September 29, 2026

Harrogate Comedy Festival opens TODAY!

Fresh from a sell-out residency at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival our opening performance this evening is A Star Wars Improv Show where Jon Hipkiss will improvise an entirely new Star Wars film all by himself. Continuing to showcase the incredible skill of improv we welcome fellow Edinburgh Fringe hit Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, where audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into an all-singing, all-dancing production with hilarious results. Paul Merton & Suki Webster are experts in laugh out loud surrealism with limited tickets left to see them flex their improv skills. You’ll have to be quick to get a ticket for Jason Byrne, a firm festival favourite. Jason’s razor-sharp observations and unhinged audience interactions are not to be missed. There is also a very limited number of tickets remaining for Harry Enfield and No Chums – a rare and entertaining evening with the legendary satirical comedian and self-styled “stupid idiot”. 

As well as household names there are gems waiting to be discovered at Harrogate Comedy Festival. Rachel Mars has unearthed hand-written love letters dating back centuries. And loads of them were proper filthy. The 4 Johns take a sledgehammer to the myth of celebrity, hero worship and fame in a way that will make you laugh out loud. 

Get the babysitter booked for when the Scummy Mummies are in town. From menopause to mansplaining, it’s a big scummy party and no subject is safe! Or if you’re looking for a show for the whole family, Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show is the comedy show comedians take their kids to. We can’t wait to welcome families for an afternoon of jokes, poos on pogo sticks and truth-telling cheese.  

Harrogate’s own Maisie Adam again hosts her Comedy Gala this year, bringing together some of her funniest famous pals to raise money for local charity Frank’s Fund. Hyena Lounge Comedy is a mixed bill delight of four comedians at the top of their game. Comedy giant Alexei Sayle joins us for a unique take on modern history, with a hilarious, polemical, one-of-a-kind take on how he, as a devoted Marxist, has tried to change the world. Tez Ilyas, the UK’s leading de-influencer returns to Harrogate with fresh jokes, furious rants and ridiculous stories. Seann Walsh’s high-energy exasperation leaves audiences in stitches. If you do need stitches then don’t miss your appointment with Ed Patrick, comedian, author and NHS anaesthetist.  

Also featured during the festival are local legend Maisie Adam, Daniel Kitson, Miriam Margolyes, Reece Shearsmith and Richard Ayoade, whose tickets all flew out the door faster than a punchline.  

Harrogate Comedy Festival programmer Marcus Romer said: 

“Harrogate Comedy Festival has become one of the highlights of our year, attracting some of the country’s finest comedians alongside exciting new voices. We’re incredibly proud to bring together such a diverse mix of established favourites and rising stars, creating a programme that celebrates the very best of live comedy. 

“We’re delighted to once again bring such a varied programme to Harrogate, offering something for everyone – whether you’re a lifelong comedy fan or simply looking for a great night out. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back for another fantastic festival, filled with unforgettable performances, plenty of laughter and the unique atmosphere that makes Harrogate Comedy Festival such a special event.” 

For further information or to book tickets, click here.

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