Brighton Dome Comedy Festival returns with its biggest lineup yet
Laughs are guaranteed this October as Brighton Dome Comedy Festival returns from 16–25 Oct, teaming up with comedy powerhouse Komedia for the first time to deliver 10 days packed with stand-up, sketch shows, podcasts, family entertainment and even a daytime indie disco.
The 2026 programme is one of the festival’s biggest to date, bringing together established comedy favourites alongside rising stars across Brighton Dome and Komedia’s venues.
One of the biggest talking points is the Brighton debut of All My Friends, the hugely popular daytime indie disco hosted by podcasters Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman. Taking over Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall, the daytime party promises wall-to-wall indie anthems from the 1980s through to today, with a few surprise guests expected along the way.
Comedy fans can also look forward to performances from Simon Amstell, who brings his acclaimed new show I Love It Here to Brighton as part of a limited UK tour, while Australian favourite Jimeoin returns with his latest stand-up show Ballyhoo.
Other highlights include Brighton favourite Maisie Adam, BAFTA Award-winning comedian Tom Davis, satirist Nish Kumar, comedian Laura Smyth, Catherine Bohart, Stevie Martin, Rosie Holt and a live recording of The Blindboy Podcast.
Komedia’s programme is equally impressive, welcoming John Crace, Jordan Brookes, Aurie Styla, Phil Ellis, Kim Blythe, Robin Ince, Joanna Neary and the award-winning sketch duo Siblings, alongside special festival editions of the venue’s much-loved comedy nights.
Families haven’t been forgotten either. Comedy duo Shelf return with a child-friendly sketch show, while the popular Live at Brighton Dome BLEEPED offers a completely swear-free stand-up show for audiences aged 11 and over.
Beyond the performances, this year’s festival continues its commitment to supporting new talent and making comedy accessible. Free workshops for young comedians return throughout the festival, while a new partnership with Kennedy Street Recovery Hub and physical comedy company Spymonkey will use comedy and clowning to support people recovering from addiction.
If you’re looking for household names, emerging comedians or simply an excuse to laugh until your sides hurt, make sure Brighton Dome Comedy Festival is on your wish list for October.
www.brightondome.org/comedyfestival
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