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Laugh Out Loud: The Best Comedians Touring the UK in 2025

  • Comedy in Your Eye
  • Apr 14
  • 14 min read

Updated: Apr 18


Stand Up Comedians touring at the O2 London


Alright comedy fans, brace yourselves! 2025 is shaping up to be an absolutely massive year for live stand-up across the UK. Seriously, the sheer number of top-tier comics hitting the road is enough to make your chuckle muscles ache just thinking about it. From the legendary figures packing out arenas after triumphant returns, to the razor-sharp observationalists dissecting modern life, and the freshest, most exciting voices shaking up the scene – there’s a glorious, side-splitting smorgasbord of laughter on offer. Navigating this embarrassment of riches can feel like trying to pick your favourite flavour of crisps – an almost impossible task!


But fear not, intrepid laughter-seekers! We’ve donned our comedy critic hats (they’re surprisingly stylish, actually) and waded through the sea of tour announcements to bring you this essential guide. Picking the absolute Best Comedians Touring the UK in 2025 is, let's be honest, a bit subjective. What makes one person howl might leave another politely smiling. However, we've looked at critical acclaim, roaring audience approval, the scale of their tours, and that certain je ne sais quoi – that spark that elevates a comic from funny to unmissable. The sheer volume and variety of tours announced, from Peter Kay’s record-breaking residency  to Stewart Lee’s high-concept theatre runs , suggests the UK's live comedy scene is absolutely thriving, bouncing back with incredible energy after quieter years. Furthermore, the frequent mentions of TV appearances like Strictly Come Dancing or Taskmaster alongside tour news  point towards the undeniable power of the telly in building the kind of fanbase needed to fill venues nationwide these days. So, grab your diaries, alert the group chat, and prepare to secure some tickets – here are the must-see comedians hitting UK stages in 2025!   


Arena Fillers – The Absolute Legends

These are the big guns, the household names, the comedians whose posters adorn arenas nationwide. They shift serious tickets and deliver blockbuster nights of comedy. If you want the big-room buzz and laughs shared with thousands, these legends are your first port of call.





Peter Kay: The Comeback King Keeps Rolling!

Let’s start with the man whose return to stand-up has been nothing short of phenomenal. Peter Kay’s comeback tour (officially titled 'Better Late Than Never' , though often just referred to by his name) is the comedy event that keeps on giving, extending well into 2025 and even 2026. This isn't just a tour; it's a cultural moment. The Bolton-born comic , who famously once worked as an usher at the Manchester AO Arena, recently completed his 100th show at that very venue, breaking attendance records left, right, and centre. He's also the first artist ever to hold a monthly residency at London's O2 Arena.   


What’s his secret? Kay’s enduring appeal lies in his mastery of relatable, observational humour. His style is down-to-earth, cheeky, and steeped in nostalgia – think misheard song lyrics, childhood sweets, and the glorious absurdity of everyday family life. He’s the quintessential everyman comic, offering, as one review put it, "comfort not edgy challenge". While some critics note he’s a "personable, conservative nostalgia merchant" , his knack for tapping into shared experiences clearly resonates deeply. His success, despite a 12-year hiatus from stand-up  and sticking firmly to his tried-and-tested formula, demonstrates a huge audience appetite for comforting, familiar laughs, a powerful connection built over decades that transcends fleeting comedy trends. He’s a multiple award winner, including North West Comedian of the Year back in 1996, British Comedy Awards, and Royal Television Society gongs.   


Catch Him If You Can: Kay continues his marathon tour throughout 2025, hitting major arenas like Manchester AO Arena, Leeds First Direct Arena, London O2, Sheffield Utilita Arena, Aberdeen P&J Live, Birmingham Utilita Arena, Dublin 3Arena, Belfast SSE Arena, Newcastle Utilita Arena, Liverpool M&S Bank Arena, and Nottingham Motorpoint Arena. Tickets remain incredibly hot property.   






Greg Davies: Back and Bigger Than Ever with 'Full Fat Legend'!

