The Ultimate Guide to the Best Stand Up Comedians Shows to Watch in 2025
- comedyinyoureye
- Oct 10
- 14 min read
If you’re after a good laugh in 2025, you’re in luck. The UK is packed with stand up comedy this year, from big names to brand new acts. Whether you want to see a record-breaking tour, check out the next big thing, or just find a local comedy night, there’s something for everyone. This guide will help you find the best stand up comedians shows to watch in 2025, so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Key Takeaways
2025 is packed with comedy tours from famous names like Peter Kay, Greg Davies, and Ricky Gervais.
New comedians like Babatunde Aléshé and Maisie Adam are making waves on the UK circuit.
Big comedy festivals and events are happening across the UK, including the Edinburgh Fringe and West End showcases.
International comedians like Trevor Noah and Pete Davidson are bringing their shows to UK audiences.
Comedy podcasts and live recordings, like The Comedy Store Live and Have A Word, are also popular ways to enjoy top acts.
Unmissable Tours from the Best Stand Up Comedians in 2025
Comedy fans, 2025 is packed with top comedians taking their latest shows out on the road. You’re really spoilt for choice, whether you’re a fan of big arena gigs or more intimate theatre settings. Here are the tours people can’t stop talking about – these tickets are set to sell out fast, so check the local listings early and don’t miss your spot. For a snapshot, here’s a quick rundown of some of this year’s biggest acts and what you can expect:
Comedian | Tour Name | Venues | Ticket Info |
|---|---|---|---|
Peter Kay | Still Touring! | Arenas | Nationwide, extra dates |
Greg Davies | Full Fat Legend | Theatres | Major UK cities |
Ricky Gervais | Mortality Live Residency | Theatres | Multiple nights in London |
Jason Manford | A Manford All Seasons | Arenas | All over the UK |
Peter Kay’s Record-Breaking Shows
After making a grand return to stand up, Peter Kay is not slowing down: new dates, bigger arenas, and the same cheeky northern humour he’s famous for are all on the table. Every time more tickets are released for this tour, they disappear in a flash.
Arena-sized shows across the UK
Legendary storytelling with fresh material
Family-friendly humour that appeals to everyone
If you’re hoping to grab Peter Kay tickets this year, don’t hang about and keep an eye on 2025-26 Comedy Arts & Theatre for updates.
The best thing about a Peter Kay show? You never quite know what story from his own life he’ll share next, but you will be laughing from start to finish.
Greg Davies: Full Fat Legend Tour
Greg Davies is back in theatres, and his new show promises bigger laughs than ever. He’ll be visiting major cities up and down the country, bringing tales from his Welsh upbringing, teaching days, and bizarre moments from his time in TV.
Wry reflections and silly stories
Relatable humour about everyday things
Known for his energetic presence on stage
A typical Greg Davies show means rapid-fire jokes and a packed house. If you want to see why so many call him one of Britain’s best live acts, this is the year.
Ricky Gervais: Mortality Live Residency
It’s not every day you get to see Ricky Gervais in a residency setting, but 2025 gives you that chance. With ‘Mortality’, Gervais digs into big topics – life, death, and the oddities of being human, with his usual smart, blunt wit.
Several nights at high-profile London venues
Mix of new material and sharp observation
Shows known for honest, sometimes dark, humour
Ricky's take on the world isn’t for everyone, but if you like in-your-face stand up, these nights will stick with you.
Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons
Jason Manford is one of the most reliable comedy draws in the UK, and this tour cements his reputation. Expect stories from family life, city living, and the ups and downs of trying to adult in the modern world. All that, with Manford’s cool, everyman charm.
Arena tour hits all corners of the UK
Mix of old favourites and freshest material
Suits all ages, with a bit of cheeky Manford warmth
This is one of those tours where people bring the whole family, or use it as an excuse to catch up with friends over a good laugh. Don’t leave it too late to book – these big names don’t hang about.
Rising Stars and Fresh Faces on the UK Comedy Circuit
2025 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year for discovering new comics and watching fresh material from emerging voices. You can sense an energy running through the comedy circuit—a feeling that something exciting is always just about to happen. Here's where to look if you're keen on catching tomorrow’s big names before they’re selling out arenas.
