Angela Barnes appointed patron for Humanists UK

24 November, 2021

Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of its newest patron, Angela Barnes. Angela is an award-winning comedian who joins a stable of over 180 Humanists UK patrons with distinguished careers in arts, literature, science, academia, politics, and community and civic activism.

Angela Barnes is a stand-up comedian and comedy show panellist. In 2011 she won the BBC New Comedy Award and has since toured several solo shows, including You Can’t Take It With You, a show based on the death of her father, an atheist, and Angela’s own approach to life, which went on to be a successful Radio 4 series. She can now be seen on Live At The Apollo, as a regular panellist on BBC2’s Mock The Week, and heard on Radio 4’s The News Quiz, where she’s followed in the footsteps of her comedy hero, former Humanists UK President, Linda Smith. Angela is also co-host of the ‘less than serious’ history podcast We Are History alongside comedy writer and acclaimed author John O’Farrell.

In September 2021, Angela had a humanist wedding ceremony which she described as ‘glorious and colourful… full of love, joy, and laughter’.

Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented:

‘It’s a delight to have Angela on board as our newest patron, a popular comedian whose work bears many humanist ideas and values. We all look forward to working with her!’

Notes

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefiting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.

Humanists UK has over 180 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The President of Humanists UK is the anatomist, author, and broadcaster, Professor Alice Roberts. She is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor AC Grayling, Shappi Khorsandi, and Polly Toynbee.