The Best Comedians in the UK: A 2025 Guide to Stand-Up Stars
- comedyinyoureye
- Oct 4
- 11 min read
If you’re after a good laugh in 2025, you’re in the right place. The UK comedy scene is packed with talent, and this year’s tours are proof. From stadium-fillers to TV regulars, these are the best comedians making crowds roar up and down the country. Whether you’re into sharp one-liners, cheeky stories, or just want to see someone take the mick out of everyday life, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at the stand-up stars everyone’s talking about right now.
Key Takeaways
The best comedians in the UK are touring with fresh material in 2025, so there’s loads to see live.
Big names like Ricky Gervais and Peter Kay are selling out arenas, showing just how popular stand-up is right now.
There’s a good mix of classic acts and newer faces, meaning all styles of humour are covered.
Social media and streaming have made these comedians even more popular, reaching new audiences online.
Tickets are still available for most shows, but the top acts sell out quick—so don’t hang about if you want to go.
Ricky Gervais
When it comes to British comedy, Ricky Gervais stands out for his sharp wit, cutting commentary and ability to push boundaries while still getting a laugh out of even the darkest topics. He's not just the mind behind The Office – he's also starred in and created Extras, Derek and Netflix’s breakout hit After Life. In 2025, he's back on tour with a new stand-up show called 'Mortality,' which promises to dig into the oddity of life and the certainty of death, all while keeping things funny.
Some things that make a Ricky Gervais gig different:
Relentless honesty – he doesn't hold back, even when the topics are taboo.
Expert timing, mixing awkward silences with punchy one-liners.
Personal stories that make the audience think, just as much as they laugh.
There’s a reason Gervais is considered one of the UK’s most influential comedians. Audiences know he’ll challenge their views as much as entertain them, whether he’s poking fun at celebrity culture, politics, or even his own failings.
You’ll rarely see a performer so comfortable making fun of the uncomfortable. If you’re up for some brilliant, unpredictable stand-up in 2025, catching Ricky Gervais live will be one for the books.
Peter Kay
Peter Kay is truly a household name in the UK, and for good reason. His sense of timing and ability to capture everyday British life have made him one of the nation’s most beloved comedians. Known for selling out arena tours in record time, he’s back on the road again with shows booked through 2026. Kay’s live shows are famous for their atmosphere — it’s not unusual for crowds to be so caught up in his stories that the sound of laughter completely takes over.
Here’s a look at some numbers from his recent and past stand-up tours:
Tour Year | Number of Shows | Estimated Attendance |
|---|---|---|
2010-2011 | 113 | 1,200,000+ |
2022-2026 | 120+ (ongoing) | 1,500,000+ (proj.) |
Some things you’re likely to find at a Peter Kay gig:
Relatable routines about family and growing up in Bolton
Nostalgic jokes about TV adverts and pop culture
Plenty of catchphrases you’ll end up repeating for weeks
He’s the type of comic who can make a full arena feel like you’re all mates in his living room, cracking each other up about crisps and car journeys.
Whether you remember him from "Phoenix Nights" or his classic misheard lyrics, he’s proven that good comedy doesn’t need to be complicated. If you get the chance to see him live, expect sore cheeks from laughing so much.
Greg Davies
Greg Davies is back on tour after a seven-year break with his latest stand-up show, Full Fat Legend. If you know Davies beyond the laughs, you’ll likely remember him as the towering "Taskmaster" or as one of Britain’s most recognisable comedy actors, especially for his roles as Mr Gilbert and Ken Thompson. His stand-up material is something else—loud storytelling that somehow captures the mess and confusion of real life, whether he’s talking about his school days or the oddities of growing older.
There’s a simple reason Greg draws big crowds: his stories feel so honest and familiar that you can’t help laughing along.
