🎪 Festivals Comedy News
Edinburgh Fringe, Barcelona comedy festivals, and live comedy events across the continent.
Row as venue is booted out of the Brighton Fringe
The Rotunda, a Brighton-based arts venue, has been kicked out of the Brighton Fringe festival after the festival's organizers allegedly prioritized beer gardens over grassroots spaces. The Rotunda's boss is now firing back, suggesting the festival's focus has shifted from supporting local arts to catering to tourists.
Chortle · 20 Oct 2026
Hajar, Like Badger
Comedian Hajar has been making waves at the Women In Comedy festival in London, drawing comparisons to the fierce and feisty badger with her unapologetic and biting stand-up routine. Her set at the festival's Soho Theatre venue left audiences in stitches and critics praising her unique perspective and sharp wit.
Chortle · 13 Oct 2026
Good Elf! Lyons was the best-reviewed show of the Fringe
Pierre Novellie's Olaf Falafel No2 took the top spot in an alternative analysis of the Edinburgh Fringe, beating out other popular shows. The show's success marks a notable win for Novellie, who has been a standout performer at the festival in the past.
Chortle · 12 Oct 2026
Thao Cao: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Funnier
Thao Cao's stand-up set at the Women In Comedy festival in Melbourne was a hilarious testament to her ability to find humor in the darker side of life, where she expertly navigated the complexities of identity, culture, and family dynamics. With razor-sharp wit and unapologetic honesty, Cao's set left the audience in stitches, proving that even the most challenging experiences can be transformed into laugh-out-loud comedy.
Chortle · 12 Oct 2026
Emer Maguire: Perfectly Chaotic
Emer Maguire's stand-up set at the Women In Comedy festival was a hilarious and unpredictable ride, showcasing her unique ability to balance clever writing with perfectly timed chaos. The Dublin-born comedian's performance left the audience in stitches, with her unapologetic humor and sharp wit making her a standout at the festival.
Chortle · 6 Oct 2026
Wummy
Charis King's one-woman play "Wummy" took the stage at the Women In Comedy festival in Melbourne, Australia, showcasing the comedian's raw and honest storytelling. The play delves into themes of identity, family, and culture, with King's sharp wit and poignant observations leaving audiences in stitches and tears.
Chortle · 5 Oct 2026
Eden Voss wins Birmingham's Breaking Talent Award
Eden Voss has been crowned the winner of Birmingham's Breaking Talent Award, a prestigious honor recognizing emerging comedic talent. The award was presented during Birmingham's comedy festival, a celebration of the city's thriving comedy scene.
Chortle · 3 Oct 2026
Billy Teare obituary
My friend Billy Teare, who has died aged 75, was a professional storyteller, appearing at schools, libraries, theatres and clubs across the UK, as well as at festivals around the world. We worked toge
The Guardian · 22 Sept 2026
Not a penny left in Leicester Comedy Festival to pay creditors
The Leicester Comedy Festival has left its creditors with a financial hangover, revealing a list of debts totaling over £100,000 after failing to pay a single penny to its suppliers. The festival, which took place in Leicester, England, appears to have laughed its way to bankruptcy, leaving many in the comedy community feeling punchline-less.
Chortle · 21 Sept 2026
Freddie Meredith joins SNL UK cast
Freddie Meredith has been added to the cast of Saturday Night Live UK, marking a major milestone in his career following his nomination for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe. The talented comedian will bring his unique brand of humor to the popular British sketch comedy show.
Chortle · 7 Sept 2026
Wild Horse Nine review: Malkovich and Rockwell head to Easter Island for McDonagh’s acid bromance
Venice film festival: Two men, some violence, much freewheeling chat: so far, so standard fare from the Oscar-winning writer-director. But this time the comedy and charm can feel diluted by blood and
The Guardian · 3 Sept 2026
‘Finally, a victory for the middle-aged white man!’ Chris Cantrill on winning the Edinburgh comedy award
The ex-marketing manager’s win, for his spoof Sycamore Gap-inspired whodunnit Rewilding, arrives just as he’s gearing up for a new season of hit sketch show SNL UK – which he calls ‘the hardest job of
The Guardian · 3 Sept 2026
Edinburgh Fringe rejects calls to bring 2027 event earlier
The Edinburgh Fringe has shot down proposals to advance its 2027 event, meaning the world's largest arts festival will stick to its traditional late summer timing. The decision has left some performers and organizers scratching their heads, but the Fringe's officials are standing firm on their long-standing schedule.
