UK Comedy Scene Ignites: BBC and Bath Fringe Festivals Unveil Star-Studded 2026 Line-ups

Get ready for a laughter-filled 2026 as the UK's comedy festivals announce their exciting programmes. The BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool and the Bath Fringe Festival are set to bring a mix of established stars and emerging talent to stages across the country, promising a diverse range of comedic performances for all.

Key Takeaways

• The BBC Comedy Festival took place in Liverpool on May 13-14, featuring industry professionals and a host of comedic talent.

• The Bath Fringe Festival runs from May 22 to June 7, offering a blend of major names and grassroots comedy.

BBC Comedy Festival 2026: A Hub for Industry and Laughter

The BBC Comedy Festival 2026, held in Liverpool, served as a vibrant platform for comedy professionals and enthusiasts alike. The two-day event, spanning May 13-14, featured a dynamic schedule of talks, panel discussions, screenings, short film nights, and live comedy shows. The festival also announced a script development opportunity in partnership with the Liverpool Film Office, aimed at nurturing local writing talent.

A stellar line-up graced the festival, including Adam Rowe, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Alexei Sayle, Alison Steadman, David Mumeni, Diane Morgan, Emer Maguire, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Holly Walsh, James Corden, John Bishop, Larry Rickard, Lee Mack, Michael Odewale, Sir Michael Palin, Mike Bubbins, Philippa Dunne, Rhianna Dhillon, Ruth Jones, Sam Nicoresti, and Sue Johnston.

Bath Fringe Festival 2026: A Celebration of Comedy's Breadth

From May 22 to June 7, the Bath Fringe Festival will transform the city with over 130 events, with its comedy programme taking centre stage. This year's comedy offering promises a rich tapestry of performances, from renowned circuit comedians to up-and-coming stand-up artists, new writing, and experimental theatre.

A significant highlight is the 30th anniversary of The Fez Comedy Club. The celebrations kick off on May 22 at the Roper Theatre with Ed Byrne & Friends, marking Byrne's return to The Fez after a notable absence. The show will also feature Lindsay Santoro, MC Alan Francis, and the winner of the 2026 Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition.

Further adding to the festival's allure, alternative comedy icon Nigel Planer will present 'Young Once – A Life Less Heavy' on June 5 at the Roper Theatre. Known for his role as Neil in 'The Young Ones', Planer's performance will blend memoir, storytelling, and observational humour.

The Bath Comedy Festival will also present a special series of shows at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bath during the May Bank Holiday weekend. This includes impressionist and actor Debra Stephenson with 'The Many Voices of Debra Stephenson' on May 24, followed by Frank Sanazi & Sol Bernstein's 'Swing & Shtick – It’s All Forgotten Now!' on the same evening. On May 25, comedian and spoken word artist Chris McGlade will perform his acclaimed show 'Forgiveness'.

Expanding Bath's underground comedy scene, The Jesters Comedy Club will host a packed schedule of stand-up nights, open mics, and workshops throughout the Fringe. This intimate venue beneath The Assembly Inn will feature touring and local acts, new material nights, and open mic sessions, alongside a comedy writing workshop.

Other notable acts include Stevie Parker's 'Big Bloke with Big Jokes', which aims for a world-record challenge of performing 1001 jokes in 55 minutes. The Bath Fringe Festival continues its tradition of blurring the lines between comedy, cabaret, theatre, and experimental performance, championing a DIY spirit and innovative new work.

Sources

• BBC Comedy Festival 2026, BBC.

• Bath Fringe Festival 2026 unveils comedy programme, Visit West.