Comedy Stars Line Up For Major UK Tours In 2025 And 2026

Comedy Stars Line Up For Major UK Tours In 2025 And 2026: The Comprehensive Industry Report & Fan Guide

The Renaissance of British Live Comedy: A 2025-2026 Market Overview

The United Kingdom's live comedy sector is currently navigating a period of unprecedented expansion, a phenomenon that industry analysts are describing as a "Platinum Age" of stand-up. As we look ahead to the touring calendars for 2025 and 2026, the landscape is defined by a convergence of returning legends, television icons capitalizing on broadcast fame, and a new vanguard of digital-native stars who have successfully migrated vast online followings into physical ticket sales.  

This report serves as an exhaustive analysis of the comedy stars lining up for major UK tours over the next 24 months. It is designed not merely as a schedule, but as a deep-dive investigation into the artistic themes, economic drivers, and cultural significance of these shows. For the dedicated comedy enthusiast, understanding the nuances of these tours—from Peter Kay’s residency model to Russell Howard’s algorithmic rebellion—offers a richer appreciation of the art form. Furthermore, we examine the symbiotic relationship between massive arena spectacles and the grassroots vitality of clubs like Comedy in Your Eye in Camden, which serve as the incubators for the material that eventually fills stadiums.  

The surge in touring activity is not merely a return to pre-pandemic norms; it is an evolution. The data indicates a bifurcation of the market: on one end, the "Mega-Tour," characterized by high production values, year-long runs, and ticket prices reflecting the scarcity of the performer (e.g., Ricky Gervais, Peter Kay). On the other, a thriving theatre and club circuit where intimacy and experimentation remain paramount. This report will guide you through both worlds, providing the insights necessary to navigate the busiest comedy calendar in British history.

The Arena Titans: Comedy on a Grand Scale

The apex of the comedy ecosystem is occupied by a select group of performers capable of selling out venues with capacities exceeding 10,000 seats. The 2025/2026 period sees an unusual density of these "Arena Titans" touring simultaneously.

Peter Kay: The Phenomenon of Better Late Than Never

Tour Status: Continuing through 2025 and 2026. Venue Strategy: Monthly Residencies.

Peter Kay's return to the stage is arguably the most significant cultural event in British comedy of the last decade. His tour, Better Late Than Never, which began its record-breaking run in late 2022, is not just a series of gigs; it is a residency-based phenomenon that defies standard touring logistics.  

Unlike the traditional "hit-and-run" tour model, where an artist visits a city for a few nights and moves on, Kay has adopted a residency strategy. He performs one or two nights a month at major venues like The O2 Arena in London and the AO Arena in Manchester, stretching the tour over several years. This approach has profound implications:

• Longevity: It allows Kay to maintain a work-life balance that traditional touring precludes, ensuring his performances remain energetic and fresh even three years in.

• Ticket Scarcity: By spreading dates out, demand remains perpetually high. Each monthly release creates a new news cycle and a fresh wave of ticket buying urgency.

• Audience Experience: For fans, a Peter Kay show is a pilgrimage. The show relies heavily on shared cultural touchstones—nostalgia for the 70s, 80s, and 90s, the quirks of British family life, and the universal experience of aging.

  
  

Critically, Kay’s material in Better Late Than Never avoids the polarizing "culture wars" that consume many of his contemporaries. His comedy is a unifying force, relying on observational humor that is broadly accessible. He transforms the mundane—misheard song lyrics, the behavior of elderly relatives—into something anthemic. This universality is key to his ability to fill arenas well into 2026, with a confirmed flagship date at The O2 Arena on 7 August 2026.  

Ricky Gervais: The Mortality Tour

Tour Cycle: Throughout 2025. Thematic Focus: Death, Nihilism, and Freedom of Speech.

If Peter Kay represents the comforting embrace of nostalgia, Ricky Gervais represents the provocative edge of modern stand-up. His 2025 tour, Mortality, follows a trajectory of increasingly philosophical and controversial work.  

The Philosophy of Mortality

Gervais has explicitly framed this tour around the ultimate taboo: death. "We’re all gonna die, may as well have a laugh about it," he stated upon the tour's announcement. This nihilistic optimism is a trademark of his recent work (notably the series After Life). The show explores the absurdities of mortality, likely touching on topics such as aging, health scares, and the legacy one leaves behind.  

The Netflix Ecosystem

Gervais operates within a highly lucrative ecosystem where his live tours serve as the development engine for Netflix specials. Mortality is expected to follow this path, meaning the live dates in 2025 are the only opportunity to see the material in its raw, unedited form before it is immortalized on streaming platforms. Fans attending these shows are witnessing the refinement of a global product. The tour visits major UK cities before heading into Europe and North America, positioning Gervais as one of the few truly global British comedy exports.  

