A Guide to the Most Influential British Stand Up Comedians in 2025
- comedyinyoureye
- Oct 7
- 15 min read
British stand up comedians are having a big moment in 2025. Whether you’re into arena-filling legends or you prefer catching new names at your local club, there’s no shortage of laughs to be found. The scene is packed with familiar faces, creative risk-takers, and loads of fresh talent making their mark. It’s not just about the big tours either – social media, panel shows, and streaming specials mean you can find your favourite comics everywhere, from TikTok to Netflix. If you’re wondering who’s shaping the comedy world in the UK this year, here’s your guide to the names everyone’s talking about.
Key Takeaways
British stand up comedians in 2025 range from household names playing arenas to exciting newcomers breaking through.
Peter Kay and Ricky Gervais are still selling out massive tours, proving their lasting appeal.
Rising stars like Mo Gilligan and Babatunde Aleshe are drawing big crowds and freshening up the scene.
Female comedians such as Sarah Millican and Judi Love are leading the way with honest and bold material.
Live comedy is thriving, with tours from legends and new acts happening all over the UK.
Household Names in British Stand Up Comedy
Comedy in the UK has always had its icons, but a few familiar faces have become almost as recognisable as a cup of tea. Whether you’re flicking through TV channels or scrolling your feed, these stand-ups are the ones who get whole families laughing together — and who still sell out arenas, year after year.
Peter Kay: Breaking Records with Arena Tours
Peter Kay has a knack for uniting audiences of all ages. His tours are legendary, smashing box office records and packing out venues across the UK. Kay doesn’t overcomplicate things — he’s built his act on sharp takes about everyday life, family, and growing up in the North. His jokes about garlic bread and car boot sales have become part of British pop culture at this point. While he went quiet for a good few years, his triumphant return was met with more demand than ever.
Peter Kay’s Recent Stand-Up Milestones
Year | Event/Tour | Attendance (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
2019 | Pre-pandemic gigs | 500,000+ |
2023 | Arena Tour Return | 1,000,000+ |
2025 | Ongoing Tour | Selling out 19 arenas |
What makes Peter Kay stick?
Relatable, everyday humour
Catchphrases everyone repeats at work
Friendly, approachable personality
Peter Kay somehow manages to make the smallest things absolutely hilarious — even getting a text from your mum becomes stand-up gold.
Ricky Gervais: Satirical Observational Genius
Gervais might be best-known to international fans for his TV work, but he never left the stage behind. His stand-up blends sharp observation with an edge that has ruffled feathers more than once. Gervais excels at poking fun at modern life, from social media nonsense to celebrity culture, and he always delivers it with his signature smirk. Recently, his Netflix specials and globe-trotting tours have proved that his appeal doesn’t fade.
Here are three things that sum up Ricky Gervais’ comedy:
Never shies away from big, awkward topics.
Master of mixing cringeworthy stories with clever punchlines.
Cleverly walks the line between dark and silly.
Gervais has this way of making everyone in the room squirm, and somehow, that’s half the fun.
Greg Davies: Taskmaster’s Towering Comic
At almost seven feet tall, Greg Davies can’t help but stand out — but it’s his blend of energetic goofiness and storytelling that truly sets him apart. Audiences love his tales about school days, disastrous relationships, and awkward family moments. His hosting on Taskmaster might have made him a TV regular, but get him onstage and he’s right at home, towering over the crowd, telling stories about embarrassing PE lessons or terrible holidays. Few comedians can switch from silly to heartfelt so smoothly.
Why people keep coming back to Greg Davies’ shows:
Perfect combo of storytelling and self-deprecating humour
Physically expressive — every joke is bigger when you’re 6’8”
Cultivates a warm, mischievous rapport with audiences
With Davies, you never know if you’ll be doubled up with laughter or suddenly feeling a bit sentimental about your own school reports!
Comedy Icons Reinventing Themselves in 2025
After decades on stage and screen, some British comedy legends are shaking up their routines and hitting us with fresh material again in 2025. Long-standing favourites are reclaiming the stage, showing everyone there's more to come even after years at the top.
