đ€ Stand-Up Comedy News
The latest stand-up comedy news, tour announcements, and specials from across Europe.
Sami Abu Wardeh Hates You review â 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 â a comedy so creepy youâll 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
âI remember going: oh hello!â Dara Ă Briain on comedy, coolness, cruelty and finding his birth parents
Comedian Dara Ă 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, Ă 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 â the extraordinary glory of a âhalf man, half fishâ 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
Kemah Bob: Love Child review â Miss Fortunateâs 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 Cohenâs 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
Kate Cheka: The Last Funny Woman review â 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 â 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
âIn 1984, I worked 363 daysâ: how Russ Abbot soared to success â 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 Yearâs 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
Alex Duong Dies: Comedian And âBlue Bloodsâ Actor Was 42
Renowned comedian, writer, and actor Alex Duong has passed away at the age of 42, leaving behind a legacy of his work in Los Angeles. Duong's untimely death was due to complications from alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that he had been battling for a year.
Deadline · 29 Mar 2026
28 Classic Film Mockumentaries Gallery: From âSpinal Tapâ, âBest In Showâ, âDistrict 9â To âThe Momentâ & More
This Is Spinal Tap, directed by Rob Reiner in 1984, is a classic mockumentary film that satirizes the music industry and has become a cultural phenomenon. The film's influence has helped establish the mockumentary genre, which has been continued by other notable films like Best In Show and District 9, among others.
Deadline · 24 Jan 2026
2026 Netflix Is A Joke Fest Sets First-Wave Lineup, Sets âFlight Of the Conchordsâ Reunion
Netflix has announced the first wave of shows for the 2026 Netflix Is A Joke Fest, a comedy extravaganza set to take place across 35 venues in Los Angeles from May 4-10. The festival will feature a "Flight of the Conchords" reunion, among other live events, making it a must-attend for comedy fans.
Deadline · 20 Jan 2026
John Mulrooney Dies: Stand-Up Comedian, TV Host, Radio Personality & NY Cop Was 67
Noted stand-up comedian and TV host John Mulrooney has passed away at the age of 67. The American comedian, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, was known for his performances at iconic comedy venues like The Improv and The Comedy Store.
Deadline · 1 Jan 2026
Front Row Boards Lebanese Comedian John Achkarâs Historic Performance Of  âTryinâ At LâOlympia In Paris
Dubai-based Front Row Filmed Entertainment has partnered with Lebanese comedian John Achkar to produce his historic one-night performance of "Tryin'" at the iconic L'Olympia theater in Paris. The sold-out show, set to take place on October 23, marks a significant milestone for Achkar and Front Row, highlighting the growing international recognition of Middle Eastern comedians.
Deadline · 15 Oct 2025