Here’s what sets his stand-up apart:
Real-life stories that don’t feel forced or polished
Tall tales (literally – he’s 6'8") told with loads of physicality
Perfect mix of sarcasm, awkwardness, and warmth
Unexpected jabs at himself or the audience that never seem mean
Tickets for Full Fat Legend are nearly impossible to get for 2025, but some 2026 dates are still open. If you’ve never caught Davie's live, make it a priority next year—the atmosphere in the room is always electric, and there’s usually at least one bit that sticks with you for weeks after.
After all the TV and panel show appearances, it’s clear he’s meant for the stage. And with a new tour, he’s just reminded everyone why he stands among the UK’s stand-up elite.
Sarah Millican
Sarah Millican has transformed the British comedy landscape, blending everyday awkwardness with a good dose of wicked humour. Her journey from a winner at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe to a TV and stand-up powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. Millican’s style is all about making people laugh at the kind of stuff most of us are too embarrassed to admit—awkward moments, body image, and the reality of British life.
Here are a few reasons Sarah stands out:
Brilliant at observational comedy, especially about relationships and family.
Packs out theatres around the UK, year after year.
Known for her warm delivery that makes even her sharpest jokes feel oddly comforting.
Millican is also a social media favourite, with plenty of fans across platforms. Here's a quick look at her online reach:
Platform | Followers (approx.) |
|---|---|
Instagram | 1.1 million |
YouTube | 580,000 |
X (Twitter) | 1.9 million |
Audiences never quite know what to expect from her gigs— there's always a new tale about everyday mess-ups or hilarious takes on what it means to be British, but the crowd feels right at home.
If catching the big names in comedy is your thing, you might want to check out one of the regular Tuesday or Thursday live stand-up nights at the Camden Eye, where rising talent and recognisable faces often make a surprise appearance.
Mo Gilligan
Mo Gilligan has catapulted to the top of the UK comedy scene, thanks to his relentless energy and the infectious buzz he brings to every performance. He’s not just a stand-up comedian, but a true entertainer who connects with crowds, whether he’s riffing on family antics or British culture.
The last couple of years have been huge for Mo. He wrapped up the sold-out "In The Moment" world tour and quickly rolled out plans for "The Mo You Know" tour, running through early 2026 with over two dozen dates across the country. On screen, you’ll probably recognise him as the host of "The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan" or from co-hosting "The Masked Singer UK" – both of which show off his warm, quick-witted style.
If you look at social media, the stats pretty much speak for themselves:
Platform | Followers (Millions) |
|---|---|
Instagram | 1.1 |
TikTok | 0.6 |
Facebook | 0.4 |
YouTube | 0.2 |
X | 0.2 |
Total | 2.5+ |
Mo’s trademarks are his physical comedy, relatable stories, and the way he gets everyone laughing – even those who claim they don’t usually like stand-up. Here are a few reasons why audiences keep coming back:
Smooth, sunny stage presence with boundless energy
Clever riffs on everyday British life – family, work, nights out
Real sense of warmth, never mean-spirited or cynical
Audiences don’t just laugh with Mo – they feel like they’re part of the show, every time.
For anyone looking for a comedian with true star power and heart, Mo Gilligan should be at the top of your list for 2025.
Joe Lycett
Joe Lycett’s made a proper name for himself in the British comedy world, but it’s the cheeky, rebellious streak that’s really set him apart. He’s famous for blending outrageous stories with a real knack for pointing out the absurd in everyday life. If you’ve ever watched his mischief on stage or seen him take on big companies on “Joe Lycett’s Consumer Show,” you’ll know just how bold he can be—he’ll chase a joke until it’s absolutely ridiculous, and then take it even further.
Some classic features of a Joe Lycett set:
Camp, playful delivery that makes everything just a little bit silly
Satirical takes on everything from social media blunders to over-the-top bureaucracy
Unexpected activism – he gets genuinely stuck in when he spots injustice (who else legally changed their name to Hugo Boss as a protest?)
Lycett has also become a reliable presence on panel shows, and he doesn’t fit into any neat comedy box. He’ll tease an audience, poke at politicians, or call out companies with a grin, but there’s warmth under the snark. These days, his tours sell out fast—people know they’re in for a night of big laughs and a bit of chaos.