Alan Davies: Returning to Stand Up Stages
Nobody expected Alan Davies to get back on the stand up horse this year, but here he is, sharper and drier than ever. His new show takes stock of late middle age, poking fun at himself and all the little aches and changes that come with it. You can expect:
Relatable stories about family, ageing, and nostalgia
Updated takes on classic Davies material you might remember from his early stand-up sets
That same quirky delivery he brought to panel shows
It's a real treat seeing Alan look back with both fondness and exasperation, peeling back the years and making even the quiet moments hilarious.
John Bishop: Celebrating 25 Years in Stand Up
John Bishop has been off exploring the joys of dog ownership and home DIY, but his 2025 tour shows he’s as energetic as ever. Marking 25 years since he first stepped up to the mic, Bishop blends classic observational humour with new routines about lockdown, parenting, and life’s oddities. His style is still:
Warm, approachable, full of ad-libs
Focused on the funny side of everyday struggles
Perfect for all ages, balancing cheeky asides with genuine warmth
Bishop’s latest run is earning loads of praise—audiences love seeing a comedian relax into their craft after years of fame.
Jimmy Carr: Master of Deadpan Delivery
Jimmy Carr never really disappears from comedy, but his 2025 tour, Laughs Funny, is a step up in ambition and bite. Still one of the sharpest one-liner merchants around, Carr’s new material is quicker and, if anything, even more unapologetic. Here’s what stands out:
Ever-faster crowd work and comebacks
More risky jokes than ever, balancing on that tightrope between outrageous and genius
Signature deadpan delivery that splits the room in the best way
Comedian | Years Active | 2025 Show/Tour | Main Style |
|---|---|---|---|
Alan Davies | 30+ | Stand up tour | Self-deprecating, story-driven |
John Bishop | 25 | Anniversary tour | Observational, warm |
Jimmy Carr | 20+ | Laughs Funny | One-liners, edgy |
Keep an eye out for more comedians who are finding new ways to surprise fans and experimenting with their unique voices on stage this year. These icons prove you’re never too old for a reinvention—and that laughs just keep coming as long as the spotlight’s on.
Rising Stars of the British Stand Up Scene
The comedy circuit in the UK feels fresher than ever in 2025. Every week, you’ll hear a new name raved about in pubs or on podcasts. Some comedians are packing out 2,000-seaters for the first time; others are still honing their craft at open mics and indie clubs, but the buzz around them is unmistakable. Here are three comics who are honestly making crowds howl up and down the country.
Mo Gilligan: Captivating New Audiences
Mo Gilligan’s comedy career is roaring along. You can sense real joy in the room when Mo’s on stage. His style is energetic, even a bit unpredictable—you’re never sure what story or bit he’ll pull out next. Mo uses his own observations of friendship, growing up in London, and family quirks, and he keeps people nodding along and laughing hard at the same time. In 2025, he’s been selling out his "In The Moment" world tour and picking up new fans at every stop.
Main ingredients in Mo Gilligan’s act:
Stories about his upbringing and school days
Quick-fire impressions and character work
Observations on pop culture and the little things people get up to
There’s a reason why people keep saying you need to see Mo live – he makes even the biggest theatres feel personal and fun.
Lou Sanders: Surreal and Subversive Comedy
Lou Sanders’ stand up is a brilliant mix of chaotic, unpredictable stories and totally original punchlines. She makes you feel like anything could happen next, and often it sort of does. Lou’s newest show, "No Kissing in the Bingo Hall", has seen her take her oddball humour even further—audiences get everything from wild tangents about reality TV, to sudden, awkward confessions. She keeps things honest, edgy, and brimming with her very own sense of fun.
What to expect at a Lou Sanders gig:
Surprising, off-the-wall stories
Improvised moments that leave the audience in stitches
Playful takes on dating, self-esteem, and weird social situations
Babatunde Aleshe: Fresh Perspectives and Big Laughs
If you’re after a fresh voice—with gags that cut through the noise—Babatunde Aleshe stands out in this year’s line-up of rising stars. Babatunde made his name on both TV and live stand up, and reviewers are quick to mention how he mixes stories about family and childhood with sharp, modern punchlines. Crowds love his take on being a parent, growing up in a big family, and what it means to live in multicultural London in 2025.
