David Reed

David Reed is a British actor, comedian, and writer born on May 26, 1982. He is a versatile entertainer who has been performing for over 25 years. Earl David Reed, as he is sometimes known, blends well-crafted humor with spontaneous crowd work, often described as having an "urban Don Rickles" stage presence. Don Rickles himself praised Reed's ability to work a room, comparing him to a Las Vegas showgirl. Throughout the nation, he entertains audiences in comedy clubs, theaters, and on radio, and also provides amusement for corporate events.

Reed’s professional journey commenced with his education at the University of Edinburgh, during which time he participated in productions with the Edinburgh University Theatre Company. During this time, he also became a member of the improvisational comedy troupe The Improverts, where he first met Humphrey Ker and Thom Tuck. He often appeared on the local comedy scene and at The Stand. He is recognized as part of the comedy group The Penny Dreadfuls, who presented their Victorian sketch show throughout Britain, notably at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Penny Dreadfuls also produced radio series such as The Brothers Faversham (broadcast on BBC 7 in early 2008) and Guy Fawkes (presented for BBC Radio 4’s Afternoon Play slot in 2009). Reed has appeared in numerous television shows, including Comedy Shuffle, The Wrong Door, and Ghosts. He played Giles Foster in an episode of Father Brown in 2017.

Beyond performing, Reed is a prolific writer. He co-wrote series 2 and 3 of the BBC Three sitcom Daddy Issues, portraying Craig in the first three series. He is currently the head writer for the CBBC show Judge Hacker. He created and was the head writer for the BBC Three animated historical sketch show The Real History of Sex, and voiced a character in it. Reed has written plays including Guy Fawkes, which was staged at York Theatre Royal in 2022, and Sherlock Holmes & The 12 Days of Christmas with Humphrey Ker. He is adapting Tintin: The Secret of The Unicorn for BBC Radio 4 and has written for other BBC Radio 4 historical comedies like Le Carré On Spying, Don Quixote, and Revolution. Reed also created and was the head writer for the Audible sci-fi comedy series Zeroes, voicing Clive-5 in the series.