Jimmy Carr: The Industrialist of Laughter

Tour: Laughs Funny Dates: Late 2025 – Late 2026.

Jimmy Carr’s work ethic is legendary, but his 2025/2026 venture, Laughs Funny, marks a strategic pivot towards arena-exclusive touring in the UK and Ireland.  

The Arena Mechanic

Carr’s style—short, sharp one-liners and brutal audience interaction—traditionally thrives in theatres where he can see the whites of the audience's eyes. Translating this to an arena setting requires significant technological adaptation. The Laughs Funny tour utilizes massive screens and sophisticated audio setups to ensure that when Carr roasts a heckler in the cheap seats, the entire 15,000-strong crowd is in on the joke.  

The "Laughs Funny" Philosophy

The tour title itself is a statement of intent. Carr has often defended his darker material by arguing that the physiological response of laughter is involuntary and amoral. Laughs Funny promises 90 minutes of relentless joke delivery with no interval, a test of endurance for both the comedian and the audience’s funny bones. Key dates include a pre-Christmas spectacle at The O2 Arena on 17 December 2025 and a major show at the Sands Centre in Carlisle on 3 September 2026.  

Greg Davies: The Return of the Full Fat Legend

Tour: Full Fat Legend Dates: 2025 – 2027.

After a seven-year hiatus from stand-up, during which he cemented his status as a national treasure via Taskmaster and The Cleaner, Greg Davies returns to the stage. The demand for Full Fat Legend has been so overwhelming that dates have already been extended deep into 2027.  

The Taskmaster Effect

Davies’ fanbase has evolved significantly since his last tour. He is no longer just the "teacher from The Inbetweeners"; he is the authoritarian yet absurd "Taskmaster." This persona—judgemental, physically imposing, yet deeply silly—informs his stand-up. The tour dates reveal a comprehensive sweep of the UK, including a multi-night run at the Eventim Apollo in London throughout March 2026 (5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th) and a climactic show at The O2 Arena on 17 December 2026.  

Production and Scale

The Full Fat Legend tour is described as Davies at "the very top of his game". The sheer scale of the tour—visiting arenas like the Utilita Arena in Cardiff and First Direct Arena in Leeds—suggests a show designed for spectacle. Davies often uses visual aids and props in his storytelling, and the arena setting provides a larger canvas for these theatrical elements.  

Mo Gilligan: The Global Superstar

Tour: The Mo You Know Dates: Early 2026 (UK & World Tour).

Mo Gilligan’s trajectory from filming sketches on his phone to selling out the O2 Arena is one of the most rapid ascents in comedy history. His 2026 tour, The Mo You Know, is a victory lap for a comedian who has conquered television (The Lateish Show, The Masked Singer) and is now focused on global domination.  

The "Comedy in Your Eye" Connection

While Gilligan plays arenas, his connection to grassroots venues remains vital. Reports and reviews indicate that Gilligan is a frequent visitor to smaller, intimate clubs like Comedy in Your Eye in Camden to test new material. For the discerning fan, catching a "secret set" at a venue like Comedy in Your Eye offers a rare glimpse into the comedian's creative process before the polish of the arena tour.  

2026 Schedule Analysis

The 2026 leg of the tour kicks off in St Albans at the Alban Arena on 28 January 2026, followed by a run of regional theatres (Dartford, Eastbourne, Ashford) before escalating to larger venues. The tour concludes its UK run with two massive nights at the Eventim Apollo on 11-12 September 2026. This scheduling—starting small and building to the Apollo—mirrors the classic developmental curve of a stand-up show.  

The Theatre Mainstays: Storytelling and Relatability

While the arenas host the blockbusters, the UK’s network of historic theatres hosts the storytellers. These venues, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 seats, offer the ideal acoustic and atmospheric conditions for narrative comedy.

John Bishop: The Jubilee Tour

Tour: 25 Years of Stand Up Dates: Throughout 2025.

John Bishop is celebrating a quarter-century in the business. His 2025 tour is a retrospective, blending new observations with a celebration of his career milestones. Bishop’s appeal lies in his "everyman" persona; he is the relatable dad, husband, and mate who just happened to become famous.  

• Ticket Strategy: In a nod to his roots and the economic climate, Bishop introduced a pricing initiative where all tickets for his 25th-anniversary dates were priced at £25. This move not only generated immense goodwill but ensured sold-out shows across the country.  

