12 stand-up comedians

A real discovery for connoisseurs of stand-up

Arsen Puchkov is a trashy stand-up comedian from Zaporozhye, whose topics for jokes are very close and understandable to many. Today, Arsen lives in Kyiv and is actively expanding his audience. The public likes the light and simple style of the comedian's stories. This makes Arsen what is called "his" in any company. That is why for many, the stand-up of a witty humorist often becomes a pleasant discovery and even, they say, is addictive.

The topics for Arsen Puchkov's jokes are very diverse. His stories are about IT, barbershops, nervousness and anxiety, owners of iPhones, about parents and childhood, tattoos and greed. Arsen knows how and likes to laugh at himself and his problems, and this is winning.

Bohdan Pysmenko

City – Kharkiv (Ukraine)

Language – Ukrainian

Genre – stand-up, improvisation

Creative path

Bohdan Pysmenko is an experienced Ukrainian comedian, a TikTok star who has been in the genre for over 8 years. Today, the artist gives solo concerts and has a considerable army of fans. At the beginning of his creative path, he understood an important point: to be a good comedian, you need to be able to reflect on the events happening around you. Otherwise, an attentive audience will feel the falsity and it will be more difficult to gather the audience next time. At the same time, according to Bohdan, you should always be critical of your performances. If you were lucky enough to make the audience laugh today, this does not give the comedian the title of god of comedy. But it becomes an impetus for development.

The artist describes his feeling as a realized comedian as follows: “my soul has calmed down a little.” At the same time, Bohdan believes that being funny is very important for success. The first six months of performances were exploratory for the stand-up comedian – he tried to find topics and develop his own style. He was filled with ideas for creativity from films, TV series, and musical works. During his formation in humor, Bohdan participated in various projects. Some of them still remain a stage for the comedian’s performances. The audience could see the stand-up comedian on the air of the following formats and groups:

• Kharkiv stand-up club Split Comedy;
• "Comedy Club";
• podcast "Sex and Contents";
• "Dispersals from the vagrant" and others.

Artist's style and development

Bohdan Pysmenko is called the new star of Ukrainian stand-up, and his unique and inimitable style is defined as “brazen intelligentsia”. Recognition and popularity, successful solo concerts and collaboration with other humor colleagues are modern realities for the master of comedy. Bohdan’s work appeals to stand-up fans thanks to simple and understandable topics. The comedian talks about:

• tattoos and inflation;
• love, relationships with women and intimate experiences;
• childhood and tasteless sauces;
• job search, various everyday situations, and more.

Social activity

Together with other representatives of Ukrainian humor, Bohdan Pysmenko takes an active part in charity performances, the funds from which are transferred to the needs of our military. It is also necessary to note the special, therapeutic effect of the humor of the talented author on Ukrainians. For many, meetings with the comedian are indispensable in replenishing morale and helping to recharge as much as possible in conditions of constant stress.

Vova Linnik

Language – Ukrainian

Genre – stand-up, improvisation

Creative path

Vova Linnik is a Ukrainian stand-up comedian, a participant in the popular projects of “Voyage Stand-up”. The young artist already has extensive experience performing on stage. A successful debut stimulated the author to write new material, present it to fans of the comedy genre, improve and firmly establish himself in the domestic humor industry. In collaboration with the residents of the “Voyage Stand-up” collective, among whom are real stars of Ukrainian comedy, Linnik visited Dnipro, Poltava, Lviv, Ternopil, Vinnytsia and other cities. Gradually, Vova gained recognition and popularity among a large audience. And now the comedian’s performances are awaited by fans in different parts of the country.

Artist's style and development

Vova Linnik's humor captivates with its simplicity and at the same time accuracy. The comedian clearly and wittily talks about the painful and most interesting things from his life, and also presents the experiences of friends and acquaintances in his own way. The author's vivid observations are expressed in emotional monologues and spectacular improvisations with fans. Vova jokes on completely different topics, adding a strong word and revealing spicy details. From the stage, Linnik directly and frankly talks about:

• relationships and jealousy;
• household habits;
• shopping trips;
• the ability to give each other gifts;
• family, upbringing and much more.

