Kiri Pritchard-McLean is a Welsh comedian, writer, and director known for her sharp wit and engaging performances. She began her career in the sketch group Gein's Family Giftshop, which received nominations for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2014 and for the Chortle Awards in 2015. Her solo debut, Hysterical Woman, premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2016 and later transferred to the Soho Theatre, marking a key moment in her career. Subsequent shows, Appropriate Adult and Victim, Complex, also gained critical acclaim and were showcased at the Soho Theatre.
Kiri has made numerous television appearances, including regular spots on Have I Got News for You, Russell Howard's Stand Up Central, Hypothetical, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Her radio work is extensive, featuring on BBC Radio 4 shows like The Now Show, The News Quiz, and Elis James' State of the Nation. She co-hosts the podcast All Killa No Filla with Rachel Fairburn.
In 2019, Kiri became the host of the BBC Radio 4 Extra satirical sketch show Newsjack and has also presented an edition of The News Quiz. Her radio comedy pilot, The Learners, premiered on BBC Radio Wales in January 2021, and her stand-up show, Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Egg-sistential Crisis, was released on BBC Radio 4 in January 2020.
Kiri has won five Chortle Awards, including Best Compere and Best Club Comedian, and received the Caroline Aherne Bursary in 2020, which supports emerging talent. In April 2024, it was revealed that she and her partner had been foster parents for three years, reflecting her commitment to social responsibility. Kiri Pritchard-McLean remains a significant figure in comedy, inspiring audiences with her innovative approach.