• Key Dates: The tour hits major regional hubs in October 2025, including the Co-op Live in Manchester (4 Oct), Utilita Arena in Newcastle (8 Oct), and the O2 Arena in London (3 Oct).  

Rob Beckett: The Giraffe Tour

Tour: Giraffe Dates: 2025 – 2026.

Rob Beckett’s Giraffe tour is a masterclass in high-energy observational comedy. Beckett addresses the elephant (or giraffe) in the room immediately: his physical appearance, which he mines for self-deprecating gold. However, beneath the "geezer" exterior lies a sharp comedic mind that deconstructs class anxiety and social mobility.  

• Audience Demographics: Beckett’s audience has broadened significantly due to his podcast Parenting Hell. Expect a demographic skew towards young parents and families, with material tailored to the chaotic reality of raising children in modern Britain.

  
  

Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup of Tea

Tour: Not My Cup of Tea Dates: September 2025 – May 2026.

Josh Widdicombe, Beckett’s podcast co-host and star of The Last Leg, brings his distinct brand of incredulous grumbling to stages in late 2025 and 2026.  

• Show Concept: Widdicombe describes the show with characteristic self-effacement: "shorter and with lower production values than Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, but funnier and with more references to tea". This pitch perfectly encapsulates his appeal—low stakes, high relatability.  

• Key Locations: The tour visits venues like the Churchill Theatre in London (18-19 March 2026) and extends across the UK through Spring 2026.  

Chris Ramsey: Here Man!

Tour: Here Man! Dates: February 2026 – April 2026.

Chris Ramsey is another comedian whose career has been turbocharged by podcasting (Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed.). His solo tour, Here Man!, is his first major outing since his massive 2020 tour.  

• The "Homecoming" Factor: Ramsey’s tours are notable for their fervent reception in the North East. His 2026 schedule includes a three-night run at the O2 City Hall in Newcastle (17-19 April 2026), which are expected to be among the loudest and most energetic shows of the year.  

• Other Key Dates: Edinburgh Festival Theatre (8 Feb), Brighton Theatre Royal (20 Feb), and London Eventim Apollo (28 March).  

Romesh Ranganathan: Will Change Your Life

Tour: Will Change Your Life Dates: 2026 – 2027.

Romesh Ranganathan is one of the most ubiquitous faces on British TV. His new tour, ambitious titled Will Change Your Life, promises to help audiences improve their existence—or at least laugh at his failed attempts to do so.  

• Long-Range Planning: This tour is booking well into 2027, with dates at The O2 Arena confirmed for 16-17 April 2027. However, regional touring begins earlier, with dates in Brighton, Glasgow, and Edinburgh in early 2026.  

The Intellectuals, Activists, and Storytellers

For comedy fans who prefer their humor with a side of social commentary, structural complexity, or scientific inquiry, the 2025/2026 calendar offers a rich selection of "thinking person's comics."

Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation

Tour: Re:Creation Dates: 2025 – 2026.

Dara Ó Briain is a master of the form. His new show, Re:Creation, signals a return to his improvisational roots. After the heavily scripted and structured nature of his previous tour So, Where Were We?, this show focuses on the joy of "standing in a theatre, telling stories, and creating madness with the audience".  

• Improvised Brilliance: Ó Briain’s crowd work is legendary. Re:Creation places this skill at the center of the show, meaning no two performances will be identical.

• Key Dates: A residency at Vicar Street in Dublin kicks off 2026 (Jan 14-23), followed by a UK run including the Eventim Apollo (26-27 Feb) and Edinburgh Playhouse (28 March).  

Stewart Lee: Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf

Tour: Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf Dates: Late 2025 – 2026.

Stewart Lee occupies a unique position in the comedy landscape: a critic of the medium who is also its most accomplished practitioner. His new show, Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf, continues his trend of mythologizing his own life and career while deconstructing the artificiality of stand-up.  

• Content Expectation: Fans should expect long-form repetition, deconstruction of the audience’s reaction, and scathing political satire. Lee’s shows are polarizing by design; they are not for the casual viewer but offer deep rewards for those attuned to his rhythm.

• Double Bills: Lee often tours two hour-long sets back-to-back. Recent listings suggest he is presenting Basic Lee and Content Provider alongside new material, offering a comprehensive look at his recent output.  

Sara Pascoe: I Am A Strange Gloop

Tour: I Am A Strange Gloop Dates: Early 2026.

Sara Pascoe’s comedy is characterized by intellectual curiosity. Her shows often incorporate elements of evolutionary biology, anthropology, and sociology. The title I Am A Strange Gloop suggests a dive into consciousness, biology, or perhaps the messy reality of human existence.  

