Joz Norris Triumphs at Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2026

The Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2026 have celebrated a year of outstanding comedic talent, honouring performers and contributors across various categories. The prestigious Best Show award was claimed by Joz Norris for his acclaimed performance, "Joz Norris Is Hugh Jackman Is The Phantom Of The Opera". The festival also recognised emerging talent and significant contributions to the comedy scene.

Key Takeaways

• Joz Norris secured the coveted Best Show award.

• Luke Rollason won Best New Show, and James Ellis took home Best Debut Show.

• The festival celebrated venue and promoter excellence, alongside community contributions.

• Charlotte Laidet received a special award for her decade-long service and leadership.

• A separate competition highlighted the 'best clean joke' of the festival.

Award Winners

The full list of winners for the Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2026 includes:

• Best Show: Joz Norris Is Hugh Jackman Is The Phantom Of The Opera

• Best New Show: Luke Rollason: The Poolboy

• Best Debut Show: James Ellis: Craig

• Best Kids Show: The Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Romeo and Juliet

• Best Variety Show: Lady Bolognese: CLASS WAR

• Best Poster: Lucy Pearman: Lunartic (Designed by Will Andrews)

• Best Small Venue: Firebug

• Best Large Venue: De Montfort Hall

• Best New Venue: Soft Touch Arts

• Liberty Award: Wrestling With The Champ

• Best Promoter: Laughter Craft

• Tracey Miller Community Award: Leicester Libraries

• Student of the Year: Molly Oliver

• Business Contribution: Steep Soda

• Contribution to Leicester Comedy Festival 2026: Highcross Shopping Centre

Special Recognition and Contributions

Programme director Charlotte Laidet was honoured with the Chris Maughan Lifetime Contribution Award. Laidet, who has been with the organisation for nine years, has played a pivotal role in leading the festivals, particularly through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Michael Harris-Wakelam, Chief Executive of organisers Big Difference Company, praised Laidet's dedication to nurturing talent and her significant legacy in developing projects like Circuit Breakers and The UK Kids' Comedy Festival.

Best Clean Joke Competition

Independently organised by Masai Graham, a competition for the 'best clean joke' of the festival also saw Andy Bucks crowned the winner. His winning joke was: "I looked up the word singular in the dictionary, and that can mean only one thing." The top ten jokes from the festival were also revealed, showcasing a range of witty one-liners from comedians including Chris Webb, Matt Hollins, and Rosa Fernandez.

The Leicester Comedy Festival and The UK Kids' Comedy Festival are scheduled to return from 3rd to 21st February 2027.

Sources

• Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2026 results, British Comedy Guide.