Love stand-up comedy? Love badgers? If so, this is the show for you. This show explores how the worlds of humans and badgers collide using jokes, PowerPoint, and West Country charm. We’ll learn about European badger and its dachshund nemesis, the presidential American badger, the world-famous internet sensation that is the honey badger, and many more.

Matt Hobs has been performing on the comedy circuit since 2012; a proud Bristolian, scientist, and silly sausage. He is also the host of Free Fringe regular Stand-Up Science (2022-2024). Drawing on his background as a scientist, Matt explains science and scientific principles; making complicated concepts simple, understandable, and hilarious. “simply spectacular … the star of the show.” Daily Info.

Matt Hobs has performed three well received Edinburgh solo shows: ‘Matt Hobs: Moontalker’ (2023), ‘Matt Hobs: Follow the Science’ (2022), and ‘Matt Hobs BSc (Bristolian of Science)’ (2019). Praise for previous shows include, "Hobs' explanations are equal to that of the best lecturers, and undoubtedly funnier... a very likeable leading comic with a talent for multimedia comedy" (The Wee Review) and "it’s learning, it’s comedy & it’s cool ... a fascinating wee treat at the Free Fringe." (Mumble Comedy).

August 14, 2025    Broadway Baby

Equal parts stand-up, wildlife seminar and love letter, 100% Badgers sees comedian and PhD graduate Matt Hobs showcase his deep affection for Britain’s most misunderstood mammal, in a fusion of badger facts, sharp jokes and winning West Country charm.

Only at the Fringe could you squeeze twenty people into a tiny karaoke booth and call it a show – but the sweet-natured Hobs makes it work. In his warm Bristolian manner, he instantly wins his miniature audience’s affection, earning belly laughs to fill a much larger room.

Despite the tight squeeze, there’s no awkwardness, just a generous, self-deprecating host refreshingly free of swagger. His hand-knitted badger hat and badger-crested cardigan complete the picture of a man who truly, unapologetically, loves his subject matter.

Yes, it’s a show about badgers – but this is no gimmick. The visual presentation, combined with Hobs’ unhurried storytelling, teaches us everything we need to know about the species, from the rare ginger badger to the macho honey badger. And, between the cheeky punchlines, there’s a genuine environmental message, urging fellow badger lovers to help conservation efforts by reporting roadkill or emailing MPs.

This isn’t a show for kids – Hobs admits he doesn’t like them much – but there’s plenty of dry humour and unexpected laughs for grown-ups. At £2.50 RRP, there’s more value per gag than many of the acts in the bigger, pricier venues.

As a result, 100% Badgers is massively oversubscribed. To avoid both yours and Nice Guy Hobs’ disappointment, be sure to buy your ticket in advance. Click Here For Review

August 8, 2025    Edinburgh Reviews

It’s the first 100% sell-out I’ve experienced at the 2025 Fringe. Not just sold out, but oversubscribed, with comedian Matt Hobs having to turn away almost as many people as he squeezed into the basement karaoke room at the City Cafe.

The show is 100% Badgers, and it is, from start to finish, entirely about badgers. If you don’t think you can fill an hour talking about them, you are very, very wrong. Hobs could have gone on for far longer, and the sweltering audience would (probably) have stayed.

This is far more than just a slideshow of charismatic creatures. Hobs reveals he has been on a secret mission, becoming part of a dangerous and controversial attempt to vaccinate badgers against bovine TB. This is a world fraught with conflict. To vaccinate a badger, you must first cage it, which puts you at odds with those who cull badgers and, simultaneously, with the activists who smash the cages to free them.

Hobs doesn’t shy away from the grim truths. He notes that the UK has killed nearly half of its badger population without eliminating the disease, yet the animals remain protected. If anything happens to a badger you have legally caged, you are liable. Amongst this serious, high-stakes conservation work, Hobs finds more than enough time and room to fill his show with gags. He even has a pre-written letter ready for you to send to your MP.

There’s a genuine authenticity to Hobs. Perhaps it’s a Scottish bias, but I can imagine this man in wellies and a Barbour jacket talking about wildlife, and assume he’s just walked off a farm. He has masses of Bristol charm and an infectious, genuine love for his topic that fills the room. He takes us on a global tour of the 14 (I think) species of badger, from the European variety and its dachshund nemesis to the presidential American badger and the internet-famous honey badger.

You don’t need to be a badger enthusiast to enjoy this show; Hobs’ passion is more than enough to carry you through. His storytelling is gripping, his facts are fascinating, and his punchlines are perfectly timed. This is not a show for kids, but bring a partner, a friend, or just yourself. It’s a wonderful, surprising, and educational hour of comedy.

Matt Hobs has created a show with a huge heart. It’s a testament to his skill as a comedian that a show about the politics of badger vaccination can be this engaging and funny. This is a runaway hit for a reason. Recommended, but bring a fan. Click Here For Review