The Last Laugh: The best comedy events on Skiddle - July 2025
We are back once again with the July edition of Last Laugh, where we look at all the best comedy events on sale on Skiddle in 2025, and even some in 2026. Check them out below!
Last updated: 23rd Jul 2025
Originally published: 21st Jul 2025
It’s July — and we’re deep into the heart of summer. With beer gardens packed, festival fields buzzing, and the UK basking in some long-overdue sunshine, it’s the perfect time to level up your nights out with a dose of top-tier comedy.
From massive names like Russell Howard and Shane Todd to cult favourites including Mark Watson, Harriet Dyer, and Omid Djalili, this month’s comedy calendar is looking stacked. Whether you’re after previews, full-blown specials, or outdoor summer spectacles, we’ve got your ticket to the funny side of July.
Scroll on for the best comedy gigs happening now — plus two unmissable 2026 events you’ll want to grab tickets for before they sell out.
Good Times 2026 Comedy Gala starring Russell Howard & friends
When: Monday 25th May 2026
Where: Good Times At The Ridings in Bristol
Yes, it’s next year... But this is already shaping up to be one of 2026’s biggest comedy events. Russell Howard headlines a massive open-air gala as part of Good Times at The Ridings, bringing with him a supporting cast of very special unannounced guests, with the wonderful Cerys Nelmes hosting.
This year's edition with Katherine Ryan sold out fast, so if you want in on Bristol’s biggest comedy night of the summer, especially one headlined by a legend like Russell, then don’t hang about.
Shane Todd – Hold Me Back
When: Friday 27th March 2026
Where: Fairfield Social Club in Manchester
Another one for the diary - but you’ll want to lock this in now. Northern Irish comic sensation, and host of the Tea With Me podcast, Shane Todd, brings his brand-new show Hold Me Back to Manchester next February. Armed with his signature wit, razor-sharp storytelling, and a complete inability to take himself seriously, this show is going to be one for the ages.
Grab tickets now. This will sell out long before the event!
Good Ship Comedy feat. Mark Simmons
When: Friday 12th December 2025
2024 Edinburgh festival Joke of the Fringe Award winner and all-round one-liner wizard, Mark Simmons, brings his razor-sharp gags to Leytonstone’s cult comedy night Good Ship Comedy. If you love your jokes quick, clever, and relentless, this is the gig for you. A Work-In-Progress night with guaranteed big laughs and the wonderful Matt Rouse in support. Grab those tickets now!
Lorna Rose Treen (Work In Progress) – Creatures Comedy Festival
When: Thursday 4th July 2025
Where: Lost Cat in Manchester
Character comic and absurdist firecracker Lorna Rose Treen brings a new hour of joyful chaos to Manchester’s Creatures Comedy Festival. One of Skiddles' favourite female comedians, and someone we pipped for stardom back in 2023, Lorna is for those who love their comedy playful, unpredictable, and powered by 100% weird girl energy - this is one to grab tickets for early!
Mark Watson
When: Friday 12th July 2025
Where: The Steamworks in Sheffield
One of British comedy’s finest comic minds heads to Sheffield for a night of anxious overthinking, charming chaos, and surprisingly wholesome punchlines.
A recent encounter with a stranger caused Mark to spend some time pondering the uncertain future facing humanity. He explores this – along with equally pressing matters like; the worst word he has ever said in public, the current state of the UK sausage industry, and much more – in a typically frantic and fun-packed new show.
Stephen Buchanan – Cold Meat (Work in Progress)
When: Thursday 24th July 2025
Where: Blackfriars Basement in Glasgow
Scottish Comedian of the Year winner Stephen Buchanan brings his new Work-In-Progress show Cold Meat to the cosy Blackfriars Basement before taking it to this year's Edinburgh Fringe. Expect fresh stories, dry wit, and Stephen’s signature thick and fast punchlines that are an absolute joy from start to finish. Grab your tickets quick before they're gone!
Comedy Shutdown – Jamaican Independence Day Special (London)
When: Wednesday 6th August 2025
Where: The Top Secret Comedy Club in London
Comedy Shutdown celebrates Jamaican Independence Day with a banging lineup of Black British talent at one of London’s best-loved comedy clubs. With the likes of the energetic and hard-hitting Shabz Kariem, Micah Hall(Babahood, The Lateish Show), Slim (Live At The Apollo, Russell Howard Hour), and Kyrah Grey (Netflix, Comedy Central Live), get ready for an evening of rip-roaring, back-slapping belly laughs!
Jamaican Independence Day is one of the BIGGEST days in Jamaican history. Celebrate it in a joyous rapture and grab your tickets below!
The Laughienda Comedy Club – Preston (6th Aug)
When: Wednesday 6th August 2025
Where: The Continental in Preston
Preston’s cult indie comedy night is back - and this time it’s bringing a killer summer lineup. With the co-host of the Dead Men Talking Podcast and hilarious line-ignorer, Freddy Quinne, heading, alongside a fantastic supporting cast that includes Al Stevenson, Gill Gee, Connor Mac, and host Jack Kelly.
The Laughienda delivers slick hosting, ace local acts, and headline-level talent every month. Make sure to get down early and grab a pint in the beer garden!
Omid Djalili – Namaste
When: Saturday 12th October 2025
Where: Southport Comedy Festival - Under Canvas at Victoria Park in Southport
Persian Powerhouse Omid Djalili headlines Southport Comedy Festival with his acclaimed show Namaste. Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed-up planet. No government gets a green card. No tyrant avoids a take-down. No audience member leaves the theatre with an ounce of laughter left in them.
You have been warned. Secure your space Under Canvas at Victoria Park now!
KH Comedy Fest presents Harriet Dyer – Work in Progress
When: Sunday 27th July 2025
Where: Hare And Hounds Kings Heath in Birmingham
As seen on Live At The Apollo, Rosie Jones' Disability Comedy Extravaganza, Comedy Central Live & The Russell Howard Hour, Harriet Dyer is a true cult favourite of the alternative circuit, and this month brings her brilliantly chaotic Work-In-Progress to Kings Heath. Part of the excellent KH Comedy Fest, this one’s packed with heart, madness, and proper originality.
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest music and events content.
Header image credit: Russell Howard on Facebook