James Acaster's 2026 Tour: The 2025 'WIP' UK Dates & Beyond

James Acaster's 2026 Tour: The 2025 'WIP' UK Dates & Beyond

Let's get straight to it. The absolute frenzy surrounding the James Acaster 2025 'Work In Progress' Tour UK was a sight to behold. Tickets vanished. Venues sold out in minutes. And if you are reading this, you probably fell into one of two camps: you either frantically hammered 'refresh' on a dozen browser tabs and failed , or you heard the buzz and are now desperately searching for what comes next.  

That frantic search has one big question at its heart: "What about the 2026 UK tour?"

We have done the digging, and the answer is not what you expect. The 2025 tour was just the beginning, a "work in progress" in every sense of the term. It was the testing ground for something much bigger. This article is the definitive, expert-level guide to James Acaster's 2026 plans, including the real 2026 tour, his actual UK appearances, and, most importantly, how to actually get tickets the next time he announces a show.

Quick Takeaways: What to Know About Acaster's 2026 Plans

We know you are busy, so here is the "above the fold" answer. This is the expert summary of the entire situation.

• The 2025 Tour Was the "Test": The 2025 'Work In Progress' (WIP) UK tour was a limited run of shows. He hit small venues to test and refine an hour of brand-new material. That tour is now over, and all dates are sold out.  

• The 2026 Solo Tour is in North America: The new, polished show that he perfected in those UK clubs? That is for a massive, confirmed 2026 North American Tour. Dates are already booked for January and February 2026 in major cities like Toronto, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.  

• There is NO 2026 UK Solo Tour (Yet): Let's be crystal clear. As of now, there is no 2026 solo stand-up tour (in the style of Hecklers Welcome or Cold Lasagne) announced for the United Kingdom.

• The Real 2026 UK Date: Acaster's only confirmed UK performance in 2026 is 'Off Menu Live: The Tasting Menus' with his podcast co-host, Ed Gamble. They are doing a historic, multi-night run at the Royal Albert Hall in London.  

• The New Philosophy: His new stand-up material is a direct continuation of his 'Hecklers Welcome' philosophy. It is a blend of his classic, intricate routines combined with more "ad hoc" and in-the-moment crowd-based work.  

• How to Get Tickets: Acaster has "decided social media can take a hike". The only reliable way to get tickets for his next solo tour is by joining his official mailing list and the mailing lists of his promoters.  

The 2025 'Work In Progress' Tour: What We Witnessed

What is a 'Work In Progress' Show, Anyway?

First, let's clear this up. A 'Work in Progress' or 'WIP' show is not a polished, finished product. It is not Hecklers Welcome or Repertoire. A WIP show is a special event, an established comedian stepping onto a stage to "try new ideas for an hour". It is a chance to test new material, develop longer solo shows, and see what works (and what does not) in front of a live audience.  

But why is an Acaster WIP show different?

James Acaster's entire reputation is built on immaculate, intricate structure. He is the man who built a four-part Netflix special, Repertoire, with an overarching narrative. He is the man who received a record-breaking five consecutive nominations for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe. His work is famously "highly polished".  

A WIP show is the antithesis of that. It is a rare chance to see his "creative process in action" , a "raw, unfiltered feel" before the polish is applied. Attending an Acaster WIP is not just seeing new jokes; it is participating in the high-wire act of his creative process. It is a return to his high-stakes, "will this even work?" Edinburgh roots, and for a true comedy fan, there is nothing more exciting.  

A Look Back: The Sold-Out 2025 UK Venues

The 2025 tour was not about arenas or massive theatres. It was a deliberate "back to basics" move. The venue list tells the whole story: The Stand in Glasgow, Monkey Barrel in Edinburgh, Komedia in Bath and Brighton, The Gaffe in Bristol, and London rooms like the Park Theatre and Soho Theatre.  

This is what we call the "Crucible Strategy."

Acaster is a massive, Netflix-level star. He could easily sell out a 3,000-seat theatre for a "work in progress." Instead, he chose 100-300 seat comedy clubs. Why?  

He was not just testing jokes; he was testing them in a "crucible." He was deliberately seeking out the pressure and environment of a real, savvy comedy audience in a room where he could not hide behind production or reputation. This choice shows a deep respect for the craft. It validates the entire grassroots club experience as the only place to forge world-class comedy. He was not just performing; he was working.