Chortle · 2 Sept 2026
Matthew Gallagher: Last Minute
Comedian Matthew Gallagher performed at the last minute to save the night at the iconic Comedy Cellar in New York City, impressing the crowd with his quick wit and hilarious improvisation. The unexpected set was a testament to Gallagher's ability to think on his feet and deliver laughs under pressure.
Chortle · 31 Aug 2026
Not Another Quiz Night
Local comedian, Simon Munnery, has been forced to rename his popular quiz night after a woman in her 70s from London complained it was too similar to a quiz night she hosts at the same venue. The new quiz night, formerly titled "Not Another Quiz Night," will now be called "Not Another Quiz Night (But It Actually Is)."
Chortle · 31 Aug 2026
Eryn Tett: Tasting Menu
Eryn Tett has created a tasting menu in Vancouver, featuring dishes with humorous names like "I'm Not Crying, You're Crying" and "That's What She Said." The menu, available at various Vancouver restaurants, offers a unique blend of food and comedy.
Chortle · 30 Aug 2026
Dom McGovern: Prize Hog review – a sharp standup who is sure to go stellar
Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh The Chicken Shop Date co-writer gives a gossipy, erudite account of his relationship with how he looks in this assured debut At a fringe noticeable for the polish even o
The Guardian · 30 Aug 2026
Amy Annette: Say What You Like About Me
Amy Annette has announced her new stand-up comedy show, "Say What You Like About Me", which will tour the UK, including dates in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. The show promises to tackle the subject of online trolls and the impact of social media on our lives with her signature wit and humor.
Chortle · 30 Aug 2026
Omar Badawy: Guided Detour review – dizzying tales of decision paralysis
Omar Badawy's debut comedy show "Guided Detour" is a high-energy performance that tells a unique tale of assimilation and romance-related limbo, with a remarkably high joke rate. The show, which premiered at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh, is a dizzying but engaging ride that showcases Badawy's sharp writing and emotional intelligence.
The Guardian · 29 Aug 2026
Underground Monk Show review – hysterical visions enrobed in mystery
Assembly George Square Gardens, Edinburgh Four clowns stir up a strange stew of ideas about faith in this playful and highly physical comedy ‘Anyone ever been born before?” That’s a rare bid for relat
The Guardian · 29 Aug 2026
Fourth time lucky as Chris Cantrill’s spoof whodunnit wins Edinburgh comedy award 2026
Nominated in three previous years, the rambunctious standup – one half of The Delightful Sausage – wins the prize for his show Rewilding while Marty Gleeson is named best newcomer The annual Edinburgh
The Guardian · 29 Aug 2026
Spencer Jones: Dogs review – barking comic sniffs out community through canines
At the Pleasance Dome in Edinburgh, comedian Spencer Jones has brought a humorous take on the human-canine relationship with his show "Dogs", a lighthearted celebration of the bond between humans and dogs. The show, which features a mix of character comedy, loop-pedal nonsense, and physical humor, showcases Jones's optimistic and playful approach to storytelling.
The Guardian · 28 Aug 2026
Li Jin Hao: Falling from a Moon review – comedy’s Mr Nostalgia is now the man of the moment
Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh In his award-nominated show, the standup ruminates on myth and memory with some lovely observations ‘The
The Guardian · 28 Aug 2026
Clown Show review – after 250 years, the American dream explodes over one anarchic night
King’s theatre, Edinburgh The pranks and pratfalls in Geoff Sobelle’s show mark the US’s 250th anniversary with nihilistic excess They
The Guardian · 28 Aug 2026
Freddie Meredith: Need a Light? review – one hilarious hour of cringe
Comedian Freddie Meredith's new show, "Need a Light?", is a hilarious and touching hour-long performance that captures the cringe-worthy experience of trying to strike up conversations in a nightclub's smoking area. The show, currently running at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh, is a relatable and entertaining portrayal of social awkwardness.