Key reasons Babatunde Aleshe gets crowds laughing:
Honest stories with a relatable twist
Physical comedy and timing
His easy confidence with a room—small or big
Comic | 2025 Tour Venues Sold Out | Avg. Crowd Size |
|---|---|---|
Mo Gilligan | 30+ | 2,500 |
Lou Sanders | 18 | 500 |
Babatunde Aleshe | 15 | 700 |
The excitement around these comedians isn’t going anywhere soon. If you haven’t caught one of their gigs yet, you’re missing some of the best nights out on offer in British comedy.
Trailblazers and Alternative Voices
There’s something really exciting about comedians who do things their own way. These are the ones who go off the beaten path, make weird choices, poke fun at things no one else touches, or keep us guessing. In 2025, a handful of British stand-up comics are standing out by shaking things up and bringing fresh, sometimes strange, and often brilliant voices to live comedy.
Joe Lycett: Mischief and Social Commentary
Joe Lycett's shows are a wild mix—he’ll make the audience laugh, but he’s not afraid to ruffle feathers. Whether he’s taking on big companies or making slightly chaotic television appearances, Joe’s got a knack for exposing the absurdity in everyday life:
Known for blending activism with prankster humour
Famous for legal name changes to make a statement
Looks at modern British life with sharp sarcasm and real warmth
When you watch Joe work a crowd, you never quite know where he’s heading next. It’s social commentary that sneaks up on you.
Noel Fielding: Surrealism and Pop Culture
If you see a comedian dressed like a technicolour wizard on stage, odds are it’s Noel Fielding. With stand-up that’s more like wandering into a daydream, he creates:
Characters that are pure imagination, totally off the wall
Stories that tumble from the strange to the oddly moving
Comedy that draws from music, painting, and pure silliness
Here’s a quick snapshot of what Noel brings to comedy:
Aspect | What Sets Him Apart |
|---|---|
Visual Style | Lively, extravagant |
Storytelling | Surreal, unpredictable |
Audience Draw | Ages 18–40, creative types |
Sophie Duker: Challenging the Status Quo
Sophie Duker is one of those comedians who can have you howling at jokes and then make you think a moment later. She doesn't avoid tough topics—she tackles race, politics, and class, all with a cheeky edge.
Witty, direct and not scared to call things out
Uses personal stories to talk about bigger problems
Aims to get people to laugh and debate after the show
Her style often includes:
Candid reflections on her own experiences.
Poking fun at the British establishment.
Turning quiet moments into clever, bold punchlines.
Watching Sophie, you realise stand-up isn’t just about the laughs—it’s sometimes about starting new conversations, too.
These comedians are setting their own rules in 2025, showing that there’s more than one way to fill a room with laughter.
Female Powerhouses in British Stand Up
British stand up comedy has seen a real shift, with more women than ever driving packed audiences to laughter. These comics are not just funny—they’ve each shaped their own corner of the scene, drawing crowds who relate, roar, and sometimes even tear up with laughter.
Sarah Millican: Honest Humour and Relatability
Sarah Millican’s name always pops up when you talk about top UK comedians. Her gift lies in telling everyday stories and making them hilarious for everyone, no matter who’s in the crowd. She spins tales about family, awkward moments, and modern life, all delivered with her signature Geordie warmth and wit.
Main reasons fans flock to her shows:
She doesn’t pretend to have it all worked out (and that’s refreshing)
Jokes about food, relationships, and growing older feel truly relatable
She manages to balance cheeky jokes with genuine kindness
Even after years on the scene, Millican’s humour feels like a good chat with a clever friend who’s not afraid to tell it how it is.
Jenny Eclair: Wry Observations of Life
Jenny Eclair has been making audiences laugh for decades. She’s sharp, dry, and brilliant at turning the little frustrations of life into a source of amusement. Her comedy often digs into ageing, family dramas, failed diets, and every unglamorous detail in between.
Let’s break down Eclair’s standout qualities:
Fearless honesty, especially about getting older
Stories that expose the silliness (and sometimes sadness) of life’s routines
Award-winning writer as well as stand-up, giving her material even more impact
Want to see how Jenny compares with other British talents like Aisling Bea or Dawn French? There’s a good roundup of leading female comics out there (top 10 British female comedians in 2025).
Judi Love: Bold and Refreshing Stand Up
Judi Love is known for her loud, big-hearted comedy—and she isn’t pulling any punches. Her performances are lively, her delivery is quick, and her material jumps between topics like growing up in a Caribbean family, raising kids, or life in London. Audiences never quite know what’s coming, except that it’s going to be funny.
