Top 15 Comedy Shows to Book for World Laughter Day 2026 & 2027
Posted on Sunday 3rd May 2026 at 12:00
Written by
Lewis Conway
Top 15 Comedy Shows to Book for World Laughter Day 2026 & 2027
Updated May 2026. Looking for ridiculously funny comedy shows to celebrate World Laughter Day? A global event dedicated to spreading joy and the power of laughter, it’s the perfect excuse to round up the best comedy shows happening across 2026 and 2027.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Iconic comedians and cult favourites with shows on sale now
- One-off dates and limited-run shows
- Arena tours, live podcasts, improv nights and special performances
- The comedy shows fans are booking first for 2026 & 2027
Comedy Shows to Book for World Laughter Day 2026 & 2027
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
UK ARENA TOUR 2026
When: Friday 4th - Thursday 17th September 2026 (multiple UK dates)
A League of Their Own Live brings the hit TV show to the stage, delivering the same winning mix of sport, comedy and unpredictable challenges in a live arena setting.
SIMON BRODKIN
UNLEASHED
When: Sunday 11th October 2026 - Saturday 20th March 2027 (multiple UK dates)
Simon Brodkin returns with Unleashed, a brand-new tour packed with sharp satire and the kind of crowdwork that has made him one of the UK’s most talked-about comedians.
MAISIE ADAM
WHATSHERFACE
When: Tuesday 9th March 2027 (Octagon Centre, Sheffield)
The “tall, chaotic one with the weird hair” returns with trademark wit, firecracker gags and a few angry outbursts along the way.
NISH KUMAR
ANGRY HUMOUR FROM A REALLY NICE GUY
When: Friday 13th November 2026 (Octagon Centre, Sheffield)
Nish Kumar brings his sharp political satire and high-energy stand-up to Sheffield, with the wit, frustration and precision that have made him one of the UK’s most recognisable comics.
JINKX MONSOON
SPEAKING OF WITCH
When: Friday 3rd - Thursday 16th July 2026 (multiple UK dates)
Monsoon returns with an intimate, self-penned show blending stand-up, storytelling and live music, joined by longtime collaborators Major Scales & The Badlings.
SHOOT FROM THE HIP
When: Sunday 4th October 2026 (Eventim Apollo, London)
Known for spontaneous sketches, chaotic audience suggestions and razor-sharp timing, Shoot From The Hip bring their quick-fire improv comedy to Eventim Apollo for a landmark London show.
JONATHAN VAN NESS
HOT & HEALED
When: Sunday 17th - Friday 22nd May 2026 (multiple UK dates)
Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness returns to the UK with Hot & Healed, a brand-new solo show mixing sparkling humour, heartfelt honesty and fierce fun.
COMEDY BANG! BANG!
GROUND BEEFING TOUR 2026
When: Wednesday 22nd - Thursday 30th July 2026 (multiple UK dates)
Join host Scott Aukerman, along with Paul F. Tompkins & The Comedy Bang! Bang! All-Stars, as they perform a totally improvised version of the award-winning podcast!
CHRIS RAMSEY
When: Saturday 15th August 2026 (The Courtyard Herefordshire's Centre for the Arts)
Chris Ramsey brings his warm, quick-witted stand-up to Hereford this August. Known for turning everyday life, relationships and modern chaos into hugely relatable comedy, Ramsey remains one of the UK’s most dependable live performers.
GARY POWNDLAND
THE CUMPT'S BACK!
When: Saturday 26th September 2026 (University of Wolverhampton at The Wulfrun Hall)
Gary Powndland brings The Cumpt’s Back! to Wolverhampton, serving up fast-paced character comedy, sharp crowd work and the kind of Midlands humour that has built him a loyal live following.
DAVID SEDARIS
When: Thursday 2nd - Friday 10th July 2026 (multiple UK dates)
Beloved American humorist David Sedaris returns with an evening of sharp essays, dry wit and brilliantly observed storytelling. Expect new writing, diary readings and the kind of offbeat reflections that have made him a cult favourite worldwide.
BRIAN BILSTON
HOW TO LAY AN EGG WITH A HORSE INSIDE
When: Wednesday 7th October - Friday 4th December 2026 (multiple UK dates)
Expect an evening of wit, wordplay and offbeat humour as Brian Bilston explores the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.
LAURA SMYTH
BORN AGGY
When: Thursday 24th September & Saturday 3rd October 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln & Steamworks, Sheffield)
Laura Smyth brings Born Aggy to Lincoln and Sheffield, turning everyday chaos, family life and modern frustrations into a warm, brutally funny night of stand-up.
DOM JOLY
TRIGGER HAPPY TV 25TH ANNIVERSARY
When: Sunday 23rd May 2027 (The Drill, Lincoln)
To celebrate a quarter-century of chaos, Dom is bringing his most iconic characters and sketches to the stage.
ED GAMBLE
SIGNATURE BREW COMEDY CLUB
When: Wednesday 3rd June 2026 (Signature Brew, London)
Ed Gamble heads to Signature Brew Comedy Club for a special London date, joined by Eshaan Akbar, Evaldas Karosas, Valeria Vulpe and Mags McHugh.
Looking for even more comedy shows? Here are a few more live comedy dates to keep on your radar
More comedy shows you should know about
- The Adam Buxton Band — With support from Anna B Savage (Tuesday 5th May 2026)
- Red Herring Comedy Club — Friday 8th May 2026 - Saturday 9th October 2027
- Jubilee Central Comedy — Featuring Scott Bennett and Josh Pugh (Friday 15th May 2026)
- Just the Tonic — Melton Mowbray (Saturday 16th May & Saturday 20th June 2026)
- Laughterloft — Thursday 28th May - Monday 31st August 2026
- Pierre Novellie — You Sit There, I'll Stand Here (Monday 22nd June 2026)
- Toussaint Douglass — Accessible Pigeon Material (Saturday 11th July 2026)
- Scott Bennett — Tries out some jokes (Wednesday 15th July 2026 - Friday 5th February 2027)
- The Prat Pack — Featuring Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Joe Pasquale & Shane Richie. (Wednesday 2nd & Thursday 3rd September 2026)
- Lucy Porter — Sunday 18th October 2026
- Ignacio Lopez — Tuesday 20th October 2026
- Larry Dean — Hellbent (Monday 16th November 2026)
- Jacob Hawley — Fighting Age Man UK Tour (Thursday 19th November & Thursday 3rd December 2026)
- Bill Bailey — Vaudevillean (Wednesday 16th December 2026 - Saturday 6th February 2027)
Need to know — Comedy shows in 2026 & 2027
What is World Laughter Day?
Held on the first Sunday of May each year, World Laughter Day is a global event dedicated to spreading joy, positivity, and the healing power of laughter.
Is there an age restriction for comedy shows?
It depends on the performer and venue. Some shows are family-friendly, while others may carry a 14+ or 18+ recommendation due to adult themes or language. Always check on the listing or with the venue before booking.
Are these tours suitable for casual fans?
Absolutely. Most comedy shows are built around crowd-pleasing material, making them ideal whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a great night out.