Upcoming comedy gigs to get excited about across the UK

What is it? We’ve teamed up with Nando’s to create the funniest (and tastiest) night out in town! Our Extra Hot Comedy Club is a spicy series of gigs in four UK cities where up-and-coming comedians will showcase their stuff on stage alongside top UK comics.

Why go? We’ve enlisted the help of some seriously hot headliners, Munya Chawawa (London, March 31), Larry Dean (Birmingham, April 7), Chris Hall (Brighton, April 22) and Grace Campbell (Newcastle, April 28). Come for the Nando’s vibes, stay for the guaranteed laughs. Tickets are sold out in London, but tickets are still available for Birmingham, Brighton and Newcastle.

Various dates and Nando’s venues. From £15.

What is it? In case you’ve been out of the loop comedy-wise, FOC IT UP! Comedy Club is Kemah Bob's regular comedy night. The comedian has been smashing it at the moment, with positive reviews left, right and centre. 

Why go? These line-ups are always great, as they unapologetically celebrate comedians of colour (that are not cis-men!), with nights selling out shows in London, Edinburgh Fringe, Latitude and Southbank Festival. She’s joined by an exciting, handpicked selection of incredibly hilarious comrades in comedy, making it a must-see. 

Soho Theatre, W1D 3NE. Sat 5 Apr 25, 9.15pm. From £10.

What is it? Tim Minchin has carved out a niche for himself that’s unmatched by any other comedian in the game. The Aussie singer-songwriter, pianist, comedian, actor, musical-theatre composer-lyricist and soft-hearted provocateur, is taking to the stage this June to bring you a stand-up that’ll have you laughing so hard your tummy hurts. 

Why go? The tour marks the 20th anniversary of his explosive arrival onto the British comedy scene in 2005. No two nights are the same with this guy, thanks to his razor-sharp wit, musical virtuosity and unique songwriting.

Soho Theatre, W1D 3NE. Wed Jun 4 & Thur Jun 5, 7.30pm. From £41.55.

What is it? Daniel Foxx is a big comedy TikToker and podcaster, but he’s also a brilliant stand-up comedian, if you didn’t know. And Dane Buckley, well he’s one of the very few comedians who can shed light on what it’s like to be Irish, Indian and gay – all in one person. 

Why go? The duo are bringing their popular podcast Welcome to Hell to Brighton’s Forge, armed with hot takes, outrageous gossip, and audience sins judged in real time. One to enjoy with your besties and a couple of cocktails. 

The Forge Comedy Club, BN1 4GD. Thur Apr 17, 8pm. From £17.27. 

What is it? One of Edinburgh Fringe’s 2024 standouts, Josh Glanc brings Family Man to Newcastle this May. The show is made up of silly songs, tender anecdotes and a moustachioed Aussie narrating an absurd approach to stand-up. 

Why go? It was nominated for the 2024 Edinburgh Comedy Award, and the comedian himself has a lot of hype around him – he’s starred in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival All Stars Gala and created the Channel 4 Comedy Short of the same name.

The Stand, NE1 1EW. Thur May 29, 7pm. From £15.

What is it? One of the UK’s biggest comedians, Mo Gilligan is coming to Bristol this April, tying on with the newest show World Tour… In the Moment. Considering he’s playing in massive venues like the O2, this show feels a little more intimate by comparison. 

Why go? Expect nothing but non-stop LOLs from the BAFTA winner, who has sold out two national tours in the last two years. He’s also got three stand-up specials under his belt and features all over the telly on everything from The Masked Singer to his own program, The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan.

Bristol Beacon, BS1 5AR. Fri Apr 11, 8pm. From £25.85.

What is it? You most likely recognise Cross from his turns on the comedy show Arrested Development or sketch show W/ Bob & David with Bob Odenkirk. This new show is hot off the heels of his Netflix special Making America Great Again! which came out in 2016. 

Why go? He’s a legendary American comedian, actor, writer and voice artist, so this is a great chance to see him IRL. His comedy album (named after the Netflix special) was nominated for a Grammy, and his most recent album Worst Daddy in the World is another smash success. So expect the unexpected!

Albert Hall, M2 5QR. Thur Apr 24, 7pm. From £38.30.

What is it? Chelsea Handler is a comedian, television host and best-selling author whose newest tour A Broad Abroad will be travelling around Europe this May. Her first stop in the UK will be at the Waterfront Hall Auditorium, which is sure to set the tone for the rest of her experience here. 

Why go? She’s a big name in the American comedy world, having run her late-night talk show, hosted many stand-up TV specials and written six New York Times best-selling books. Her humour and candour have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture. 

Waterfront Hall Auditorium, BT1 3WH. Wed May 14, 8pm. From £32.75.

What is it? This is the debut show from a truly modern-day comedian. Four years ago, Abi Clarke posted a video online, went to bed, and the next day found she was followed by millions on social media. This comes swiftly after a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run so it’s sure to be a popular show. 

Why go? We’ve previously interviewed Abi Clarke and tapped her as one to watch. She’s accumulated over two millions of followers, been seen on BBC, ITV2, Comedy Central, Channel 4 and supported comedians such as Phil Wang and Russell Kane. One for those keen to spot new comedy stars.

Waterfront Hall Auditorium, BT1 3WH. Wed May 14, 8pm. From £32.75.

What is it? It’s been a quarter of a century since the first episode of Dom Joly’s career-making Trigger Happy TV burst onto our screens. It transformed the hidden camera format with its surreal universe of characters and unforgettable pranks.

Why go? Well, you can be a part of history, and that is quite nice in itself. But then you’ve also got all the characters you’ll remember from when it was on the telly. The Giant Snail, The Traffic Warden, The Morris Dancer, The Scout, A Gang of Squirrels and that Big Mobile Phone are all sure to get you giggling. As well as Joly’s storytelling and insights into how the show was made back then. 

Pavilion Theatre Glasgow, G2 3AX. Thur Oct 9, 7.30pm. From £40.