Themes and Whispers: What Was the New Material About?

This is the key question: "What jokes did James Acaster tell on his 2025 tour?". The simple answer is that, as is normal for WIPs, no specific jokes or routines have been publicly reported. That is part of the magic circle.  

However, we can do more than just guess. We can analyse.

This 2025 tour was the first new material Acaster has written since his 2024 special, Hecklers Welcome. That special was a show about deconstructing stand-up, inviting chaos, and breaking his own rules. The 2025 WIP tour, therefore, was the result of that deconstruction. It was the first show built from the ground up using those new, chaotic tools.  

Audience members on Reddit noted that by the end of the run, it was "sounding like a fairly fully-formed stand-up show". This suggests he successfully found the new structure. He was blending his classic, meticulously constructed "big-yield routines" with the new, looser "ad hoc material" and riffs that defined his 'Hecklers' philosophy. The 2025 tour was where he found that new, perfect balance.  

So, Is James Acaster Touring the UK in 2026?

The Big Reveal: The 2026 North American Tour

This is the definitive answer to the query. The 2025 UK 'Work In Progress' tour was the warm-up. The 2026 final show is launching in North America.

The sold-out 2025 UK tour was the cause; the massive 2026 North American tour is the effect. He perfected his product in the intimate clubs of Glasgow, London, and Bristol, and now he is exporting it to the lucrative US and Canadian market.  

For any comedy fans searching for "James Acaster 2026 tour," this is the most important information. The table below outlines all confirmed 2026 dates, and the contrast is stark.

Date	City	Venue	Tour/Event
20-Jan-26	Toronto, ON	Massey Hall	North American Tour
21-Jan-26	Toronto, ON	Massey Hall	North American Tour
23-Jan-26	Philadelphia, PA	Miller Theater	North American Tour
24-Jan-26	Medford, MA	Chevalier Theatre	North American Tour
25-Jan-26	Boston, MA	The Wilbur	North American Tour
27-Jan-26	Washington, DC	Warner Theatre	North American Tour
28-Jan-26	Nashville, TN	James K. Polk Theater	North American Tour
30-Jan-26	Austin, TX	Paramount Theatre	North American Tour
01-Feb-26	Atlanta, GA	Buckhead Theatre	North American Tour
04-Feb-26	New York, NY	Beacon Theatre	North American Tour
05-Feb-26	New York, NY	Beacon Theatre	North American Tour
06-Feb-26	Chicago, IL	The Chicago Theatre	North American Tour
07-Feb-26	Denver, CO	Paramount Theatre	North American Tour
13-Feb-26	San Francisco, CA	The Masonic	North American Tour
13-Mar-26	London, UK	Royal Albert Hall	'Off Menu Live' Podcast
14-Mar-26	London, UK	Royal Albert Hall	'Off Menu Live' Podcast
14-Mar-26	London, UK	Royal Albert Hall	'Off Menu Live' Podcast
15-Mar-26	London, UK	Royal Albert Hall	'Off Menu Live' Podcast
15-Mar-26	London, UK	Royal Albert Hall	'Off Menu Live' Podcast
16-Mar-26	London, UK	Royal Albert Hall	'Off Menu Live' Podcast

What About the UK? Enter 'Off Menu Live' at the Royal Albert Hall

That table visually proves the point. The 2026 solo focus is America. But the UK gets something entirely different, and arguably, just as historic.

The real 2026 UK event for James Acaster is 'Off Menu Live: The Tasting Menus'. He and Ed Gamble are taking their smash-hit Off Menu podcast live, and they are not doing it by halves.  

This is a six-show run at the Royal Albert Hall. This is not just "a podcast show"; it is a cultural event. It marks the "biggest-ever podcast run" for the iconic venue.  

This signals a massive pivot in Acaster's career. His brand has successfully evolved beyond just "stand-up comedian." He is now a multimedia entity, a megastar podcaster who can sell out a 5,000+ seat venue six times over. For UK fans, 2026 is the Year of the Podcast.

If you want to see him live in the UK, this is your only chance. Most of the shows are completely sold out, but the newly added final date, Monday, March 16, 2026, is currently listed as "Selling fast".  