Get ready for the return of the mountain of mirth! Greg Davies is back on the road with his first stand-up tour since 2018's 'You Magnificent Beast', and it's aptly titled 'Full Fat Legend'. Standing at an imposing 6' 8" , Davies commands the stage with a presence honed through years of iconic TV roles. Whether it's the terrifyingly psychotic Head of Sixth Form Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners , the bewildered dad Ken in Cuckoo , the hilariously hapless Dan in Man Down , or the omnipotent Taskmaster himself , Davies has perfected a persona of blunt-speaking exasperation that’s utterly compelling.   


A former drama teacher , Davies brings a unique blend of intellectual wit and physical comedy to his stand-up. Expect tales delivered with his trademark deadpan disdain, cutting through social niceties with hilarious effect. He’s a BAFTA nominee for Cuckoo  and won the Chortle Award for Best Tour back in 2018 , proving his stand-up chops are as mighty as his stature. His ability to fill huge venues after a significant break from touring speaks volumes about the power of a distinctive comedic persona cultivated across multiple hit TV shows, bridging the gap between sitcom fans and live comedy lovers.   


Where to See the Legend: The 'Full Fat Legend' tour is a behemoth, running from January 2025 right through to March 2026. He's covering the length and breadth of the UK, including stops in Oxford, Manchester, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, York, Glasgow, Brighton, Sheffield, Swansea, Newcastle, Hull, London (including the Royal Albert Hall and OVO Arena Wembley), Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Bristol, and Bath. Ticket prices start around the £50 mark.   






John Bishop: Celebrating '25' Years of Laughs!

Scouse sensation John Bishop is marking a massive milestone in 2025 – a quarter of a century in the comedy game! He’s celebrating with his tenth tour, aptly titled '25', hitting arenas across the UK and Ireland. Bishop is the archetypal "mate down the pub" comic , known for his effortless warmth, relatable storytelling, and easy charm. His comedy mines his own life experiences – from his days as a semi-pro footballer and nightclub doorman to becoming a dad and, more recently, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sir Ian McKellen and Jürgen Klopp.   


While some reviewers point out his anecdotal style sometimes prioritises the journey over killer punchlines , his ultra-relaxed, matey persona creates an undeniable connection with the audience. He makes the extraordinary circumstances of his current life seem utterly relatable, a testament to his skill as an everyman raconteur. His enduring success highlights the lasting appeal of this warm, conversational style in British comedy, capable of filling arenas through sheer likability and engaging tales.   


Join the Celebration: The '25' tour lands in Autumn 2025 (October-November). Catch him in Plymouth, London (O2), Manchester (Co-op Live), Newcastle, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Derby, Cardiff, Liverpool, Dublin, and Belfast. In a nod to his anniversary, tickets are priced at a very reasonable £25 (plus fees). He's also doing 'Work in Progress' shows in September.   






Ricky Gervais Asks the Big Questions in 'Mortality'

Never one to shy away from the big topics (or a bit of controversy), Ricky Gervais returns with his new tour, 'Mortality'. The creator of global phenomena The Office and Extras , Gervais is a multi-award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and director known for his acerbic wit and often provocative take on life, death, and everything in between. His stand-up often blends observational humour with black comedy, satire, and a willingness to tackle taboo subjects head-on.   


Famous for his controversial Golden Globes hosting stints , Gervais often positions himself against perceived 'woke' culture, though reviews suggest his targets can sometimes be predictable. While he claims 'Mortality' is his most personal show yet, expect his trademark blend of challenging humour ("classic observation comedy, delivered with effortless style" according to one quote ) and reflections on ageing, fame, and, presumably, the ultimate deadline we all face. His ability to court controversy while packing out huge venues globally demonstrates a unique knack for leveraging his outspoken persona into continued mainstream success.   


Ponder Mortality With Ricky: The 'Mortality' tour has UK dates scattered throughout 2025, including May, June, October, November, and December. He's playing a mix of arenas (Leeds First Direct Arena, London OVO Arena Wembley, Liverpool M&S Bank Arena) and extended runs at prestigious theatres like the Bristol Beacon and a massive residency at the London Palladium , offering fans different ways to experience his comedic genius.   


Theatre Titans & Critical Darlings

Moving from the vast arenas, we find the comedians who command the UK's finest theatres. These acts are often lauded by critics for their sharp writing, innovative styles, and willingness to push boundaries. Expect smarts, style, and serious laughs from this bunch – definitely contenders for the Best Comedians Touring the UK in 2025.





