Dom's cool (and he'll wince at that!), there is something deliciously end-of-the-pier and music hall about him. In the way there was with Brucie, Cannon & Ball, Joe Longthorne, Brian Conley and all the other greats who had charisma that you, frankly, couldn't teach.

Why we love him: For his playfulness, ability to tell a cracking story and, as we say, there's a warm whiff of the old school. You can smell the velvet curtain of the music hall (underneath what is probably very expensive aftershave).

🌟 Pravanya Pillay

Ever since Rich Hall told us about "smart / silly" and "silly / smart" (it comes up on the pod a lot), it's really stayed with us more than is healthy. Pillay is the perfect example of someone who is clearly very smart and, yet, have put a good deal of work into being so silly. In-depth routines about Robin Cook and some of the lesser-known members of Tony Blair's cabinet? Or about her genuine love of The Shard? Yes, please! Pillay has her own thing going on and - like Harry Hill (odd we're bringing up H yet again, but we're sort of in it now. The point being, he's also very intelligent and very silly) before her - you're either on board or you're not. And there is something admirable in that. And she must never change - she can never lose her unique Pillay-ness.

Why we love her: For her warmth, her charisma, and her hilarious, authentic voice. Oh, and the fact she's a self-confessed "Shard Head". It's arbitrary and we love it.

🔥 Dane Buckley

The person who inspired this whole piece! It all stemmed from a conversation at Always Be Comedy: "We need to get Dane back in! We've not booked Dane enough. In fact, if you could buy shares in a comedia... Well, that's Monday's blog taken care of." Dane has funny bones, innate likeability and a twinkle in his eye, meaning you're with him from the off (no wonder he does tour support for so many heavy hitters - he'll have the crowd onside from the jump). Again, yes, deliciously camp and a little bit gossipy (in the best way possible), Dane also has that ability to chuffing ROOOOF a gig.

Why we love him: For his brilliant observations, his feelgood presence, and his pure, unadulterated funny bone (ooer, missus, Carry On Kennington, etc etc).

These five comedians aren’t just ones to watch — they’re ones to believe in. We’re thrilled to have them grace the Always Be Comedy stage, and we can’t wait to see where they go next. And - guys - just promise you'll never forget Always Be Comedy? If the five of you read this far, it's legally binding.