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Stand-up, improv, festivals, podcasts & industry news from the UK, Spain, and across Europe. Curated daily · multilingual sources · AI-summarised in English & Spanish.
⚡ Latest Comedy NewsUpdated twice daily
Whimsical shortlist announced for Edinburgh comedy award 2026
The Edinburgh comedy award 2026 has announced its shortlist, featuring a diverse range of eccentric acts, including TV veteran Spencer Jones and returning nominee Lara Ricote. The list showcases a whimsical mix of comedy styles, from an act's belief in healing crystals to a show about "mystery and messages", promising an entertaining and quirky lineup.
The Guardian · 26 Aug 2026
Sami Abu Wardeh Hates You review – a clown strides into the mainstream with style
Comedian Sami Abu Wardeh has made a successful transition into mainstream comedy with his new standup routine, which showcases his peripatetic childhood experiences and features risqué gags. At the Edinburgh Fringe, Abu Wardeh's new direction has wowed audiences, who have previously seen him in various other comedic roles.
The Guardian · 26 Aug 2026
Kirsty Mann: Corpse review – a comedy so creepy you’ll fear the next revelation
Comedian Kirsty Mann's show, "Corpse", has been leaving audiences on the edge of their seats at Summerhall in Edinburgh, with its creepy and humorous take on a haunted house. With a simple yet effective staging, Mann's calm authority and quick wit have hooked audiences from the very start, making this a must-see comedy experience.
The Guardian · 26 Aug 2026
Max Olesker: Making the Cut review – up close and personal account of comic’s religious conversion
Comedian Max Olesker's solo show "Making the Cut" at the Pleasance Dome in Edinburgh offers a personal and nuanced account of his journey to becoming an Orthodox Jew to marry his partner. The show, based on his memoir, recounts his lengthy and unconventional path to conversion, which involves sacrificing many of his previous habits and freedoms.
The Guardian · 26 Aug 2026
‘I remember going: oh hello!’ Dara Ó Briain on comedy, coolness, cruelty and finding his birth parents
Comedian Dara Ó Briain reflects on his long-running hosting stint on the UK panel show "Mock the Week", recalling its earlier days as a "macho bear pit" and discussing the lack of Brexit jokes. As the show returns to UK screens, Ó Briain emphasizes the importance of "punching up" in comedy, rather than targeting easy or vulnerable subjects.
The Guardian · 26 Aug 2026
Adam Riches: The Captain review – the extraordinary glory of a ‘half man, half fish’ Victorian hero
Adam Riches' solo play "The Captain" is a standup comedy show at the Summerhall in Edinburgh, where he portrays Fred Beckwith, a swimming coach who trains the young Matthew Webb for his historic cross-Channel swim. The show is an endurance test for Riches, who is already starring in a fringe hit, and brings to life the extraordinary story of Webb's daredevil spirit.
The Guardian · 26 Aug 2026
Comedian Bassem Youssef postpones Australian tour after authorities ask him to provide background checks
Egyptian-American comedian Bassem Youssef has postponed his Australian tour after being asked to provide background checks as part of his visa application. The move comes after Youssef faced criticism for his jokes and commentary on sensitive topics, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine.
The Guardian · 26 Aug 2026
Jess Fuchs: Feral review – a debut with tremendous oomph from a future comedy star
Australian comedian Jess Fuchs is making waves at the Edinburgh Festival with her debut show "Feral", delivering a high-energy performance that's full of sharp wit and home truths. This promising young comedian's cynical humor is firing on all cylinders, making her a standout at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh.
The Guardian · 26 Aug 2026
Kemah Bob: Love Child review – Miss Fortunate’s follow-up is a superbly playful origin story
Comedian Kemah Bob has delivered a new standup show, "Love Child", which is a superbly playful origin story that offers an authentic inquiry into her childhood. This sophomore show is a departure from her previous wild and edgy show "Miss Fortunate", and instead focuses on her roots and personal growth, showcasing her unique voice and style.
The Guardian · 25 Aug 2026
Ali G: Who Iz I? trailer reveals return of Sacha Baron Cohen’s prank-playing rudeboy
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is set to return as the infamous Ali G, a prank-playing rudeboy, in the new film "Ali G: Who Iz I?", which features a retired US general among its list of celebrity victims, including Buzz Aldrin and Donald Trump. The film's trailer showcases Ali G's mischievous antics, with Sacha Baron Cohen reprising his role in the second feature-length comedy.
The Guardian · 25 Aug 2026
Camping trips, grief and embarrassing your kids – the fringe shows embracing every facet of fatherhood
In a hilarious and heartwarming display of fatherly tribulations, comedians Whisper Theatre, Lightning Rod Special, and Olaf Falafel are taking the Edinburgh Fringe by storm with their raw and relatable shows about the ups and downs of fatherhood. Their unapologetic and often cringe-worthy performances are shedding light on the joys and embarrassments that come with being a dad, making audiences laugh and nod in recognition.
The Guardian · 25 Aug 2026
Kate Cheka: The Last Funny Woman review – pregnant standup calls for comedy industry to grow up
Comedian Kate Cheka has returned to the Edinburgh Fringe with her new stand-up hour, "The Last Funny Woman", where she shares her life experiences, including romantic escapades, while eight months pregnant. In the show, Cheka calls for the comedy industry to mature and grow up, leaving a lasting impression with her frank and energetic performance.