Why 2026 UK Solo Dates Haven't Been Announced (Yet)

This is a question of simple logistics and strategy. As industry experts, we can provide a clear analysis.

1. He is on a massive, coast-to-coast North American tour in January and February 2026.  

2. He has the enormous, six-night Off Menu production at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2026.  

3. A full-scale UK solo tour (think 50+ dates, new marketing, booking venues) requires a huge logistical and mental runway.

It is strategically impossible for him to launch a new UK solo tour in 2026. He would be competing with himself and creating total fan confusion.

Therefore, our expert prediction is this: UK fans should not expect a new solo tour until late 2026 at the absolute earliest, with 2027 being a much more realistic timeframe. This allows him to complete his international and podcast commitments, write more new material, and return to the UK with a fresh, polished show.

How to Get Your Comedy Fix While You Wait

The Best Stand Up Comedy in Camden Town: Comedy in Your Eye

So, you are a UK-based comedy fan. Your favourite comedian, James Acaster, is not doing a solo tour in 2026. You are craving that live, electric, "in-the-know" comedy experience. What do you do?

You go where the next James Acaster is performing tonight. You go to a place that embodies the same spirit of raw, inventive, grassroots comedy that Acaster himself used to forge his 2025 show.

You come to see Stand up Comedy in Camden Town, and the undisputed champ is Comedy in Your Eye Comedy Club.

There is a direct line between what Acaster did in 2025 and what we do every week.

James Acaster tested his new material in intimate, "crucible" clubs. He is a famous alumnus of the UK's biggest TV shows, including Taskmaster, Mock the Week, and Live at the Apollo.  

Comedy in Your Eye is an AWARD WINNING stand up club, nominated by Time Out for "BEST COMEDY VENUE" and a 5-star winner on Trip Advisor.  

Our "top secret line-ups" also feature a rotating cast of comedians from Netflix, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Taskmaster, and Comedy Central.  

You do not have to wait for 2027 and fight for a ticket. You can come to our club tonight and see the exact same calibre of comedian. You might see a huge star trying their own new material, or you will discover your new favourite comic. You get the same "Work In Progress" thrill, the same "I was there when" bragging rights, every single week in our genuine, "safe space" environment.  

And unlike a sold-out Acaster arena ticket, you can get in with great deals like the drinks deal. Our special offer gets you entry to our award-winning show plus a drink for just £6. It is the best, most affordable, and most authentic night of stand-up comedy in London.  

Where to Watch Acaster's 'Hecklers Welcome' Special

While you wait for his next tour, you can catch up on his last one. But this causes a lot of confusion for UK fans.

His 2024 special, Hecklers Welcome, was released by HBO Max. The problem? HBO Max is not available in the UK.  

Here is the high-value, expert-level tip: HBO has an exclusive distribution deal with Sky in the UK.

Therefore, the correct answer for our UK audience is that James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome is available to stream right now on Sky Comedy and NOW TV.  

The 'Hecklers Welcome' Philosophy: A New Era of Acaster

From 'Repertoire' to 'Hecklers': A Shift in Style

To understand his 2026 material, you must understand the profound artistic pivot he made with Hecklers Welcome.

Acaster's early fame was built on the Repertoire series. This was a "four-part special" with a mind-bending "overarching narrative". It was dense, complex, and a testament to his perfectionism.  

Hecklers Welcome is the opposite. It is a show that "welcomes hecklers" and invites chaos. As reviews noted, this new style "interrupts its rhythm" —and that is the entire point.  

This is not just a "new style"; it is a survival mechanism. His 2019 show, Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999, was famously about his mental health breakdown. The high-stress, high-burnout model of Repertoire's perfectionism was artistically unsustainable.

Hecklers Welcome is Acaster finding a way to make performing "a treat to perform, too".

He is actively deconstructing his own "genius" to protect his mental health, creating a more sustainable, resilient, and in-the-moment performance style.  

What This Means for His 2026 Tour Material

The 2026 North American tour is the product of the 2025 'WIP' tour, which was the first test of this new 'Hecklers' philosophy.

This means the 2026 show will not be Repertoire 2.0 or Hecklers 2.0. It will be a hybrid.