Today, Vova Linnik continues to develop his own creativity in stand-up. Ahead are more than one tour and solo concerts. In the meantime, the performer of his own jokes can be seen on stage in such formats as “Fridays Stand-up”, “10 Stand-up Comedians”, “Set List” and others. These are projects where during short but effective performances, leaders and newcomers of stand-up give their all. And the audience gives their favorites a loud ovation.

Dmytro Zakharchenko

Language – Ukrainian

Genre – stand-up, improvisation

Creative path

Dmitry Zakharchenko is a Ukrainian stand-up comedian, host on Radio Promin, and a member of Kyiv stand-up clubs. The artist says that he is passionate about the Armed Forces of Ukraine and his work. The future star of radio and the humor industry received his higher education at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. Dmitry studied at the specialty "TV and radio host, correspondent, television journalist." Dmitry began his career as a radio host while still a student. His debut on the air took place on Radio Promin. The guy got a job as a morning show host. Zakharchenko later joked about this: he went to the radio for popularity and audience recognition, but later TikTok appeared. So it's hard to deny Dmitry's foresight!

Artist's style and development

Dmitry Zakharchenko continues to develop in the humor genre: he writes jokes, participates in projects of stand-up clubs, in particular - "Voyaging Stand-up". Cooperation with radio "Promin" continues. In an effort to increase his own audience and please a larger number of fans, the comedian runs his own YouTube channel. Among the projects that Dmitry presents to fans:

• "Comedian's Vlog". Here you can learn about current trends in Ukrainian humor and stand-up in particular. Get to know the specifics of stand-up comedians' work. Choose humor to your taste and follow Dmitry Zakharchenko's concerts;
• comedy improvisations with the audience. The format became new and successful for Dmitry. The audience was won over by the comedian's frankness and genuineness in communication. Improvisation is one of the most complex genres of humor. And Dmitry is a true master at it. He simply takes ordinary stories of ordinary people and delicately wraps them in a shell of subtle jokes;
• interviews with interesting people - representatives of Ukrainian culture, music, cinema. Among the guests of the episodes are the performer of the main role in the film "Pamfir" Oleksandr Yatsentiuk, the star of Ukrainian jazz Oleksiy Kogan and other interesting figures.

The leading genre in which Dmitry Zakharchenko works today remains stand-up. The demand for witty and apt humor in Ukraine is constantly growing. And each new meeting gives the audience no less powerful emotions than those that fans of musicians receive during the performances of their idols at festivals. Dmitry Zakharchenko jokes on various topics: about politicians and family affairs, Ukrainians' vacations and earnings. You can also hear jokes from the author about pumped lips, a free apartment and much more. Dmitry's unique style, his ease and ease appeal to many connoisseurs of a pleasant vacation in a comfortable atmosphere. So you should expect new concerts and even more cool jokes!

Nikita Mekhanikov

City – Kharkiv (Ukraine)

Language – Ukrainian

Genre – stand-up, improvisation

Creative path

Mykyta Mekhanikov is a Ukrainian stand-up comedian, blogger, and resident of the comedy project “Plus-Minus Stand-Up.” Mykyta created and runs his own YouTube channel. There, the artist posts his performances at concerts with Ukrainian stand-up stars, as well as other original works that captivate comedy fans and win new fans. Mykyta also runs a comedy blog, where he shares interesting information and his own knowledge with the audience.

Mykyta Mekhanikov made his debut in the humor industry on the Kharkiv stage. When announcing the comedian's concerts, the organizers called the artist a favorite performer of Kharkiv residents. After all, his humor has a positive effect on the emotional health of fans and, in terms of its therapeutic properties, can be equated to the most effective antidepressants. Sometimes they even joke about Mykyta's creative style, saying that we still need to look for a person who would not laugh at the author's jokes. And, probably, it will be simply impossible to find such a listener.

