Simon Amstell has always been a comedian who turns discomfort into material. If you’ve followed his journey from TV presenter to introspective filmmaker, you probably want to know what he’s doing now. Right now, that answer includes a stand-up show called Spirit Hole — a live exploration of love, shame, and mushrooms — and a clear shift toward writing and directing his own films.
Born: 29 November 1979 ·
Birthplace: London, England ·
Profession: Comedian, writer, director ·
Notable works: Carnage (2017), Benjamin (2018) ·
Upcoming show: Spirit Hole
Quick snapshot
- English comedian, writer and director born 29 November 1979 (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
- Wrote and directed the films Carnage (2017) and Benjamin (2018) (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
- Forthcoming stand-up show is Spirit Hole (Simon Amstell’s official website)
- Exact marital status
- Current sobriety status details
- 1979: Born in London
- 2000s: TV presenter on Never Mind the Buzzcocks
- 2017: Directed Carnage
- 2018: Directed Benjamin
- 2021: Spirit Hole previews at Soho Theatre
- 2024: Spirit Hole continues touring
- Spirit Hole stand-up tour
- Future projects after I Love It Here (2026)
Five key details about Simon Amstell, one pattern: his career has moved steadily from presenting to personal, authored work.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Simon Marc Amstell |
| Born | 29 November 1979 |
| Occupation | Comedian, writer, director |
| Notable films | Carnage (2017), Benjamin (2018) |
| Upcoming | Spirit Hole |
What is Simon Amstell doing now?
Current stand-up tour
- Spirit Hole is billed by Amstell as a stand-up show exploring love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more (Simon Amstell’s official website).
- The show premiered in previews at Soho Theatre from 1-3 September 2021 (Soho Theatre (London venue)).
- The Queen’s Hall listing repeated the description as a “blissful, spiritual, sensational exploration” (The Queen’s Hall (Edinburgh venue)).
The implication: Amstell is doubling down on confessional, high-concept comedy rather than returning to TV hosting.
Film projects
- Amstell wrote and directed Carnage (2017) and Benjamin (2018) (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).
- His IMDb profile lists additional screen credits as an actor and writer (IMDb (film database)).
The pattern: he has moved from presenter to auteur, with both films receiving festival play and mixed-to-positive reviews.
Online presence
- Amstell maintains an official website and social media, though he is not known for heavy posting.
What this means: fans looking for frequent updates will find more substance on stage than on screen.
Is Simon Amstell sober?
History of substance use
- Amstell has spoken openly about past drug use and its role in his earlier life.
- His stand-up show Set Free discussed drugs and the pursuit of happiness (Bristol24/7 (regional news outlet)).
The trade-off: vulnerability on stage has become his signature, but concrete updates on his current sobriety are scarce.
Current sobriety status
- In a 2021 interview, Amstell described coming out of lockdown with Spirit Hole, but did not offer a definitive statement on sobriety (Yorkshire Magazine (regional arts publication)).
The catch: the available sources are consistent in linking Amstell to a narrative of self-examination, but none confirm a lasting sober identity.
Is Simon Amstell married?
Marital status
- Amstell is not known to be married. Public records and biographical sources do not list a spouse.
Why this matters: his film Benjamin directly explores themes of love and ego, yet his own relationship status remains private.
Past relationships
- Amstell has been linked to figures from the entertainment industry, but he rarely discusses romantic life in interviews.
The result: speculation persists, but no verified relationship is on the public record.
Does Simon have depression?
Mental health discussions
- Amstell has discussed therapy and mental health in multiple interviews.
- His comedy frequently touches on vulnerability, shame, and intimacy (The Telegraph (UK broadsheet)).
The pattern: he has never publicly claimed a depression diagnosis, but his material explicitly addresses anxiety and ageing.
Related public statements
- In Spirit Hole, Amstell reportedly explores shame and ego, aligning with a therapeutic framework (Simon Amstell’s official website).
The implication: whether or not he has a formal diagnosis, using comedy as a vehicle for emotional honesty is central to his brand.
What are Simon Amstell movies and TV shows?
Feature films
- Carnage (2017) – a mockumentary about a dysfunctional family.
- Benjamin (2018) – a romantic drama about a filmmaker’s ego.
Both films were written and directed by Amstell (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).
Television appearances
- Amstell presented Never Mind the Buzzcocks in the 2000s.
- He also appeared on Grandma’s House and other BBC shows.
The pattern: his TV career was largely as a presenter, but his creative drive has clearly shifted to film and live performance.
Timeline
- 1979: Born in London
- 2000s: TV presenter on Never Mind the Buzzcocks
- 2017: Directed Carnage
- 2018: Directed Benjamin
- 2021: Spirit Hole previews at Soho Theatre
- 2024: Spirit Hole tour continues
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- English comedian, writer and director
- Born 29 November 1979
- Directed Carnage (2017) and Benjamin (2018)
- Spirit Hole is an upcoming/current stand-up show
What’s unclear
- Exact marital status
- Current sobriety status details
- Whether he has a formal depression diagnosis
Quotes from the show and press
Spirit Hole is a blissful, spiritual, sensational exploration of love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more.
— Simon Amstell’s official website
The tightly delivered, pared-back show wrings laughs from anxiety, ageing, drugs and orgies.
— The Telegraph review
The two quotes bracket the show’s framing: Amstell promises transcendence; reviewers confirm sharp, uncomfortable humour.
Summary
Simon Amstell has evolved from a sharp-tongued TV presenter into a filmmaker and comedian who uses the stage to dissect his own psyche. For fans who have followed him since Never Mind the Buzzcocks, the shift is consistent: he keeps turning inward. The implication for anyone hoping to catch him live is clear: book a ticket for Spirit Hole now, or wait for whatever he does next — and he won’t stay still for long.
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For a comprehensive overview of his career trajectory and upcoming performances, check out Simon Amstells biography and tour.
Frequently asked questions
What is Simon Amstell’s current stand-up show?
His current stand-up show is Spirit Hole, described as a blissful, spiritual, sensational exploration of love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more (Simon Amstell’s official website).
Has Simon Amstell spoken about sobriety?
Yes, he has discussed past drug use and sobriety in interviews and in his stand-up show Set Free (Bristol24/7).
Is Simon Amstell in a relationship?
He is not known to be married or in a publicly confirmed relationship. His film Benjamin explores love and ego but his private life remains guarded.
Does Simon Amstell suffer from depression?
He has discussed therapy and anxiety openly, but has not publicly stated a depression diagnosis. His comedy consistently addresses vulnerability and shame.
What films has Simon Amstell directed?
He wrote and directed Carnage (2017) and Benjamin (2018) (Wikipedia).
What is Simon Amstell’s net worth?
Estimates vary widely — no verified figure is publicly available from authoritative sources.
Where can I see Simon Amstell live?
He is touring Spirit Hole in venues across the UK and internationally. Check his official website for dates (Simon Amstell’s official website).
Related reading
- Ed Byrne: Comedian, ADHD, Grief, Family & Net Worth (profile of a fellow UK comic)
- Greg Davies: Ozempic, Disability, Wife & Father Rumors (another British comedian’s story)
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.