Sometimes, the best way to take on the world’s nonsense is to find the funny side, and Joe Lycett is an absolute pro at it.
Russell Howard
Russell Howard, with his boundless energy and cheeky delivery, has carved out a proper corner in British comedy. He’s best known for keeping crowds howling with sharp takes on current events and everyday life, all delivered with that Bristol bloke next door charm.
For years, Russell was a fixture on "Mock the Week" before creating "Russell Howard’s Good News," making social commentary both silly and smart. He’s kept that momentum on "The Russell Howard Hour," proving he still draws big audiences wanting a laugh about whatever’s happening in the world. His quick-fire style feels as spontaneous as a chat at the pub, but there’s always a well-placed punchline simmering underneath.
Here’s a look at Russell Howard’s social reach (as of April 2025):
Platform | Followers |
|---|---|
Instagram | 0.8+ million |
YouTube | 1.5+ million |
Facebook | 3.7+ million |
TikTok | 1.6+ million |
Total | 7.6+ million |
Why fans keep going back to Howard:
Observational humour that actually feels fresh.
Relatable stories about growing up, family, and the madness of the news cycle.
Infectious optimism that somehow never tips into cheese.
There’s just something about his honesty—he talks rubbish like the rest of us but finds a way to make it beltingly funny. When it’s been a rough week, a Russell Howard set can feel like exactly what you needed.
With a 2026 tour already ticking off sold-out dates and his ongoing success on TV, Russell Howard is firmly part of the UK comedy furniture. Don’t be surprised if his next show is even bigger.
John Bishop
John Bishop has become something of a staple in the UK comedy scene, known for his energetic delivery and stories that somehow make everyday life sound extraordinary. He’s spent over 25 years on the stand-up circuit, and that experience shows in every set he performs.
No matter what he’s talking about—whether it’s his family, growing older, or moments when things just don’t go as planned—there’s this infectious honesty that fills the room. In 2025, Bishop's tenth major tour, ‘Back At It’, is wrapping up, and he’s kicking off another called ‘25 Years of Comedy’ to celebrate his career so far. Fantastic longevity, and to be honest, you could argue he’s even funnier now than he was when he started.
Here are a few things that often set John Bishop apart:
His punchlines feel like confessions, not routines, so the connection with the crowd is immediate.
He weaves stories from his life into themes everyone can relate to, like parenting surprises or awkward encounters.
There’s an eagerness in his shows—almost a sense that he’s just as excited to tell the next joke as we are to hear it.
Sometimes, all you need is that one comic who manages to turn day-to-day disasters into laugh-out-loud moments, and for many, Bishop is exactly that.
Here’s a little tour data snapshot:
Year | Tour Name | Cities Visited |
|---|---|---|
2024–25 | Back At It | 50+ |
2025 | 25 Years of Comedy | 30+ |
So, if you catch him live, expect a mix of nostalgia, fresh jokes, and that classic Scouse warmth—he just makes an arena feel like your local pub. There aren’t many who can do what he does, and that’s probably why he’s still packing out venues quarter of a century on.
Jimmy Carr
Jimmy Carr stands out as one of the sharpest and most recognisable faces in British comedy. You can count on him for biting one-liners, deadpan delivery, and a laugh that’s become legendary in its own right. He’s been a fixture on TV screens as host of Channel 4 panel shows, especially 8 Out of 10 Cats and its spin-off, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, cementing his status as a household name.