Babatunde Aléshé: New Horizons
Babatunde Aléshé has taken centre stage with his honest, lively takes on family life, newfound fame, and the everyday adventures that come with both. His latest tour promises stories that wander from his own living room straight to the aisles of Costco, always punctuated with sharp observations and self-aware humour. Audiences especially love how Babatunde mixes personal stories with outright silliness, making every show unique.
Known for guest spots on popular UK panel shows
Fresh material focused on family, fame, and shopping chaos
Highly interactive live shows; no two nights are quite the same
Maisie Adam’s Stand Up Success
Maisie Adam is one of those comedians who seems to have rocketed to the top overnight, but her steady rise has been full of standout moments. From sell-out festival tours to regular TV slots, Maisie’s charm and razor-sharp wit have built her a serious following. In 2025, she continues to build on her unstoppable momentum with a brand new live show.
Highlights of Maisie Adam’s Career to Date:
Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
2023 | Edinburgh Fringe sell-out |
2024 | Regular on "Mock the Week" |
2025 | Launches UK-wide headline tour |
You’ll want to catch Maisie while she’s still playing these smaller venues—the atmosphere is always electric.
Eddie Kadi’s Nationwide Tour
Eddie Kadi’s stand-up is a masterclass in quick-fire storytelling and unpredictable humour. Whether riffing on British-Ghanaian life or playfully winding up his own audience, he knows exactly how to keep a room buzzing. In 2025, Eddie’s taking his new tour all over the country—bigger stages, bolder ideas, and even more crowd involvement.
Some things to expect from Eddie Kadi in 2025:
A blend of clever cultural stories and musical comedy
Extended audience interaction—“no sitting at the back hoping he won’t choose you!”
Plenty of spontaneous moments (and a few risky dance moves)
Viral Sensations Hitting the Stage
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are now genuine routes to the live comedy stage. More viral acts are stepping away from the phone screen and owning it in person. If you reckon social media comics don’t work live, you haven’t seen Britain’s new wave in action. Names like Serena Terry (Mammy Banter), Max Balegde, and others are selling out venues, building on their online followings.
What sets these viral sensations apart:
Relatable material and quick laughs
Multimedia elements in their live acts
Audiences that range from seasoned comedy fans to complete newcomers
With new faces appearing every month, keeping up with the UK’s comedy newcomers is a full-time hobby. If you love the energy of discovering comedians just before they blow up, 2025 is your year.
Comedy Festivals and Must-See Events Across the UK
If there's one thing you don't want to miss in 2025, it's the biggest comedy festivals and events lighting up venues across the country. Whatever your taste in comedy, the UK will have something to get you laughing this year. There’s the chaos and excitement of arena gigs, the mix of polished names and newcomers in club line-ups, and those legendary once-a-year festivals that feel like the heart of comedy itself.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Highlights
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe still reigns as the place every stand-up wants to smash. In 2025, expect insider buzz about experimental stand-up, improv mischief, and secret midnight shows. Here’s what to look for this year:
Solo debuts by comics tipped as the “next big thing”.
Surprise drop-ins from telly-famous acts playing under fake names.
Intimate late-night venues—these are where reputations are made (and sometimes destroyed!).
Event Type | Popular Venues |
|---|---|
Solo Stand-Up Shows | Pleasance Courtyard |
Mixed-Bill Showcases | Assembly Rooms |
Underground Improv | Just the Tonic Caves |
You can wander into a tiny venue unsure what you’ll get, and end up telling your mates back home about the weirdest, funniest hour of your summer.
London West End Stand Up Showcases
London’s West End draws in top-tier comedians all year, and 2025 is crammed with big names and special events in legendary spots. Some things you’re bound to notice this year:
Big one-off shows from icons like Russell Kane and Jack Dee.
West End runs for internet-sensation-turned-stand-up acts.
Surreal crossover gigs—magicians, musical comics, and improv mixed together.
If you need tickets in a hurry or want to spot the best names at The Palladium or O2, there's a stand-up comedy acts and tours resource with all the details you need and plenty of fresh announcements.
