Angela Barnes is an English stand-up comedian recognised for her appearances on Mock the Week. Born in Sidcup, London, and raised in Maidstone, Kent, she attended Invicta Grammar School before studying at the University of Sussex in Brighton. She experienced hearing loss from recurrent ear infections in childhood, which led her to wear hearing aids later in life.
Barnes discovered her passion for comedy while organising comedy nights in Brighton. Following her father's death, she pursued comedy professionally, enrolling in a stand-up course at the Komedia in Brighton at age 33. Her debut show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, "You Can't Take It With You," explored themes of life, love, family, work, and death, inspired by her father's motto.
In addition to stand-up, Barnes has appeared on various television programmes, including Stand Up for the Week, and radio shows like The Now Show and Newsjack. She also co-hosted the podcast "Cold War Secrets" with Adnan Ahmed, discussing the Cold War era and survival strategies for a nuclear apocalypse.
Barnes's comedy often reflects her experiences with hearing loss, using humour to address the challenges and stigma associated with the condition. Her career is characterised by her ability to find comfort and control on stage, which she attributes to her hearing aids and the reduced anxiety of leading the conversation.