Artist's style and development

Over 5 years of work in the comedy genre and blogging, Nikita has become a thought leader and role model for many fans. The comedian records humorous videos in which he reveals social issues and various interesting moments from his own experience and the lives of friends and acquaintances. Among the topics with which Mekhanikov enters the Internet space and takes to the stage during comedy live shows:

• the most common stereotypes;
• characteristics of one's own character;
• learning from others' mistakes;
• using Tinder;
• dating and relationships with a girl;
• obscene language and much more.

The audience is captivated by Mykyta's reels, which are called brilliant. And his subtle, everyday and very funny humor leaves no one indifferent. So there are still many tours, solo concerts and new bright projects ahead, with which the comedian will receive even wider recognition and popularity.

Mykyta Skreminsky

Language – Ukrainian

Genre – stand-up, improvisation

Creative path

Mykyta Skreminsky is a Ukrainian stand-up comedian and screenwriter. Mykyta has not been in stand-up for a long time, but he is confident on stage and charges the audience 100 percent. Energetic and talented, relaxed and frank, the owner of simply incredible charisma, the comedian is steadily expanding his army of fans, including both young and middle-aged people. In April 2023, Mykyta created his YouTube channel, where he publishes videos of his own stand-up concerts and other interesting comedy material. The future star of the humor industry unloads his author's content in batches at solo performances and comedy evenings organized by popular clubs:

• "Stand Up Wanderer" ("12 Stand Up Comedians", "The Funny Seven");
• Ukrainian Stand-Up Agency;
• "Comedy Gallery" and others.

Artist's style and development

In Nikita's performances, what captivates us most is his simplicity and sincerity. The comedian doesn't need to invent anything, because he talks about himself, about his own everyday life and interesting life situations. Exaggerations happen, the comedian admits. However, you definitely won't hear lies at his performances! Nikita's fans are happy to rush to his stand-ups to enjoy jokes on a wide variety of topics. Among them:

• getting to know the hostel and cheap pies;
• emotional experiences and loneliness;
• a believing grandmother and a blab-babbler;
• the difference between the American and Ukrainian understanding of poverty and much more.

At solo concerts or during performances in collaboration with other comedians, Mykyta Skreminsky invariably remains himself and charges his fans with positivity, telling about the most interesting observations and significant events in his life - personal and national. So, during the presentation of the program "TRAGICOMEDIA" the comedian gave the audience a whole hour of cool jokes and friendly communication. Everyone who came got pure pleasure from meeting the artist. And with each new appearance on stage, Mykyta demonstrates development in the genre and creative growth.

Social activity

Like many other representatives of humor, music, and culture in Ukraine, Mykyta Skreminsky, together with his stand-up colleagues, is accumulating maximum efforts to help our Armed Forces. Comedians hold charity auctions, announce important collections on social media pages. The proceeds go to repair cars, antennas for drones, and other things needed on the front. Thus, Mykyta not only charges the audience with positivity, so necessary in our troubled times, but also directs his talent in a useful direction.

Natalie Skoryk

City – Zhytomyr (Ukraine)

Language – Ukrainian

Genre – stand-up, improvisation

Creative path

Natali Skoryk is a Ukrainian stand-up comedian, improviser, star and winner of the popular project “Make a Comedian Laugh”, leader of the “Natalie” team in the “Laughter League” and participant in a large number of humorous shows. Natali came to the humor industry quite consciously. The girl says that in the 7th grade she wanted to take part in “Make a Comedian Laugh”, and from the 10th she felt a strong desire to get on the stage of the “Laughter League”. To do this, the girl watched all the programs where comedians participated. When Natali is asked how she started doing comedy, the modern stand-up star explains: jokes and improvisation became an effective way for her to overcome stress and overcome the surrounding negativity. The artist’s humor became a kind of protective mechanism for her and for her numerous fans of her work.