Manchester’s Unmissable Comedy Nights
Manchester is a city that never stops laughing, from packed arenas to underground club nights. Here’s what’s worth checking if you’re in town in 2025:
Regular headline sets from the UK’s top comics at major venues.
Late-night club nights, perfect for a spontaneous Friday.
New talent nights—some of the wildest, rawest sets happen here.
The mix of tourists and locals gives the rooms here real energy, and every comic has a Manchester story or two about a gig gone brilliantly right (or hilariously off the rails).
So if you want to swap Netflix for actual laughter, keep an eye on these UK events. A cracking comedy night out is basically guaranteed, wherever you find yourself.
International Acts Bringing Their Best Stand Up Comedians Shows to the UK
The UK’s comedy scene in 2025 isn’t just about homegrown talent. International comedians from around the world are playing to packed houses across the country, bringing their unique flavour and style to delighted audiences. It’s a great year for catching comics you wouldn’t usually see outside their home countries—unless you want to hop across the Atlantic or elsewhere for a show.
Trevor Noah’s One-Off London Show
Trevor Noah’s return for a "final performance" at London’s Eventim Apollo is already causing a stir. If his last tour was anything to go by, expect huge demand for tickets. Here’s what makes his one-off show truly stand out:
Quick-witted political humour, especially on global issues
Personal storytelling blending comedy and social commentary
Only one date in London—blink, and you’ll miss it!
Securing a seat at Trevor Noah’s gig feels more like snagging tickets to a major sporting final than a comedy show—everyone wants in, and expectations are sky high.
US Comedians: Pete Davidson and Sam Morril
America’s biggest names aren’t skipping the UK this year. Pete Davidson brings his unpredictable, off-kilter style to the London Palladium in October. Sharing the transatlantic spotlight, Sam Morril makes a handful of UK stops as part of his latest world tour. Both offer something different from the UK scene:
Pete Davidson’s blend of celebrity anecdotes and blunt honesty
Sam Morril’s rapid-fire delivery and sharp observations
Each touring only a handful of dates
It’s the sort of event where fans leave raving, already checking for rumours about the next visit.
Jim Jefferies and Other Global Stars
Australian comedian Jim Jefferies is back with his latest tour, pushing boundaries and keeping audiences guessing what he’ll say next. He’s joined by a handful of other international names—Finnish comic ISMO makes a welcome return to the circuit, too. What to watch for:
Jim Jefferies’ knack for ruffling feathers with a laugh
ISMO’s clever jokes about language and culture
Plenty of new, never-before-seen material for 2025
Here’s a quick snapshot of major international stand-ups gracing UK venues this year:
Comedian | Home Country | UK Dates | Venue Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
Trevor Noah | South Africa | 2 Dec 2025 | Eventim Apollo, London |
Pete Davidson | USA | October 2025 | London Palladium |
Sam Morril | USA | Various (limited) | Multiple cities |
Jim Jefferies | Australia | Throughout 2025 | Major UK theatres |
ISMO | Finland | Select dates | Various venues |
If you want to catch even more visiting comedians, some regular live stand-up comedy nights in London feature guest appearances from international talent on short stays.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan of stateside comedy or just curious what the fuss is about, the international lineup is stronger than ever—just don’t hang about, these shows always sell out fast.
Top Comedy Podcasts and Live Recordings to Experience
Comedy podcasts are easily one of the biggest things to shake up the UK stand-up scene. What began as casual chats and inside jokes between comics has grown into a way for fans to catch the raw, unfiltered humour they won't always get at traditional gigs. In 2025, several of the UK's funniest podcasts are packing out arenas and proper venues, bringing their growing fanbases off Twitter and YouTube and into the real world.
The Comedy Store Live Podcast Events
The Comedy Store Live Podcast is making waves for its electric live tapings straight from London’s legendary venue. These shows are usually packed, and it's not just for the regulars – famous faces often pop in unannounced. Here’s what makes the live tapings such a hit:
You never know who’ll show up and jump on the mic.
Audience Q&A adds some genuinely funny unscripted moments.
There’s a good mix of storytelling, old-school banter and original material.
You’ll find these events regularly at the main Comedy Store, but they’re starting to pop up at newer places too. For a different vibe, Comedy In Your Eye at Camden Eye hosts similar fast-paced podcast nights with a rotating line-up – always a bargain for a midweek out.