Some hallmarks of Judi’s comedy:
Crowd work that brings everyone into the joke
Fearless takes on social taboos and current events
Energy levels that rarely dip—a real stand-up force
Comedian | Key Themes | Signature Style |
|---|---|---|
Sarah Millican | Modern life, family | Relatable, warm |
Jenny Eclair | Age, daily absurdities | Dry, wry, unfiltered |
Judi Love | Culture & society | Bold, crowd-focused |
Let’s be honest: British stand up would be nowhere near as colourful or honest without these women commanding the mic.
Legendary Figures Shaping Generations
British comedy wouldn’t be what it is today without certain legends – the ones who still get referenced at open mics and after-work pub nights in 2025. These are the figures who shaped what stand-up could be, and their influence is still everywhere, from live shows to memes. Let’s get into three true icons whose acts have inspired both their peers and younger generations.
Lenny Henry: Enduring Charisma and Advocacy
Lenny Henry practically rewrote the rule book on stand-up in the UK. Starting his career in the late 1970s, he went from variety shows to stadium gigs, always bringing warmth and sharp wit. What stands out most is how he mixes comedy with campaigning, often speaking out about diversity and equal opportunities in the arts.
He’s managed to be both a force for change and a reliably hilarious presence on TV and stage, making him one of the UK’s most beloved comedians.
Key things Lenny Henry is known for:
Founding Comic Relief, which has raised millions for good causes
Celebrating and promoting Black British culture through sketch and stand-up
His playful (and at times biting) storytelling style
Seamlessly blending satire with compassion and advocacy
It’s almost funny how often you’ll hear a new comic namecheck Lenny Henry as one of the inspirations that made them get on stage. His stuff never feels dated, and he’s still as sharp as ever.
Rowan Atkinson: Physical Comedy Icon
Plenty of people know Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean, but that character is only part of what makes him important for British stand-up. He turned awkward silence and tiny gestures into punchlines, bridging old-school slapstick and modern comedy. He’s also a master at sketch, from Blackadder to quick-fire live sets that have been studied and copied by comics around the world.
A look at Rowan Atkinson’s influence:
Era | Major Work | Impact |
|---|---|---|
1980s | Not the Nine O'Clock News | Changed satirical comedy forever |
1990s | Mr Bean | Global physical comedy hit |
2000s-2020s | Various TV and stand-up | Stand-up tours in dozens of countries |
Helped popularise character-based stand-up in the UK
Regularly compared to Charlie Chaplin for his expressive face and body language
Proved that verbal jokes aren’t the only kind that work on big stages
He’s still mentioned whenever people discuss why British icons like Michael McIntyre, Peter Kay, and Mo Gilligan are so globally appealing – physical humour cuts across language barriers.
Billy Connolly: The Art of Storytelling in Stand Up
Known by almost everyone as “The Big Yin,” Billy Connolly changed how stand-up was performed. More than just jokes, it was long stories about growing up in Glasgow, bizarre encounters, and the random thoughts that pop into his head. He’s always made long sets feel close and personal, like you’re at a kitchen table instead of a sold-out theatre.
Why Billy Connolly is still the gold standard:
Made talking about everyday struggles hilarious
Never shied away from telling embarrassing or emotional tales
Remained honest about illness and ageing, without losing his sparkle
Even now, Connolly’s approach—to just get on stage and talk to people, honestly—feels brand new every time you watch it.
These three remain touchstones for anyone interested in how British stand-up grew up—each bringing something uniquely their own to live comedy, and still making people laugh in 2025.
Comedy Tours That Define the British Stand Up Year
Every year, the British stand up circuit comes alive with comedians – established legends and newcomers alike – criss-crossing the country. 2025 is set to be packed with some truly unmissable tours, big and small, offering wild variety and plenty of laughs. From huge arenas to neighbourhood theatres, comics are taking their material straight to the fans.
Here’s a closer look at some of the must-see tours lighting up the calendar this year:
Chris McCausland: Comic Wit on the Road
Chris McCausland’s national tour is already gathering momentum. If you’ve seen him on TV panel shows, live is a whole other thing – the audience energy, the totally real moments when he riffs with people in the crowd, it all makes for a cracking night. Alongside his clever storytelling, Chris isn’t afraid to poke fun at himself or get stuck into the odd oddball conversation about life’s trickier corners.
