Heart, Humour and Honesty: Meet Brighton’s rising comedian David Ingram

There’s something electric about meeting a comedian right before a show — that calm-before-the-chaos buzz that lingers in the air. When I met David Ingram at Presuming Ed’s for Edliners Comedy Night, Brighton’s weekly burst of laughter and chaos, he was just half an hour away from stepping on stage - and as relaxed as if he were waiting for a coffee and a chat, not a spotlight.

David, warm and quick-witted, explained how Ed’s Comedy Club has become a regular home for Brighton’s rising stars. “It’s a great space,” he said. “We’ve got three comedians, one MC, and just an hour of good, solid laughs - no endless nights that drag on.”

When I asked what pushed him to try comedy in the first place, his answer was beautifully simple: “Just do it. Life’s too short and being scared isn’t a reason not to try.”

It’s a philosophy that fits him perfectly - the kind of person who swims in Brighton’s freezing sea in winter for fun. Naturally, getting on stage in front of strangers was the next logical step. Here's what David had to say in our special interview:

As for his comedy style, expect energy, pace, and a dry wit that dances between the personal and the relatable. David doesn’t shy away from drawing on his own life — his experiences as a gay man, being ginger, and the quirks of his day job — to craft something both funny and human.

“When you’ve got distance from the things that shaped you,” he told me, “you can look back, laugh, and help others laugh too. People might not have been through the exact same thing, but they get it.”

Beyond the stage lights and punchlines, David is simply one of those people who radiates warmth. There’s a genuine kindness to the way he speaks - thoughtful, funny, and with that rare ability to make you feel like an old friend within minutes. His humour might be sharp, but his heart is huge, and that sincerity shines through every joke and story he tells.

When I asked if comedians fight over who goes first or last, David laughed.
“I usually end up first,” he said. “Just get it over with and enjoy the night.” That’s the spirit of someone who knows that courage isn’t about waiting until you’re ready - it’s about diving in, punchline first.

So if you find yourself near Presuming Ed's on a Saturday night, step inside Edliners Comedy Night. You’ll find David Ingram there - fast-paced, fearless, and reminding us all that laughter really is the best way to face the scary stuff.

Follow David on his social media to keep up with his upcoming gigs and comedy adventures - because trust me, you’ll want to see what he’s up to next.