• Tour Highlights: The tour visits intellectual and cultural hubs including Cambridge Corn Exchange (20 March 2026) and the London Palladium (1 March 2026).  

Judi Love: All About The Love

Tour: All About The Love Dates: 2026.

While known for her boisterous TV persona, Judi Love’s stand-up is a deeply personal exploration of resilience. Her 2026 tour promises "home truths" about the struggle of juggling single parenthood, a media career, and the expectations placed on Black women in the public eye.  

• Empowerment through Humor: Love’s comedy serves a communal function, often turning the theatre into a space of shared catharsis. Her tour culminates in a massive homecoming show at the Eventim Apollo on 19 June 2026.  

The "Comedy in Your Eye" Connection: The Vital Role of Grassroots Venues

While this report focuses on major tours, it is impossible to understand the UK comedy ecology without acknowledging the role of small clubs. Comedy in Your Eye, located in the Camden Eye pub in London, serves as a critical case study for how the grassroots scene fuels the arena circuit.

The "Secret Set" Phenomenon

Research confirms that even the biggest stars—Mo Gilligan, Russell Howard, Joel Dommett—do not simply walk onto an arena stage with 90 minutes of new material. They build it, minute by minute, in clubs like Comedy in Your Eye.  

• Mechanism: These appearances are often unannounced ("Secret Sets"). Comedians value venues like Comedy in Your Eye because of the "no phones" etiquette and the knowledgeable, attentive crowds.

• The Fan Advantage: For a comedy fan, following a club like Comedy in Your Eye on social media is a strategic move. A ticket to see Mo Gilligan at the O2 might cost £60+, but catching him workshopping those same jokes at the Camden Eye might cost as little as £3.  

  
  

The Intimacy Differential

Seeing a comedian in a 100-capacity room offers a fundamentally different experience to an arena.

• Crowd Work: In a club, the comedian can interact with individual audience members in a way that is impossible in a 20,000-seat venue.

• Atmosphere: Comedy in Your Eye is noted for its "electric" and "inclusive" atmosphere, often described in reviews as one of the best nights out in London.  

• Programming: The club mixes established TV stars with rising talent. You might see a future arena star like Chris McCausland (who has played such venues) alongside a seasoned pro like Felicity Ward.  

  
  

Strategic Recommendation: To truly experience the 2025/2026 comedy wave, diversify your portfolio. Buy the Peter Kay tickets for the spectacle, but visit Comedy in Your Eye for the craft.

Emerging Trends Shaping the 2025/2026 Circuit

The analysis of tour press releases, show descriptions, and artist interviews reveals several macro-trends shaping the industry.

The "No Phones" Revolution

Russell Howard is at the forefront of a movement to reclaim the live experience from the digital realm. His Don't Tell The Algorithm tour explicitly markets itself on being a phone-free zone.  

• The Driver: This is a reaction to "Clip Culture," where stand-up routines are sliced into 30-second TikToks, often removing context and ruining punchlines for future audiences.

• The Technology: Expect to see the increased use of Yondr pouches (lockable magnetic bags for phones) at shows by Howard, Dave Chappelle (if he tours), and Chris Rock. This ensures that the show remains a unique, ephemeral event shared only by those in the room.

  
  

"Trauma Comedy" and Theatricality

The line between stand-up and the one-person theatrical show is blurring. Comedians are increasingly using their tours to process significant life trauma, moving beyond "setup-punchline" into narrative arcs.

• Rhod Gilbert: His tour Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit is a direct, albeit hilarious, confrontation of his battle with Stage 4 cancer. It is comedy as survival mechanism.  

• Miles Jupp: On I Bang details his sudden brain seizure and subsequent neurosurgery. The humor comes from the absurdity of the medical process and his own mortality.  

• Janey Godley: Before her passing, she set the template for this with her Not Dead Yet tour, proving that audiences are hungry for comedy that tackles the darkest subjects with defiance.

  
  

The Podcast Live Show

A significant number of "comedy tours" in 2025/2026 are not stand-up shows at all, but live recordings of popular podcasts.

• The Wittering Whitehalls: Michael and Hilary Whitehall (Jack Whitehall's parents) are touring Barely Alive. This is a chat show format, reliant on the chemistry between the hosts rather than written jokes.  

• Ed Gamble: While touring solo stand-up, Gamble also tours with Off Menu. Fans must distinguish between the two when booking tickets.

  
  

International Acts: The Transatlantic Exchange

The weak pound has not deterred international acts from targeting the UK, although the tier of talent is high—only those who can guarantee ticket sales are making the trip.

The American Invasion

• Matt Rife: The TikTok phenomenon represents the new model of fame. Without traditional TV credits, Rife has sold out a world tour. His UK dates at The O2 Arena in April 2026 (11th-23rd) are a testament to the power of social media algorithms in driving physical sales.  