Katherine Ryan: Battleaxe

Canadian-born, UK-based powerhouse Katherine Ryan continues her critically acclaimed 'Battleaxe' tour into 2025. A ubiquitous face on British TV panels (8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week, QI, Have I Got News For You ) and star of her own Netflix specials (Glitter Room, In Trouble) and sitcom (The Duchess) , Ryan is renowned for her sharp wit and fearless commentary.   


Her style is sassy, acidic, and uncompromising, brilliantly dissecting modern life, relationships, motherhood, and celebrity culture. As one review noted, she "skilfully tackles a number of hot potatoes". The 'Battleaxe' show sees her blend perfectly crafted barbs with formidable improvisation skills, particularly in the second half where she tackles audience dilemmas. She's a truly modern, multi-platform comedian whose stand-up, TV work, and writing (including her bestselling book The Audacity ) all feed into a compelling, cohesive comedic voice that resonates strongly with audiences.   


Witness the Battleaxe: The tour runs until June 2025 , playing major theatres and city halls across the UK, including multi-night runs at the London Palladium, plus dates in Guildford, Glasgow, Birmingham, Reading, Milton Keynes, Exeter, Bristol, Cambridge, and many more.   


Bill Bailey: Thoughtifier

Prepare for a "magical, musical mystery tour of the human mind" with the utterly unique Bill Bailey. A true national treasure , Bailey blends whimsical stand-up, surreal observations, and astonishing musical talent into a show unlike any other. Known to millions from Black Books, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, QI , and even waltzing his way to victory on Strictly Come Dancing , Bailey's live shows are where his eccentric genius truly shines.   


Expect routines incorporating multiple instruments, clever musical parodies (like Happy Birthday in a minor key, Berlin cabaret style ), and explorations of everything from AI and climate change (sometimes awkwardly, according to reviews ) to whales and biophilia. His style is a delightful mix of the intellectual and the joyfully daft, "freewheeling between musical genius and avuncular wizardry". His ability to weave complex ideas and niche interests into accessible, entertaining routines is a key part of his enduring charm.   


Get Thoughtified: The 'Thoughtifier' tour hits UK theatres in August 2025, with dates in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stockton-on-Tees, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, and Salford. Bailey is also performing 'Work In Progress' shows in Didcot and Hertford in September 2025.   






Stewart Lee: Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf

Often hailed as "the comedian's comedian"  and "the most stimulating stand-up of the 21st century" , Stewart Lee offers a challenging, deconstructive, and deeply rewarding comedy experience. Known for his work with Richard Herring , co-creating the controversial hit Jerry Springer: The Opera , and his BAFTA-winning TV series Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle , Lee's stand-up is characterised by repetition, meta-commentary, deadpan delivery, and intellectual rigour.   


His 2025 show, 'Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf', pits his own nuanced, liberal comedic style against the aggressive, primal, fact-free certainty he sees dominating modern discourse, personified as a werewolf comedian. Expect a typically high-concept, tightly constructed show where Lee dissects his own performance, anticipates audience reactions with disdain, and explores the conflict between thoughtful liberalism and blunt populism, all while wearing a reported £6,000 werewolf costume. His success proves there's a significant audience hungry for comedy that makes you think as much as it makes you laugh.   


Face the Man-Wulf: Lee tours 'Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf' extensively through 2025, with dates in May, July, September, October, and November. He's playing major theatres nationwide, including Liverpool Philharmonic, Leeds Playhouse, London's Royal Festival Hall, Cardiff New Theatre, Glasgow Theatre Royal, Bristol Beacon, Brighton Dome, and many more.   






Harry Hill: New Bits & Greatest Hits

Get ready for a dose of pure, unadulterated silliness with the king of surreal comedy, Harry Hill! Instantly recognisable by his oversized collar and specs, Hill is the mastermind behind the iconic Harry Hill's TV Burp and the long-running voice of You've Been Framed!. A former medical doctor who won the Perrier Best Newcomer award back in 1992 , Hill’s comedy is a whirlwind of chaotic energy, visual gags, playful absurdity, and often involves audience interaction.   


