“Richard Ayoade is a tremendous new voice in British film” – The Guardian

Richard Ayoade started his performing career whilst still at University as president of the amateur theatrical club Footlights.

This sparked a love for all things stage and screen, and he burst into the public sphere with television programmes such as The Mighty Boosh (2004-2007), Nathan Barley (2005), Armstrong and Miller (1999) and Man to Man (2006). He is probably most recognised for the award-winning show The IT Crowd (2006-2013), for which he was awarded best comedic performance by BAFTA in 2014 and the Best Comedy Series at the International Emmy Awards.

He has leant his voice to several critically successful animated films including The Boxtrolls (2014), Paddington 2 (2017) Early Man (2018), The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019), The Bad Guys (2022) and Soul (2020).

As well as acting on screen, he has taken on more TV presenting gigs, taking over from Stephen Fry as the host of Gadget Man, rebooting The Crystal Maze in 2017, and being the frontman of Travel Man from 2015 to 2019. He has appeared as a guest on comedy shows 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, A League of Their Own, The Last Leg and Channel 4’s Big Fat Quizzes.

Equally respected for his work behind the scenes, Richard wrote and directed the comedy-drama feature film Submarine, which was received very positively; he went on to win the Best Screenplay at the British Independent Film Awards in 2011 for his work on the movie, as well as a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. In 2014, he wrote and directed The Double, which would go on to win the Audience Award at the Brussels International Film Festival, before being picked up by Channel 4 for two series of the supernatural parody.

Richard Ayoade Writer

He has replicated his achievements in the media to a number of critically and commercially successful books:

– Ayoade on Ayoade: A Cinematic Odyssey – In this book, Richard reflects on his cinematic legacy through ten insightful interviews.

– The Grip of Film – Through the perspective of fictional film fanatic Gordy LaSure, it explores an A-Z of films and what makes them good.

– Ayoade on Top – A tongue-in-cheek ode to the critically maligned rom-com View From the Top. The Financial Times included it in its collection of the best books of 2019.

He has also released a children’s book The Book That No One Wanted to Read (2022); it is a tale of a sadly neglected book and whether the right reader can change its destiny. He is also working on a second children’s book titled The Fairy Tale Fan Club.

Richard Ayoade Public Speaking

SPEAKING TOPICS

– TV Presenting

– Comedy

– Public Life

– Writing/Screenwriting

– Travel

– Gadgets

– Acting

Richard Ayoade has been a panelist for the MOFILM Q&A in 2014, hosted the 2020 BAFTA awards held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returned to host the 2021 and 2022 in-person BAFTA ceremonies, and is one of many speakers at the ABTA Virtual Travel Convention 2022, contributing to their 15 Minutes In Conversation With…segment.

Richard Ayoade Corporate awards & events hosting

With his deadpan style and intelligent observations, Richard has the ability to light up audiences, and bring charm and charisma to his presenting, hosting and guest speaking opportunities.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Comedian and TV Presenter Richard Ayoade for your corporate event.

Contact us.