Have A Word Podcast Hits Liverpool
This Scouse-run podcast has blown up, with hosts Adam Rowe and Dan Nightingale selling out arenas. Their 2025 show at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool is tipped to be a wild night. Here’s why fans love the live version:
There are special guests – usually fellow comics from the club circuit.
The crowd interaction can be absolute chaos (in a good way).
Recorded segments often end up as cult moments online.
Quick Facts Table
Event | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
Have A Word Podcast Live | 20 December 2025 | M&S Bank Arena Liverpool |
Help I Sexted My Boss: Arena Tours
Jordan North and William Hanson’s podcast about modern life and awkward oversharing is now a touring show. The humour is dry, sometimes a little cringe, and the energy from the crowd makes the arena gigs a different beast from the podcast on your headphones.
Huge audience participation (they read out real listeners’ problems onstage).
Every venue gets a few new "sexted my boss" stories, so no two shows are the same.
You’re as likely to laugh at the hosts’ reactions as the actual confessions.
These comedy podcast events do more than just deliver laughs – they bring you inside the world of stand-up in a way that’s honest, ridiculous and fresh. Whether you’re into banter, advice gone wrong, or classic club nonsense, there’s a must-see live recording on the calendar.
Classic Names Returning to the Stage in 2025
If you think it’s impossible to keep a good comedian off the stage, then 2025 is your proof. Some of the most cherished names in British stand up are back out on tour, from arena-filling legends to household TV faces that have been surprisingly quiet these past few years. Here’s what’s ahead for fans who love their comedy with a solid dose of nostalgia and proper punchlines.
Harry Hill’s Greatest Hits Tour
Harry Hill is packing his oversized collars and heading around the country for his newest tour, promising buckets of new whimsy along with some old favourites. Audiences can look forward to:
A blend of brand new gags and classic routines from TV Burp days
His trademark surreal silliness and sideways music numbers
Family friendly laughs that never get too clever for their own good
The thrill with Harry Hill is you never know if he’s about to break into song or sprint into the audience covered in talcum powder.
Alan Davies: Think Ahead On Tour
After a decade away from the touring circuit, Alan Davies is back with his “Think Ahead” show. Expect him to tackle the weirdness of getting older, the oddities of modern Britain and a decent helping of stories about getting it wrong.
Here’s what makes Alan Davies a classic crowd-puller:
Warm, confessional storytelling
Observational humour honed by years on panel shows
Never afraid to go off-script if something funny happens in the room
Ticket sales across major cities have already hit impressive early numbers:
City | Venue | Date | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
London | Hammersmith Apollo | 14/03/25 | Selling fast |
Manchester | The Lowry | 20/03/25 | Limited |
Edinburgh | Festival Theatre | 27/03/25 | Few left |
John Bishop’s 25 Years of Stand Up
John Bishop celebrates a quarter century since he first took the mic, and he’s not holding back. The 25 Years tour is a proper arena-sized celebration featuring:
Brand new stories from Bishop’s ever-chaotic family life
Heartfelt moments about his journey from Liverpudlian lad to arena-filler
A mix of fan-favourite callbacks and quickfire banter
Jack Dee’s Small World Tour
After plenty of TV work and deadpan panel show appearances, Jack Dee is hitting the road again. He’s calling it the Small World Tour, and it’s set to include:
Absolutely no dancing or acrobatics (as stated firmly by Jack himself)
Sharply observed gripes about everyday life
That classic bone-dry wit that never seems to go out of fashion
Comedians coming back after time away tend to be sharper, with more stories than ever – often the best tours are these comeback shows.
Whether you’re chasing old-school punchlines or just fancy seeing stars you grew up watching, there’s a lot to be excited about in 2025. Classic names are not only returning; many of them are bringing some of their best material yet.
Emerging Comedy Clubs and Local Talent Showcases
There's a new buzz in the UK stand-up scene—emerging comedy clubs and grassroots nights are putting the spotlight on comedians well before they hit the big stages. These clubs are where you’ll stumble upon tomorrow’s stars and experience raw, spontaneous comedy nights unlike any polished Netflix special.
