Roundhouse Comedy Festival Returns with Star-Studded Lineup Featuring Frank Skinner and Joe Lycett

The Roundhouse in Camden is set to host its second annual Comedy Festival this summer, promising a packed schedule of top-tier comedic talent. Following the success of its debut last year, the festival, co-programmed by Berk’s Nest, will feature renowned comedians, live podcasts, and international acts.

Festival Highlights

• Frank Skinner will headline the opening night on August 1st.

• The festival marks 20 years since the Roundhouse reopened as an independent venue.

• UK premieres of US streaming platform Dropout's shows will be featured.

A Stellar Comedy Lineup

The festival boasts an impressive roster of comedians, including Frank Skinner, Katherine Ryan, Joe Lycett, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, Phil Wang, and Sam Campbell. The opening night on August 1st will see Frank Skinner take the headline slot, supported by Phil Wang, Rosie Jones, Celya AB, and host Paddy Young.

Other notable performers gracing the stage include Adam Buxton, Alexei Sayle, Amy Gledhill, Diane Morgan, Fern Brady, Jack Rooke, Jamali Maddix, Judi Love, Kristen Schaal, Lou Sanders, Michael Odewale, Nina Conti, and Troy Hawke. Special themed nights and showcases like 'Sara Pascoe & Friends' and 'Vittorio Angelone & Friends' will also feature sets from various comedians.

International Comedy and Live Podcasts

In collaboration with the US streaming service Dropout, the Roundhouse will present the UK premieres of 'Dirty Laundry', 'Um, Actually', and 'Crowd Control'. These shows will bring Dropout's unique blend of improv, comedy, and audience interaction to a live stage outside of the United States for the first time.

The festival will also feature live podcast recordings, including Adam Buxton's acclaimed podcast with special guest Mawaan Rizwan, and BAFTA-winning writer Jack Rooke revisiting his breakthrough show 'Good Grief'.

A Celebration of Live Comedy

Marcus Davey, CEO and Artistic Director of the Roundhouse, expressed his excitement for the festival's return. "After the joy of our first Comedy Festival, we’re delighted to be bringing it back to the Roundhouse this summer," he stated. "The programme brings together some of the biggest names in comedy, and it’s especially exciting to welcome back Roundhouse alumni." He added that the festival aims to create a shared live experience where audiences can enjoy comedy at its best in the venue's Main Space.

Owen Donovan, managing director of Berk's Nest, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We’re thrilled to be back at Roundhouse this August with some of our favourite comics, podcasts, and shows. 2023's festival was an amazing first festival and I can't wait for this bigger, busier, even more brilliant line-up to come to London for a huge summer of comedy."

Sources

• Comedians Frank Skinner and Katherine Ryan at Roundhouse, Ham & High.

• Big stars and rising talent on Comedy Garden line up, Peterborough Telegraph.