Birmingham, UK – September 2025 – Birmingham’s comedy scene is set to welcome a fresh new addition this autumn. Sips & Giggles, a brand-new monthly comedy club founded by BBC producer Radley Russell and actor, filmmaker, and comedian Chi Lam, will host its first show on Thursday 26th September, 7:00–9:30 PM at La Plancha in Moseley.

The debut night will be headlined by Rachel Baker, one of the UK’s fastest-rising comics. Baker was a 2023 Funny Women Stage Award Grand Finalist, has been shortlisted for the Birmingham Comedy Festival’s Breaking Talent Award, and is currently working on a BBC radio play commission about OCD. Known for her sharp, physical, and brilliantly chaotic style, Baker has been described as “hectic in a controlled way” and has drawn comparisons to Jennifer Saunders in Absolutely Fabulous.

Tickets for the opening night have already sold out, but comedy fans can still join the Eventbrite waiting list for a chance to attend.

“Our USP is about inclusion. We want to give stage time and exposure to comedians at every stage of their journey—whether you’re brand new to stand-up or a seasoned act polishing your next show,” says co-founder Chi Lam, who is currently directing a short film with the NHS.

“Birmingham has such a rich creative community. With Sips & Giggles, we’re creating a platform that’s supportive, diverse, and fun—for audiences and performers alike,” adds co-founder Radley Russell, a BBC producer with credits including EastEnders, Line of Duty, and Doctors.

About the Headliner – Rachel Baker

Rachel Baker burst onto the Birmingham circuit in 2022 and has quickly established herself as one of the city’s brightest comedic voices. Inspired by the likes of Caroline Aherne, Victoria Wood, and Julie Walters, Rachel’s comedy blends audience interaction, character-driven sketches (including fan-favourite “Gwen,” a chaotic MLM queen), and a distinctive delivery style shaped by her ADHD.

She has performed across Birmingham and beyond, including Funny Women, Birmingham Comedy Festival, and new material nights across the Midlands. Her comedy has been praised for its warmth, authenticity, and the ability to turn audience interactions into unforgettable moments.

About the Founders

• Chi Lam is a British-born Chinese actor, comedian, and filmmaker whose work spans indie comedies (Noir!, Big Man, The Ranger) to collaborations with the NHS. A MetFilm School London graduate, Chi has performed with New Earth Theatre at the Birmingham Hippodrome and brings a comedic style inspired by Michael Cera, Steve Carell, and Richard Ayoade.

• Radley Russell is a BAFTA- and RTS-recognised producer with over 100 hours of television credits. He has produced major dramas (Line of Duty, Hustle, EastEnders) and documentaries (China’s Secret “Brainwashing” Camps, Saving the High Street), and is a respected voice in the UK film and TV industry.

Event Details

• Sips & Giggles Comedy Night

• Date: Thursday 26th September 2025

• Time: 7:00–9:30 PM

• Venue: La Plancha, Moseley, Birmingham

• Status: Tickets SOLD OUT – join the Eventbrite waiting list via our Linktree.

👉 Join the waiting list & follow us here - https://linktr.ee/Sipsandgigglescomedyclub?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=bc85e4ca-3a63-46ca-9f5a-a3cfa2579931