Here’s a look at Jimmy Carr’s social reach, just to see how massive his comic impact is online:
Platform | Followers (approx.) |
|---|---|
Instagram | 2.5 million |
YouTube | 1.5 million |
TikTok | 2.3 million |
X | 6.3 million |
Facebook | 3.7 million |
Total | 16.3 million |
What keeps people coming back to his shows, whether on tour or streaming a Netflix special, is that relentless wit—he can turn even the most awkward topics into bursts of laughter. Carr isn’t for those easily offended; his punchlines cut to the chase and he never shies away from controversy. Fans love him for:
Blistering speed with joke after joke (no long stories, just rapid-fire laughs)
Mastery of live crowd work, roasting audiences without missing a beat
A career packed with sold-out tours and headline specials
If you’ve ever sat in his live audience, there’s this strange thrill where you kind of hope you’re picked on—just to see what he’ll say. That’s the Jimmy Carr effect: brutal, honest, but always hilarious.
All said, Carr is one of those comedians who shaped an era. Whether it’s hosting, stand-up, or an off-the-cuff panel show jab, he’s still at his sharpest heading into 2025.
Jason Manford
Jason Manford sits comfortably in the upper ranks of Britain’s comedy scene, reliably appearing in sell-out tours and packed TV schedules year after year. His knack for spinning great observational humour into sharp, northern wit makes every show feel like a night out with an old mate—if your mate could fill theatres across the country.
Fans will know he’s anything but slowing down. In 2025, his ‘A Manford All Seasons’ tour is the big one, adding stacks of new dates stretching all the way to November. Manford’s ability to shift between stand-up, radio, TV hosting, and even West End musicals has made him a familiar face in all corners of British entertainment. The appeal? He brings honesty, everyday awkwardness, and just a bit of mischief—never forcing the laughs, just gently nudging them out of you.
Here’s what people love about seeing Jason on stage:
Warm, approachable storytelling—just enough cheek, never too edgy
Strong links to his working-class Manchester roots
Jokes that stretch from family chaos to the weird side of British life
If you’re wondering where to catch stand-up in London without breaking the bank, look out for live nights at spots like the Camden Eye, regularly featuring names you’ll recognise from TV—sometimes even a secret set or two by well-known acts: rotating secret lineup.
No matter how many gigs are under his belt, Manford keeps things simple: it’s about getting people laughing. That sense of everyday fun is why audiences—from parents to students—keep showing up wherever he goes.
Conclusion
So, that’s the state of UK comedy in 2025. There’s honestly never been a better time to catch a live show, whether you’re into the big names like Peter Kay and Ricky Gervais, or you want to check out someone new at the local club. The mix of old favourites and fresh faces means there’s something for everyone, and you don’t have to travel far to find a good laugh. Tickets are still out there for most tours, so if you’ve been putting it off, maybe now’s the time to just go for it. Who knows, you might end up discovering your new favourite comedian. Anyway, thanks for reading – and if you do end up at a gig, hope you have a cracking night out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top 10 comedians in the UK for 2025?
The top 10 comedians in the UK for 2025 are Ricky Gervais, Peter Kay, Greg Davies, Sarah Millican, Mo Gilligan, Joe Lycett, Russell Howard, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, and Jason Manford. They are famous for their stand-up shows, TV appearances, and big followings on social media.
How can I get tickets for stand-up comedy shows in the UK?
You can buy tickets for comedy shows on websites like Ticketmaster or directly from the venue’s website. Prices can change depending on the comedian and the location. Some shows sell out fast, so it’s best to book early.
Which comedians are going on tour in 2025?
Many comedians are touring the UK in 2025, including Ricky Gervais with his 'Mortality' tour, Peter Kay, Greg Davies, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, and more. There are also special shows from international guests like Pete Davidson.
Are there any new or rising comedians to watch in the UK?
Yes, besides the big names, there are lots of new comedians getting popular. Some rising stars include Babatunde Aléshé, Maisie Adam, and Eddie Kadi. Comedy festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are great places to see new talent.
What is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. It takes place every August in Edinburgh, Scotland. Many comedians, both famous and new, perform there. It’s a great place to see lots of different comedy acts.
Are any American comedians performing in the UK soon?
Yes, some American comedians visit the UK as part of their world tours. For example, Pete Davidson is performing in London, Belfast, and Dublin in 2025. Other American acts sometimes visit for special shows too.