Paul Hilleard is a stand-up comedian from Pontypridd in South Wales. He was named BBC New Comedian of the Year in 2024, Chortle Hotshot Winner in 2026, and was a finalist of the Channel 4 Sean Lock Award 2025. Paul co-hosts the ‘Has It Got Legs’ and ‘Union of Scum’ podcasts. He also hosts the monthly Scumbag Comedy Club at The Gaffe in Bristol. He is bringing his debut show ‘Grogg’ (named for the ceramic figures made in Pontypridd) to the Fringe this year. We spoke to Paul about the show, why he chose that title, and his hopes for the show in August. 

Can you tell us about ‘Grogg’?

It’s about a boy moving from a working-class environment into a middle-class environment. The boy points out all the weird characters, differences, and similarities he observes. It’s also about the odd relationships you end up with different people and how hard it can be to express emotions.

The Grogg is a ceramic figurine made in Pontypridd. Can you explain how that serves as the central metaphor of the show?

That’s for the audience to decide. I don’t think it’s one of those shows. I just talk about Groggs for a bit. My mate Emma Hughes from the brilliant Has It Got Legs podcast told me to call the show Grogg. She said ‘One-word titles are best.’ and it looks good on the poster. But I guess Groggs are famously messy and so is my life.

For those who might be unfamiliar with you, how would you describe your comedy and your approach to performance?

A dry, thoughtful oddball, with a gut full of anger and a heart full of hope. And eczema when its hot outside. asthma when it’s cold.

How is your relationship with your hometown since you left?

Same as it’s always been. Weird. Theres’s comfort mixed with dread. It’s a small, deindustrialised town in South Wales so it can be bleak at times. But then there’s loads of genuine people trying to make the best of things. My parents still live there, so it’s alright.

What are your hopes for the show? What would constitute a successful Fringe for you?

Hopefully I get an audience each night. Every time I’ve done the Fringe, I’ve ended up having to pull shows because there’s been no audience (some nights).

After the Fringe, I’m planning to tour the show as many places as possible. Get in the car [and] go everywhere. I’ve worked hard on this show, so I’d like a lot of people to see it and I’m happy to drive to anywhere that’ll have me.

What for you are best and worst things about the Fringe?

I like the stage time. I still remember not being able to gig or going weeks without a gig. So, I still get buzz when I get to gig relentlessly. And you get to meet cool people. Watch new, weird stuff. Finding out someone you respect is nice offstage.

I hate: flyering. Quiet audiences. Trying to be cool. Shmoozing. Falseness.

Besides the show, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August; guest spots, compilation shows, etc?

The Gaffe Showcase, 5 Headliners for £10, Chortle Fast Fringe.

Are there any other shows/ performers at the Fringe that you would recommend?

Nate Kitch, Dan Rath, Anna Thomas, Harriet Dyer, Marty Gleeson, Tom Towelling, Rob Copland.

‘Grogg‘ is at The Studio at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Niddry Street) from Mon 3 to Sun 30 Aug 2026