Everyday stories with smart twists
Strong audience connection, often bouncing jokes off real-time banter
Venues range from classic clubs to bigger town halls
The best thing about McCausland’s shows? It’s the sense of everyone just relaxing and sharing a laugh about how seriously weird life can be, even for just a couple of hours.
Jack Dee: Dry Humour for the Masses
Jack Dee’s dry, world-weary wit is a staple on TV, but he’s a different beast on tour. His shows in 2025 are reportedly as sharp as his early days, bringing old fans and newcomers together. Whether it’s observations on the news, home life, or his own failings, Jack has a knack for making even misery sound hilarious.
Key tour features:
Clever one-liners and extended rants
Relatable, everyday topics with a no-frills approach
Frequent, honest exchanges with hecklers (and Jack rarely loses these!)
Check schedules for his stops across major venues nationwide, as spaces fill up surprisingly quickly for his shows.
Josh Widdicombe: Observational Laughs Nationwide
Josh Widdicombe’s tour is one of the hardest tickets to grab this year. His knack for honing in on the most annoying, awkward, and downright silly sides of normal life is second to none. The 2025 tour promises more fast-paced, relatable material – from mishaps at home to those everyday social minefields we all stumble into.
Tour highlights:
Jokes built around real-life frustrations
Unexpected tangents based on audience shouts
Support acts from newer comics, depending on the city
Here’s a quick look at how these gigs compare:
Comedian | Number of UK Cities | Tour Style | Audience Size |
|---|---|---|---|
Chris McCausland | 25+ | Interactive, story | Small/Medium halls |
Jack Dee | 30+ | Dry, classic | Large theatres |
Josh Widdicombe | 27+ | Fast, observational | Big town venues |
No matter who you book, there’s no shortage of laughter out there in 2025. The boom in comedy tours means it’s easier than ever to get seats for a local show, or even treat yourself to a night at a major arena. Just be warned – these comedians are quick, and some might turn your heckle into the running joke of the evening!
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a quick look at some of the most influential British stand-up comedians making waves in 2025. The scene is as busy as ever, with big names like Peter Kay and Greg Davies still packing out arenas, and newer faces popping up all over TikTok and Instagram. It’s a mix of old favourites and fresh talent, and honestly, it’s hard to keep up sometimes. Whether you’re into the classic observational stuff or prefer something a bit more off-the-wall, there’s always someone out there ready to make you laugh. If you get the chance, go see a live show – it’s a totally different experience from watching clips online. And who knows, maybe your next favourite comic is just waiting for their big break. Comedy in the UK isn’t slowing down any time soon, and that’s something to smile about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some of the biggest British stand up comedians in 2025?
In 2025, some of the most well-known British stand up comedians include Peter Kay, Ricky Gervais, Greg Davies, John Bishop, and Jimmy Carr. These comedians are famous for their sold-out shows, TV appearances, and huge followings on social media.
Which British comedians are currently on tour?
Many top comedians are touring the UK in 2025. You can catch Peter Kay, Greg Davies, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Mo Gilligan, Lou Sanders, and Chris McCausland performing live in cities across the country. There are also lots of rising stars and famous names doing shows in theatres and arenas.
Are there any new comedians to watch out for this year?
Yes! Some exciting new comedians making waves in 2025 include Mo Gilligan, Lou Sanders, and Babatunde Aleshe. They are known for their fresh jokes and different ways of making people laugh. Keep an eye out for their shows and TV spots.
Who are the most popular female stand up comedians in the UK right now?
Sarah Millican, Jenny Eclair, and Judi Love are among the top female comedians in the UK in 2025. They are known for their honest, funny, and bold performances that connect with audiences of all ages.
What makes British stand up comedy different from other countries?
British stand up comedy is often known for its clever wordplay, dry humour, and a mix of silly and smart jokes. Comedians here often talk about everyday life, poke fun at themselves, and use stories to make people laugh.
Where can I find tickets for British stand up comedy shows?
You can find tickets for comedy shows on websites like Ticketmaster, See Tickets, and at the official sites of the comedians. Many shows sell out quickly, so it's a good idea to book early if you want to see your favourite acts live.