He knows fans still expect the classic, intricate Acaster storytelling—the "big-yield routines... from inauspicious beginnings" and the clever callbacks. But he needs the "ad hoc" looseness to stay sane and enjoy the performance.  

The 2026 tour will be the first show to fully synthesize these two halves. Expect the classic, mind-bending Acaster narrative, but with new, dedicated "release valves" for crowd work, riffs, and in-the-moment chaos. The 2025 WIP tour was where he found that perfect, new balance.

The Acaster Universe: What Else is He Working On in 2026?

Podcasts: Off Menu, Springleaf, and Perfect Sounds

Even without a solo tour, there is a mountain of Acaster content to consume in 2026. Off Menu is the commercial giant, the one powerful enough to sell out the Royal Albert Hall.  

But for the true fans, his "deep cuts" are just as essential. His other podcasts, Perfect Sounds (an exploration of music from 2016) and Springleaf (a brilliantly daft true(ish)-crime podcast), create a complete ecosystem. This shows his creative output is firing on all cylinders, far beyond the stage.  

Music, Books, and... Canceled Game Shows?

This is where we separate the true experts from the casual fans. Most articles will (correctly) tell you he is a Sunday Times bestselling author, thanks to Classic Scrapes and Perfect Sound Whatever. They will also tell you he is a musician, curating the 40-strong international collective Temps.  

But a true, authoritative guide must also include the deep-cut industry gossip.

In 2023, Acaster filmed a pilot for a new Channel 4 game show called 'James Acaster: People Person'. The premise involved comedians guessing facts about strangers.  

And then? "Channel 4 not taking 'James Acaster: People Person' forward". It was canceled.  

Including this "failure" is not a slight. It is a mark of true expertise. It shows we are not a fawning fan blog; we are deeply embedded in the comedy industry. It provides a more honest, rounded, and therefore more authoritative picture of his career. He is an artist who takes huge risks—and not all of them pay off.

The Ultimate Guide: How to Get James Acaster Tickets Before They Sell Out

This is the most important, actionable section of this article. This is how you win.

Step 1: Join the Official James Acaster Mailing List (The ONLY Way)

The fan frustration is real. "Sold out by the time I found out". "Lol sold out".  

Why? Because you are looking in the wrong place.

James Acaster has explicitly rejected social media for his announcements. His own website, jamesacaster.com, states it plainly: "I've decided social media can take a hike and am now focusing all my online efforts on this mother.".  

He sends news and gig dates via his "snazzy new mailing list". This is not a drill. This is the single most important piece of advice. The only way to be first in the queue for his 2027 solo tour is to be on that list.  

Step 2: Follow the Promoters (Plosive & PBJ Management)

The artist's list is Step 1. The promoter's list is Step 1a.

His shows are consistently promoted by Plosive Live and PBJ Management. These are the "gatekeepers." They often have their own pre-sales that go out to their own mailing lists, completely separate from the artist's. Signing up for the Plosive and PBJ mailing lists is an expert-level pro-tip.  

Step 3: Venue and Ticketmaster Presales

This is the third layer of attack. If you failed at Steps 1 and 2, you have one last chance. Venues like the Park Theatre have their own membership schemes ("Park Under 30"). Other venues have 'Friends of...' schemes. And, of course, major vendors like Ticketmaster have their own branded presales.  

This 3-step strategy is your only hope of beating the bots and the scalpers for the next inevitable, sell-out tour.

Conclusion: The Future of James Acaster

Let's pull it all together. The James Acaster 2025 'Work In Progress' Tour UK was a massive, sold-out success. But it was not the main event. It was the crucial testing ground for the real 2026 show, which is a massive North American Tour.  

For UK fans, the 2026 landscape is clear. Your only chance to see him live is at the historic 'Off Menu Live' podcast run at the Royal Albert Hall, a testament to his new status as a multimedia megastar. A new UK solo tour is inevitable, but it is not coming in 2026. All signs point to 2027.  

When that tour does arrive, it will feature the new, hybrid "Hecklers Welcome" style—a more sustainable, resilient, and exciting form of his comedic genius.  

Until then, the spirit of Acaster—that raw, inventive, boundary-pushing, "work in progress" stand-up—is alive and well. You do not have to wait for 2027. You can find it every single week at Comedy in Your Eye in Camden Town.

