The Last Laugh: The best comedy events on Skiddle

August is here, and so is peak comedy season. With sunshine (hopefully), beer gardens, and festival fever across the country, there’s no better time to squeeze in a stand-up show or three. From pub backrooms to theatre stages, the UK is packed with comedians bringing the big laughs all month long.

Whether it’s James Acaster road-testing new ideas in Carlisle, Elf Lyons getting weird in a South London record shop, or Russell Howard hosting a huge comedy gala in his hometown; there’s no shortage of summer comedy gold.

Scroll on, pick your night, and grab your tickets before they’re gone.

 

 

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.

 

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James Acaster: Work in Progress

When: Tuesday 9th December 2025

Where: Old Fire Station in Carlisle

A rare northern outing for one of the UK’s most inventive comics. James Acaster’s Work-in-Progress shows are a masterclass in controlled chaos, blending surreal stories and biting punchlines. But, if you're either a super fan of Mr Acaster or just appreciative of the development of a comedy set, then the peek behind the curtain in this WIP show will be for you. If you want to see where the next Netflix special begins, this is it. Grab tickets below!

 

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Friday Night Comedy with Adam Rowe, Jeff Innocent & Larry Dean

When: Friday 12th September 2025

Where: Hockley Social Club in Birmingham

Three stand-up titans take the mic at Hockley Social Club for a Friday night to remember. Have A Word's Adam Rowe is joined by London royalty Jeff Innocent, and Scottish superstar Larry Dean, with all three bringing powerhouse sets with fresh material. perfectly paired with Hockley’s signature cocktails and award-winning street food from Masterchef the Professionals winner Dan Lee, plus 2 more that change every week.

 

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Rachel Fairburn: WIP – Creatures Comedy Club

When: Thursday 8th August 2025

Where: Creatures Comedy Club in Manchester

Join Rachel Fairburn as she road-tests a fresh batch of jokes, stories, and razor-sharp observations at the intimate Mancunian surroundings of the Creatures' basement. Known for her quick wit, unapologetic humour, and brilliantly dark takes on everyday life, Rachel brings her trademark energy to this intimate work-in-progress show. Be among the first to hear her brand-new material before it hits the big stage.

 

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Tom Stade

When: Saturday 17th August 2025

Where: The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock

Every comedy lover's favourite Canadian, Tom Stade, rolls into Kilmarnock in the new year, bringing with him his unmistakable swagger and no-filter stories that culminate in an hour of first-class, mischievous and uncompromising comedy. Whilst this may seem like a long way away to book a comedy gig, this one will be selling out, so if you've ever wanted to see Tom live, this is your chance!

 

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The Comedians Club Chester - 13th Sept 2025

When: Saturday 13th September 2025

Where: St Mary’s Creative Space in Chester

Looking ahead to September? The Comedians Club at St Mary’s is one of Chester’s best nights out. Ran by one half of the illustrious podcast of northern comedy nonsense, Dan Nightingale of Have A Word, and housed in this beautifully intimate venue, The CCC always brings a rotating cast of killer comics with Dan at the helm.

This September sees them continue in such form with Alfie Brown, Danny McLoughlin, and Jon Capewell joining Dan; this is one to grab tickets and mark on the calendar now.

 

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Triple Headliner Special – Stockport Garrick

When: Saturday 1st November 2025

Where: Stockport Garrick Theatre in Stockport

Planning ahead? Don’t miss this triple-threat special in Stockport featuring three absolute stalwart comics on one big stage. Lloyd Griffith of Soccer AM and Live At The Apollo fame is joined by the illustrious Ted Illyas, and rising icon and force of hilarity Scott Bennett. All with Maff Brown and Karen Bayley MCing.  Always a sell-out, always a brilliant night, grab those tickets below now!

 

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Elf Lyons

When: Thursday 16th October 2025

Where: The Book And Record Bar in London

Clown queen, cabaret genius, and cult favourite Elf Lyons brings her latest chaotic creation to this unique Brixton venue. Expect the unexpected - with laughs, latex, and perhaps a saxophone solo. Elf is a bit bananas in the best ways possible, and we can't wait to peel back the layers at this show, whilst undoubtedly creasing over every step of the way. 

 

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Live At The Belgrade – Apollo Greats

When: Friday 19th September 2025

Where: The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry

Big names, big laughs, big night. Live at The Belgrade brings together a lineup of comics who’ve graced the Apollo stage, and anyone who gets a ticket is in for one hell of a ride. We're talking names like Gary Delaney, Josh Pugh, Nabil Abdulrashid, Tez Ilyas, and Lindsey Santoro.

This is comedy at its slickest, sharpest, and most side-splitting, with a lineup full of diverse styles. Grab tickets below!

 

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Dane Baptiste

When: Wednesday 17th September 2025

Where: Dreghorn Loan Hall in Edinburgh

Witty, political, and always thought-provoking, Dane Baptiste heads to Edinburgh for a night of smart, standout stand-up. One of the sharpest voices on the circuit. Truly a comedian everyone should see once, grab those tickets now so as not to miss out!

 

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