Availability dot

Available to book

Comedian, actor & diversity advocate

Lenny Henry

Engage your audience with a blend of humor and insight into diversity in the arts with Sir Lenny Henry, comedian, actor, and advocate.

Trusted by British Council of Shopping Centres, Comic Relief, Amazon Prime, Royal Holloway University of London

Sir Lenny Henry, Comedian | Actor, Writer, Philanthropist
Lenny Henry

Lenny Henry

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Sir Lenny's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Sir Lenny

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£26k–50k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Sir Lenny Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Lenny Henry's biography

At a glance

  • Renowned British television performer and comedian
  • Co-founder of Comic Relief charity initiative
  • Advocate for diversity in the arts
Sir Lenny Henry is an iconic British comedian, writer, and award-winning actor. He began his career at 16, gaining fame as a comedy impressionist on a 1970s talent show. Lenny has since appeared in numerous television programmes and has sold out live stand-up tours across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. His work has earned him several awards, including the Monaco Red Cross and The Golden Nymph Award at the Monte Carlo Television Festival, the BBC Personality of the Year from the Radio & Television Industry Club, and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards. In 2009, Lenny made his West End debut as Othello in a Northern Broadsides production, receiving critical acclaim and the London Evening Standard’s Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer. He has also been praised for roles in The Comedy of Errors and Fences. Recently, he has appeared in dramas such as The Syndicate, The Long Song, and Broadchurch, and he features in the Amazon Prime series The Rings of Power, which began streaming in September 2022. Lenny was knighted in 2015 for his charity and drama services. The following year, he received a fellowship from the Royal Television Society and a Judge's Award for promoting diversity in television. He was also honoured with the Alan Clarke Special Award at the 2016 BAFTA Awards for his creative contributions. Lenny is well-known for co-founding Comic Relief with Richard Curtis in 1985 and strongly advocates for diversity in the arts. In 2018, he completed a course at Royal Holloway University of London and was awarded a PhD in Media Arts. His extensive experience and engaging presence make him a sought-after performer for corporate events.

Sir Lenny's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Sir Lenny

Book Sir Lenny Henry for your next event to captivate your audience with his charisma and talent. As a celebrated performer and philanthropist, he brings a unique blend of humour and insight, ensuring a memorable experience. Elevate your event with his professionalism and engaging presence.

Check Sir Lenny's availability

Trusted by British Council of Shopping Centres, Comic Relief, Amazon Prime, Royal Holloway University of London

Testimonials

Lenny's adept, professional and humorous hosting of the awards helped make it a special night and his thoughtful, personal, and inspirational presentation and more on the Sunday has touched and inspired so many. It was a genuine privilege to be part of it, thank you.

Travel Counsellors Corporate

I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to you both and Lenny for such a sterling effort last week. Please also pass on my massive appreciation to Lenny. He was a complete star on the night in the face of some sharp-end show-cutting shenanigans and he was the perfect host for the show. Everyone loved him.

KPMG

The finest entertainment our conference has ever had.

British Council of Shopping Centres

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Lenny Henry for my next event?

What is Lenny Henry's stage presence like?

Lenny Henry draws on over five decades of performance experience spanning stand-up comedy, television, and stage, delivering sets that blend observational humour with personal narrative rooted in his own life story. His live format is shaped by his background as a comedy impressionist and his work across genres from sitcom to Shakespeare, giving corporate audiences a performance grounded in recognisable cultural reference points.

What topics does Lenny Henry specialise in?

Sir Lenny Henry CBE performs stand-up comedy, awards hosting, and after-dinner entertainment, suited to corporate events and large-scale live audiences. He co-founded Comic Relief with Richard Curtis in 1985 and was knighted in 2015 for services to charity and drama.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.