Do not wait for the next "sold out" phenomenon. Come and see the next big thing tonight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is James Acaster touring the UK in 2026?

No. James Acaster's new 2026 solo stand-up tour is confirmed for North America, with dates in Toronto, New York, Chicago, and more. His only confirmed 2026 UK dates are for his live podcast show, 'Off Menu Live', at the Royal Albert Hall in London in March.  

2. How can I buy tickets for James Acaster's next tour?

Tickets sell out almost instantly. James Acaster has quit social media for tour announcements. The only reliable way to get alerts for his next UK solo tour is to sign up for his official mailing list on jamesacaster.com. Signing up for promoter lists like Plosive is also a pro-tip.  

3. What is a 'Work in Progress' comedy show?

A 'Work in Progress' (WIP) show is a performance where a comedian tests new, unpolished material. For Acaster, his 2025 tour was a chance to "try new ideas for an hour" in intimate venues, refining the show that would become his 2026 North American tour.  

4. Where can I watch James Acaster's special 'Hecklers Welcome' in the UK?

Hecklers Welcome was released by HBO. In the UK, HBO content is exclusive to Sky. Therefore, you can stream James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome on Sky Comedy and NOW TV.  

5. What is the 'Off Menu Live: The Tasting Menus' 2026 show?

It is a live, on-stage version of James Acaster's and Ed Gamble's chart-topping Off Menu podcast. They are holding a record-breaking six-show run at the Royal Albert Hall in London in March 2026. Most dates are sold out, but tickets for the final show on March 16 are selling fast.  

Join the Comedy Conversation

This is our deep dive, but the comedy world moves fast. What are your predictions for Acaster's next move? Did you manage to see one of the 2025 'Work in Progress' shows? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and give this a share with any comedy fans who need the real 2026 info!

References

• Acaster, J. (2025). Gigs. Jamesacaster.com.  

• Chortle. (2025). James Acaster Tour Dates.  

• Comedy in Your Eye. (2025). James Acaster's 2025 'Work In Progress' Tour.  

• Comedy in Your Eye. (2025). Award Winning Stand Up Comedy.  

• Plosive. (2025). Events.  

• Royal Albert Hall. (2025). Off Menu Live: The Tasting Menus.  

• Off Menu Podcast. (2025). Off Menu Live: The Tasting Menus.  

• Reddit. (2025). James Acaster Work in Progress 2025 - Ticket Discussion.  

• The Guardian. (2023). James Acaster 'Hecklers Welcome' review.  

• Ticketmaster. (2025). James Acaster Tickets.  

Acaster's Unique Approach To Stand-Up

Reflections On Performance

James Acaster has a way of looking at stand-up that’s pretty different from most. He’s talked about how, in the past, he’d sometimes get really frustrated with audiences if they weren’t reacting exactly how he wanted. It sounds like he used to put a lot of pressure on himself for every single show to be perfect, and if it wasn't, he'd get a bit down about it. It’s like he’s been on a journey to figure out how to enjoy performing without getting too stressed about the outcome. He’s mentioned that stand-up is a bit like writing stories, but you have to show your work to the 'teacher' – the audience – every night. It’s a fast process, though, which he really likes; you can try an idea out, see if it works, and change it quickly. That constant creativity is a big part of why he still does it, even with all his other projects.

The Hecklers Welcome Experiment

This 'Work In Progress' tour is a bit of a follow-up to his 'Hecklers Welcome' idea. Basically, he decided to set some new rules for his shows. Instead of getting annoyed if people heckled, or didn't laugh much, or even if they were on their phones, he decided to try and be okay with it all. The idea was that he wouldn't get upset, no matter what the audience did. It was his way of trying to stop himself from getting burnt out and having those really bad gigs he used to dread. He wanted to focus on just doing his best performance, regardless of the crowd's reaction, and be proud of that, rather than letting the audience's behaviour dictate his mood.

A New Set Of Rules

So, what are these new rules Acaster has been playing with? Well, it’s less about him dictating to the audience and more about letting them have a bit more freedom, while he tries to stay calm. It’s a bit of a mind game, really.

• Audience Freedom: People can heckle, not laugh, use their phones, or even leave if they want.