The Guardian · 27 Aug 2026
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
‘I painted myself blue – but got skin problems’: how four Edinburgh stars created their weird characters
In a quirky tale of artistic inspiration, Edinburgh-based performer Katie Pritchard created the character Sir Elton Scone, a blue-painted, scone-adorned tribute to the legendary musician Elton John. Pritchard's initial drawing of Elton as a scone, made during the Covid lockdowns, eventually blossomed into a full-fledged character, thanks to encouragement from her friend, drag artist Michael Twaits.
The Guardian · 20 Aug 2026
‘Are you ready for some filth?’ Julian Clary and more on comedy’s great smut explosion
Comedian Julian Clary is among those featured in a recent comedy trend that celebrates risqué humor, which has seen a surge in popularity. In Edinburgh, a US-based playwright, Cameryn Moore, has taken this trend to a new level by offering bespoke erotic fiction written on the spot for £20, with the option to have it read aloud to the customer.
The Guardian · 20 Aug 2026
‘I’m not Mr Saturday Night’: the highbrow brilliance of Ahir Shah, past winner of comedy’s top prize
In a surprising turn of events, Ahir Shah, a past winner of the Edinburgh comedy award, initially arrived at the festival in 2023 with a work-in-progress that wasn't even eligible for the award. However, his tribute to his late grandfather, "Ends," eventually gained momentum and showcased his highbrow brilliance, solidifying his reputation as a talented comedian.
The Guardian · 19 Aug 2026
Laughing on the other side: the fringe shows turning painful breakups into comedy
At the Edinburgh Fringe, two comedy shows are tackling the universal experience of painful breakups in a unique and innovative way, moving beyond traditional wry wisecracks and into uncharted territory. These shows, inspired by performer Elf Lyons, aim to capture the complexity and intensity of breakups through bold and unconventional storytelling.
The Guardian · 18 Aug 2026
Robot helpers and flying houses: Edinburgh fringe tips for families
In the Edinburgh Fringe, families can enjoy a fun and lighthearted comedy show called "Ann Droid" featuring a man and his mischievous robot helper. The show, which is suitable for children aged five and above, follows the man's chaotic attempts to manage his new robot, with hilarious results.
The Guardian · 18 Aug 2026
Man Sings the Same Song Over and Over Again for an Hour review – fringe gem leaves you ecstatic
In a hilarious and unexpected twist, Australian clown Conk's show "Man Sings the Same Song Over and Over Again for an Hour" delivers exactly what it promises, with a simple yet ecstatic performance that defies expectations. This fringe gem showcases Conk's (Connor Dariol) unique talent for ruthlessly sticking to his title, singing the same song repeatedly for an hour, leaving the audience in stitches.
The Guardian · 17 Aug 2026
Sam Eley Is Basil Crumbwick review – cantankerous cult hit brings laugh after laugh
In a dark comedy performance, Sam Eley as Basil Crumbwick steals the show at the Edinburgh arts festival with his outrageous and cantankerous character, bringing laugh after laugh to the audience. This cult hit performance is reminiscent of previous late-night cult hits at the festival, with Crumbwick's outrageous appearance and antics winning over the crowd.
The Guardian · 17 Aug 2026
The Last Drop review – everything is rotten in this dark domestic comedy
In a dark domestic comedy, "The Last Drop" has made its way to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, part of the São Paulo Showcase, where it explores themes of madness, revenge, and surveillance. The play, which borrows from Shakespeare's Hamlet, presents a twisted world where everything is rotten, much like a murder scene, with the main character Cynthia staring death in the face.
The Guardian · 16 Aug 2026