The style and development of the artist

Natalie Skoryk's debut on the screen immediately attracted the attention of a large number of fans. The Ukrainian audience warmly received the talented, energetic comedian with an extraordinary sense of humor and approach to writing jokes. Natalie's expressive delivery, natural charisma, her bold and skillful improvisation conquered thousands of viewers. After the comedian's performances on the stage of the "League of Laughter", many people learned about the bright girl from Zhytomyr. Many began to follow the announcements of the comedian's stand-up concerts with pleasure and attend live meetings with Natalie. The girl won the audience with stories that touched on topics close and interesting to everyone. These are relationships with her ex, fashionable "hills" dances, trashy stories about intimacy, advice on what not to say when dating, and much more.

Natalie Skoryk is incredibly active in her work and participates in many events from popular stand-up clubs, to various TV and Internet projects:

• "Open Microphone" (host);
• "Standup Talks" (an improvisational talk show in which comedians discuss topics suggested by the audience);
• "What came first?" (an intellectual and entertainment show, the guests of which have the task of determining which of the facts or events named by the host happened first);
• "Criticism Results of the Week" from the YouTube channel "Minus Pershyi";
• The FLATTERING show is a format in which two participants exchange teasing compliments to each other;
• charity format "Help League";
• "Underground Stand-Up" projects;
• show "Battles" and others.

A comedian you've definitely seen somewhere

Oleksiy Priymachenko is a talented stand-up comedian, Tiktoker, finalist of the "Battles" show, screenwriter, master of improvisation, presenter on Sweet TV and just a bright creative personality.

Oleksii is originally from Zaporizhzhia, but recently moved to Kyiv (and this fact, by the way, is also one of the topics of the comedian's jokes). The humorist's popularity is growing rapidly today, and tickets for Oleksiy Pryimachenko's performances are selling out quite quickly. The comedian gathers the audience at the capital's venues and comes to his native Zaporizhzhia with concerts. Oleksii jokes about everything that happens in his life: about health (where can we go without jokes about teeth!), the complexity of the diet and a fight with a girl, about relationships and marriage, and much more. But you can best feel the atmosphere of the comedian's performances only at a live concert of Oleksiy Pryimachenko, so look for the nearest date and come!

Ramil Yangulov

City – Zhytomyr (Ukraine)

Language – Ukrainian

Genre – stand-up, improvisation

Becoming a comedian

Ramil Yangulov is a Ukrainian stand-up comedian, editor-in-chief of StandUp Lift, resident of the LakLabel and Stand Up Art House Kyiv projects, author of the channel “MINUS PERSHY”. Ramil managed to win the TV show “Make the Comedian Laugh” on “1+1”, making Yevgeny Koshevy and Yuriy Tkach laugh. Humor has been indirectly present in the artist’s life since childhood. Moreover, it is more likely self-irony. And it is most vividly reflected in the following presentation by Ramil: “My dad is a Tatar, my mom is Ukrainian, and I grew up in Zhytomyr.”

The boy received his primary education at gymnasium No. 3 in the city of Zhytomyr. In 2011, he graduated from Ivan Franko Zhytomyr State University with a degree in "Teacher of Ukrainian Language and Literature." However, he never worked at school. However, his knowledge of philology and literature allowed Ramil to become an ideal example of a person who, with a non-Slavic name and surname, perfectly masters the nightingale.

Artist's style and development

In Ramil's performances, stand-up fans are attracted by the unique charisma and ease with which the performer holds himself on stage. The comedian's skillful improvisation with the audience plays an important role in establishing contact with the audience. The comedian's popularity is constantly growing. Colleagues in the genre call him Ramilchyk in a friendly manner, and the public follows the work of the talented author on social networks. Ramil Yangulov chooses topics for jokes that are relevant and interesting to a wide audience. In particular, he talks from the stage about:

• roadblocks and BlaBlaCar;
• upbringing and lessons with parents;
• Swedish kindergarten;
• the left bank of Kyiv, his ex-wife and much more.