• Comedian's Control: Acaster’s job is to not get annoyed by any of this behaviour.

• Focus on Performance: The goal is for him to deliver his best set, no matter the audience's response.

• Self-Reflection: It’s a way for him to work on his own reactions and enjoy the process more.

This whole approach seems to be about James trying to find a more sustainable and enjoyable way to do stand-up comedy. It's like he's trying to take the pressure off himself by giving the audience more agency, and in doing so, hopefully, making the whole experience better for everyone involved, including himself. It’s a pretty brave thing to try out, especially when you’ve built a career on a certain kind of performance.

He’s mentioned that sometimes conversations in the comedy world can get a bit repetitive. His way of dealing with that is often just to do something completely different, rather than getting caught up in the same old debates. It’s a way of moving forward and keeping things fresh, both for him and for the people watching.

Beyond The Stage: Acaster's Other Ventures

While James Acaster is a massive name in stand-up, he's definitely not just a one-trick pony. He's been busy with a few other things that have really taken off.

Sunday Times Bestselling Author

It turns out James can string a sentence together off-stage too. He's penned a couple of books that have done pretty well. His first, 'Classic Scrapes', came out and people really seemed to like his stories. Then he followed it up with 'Perfect Sound Whatever', which also hit the bestseller lists. These books give you a different look into his mind, away from the spotlight of a live show. It's interesting to see how his unique way of looking at the world translates into writing.

Popular Podcast Collaborations

Podcasts are a big deal these days, and James is right in the thick of it. He co-hosts 'Off Menu' with Ed Gamble, and honestly, it's a laugh riot. They talk about dream meals, and it gets pretty silly. He's also involved with 'Perfect Sounds', which is another popular one. These podcasts show his quick wit and ability to just chat and be funny without a script.

Recent Media Appearances

Beyond his own tours and books, James pops up in various places. You might have seen him on TV panel shows, or perhaps he's been involved in other comedy projects. He's also had specials on Netflix, like 'Repertoire', which really showed off his distinctive style. It's clear he's a busy guy, always involved in something creative. If you're looking for more comedy in 2025, there are plenty of other comedians touring too, so it's a good year for laughs across the UK.

So, What's the Takeaway?

Right then, so James Acaster's 'Work In Progress' tour is shaping up to be a proper treat for anyone who fancies seeing comedy in its rawest form. It's not about polished perfection here; it's about catching a glimpse behind the curtain, watching a genuinely funny bloke try out new ideas and see what sticks. Given his track record with Edinburgh Fringe and those Netflix specials, you just know he's going to come up with something brilliant, even if it's a bit rough around the edges. It’s a rare chance to be part of the process, and honestly, that’s pretty exciting. If you're a fan, or just curious about how stand-up gets made, grabbing a ticket for one of these shows sounds like a solid plan. You'll likely get a good laugh, and maybe even witness the birth of a future comedy classic.

Why is James Acaster doing a 'Work In Progress' show?

James is using these shows to try out new jokes and ideas for his next big stand-up show. It's a chance for him to see what works with a live audience before he makes it a full show. Think of it like a sneak peek at his creative process!

What's so special about a 'Work In Progress' show?

These shows are a bit different from his usual tours. You get to see James experimenting and being a bit more raw. It's a rare opportunity to witness comedy being made right in front of you, and you might even hear jokes that never make it into the final show.

When and where can I see James Acaster's 'Work In Progress'?

James has dates planned at the Park Theatre in London during July and August 2025. These are special, smaller shows where he'll be testing out his new material for about an hour.

Is this show going to be like his Netflix specials?

While it will have his signature style – clever, quirky, and funny – 'Work In Progress' shows are more about testing the waters. His Netflix specials are usually polished, fully formed shows. This is more about the journey to get there.

Has James Acaster done 'Work In Progress' shows before?

Yes, he has! In fact, his show 'Hecklers Welcome' started out as a series of 'Work In Progress' shows. He often uses these types of gigs to develop his material before taking it on a big tour.

What else is James Acaster known for besides stand-up?

James is a really busy comedian! He's written best-selling books like 'Classic Scrapes', he co-hosts popular podcasts like 'Off Menu' with Ed Gamble, and he's even appeared in movies like 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire'.