Montreal festival returns in full force

Nick Mohammed, Ed Gamble and Nina Conti are among the comedians representing Britain at the revived Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal this July.

The company previously ehind the festival collapsed last year, having racked up losses of £4.5million – a tenth of which was down to the troubled London offshoot of the festival at the O2 in 2023.

A vastly scaled-down Montreal festival was put together at the last minute last year, after the brand was taken over by the Quebec-based company ComediHa!

Now the organisers have promised this year’s event will ‘once again serve as a global hub for comedy’ with a festival billed as ‘one of the most memorable in Just For Laughs’ renowned history.

Founded in 1982, it the Montreal festival became known as a showcase where comedians could be seen by influential New York and LA producers and bookers as well as featuring in gala shows broadcast around the world.

The 2025 edition will feature solo shows from Russell Howard, Danny Bhoy, Conti and Mohammed as Mr Swallow.

Over four nights, the Brit(ish) showcase will also return, hosted by Gamble with a line-up yet to be confirmed.

Other Canadian and international acts at the event include Tom Segura, Russell Peters,   Kumail Nanjiani and Mae Martin.

The event run from July 16 to 27, with a focus on French-language programming in the first week and British shows in the second.

Announcing the new line-up,  Sylvain Parent-Bédard, Just For Laughs’ president and CEO, said: ‘Just For Laughs is back — and this moment is one of true gratitude. As we find our voice again, we do so with heart, humility, and profound gratitude. To all the artists, agents, managers, producers, broadcasters, sponsors, governments, and — more than anyone — the fans who support us and believe in the power of laughter: thank you. 

‘This return isn’t ours alone. It’s a collective achievement. A shared belief that comedy has the power to unite, soothe, and inspire — now more than ever. 

Tickets go on general sale at hahaha.com tomorrow, where the full Just For Laughs Montreal schedule can be found.

Published: 11 May 2025