His 2025 tour, 'New Bits & Greatest Hits', promises exactly what it says on the tin – a celebration of his unique brand of humour, blending familiar favourites with fresh daftness. Expect bizarre observations, brilliant physicality (including potential sock-based slapstick ), and maybe even the chance to join him on stage in a double act. His enduring popularity lies in his commitment to a distinctively bonkers, largely family-friendly style that offers pure escapist fun.   


Join the Badger Parade: Harry Hill is touring 'New Bits & Greatest Hits' from February to September 2025. He's visiting a huge range of theatres across the country, including dates in London, Colchester, Leeds, Croydon, Cambridge, Birmingham, York, Glasgow, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Salford, and many others.   




Unmissable Mavericks & Rising Stars

Beyond the established giants and critical darlings, 2025 sees a wealth of other incredible talent hitting the road. Keep an eye on these comedians – they might be newer names to some, offer a unique perspective, or are simply generating serious buzz.




Chris McCausland: Yonks!

Chris McCausland is having a moment, and rightly so. Already a highly respected circuit comedian, his profile exploded following his triumphant, audience-winning run on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. His 'Yonks!' tour is selling out venues at lightning speed, with extra dates being added constantly. McCausland, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa , is a master of relatable, observational comedy delivered with genial cynicism and brilliant self-deprecation.   


His blindness informs some routines, often used as a clever tag or perspective shift rather than the sole focus, highlighting shared human experiences. He tackles everyday annoyances, nostalgia (he got his degree in the 90s ), the awkwardness of medical procedures, and the bafflement of modern technology with witty charm. As Chortle noted, he proves "mainstream doesn't have to be bland". His success powerfully illustrates how mainstream TV exposure can catapult an already skilled comic into the stratosphere, with his relatable style and unique viewpoint connecting with a massive audience.   


Catch Him While You Can: The 'Yonks!' tour is extensive, running throughout 2025 and into 2026. He's playing an incredible number of dates in theatres and arts centres all over the UK – seriously, check his schedule, he's probably coming near you. But book fast!.   





Ellie Taylor: Palavering!


Actress, presenter, writer, and comedian Ellie Taylor brings her multifaceted talents to the stage with her 2025 tour, 'Palavering!'. You'll likely recognise her from her scene-stealing role as Sassy in the global hit Ted Lasso , as a newsreader on The Mash Report , or from numerous appearances on shows like Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, and Strictly Come Dancing.   


Her stand-up often explores the realities of marriage (keeping the spark alive, monogamy), motherhood (she has two children), and navigating modern life with wit and smart self-mockery. A former model  and author of the Sunday Times bestseller My Child and Other Mistakes , Taylor embodies the modern comedian successfully juggling multiple creative outlets. Her relatable subject matter, combined with her significant TV profile, makes her a popular draw for theatre audiences across the country.   


Stop Palavering and Book: Ellie Taylor tours 'Palavering!' in Spring 2025 (April-May). Catch her in major theatres nationwide, including Portsmouth, Exeter, Guildford, Reading, Salford, Bristol, Cambridge, Brighton, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London's Hackney Empire, Birmingham, and Cardiff.   






Omid Djalili: Namaste

Prepare for a high-energy, captivating comedy masterclass from the legendary Omid Djalili. A familiar face from Hollywood blockbusters (Gladiator, The Mummy, Pirates of the Caribbean ) and acclaimed TV dramas (His Dark Materials ), Djalili is also a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian. Born in London to Iranian parents , his comedy often draws on his cultural background, delivered with infectious energy and charisma.   


His style is intelligent, sometimes provocative, and always entertaining. He has a knack for using playful charm to tackle potentially taboo subjects, blending mainstream gags with a "subversive twinkle". Expect energetic physicality (including his famous Middle-Eastern dancing ), sharp observations, and a unique perspective that sets him apart. His ability to balance a successful acting career with a distinctive stand-up voice makes him a consistently fascinating performer.   


Say Hello To Omid: The 'Namaste' tour runs throughout most of 2025, from February right through to December. He's playing an extensive list of theatres across the UK, including Southampton, Harrogate, Birmingham, Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton, London (Union Chapel and Cadogan Hall ), Newcastle, and many more.   