Together with other artists, the comedian participates in events aimed at supporting Ukrainian soldiers. These are charity concerts and auctions where funds are raised for the needs of our defenders.

Yevhen Leshchenko

City – Kharkiv (Ukraine)

Language – Ukrainian

Genre – stand-up, improvisation

Creative path

Yevgeny Leshchenko is a Ukrainian stand-up comedian, founder of the Comedy Club and Split Comedy Kharkiv, a resident of the Wandering Stand-up club. He felt the desire to work and develop in humor back in his school years. When the guy was asked what he wanted to become, the answer was: “A clown!” After entering university, the young man began to play in the KVN. However, he did not see any prospects in this: he wanted something else. Yevgeny began to watch translated classics of the humorous genre - videos of performances by American humor stars, comedians Eddie Murphy and George Carlin. It was then that he firmly decided to become a stand-up comedian.

Leshchenko's debut on stage in front of a live audience took place in 2017. The aspiring artist took part in "Open Microphone". It was scary, Yevhen lacked confidence. He created jokes for the performance literally in one day. However, the comedian's bright charisma worked, and the comedian gained invaluable experience. At that time, Yevhen worked as a bartender. Constant communication with people was liberating and gave him the understanding that future activities should be related to public activity. Over time, Yevhen's patience broke through. He quit and opened Split Comedy with other colleagues.

Artist's style and development

In a short time, Yevgeny became a real stand-up star and won wide popularity and recognition among fans of the comedy genre. Although at first, after moving to Kyiv, he did not dare to go on stage for a long time and simply watched the performances of other comedians. Gradually, offers to participate in concerts of the Kyiv "Underground Stand-Up", "Free Stand-Up" in Chernivtsi appear. The talented stand-up artist develops cooperation with other representatives of the humor industry and simultaneously gives solo concerts. The artist has visited many major cities of Ukraine, where he now has devoted fans of his work. A large tour with a solo program took place in 2021.

The audience of the comedian's fans is constantly expanding, attracting more and more Ukrainians of all ages to the ranks of connoisseurs of the author's humor. The audience is captivated by the subtle humor and emotional presentation of the material. Yevhen calls himself a "product of stand-up comedy" - a person who tries to be in stand-up in all its manifestations (working on stage and off it). The comedian entered the genre gradually. He started by getting acquainted with the Kharkiv hangout. And at first, the team did not perceive Yevhen very kindly. But the artist understood that stand-up is something he would prefer to do with full dedication. Therefore, he continued to actively develop in the genre. Among the topics that Yevhen Leshchenko jokes about:

• everyday life and everyday situations;
• relationships between women and men;
• personal adventures;
• the absurdity of the world around us and much more.

In general, the author is sure: there are no forbidden topics. There are unfunny jokes. The main thing is not to cross the boundaries of a person's personal space, then there will be no conflicts with oneself and with the audience. Yevhen also notes the great prospects of Ukrainian stand-up as such. In the early 2010s, the situation was quite uncertain, comedians were testing the audience, many were eliminated. The main center and platform for performances was YouTube. And this limited the opportunities for popularizing artists. However, today both the audience and the comedians themselves are more open to each other. Completely different humor comes in. This is how a kind of connection occurs: the audience chooses "their" among the comedians and carefully follows their activity on the network, comes to live concerts.

Social activity

Yevhen Leshchenko is one of those who at one time switched to Ukrainian and by his example pushed many others to do so. A native of Kharkiv, Yevhen recently moved to Kyiv, where he continued to work in his chosen field. During the full-scale invasion, comedians, like Ukrainian opinion leaders, are making every effort to strengthen our army. As part of their concerts, they hold charity auctions and collections for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Yevhen Leshchenko and other colleagues in the workshop do not allow Ukrainians to forget about the realities and call on them to actively donate and make any possible contribution to the Victory. At the same time, humor also plays an important role: it adds strength and replenishes the reserves of positivity, supporting every Ukrainian in a difficult time for everyone.