The Comedy Store’s New Generation
The Comedy Store has always been on top, but lately, it’s been spotlighting a new wave of funny voices. Their 'New Faces' nights fill up quickly, with comedians who go from complete unknowns to headlining weekends. What changes is the crowd: more young faces, fresher material, and unexpected punchlines that make even the regulars sit up.
Weekly 'New Faces' showcases in London and Manchester
Workshops for aspiring acts before showtime
Guest MC spots for rising hosts
Venue | City | "New Faces" Nights | Last Year's Standouts |
|---|---|---|---|
The Comedy Store | London | Thursdays | Dwayne Parker, Saba Bashir |
The Comedy Store | Manchester | Mondays | Zainab Fox, Andy Henson |
If you want comedy that feels risky and alive, go on a weekday—these are the nights when the comics try out their wildest ideas. You never know who could steal the show.
New London Venues for Stand Up
London’s always been a magnet for comedy, and 2025’s seen some smaller venues catch fire:
Big Belly Comedy Club – Fast becoming a word-of-mouth success for its late-night line-ups and hidden acts.
Comedy In Your Eye – Offers something weirdly immersive, mixing stand-up with offbeat themes.
West End Comedy Club – Right in theatreland, pulling huge walk-in crowds and hosting mix-and-match improv/open mic nights.
Ticket prices are often less than £15
Occasional free entry with drink purchase
Spot chances for audience heckle sessions
Regional Comedy Clubs to Watch
It’d be a mistake to assume all the action is in the capital. From the north to the east coast, local clubs are lifting up the next generation:
Club Name | City/Town | Show Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Just The Tonic | Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham | Bi-weekly |
Laugh Out Loud | Hull, York, Bournemouth | Weekly |
Big Deal Comedy Club | Cambridge, Peterborough | Monthly |
Local clubs often mix headliners with total newbies
Open-mic competitions have got seriously fierce, sometimes bringing in 50+ entries a month
Many clubs are now recording or streaming highlights online, which gives new comics a real boost
You haven't really seen the next big comedian until you’ve caught them in one of these settings: low ceiling, packed crowd, and the sound of people genuinely laughing, not just clapping out of habit.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a quick look at some of the best stand-up comedy shows to catch in 2025. Whether you’re after big names like Ricky Gervais, Peter Kay, or Greg Davies, or you fancy checking out someone new, there’s loads happening up and down the UK. Comedy clubs, huge arenas, and even podcasts on stage – it’s all going on. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like a night out with a good laugh, and with so many acts on tour, you’re spoiled for choice. Grab your tickets, round up your mates, and get ready for a proper laugh in 2025. Who knows, you might even discover your new favourite comedian along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stand up comedians are going on tour in the UK in 2025?
In 2025, you can catch top names like Peter Kay, Greg Davies, Ricky Gervais, Jason Manford, and Harry Hill performing live across the UK. There are also exciting shows from Alan Davies, John Bishop, Jack Dee, and lots of new comedians joining the scene.
How can I buy tickets for comedy shows in 2025?
You can buy tickets for most comedy shows through official ticket sellers like Ticketmaster. It’s a good idea to buy early, as the most popular comedians often sell out quickly. Always use trusted websites to avoid scams.
Are there any big comedy festivals in the UK next year?
Yes! The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest comedy festival in the world and takes place every August. There are also special comedy nights in cities like London and Manchester, plus smaller festivals in other towns.
Will any famous comedians from other countries perform in the UK in 2025?
Definitely! International stars like Trevor Noah, Jim Jefferies, Pete Davidson, and Sam Morril are all bringing their shows to the UK in 2025. Keep an eye out for more global acts announcing UK dates.
Where can I see new comedians and rising stars?
You can spot up-and-coming comedians at local comedy clubs and smaller venues. Places like The Comedy Store and new clubs in London and around the UK often feature fresh talent before they become famous.
Are there any comedy podcasts I can watch live?
Yes, several comedy podcasts are doing live shows in 2025. Popular ones include Have A Word Podcast, The Comedy Store Live, and Help I Sexted My Boss. These live recordings are a fun way to see your favourite podcast hosts in person.