The Guardian · 25 Aug 2026
The Librarians: A Very Serious Comedy! review – workplace meltdown borrows from classic sitcoms
The comedy play "The Librarians: A Very Serious Comedy!" is a hilarious take on a familiar workplace sitcom setup, with a rickety library serving as the backdrop for a chaotic workplace meltdown. The show's well-tuned performances, reminiscent of classic sitcoms like "The Brittas Empire", "The Office", and "Fawlty Towers", bring a fresh and entertaining spin to a well-worn formula.
The Guardian · 25 Aug 2026
Frankie Thompson: Horrible Things review – a show to make you shudder with laughter
At the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh, Frankie Thompson's comedy show "Horrible Things" is a wild and unsettling performance that delves into the darker corners of her and the audience's recollections. This work-in-regress, which combines clowning and performance art, features a range of bizarre and humorous scenarios, including a child version of Jacob Rees-Mogg and Frank Sinatra's ego in space.
The Guardian · 24 Aug 2026
Post your questions for Alex Winter
Alex Winter, best known for his roles in The Lost Boys and the Bill & Ted franchise, will answer fan questions about his career, which spans acting, directing, and stage work. This opportunity allows fans to delve beyond Winter's iconic on-screen personas and explore his lesser-known experiences as a child actor on Broadway.
The Guardian · 24 Aug 2026
Those People review – a double act with raw passion and no filter
At the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh, Lara Ciulli and Riana White deliver a gripping hour of comedy, leaving the audience wondering if they're just friends or something more. Their energetic and unfiltered performance, which blends sketch comedy, dance, and confessional elements, is reminiscent of the highly charged sibling rivalry seen in past double-act duos.
The Guardian · 24 Aug 2026
My Arms Are Longer Now – comedy stealth game sends lawlessness into new territory
In a unique twist on the stealth game genre, "My Arms Are Longer Now" challenges players to navigate through levels as a single, misbehaved limb, slithering and causing chaos. This comedy game, developed by a team that met through Australia's improv scene, promises a lighthearted and humorous experience that breaks away from traditional stealth game characters.
The Guardian · 24 Aug 2026
On Different Grounds review – Cupid’s-conspiracy romcom brings Nollywood and Bollywood together
In a romantic comedy event that brings together the film industries of Nollywood and Bollywood, Mildred Okwo's film "On Different Grounds" explores the conflicting romantic wishes in a Nigerian family. Although it may not be the first true collaboration, the film's blending of the two industries' values and grand gestures offers a promising premise that struggles to connect with its audience.
The Guardian · 24 Aug 2026
‘In 1984, I worked 363 days’: how Russ Abbot soared to success – then walked away
Comedian Russ Abbot, a 1980s television sensation, achieved massive success with his sketch shows and musicals, attracting up to 18 million viewers. After a long and illustrious career, he surprisingly stepped away from the spotlight in 2016, and now lives a quiet life in a Portuguese villa.
The Guardian · 24 Aug 2026
Reg Tigerman & JFL Partner On The Laugh List Compilation Of Year’s Best Unproduced Comedy Screenplays
Reg Tigerman and Just for Laughs Montreal have partnered on The Laugh List, a new initiative that recognizes the year's best unproduced comedy screenplays. The first edition of The Laugh List will be unveiled in July at the ComedyPRO marketplace, part of the Just for Laughs Montreal festival.
Deadline · 25 Jun 2026
No Joke! Facing 11 Years For Tax Evasion, Carlos Mencia Enters Not Guilty Plea; Comic Posts Bail As Defense Lashes Out At D.A. “Overreach”
Comedian Carlos Mencia has entered a not guilty plea to tax evasion charges, which could result in over 11 years in prison if he is found guilty. The comic, who is currently behind bars, posted bail and is set to return to court on August 14 in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Deadline · 23 Jun 2026
Death Of Late Night: Jay Leno On What Went Wrong At 11:30, Why Joe Rogan Is The New Johnny Carson & How John Oliver Doesn’t Know What He’s Talking About
Jay Leno has shared his thoughts on the current state of late-night television, citing the rise of podcasts as a major shift in the industry, with Joe Rogan emerging as a leading figure. According to Leno, Rogan's success has made him the new "king of late-night," surpassing the influence of traditional TV hosts like Johnny Carson.
Deadline · 17 Jun 2026
Will Ferrell Shows Up As Jeffrey Epstein To Yuk It Up With Old Pal Trump For Blistering ‘SNL’ Cold Open
In a hilarious and unsettling cold open, Will Ferrell portrayed the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein, singing a comedic duet with Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live's season finale. The sketch, which mocked Trump's administration, featured the unlikely duo performing a rendition of Bill Withers' classic hit "Just The Two of Us".
Deadline · 17 May 2026
Bryan Cranston Says “Comedy Is Essential Right Now” Amid “Bombardment” Of Constant News Cycle
Bryan Cranston has emphasized the importance of comedy in today's fast-paced news cycle, stating that it is essential to provide relief and perspective amidst the constant bombardment of information. The actor, known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle, hopes to bring more comedic content to audiences, including a revival of the latter series.
Deadline · 6 Apr 2026