• Pete Davidson: The SNL star and tabloid fixture brings a chaotic, confessional style to the UK. His appearances are limited (London, Belfast, Dublin), creating a "scarcity economy" around his tickets.

• Nick Offerman: Appealing to a different demographic, Offerman’s show is less "stand-up" and more "humorous essays with music," targeting fans of Parks and Recreation.  

Comprehensive Tour Data Tables (2025-2026)

The following tables provide a structured reference for the most significant tours.

Key London Arena & Major Venue Dates

Date	Artist	Show	Venue
03 Oct 2025	John Bishop	25 Years of Stand Up	The O2 Arena
17 Dec 2025	Jimmy Carr	Laughs Funny	The O2 Arena
14 Jan 2026	Alan Carr	Regional Tour	Various (Start Date)
28 Mar 2026	Chris Ramsey	Here Man!	Eventim Apollo
11-23 Apr 2026	Matt Rife	Stay Golden	The O2 Arena
19 Jun 2026	Judi Love	All About The Love	Eventim Apollo
07 Aug 2026	Peter Kay	Better Late Than Never	The O2 Arena
11-12 Sep 2026	Mo Gilligan	The Mo You Know	Eventim Apollo
17 Dec 2026	Greg Davies	Full Fat Legend	The O2 Arena
16-17 Apr 2027	Romesh Ranganathan	Will Change Your Life	The O2 Arena

Regional Tour Highlights (2026)

Artist	Show	Region	Key Venues
Russell Howard	Don't Tell The Algorithm	Nationwide	Stockton Globe, Bristol Beacon, Manchester Opera House
Greg Davies	Full Fat Legend	North/Wales	Utilita Arena (Cardiff), First Direct Arena (Leeds)
Chris Ramsey	Here Man!	North East/Scotland	O2 City Hall (Newcastle), Festival Theatre (Edinburgh)
Sara Pascoe	I Am A Strange Gloop	Midlands/South	Royal Concert Hall (Nottingham), Brighton Dome
Dara Ó Briain	Re:Creation	Ireland/Scotland	Vicar Street (Dublin), Edinburgh Playhouse

Practical Guide for the Comedy Consumer

Navigating the ticket market for these events requires savvy planning.

The "Presale" Ecosystem

Never wait for general sale.

1. Artist Mailing Lists: Subscribe to Peter Kay, Ricky Gervais, and Kevin Bridges directly. They often send presale links 48 hours before Ticketmaster.

2. Venue Memberships: Becoming a member of the Southbank Centre, The Lowry, or The Brighton Dome often guarantees early access to tickets, bypassing the online queues.

3. O2 Priority / Amex Presales: If you have the right mobile contract or credit card, you can access inventory reserved for corporate partners.

   
   

Avoiding Scams

With high demand comes high fraud risk.

• Official Resale Only: Use Twickets, Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan, or AXS Official Resale. These platforms cap prices at face value.

• Avoid Social Media: Never buy tickets from Twitter/X or Facebook comments. These are almost predominantly bots.

  
  

The "Comedy in Your Eye" Strategy

For the true aficionado, the best value is found in the clubs.

• Follow the Socials: Instagram handles for clubs like Comedy in Your Eye (@comedyinyoureye) are the first place "Secret Sets" are announced.

• Go Mid-Week: Tuesday and Wednesday nights are prime time for big stars to drop in for 20 minutes of new material. It’s low pressure for them, and high reward for you.

  
  

Conclusion: A Golden Era of Laughter

The 2025/2026 comedy calendar represents a high-water mark for the UK industry. The convergence of Peter Kay’s historic residency, Ricky Gervais’s global streaming dominance, and the explosive touring power of podcast stars like Rob Beckett and Ed Gamble has created a market of incredible depth and variety.

Whether you are looking for the communal spectacle of 20,000 people laughing at Jimmy Carr’s dark one-liners at the O2, or the intimate thrill of seeing Mo Gilligan work out a new routine at Comedy in Your Eye, there has never been a better time to be a comedy fan in the UK.

As the industry evolves, blending theatricality, podcasting, and traditional stand-up, the live show remains the ultimate currency. In a world of digital noise, the shared experience of laughter in a darkened room—whether an arena or a pub function room—remains undefeated.

Final Recommendation: While the arena shows grab the headlines, the soul of British comedy resides in the clubs. Balance your calendar: book Greg Davies for the spectacle, but spend your Tuesday nights at Comedy in Your Eye. That is where the future of comedy is being written, one joke at a time.