Sue Perkins
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| Sue Perkins | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Sue Perkins |
| Birth date | 1969-09-22 |
| Birth place | Hitchin |
| Occupation | Comedian; presenter; writer; broadcaster |
| Years active | 1992–present |
Sue Perkins (born 22 September 1969) is an English comedian, broadcaster, writer and presenter known for her work in radio and television, as well as her stage performances and advocacy. She first gained national attention as one half of the comedy duo with Mel Giedroyc, appearing across British television and radio, and later became a solo presenter for documentary series and panel shows. Perkins has contributed to cultural and travel programming, produced literary and food-focused content, and been active in LGBT and mental health advocacy.
Early life and education
Perkins was born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and raised in Berkhamsted and Rutland. She attended Westminster School for sixth form and read languages at Newnham College, Cambridge where she studied history and modern languages. During her time at Cambridge she became involved with the Cambridge Footlights, alongside contemporaries from the British comedy scene. Her early exposure to theatrical societies and student comedy clubs informed her later collaborations with performers from institutions such as BBC Radio 4 and Royal Court Theatre.
Career
Perkins's professional trajectory spans sketch comedy, panel shows, documentary presentation and authorship. After university she formed a comedy partnership with Mel Giedroyc; the duo performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured with shows promoted by organizations like Pleasance Theatre Trust and Soho Theatre. Their televised breakthrough led to regular appearances on entertainment formats produced by BBC and Channel 4, and Perkins later carved a solo path presenting factual and cultural series for broadcasters including Channel 4, BBC Two and Sky Arts.
Television and radio presenting
Perkins and Giedroyc hosted the long-running baking competition series The Great British Bake Off companion programmes and associated specials for BBC One, with Perkins also presenting radio series for BBC Radio 4 such as literary panels and travel documentaries. She fronted travel and cultural documentaries including series about Iceland, the French Riviera and explorations of historical topics for BBC Two and Channel 5. Perkins has appeared on panel shows and quiz formats including Have I Got News for You, QI and Room 101, and presented seasonal and topical television events for BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Comedy and stage work
Perkins's stage career includes stand-up, sketch and musical comedy. As part of the duo with Giedroyc she performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and national tours, collaborating with producers and venues such as BBC Radio 4 Extra, Royal Court Theatre and National Theatre. Her solo shows have been staged at venues like Apollo Theatre and festival slots at Glastonbury Festival where she participated in comedy and panel sessions. Perkins has also performed in charity galas and benefit concerts alongside artists affiliated with Comic Relief and WellChild.
Writing and podcasts
Perkins is an author of non-fiction and has contributed essays and columns to publications including The Guardian, The Radio Times and The Sunday Times. Her books cover travel, food and personal memoir, drawing on experiences documented while filming series in locations such as Iceland, France and New Zealand. She has hosted and guested on podcasts produced by media companies such as Pan Macmillan Audio and independent production houses, participating in interview series that feature guests from institutions like National Trust and creative figures associated with Oxford University Press publications.
Personal life and activism
Perkins is openly lesbian and has spoken publicly about her experiences with mental health and sexuality, participating in LGBT events and campaigns alongside organizations such as Stonewall and appearing at festivals including Pride in London. She has campaigned on mental health awareness and has supported charities and benefit events organized by groups like Mind and Comic Relief. Perkins has also been involved in environmental and conservation-focused programming and has collaborated with heritage organizations such as English Heritage in cultural broadcasts.
Awards and recognition
Perkins's work with Giedroyc on light entertainment and factual television earned nominations and awards from bodies including the British Academy Television Awards and industry recognitions at the National Television Awards. Her radio documentaries and written work have been shortlisted for prizes administered by organizations such as the Radio Academy and the British Book Awards. She has been acknowledged by broadcasting institutions including BBC editorial teams and festival juries at events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for contribution to comedy and broadcasting.
Category:1969 births Category:English comedians Category:British television presenters Category:Alumni of Newnham College, Cambridge Category:Living people