Chloe Petts: How You See Me, How You Don't


Chloe Petts is undoubtedly one of the most exciting rising stars on the UK comedy circuit. With a compelling stage presence and a "laddish swagger" , Petts tackles subjects like gender identity, sexuality, online abuse, and her love of football with sharp wit and refreshing honesty. An alumna of the prestigious Pleasance Comedy Reserve and a finalist/runner-up in major new act competitions , she's quickly gained critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.   


You might have seen her on Have I Got News For You, Jonathan Ross's Comedy Club, or Netflix's Gender Agenda. She's also a co-founder of the queer comedy collective The Lol Word. Her 2025 show, 'How You See Me, How You Don't', follows acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe runs and explores her experiences, particularly dealing with online hate after landing her own Sky Sports football show. Her success signals a vibrant space for sharp, confident queer voices discussing contemporary issues in UK comedy.   


See Chloe: Petts is touring 'How You See Me, How You Don't' in the first half of 2025 (running until May). Catch her at venues like Brighton Komedia and London's Soho Theatre, as well as festival appearances including Bristol and Brighton Comedy Gardens.   



Unmissable Team-Ups & Podcast Power

It's not just solo stand-ups taking to the stage. The phenomenal rise of comedy podcasts has spawned a new breed of live show, where fans can experience the chemistry and banter of their favourite hosts in person.





Wolf & Owl Live (Romesh Ranganathan & Tom Davis)

Fans of the hit podcast Wolf & Owl rejoice! After nearly 300 episodes of "shooting the breeze" , Romesh Ranganathan (The Owl) and Tom Davis (The Wolf) are finally taking their much-loved format on the road in 2025. The podcast's charm lies in its lack of format – just two incredibly funny mates chatting nonsense, tackling listener dilemmas, and sharing hilarious anecdotes from their lives and careers.   


Romesh, of course, is the ubiquitous host of The Weakest Link and A League of Their Own, a Radio 2 presenter, and a globally touring stand-up in his own right. Tom is the star and creator of King Gary and Murder In Successville, known for scene-stealing roles in films like Wonka and Paddington 2. The live show promises all the unedited laughs and surprises fans love from the podcast. This tour perfectly exemplifies the trend of popular podcasts translating their intimate, conversational style into successful live events, offering a different kind of connection for their dedicated audience.   


Join the Pack: The 'Wolf & Owl Live' tour hits UK and Irish theatres in Autumn 2025 (September - November). Catch the duo in Belfast, Birmingham, London (Hackney Empire), Dublin, Glasgow, Cardiff, Brighton, Newcastle, and Manchester.   



The Final Chuckle: Your Intimate Comedy Fix



Felicity Ward at Comedy in Your Eye


Phew! What a line-up. Seeing the Best Comedians Touring the UK in 2025 in huge arenas and grand theatres is an incredible experience. But sometimes, you just crave that electric buzz of a smaller room, where you're right up close to the action, feeling every punchline land in a shared, intimate space. Sometimes, you want to discover your next favourite comedian before they hit the big time.


If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you absolutely have to get yourself down to Comedy in Your Eye! Tucked away upstairs at the historic Camden Eye pub – literally slap-bang opposite Camden Town Tube station, so dead easy to get to  – this place is an absolute gem for proper London stand-up. Forget cavernous halls; here you get a friendly, buzzing, intimate vibe where everyone feels part of the show.   


The line-ups are consistently brilliant, mixing familiar faces you'll recognise from the telly (think Live at the Apollo, Taskmaster, Mock the Week alumni ) with the absolute best rising stars tearing up the London circuit. You're genuinely seeing some of the "finest stand-up comedians London has to offer". And the best bit? It won't break the bank! Tickets start at a frankly ridiculous £3 , making it hands-down one of the best value, top cheap nights out in the capital. Don't just take our word for it – they've been nominated for 'Best Comedy Venue' by Time Out, lauded by the Evening Standard and DesignMyNight, boast hundreds of five-star reviews, and even bagged a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award. Comedy clubs like this are the lifeblood of the scene, nurturing talent and offering affordable laughs, providing the perfect counterpoint to the big-ticket tours. So, after you've seen the legends in the arenas, treat yourself to a different kind of brilliant comedy night – get Comedy in Your Eye sorted!   



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