How to get free tickets

The 20th series of Live At The Apollo is to be recorded this month.

It will comprise six episodes and a Christmas special – although details of the comedians taking part have not been revealed.

The new run – to be recorded at the West London venue on September 16, 17 and 18 –  will bring the total number of episodes made to 130. 

Free tickets are available at Standing Room Only. 

The 20th series was commissioned in 2023 at the same time as the 19th.

At the time, Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, said: ‘We are very proud that we will be making two more series of Live at the Apollo, which provides a platform for fresh and experienced comedians to showcase themselves.

‘The show has consistently delivered the finest comedy talents to our viewers, and we are excited to keep bringing fresh and hilarious stand-up acts for all to enjoy.’

And Andrew Beint, managing director of  programme-makers Open Mike Productions added: ‘We will continue to introduce viewers to some of the funniest homegrown and international stand-up comedic talent currently working in today's comedy industry, and cannot wait to have the future comedy super stars of tomorrow perform in front of the famous Live At the Apollo lights.’

Live At The Apollo began in 2006 with the first two series hosted by Jack Dee, and guest hosts after that.  At its peak in 2009, it hit 6.2 million viewers, for an episode featuring Rhod Gilbert and John Bishop.

Aside from Dee, Dara Ó Briain and Jason Manford have made the most appearances  – seven and six respectively –  followed by Rich Hall, Sean Lock, Sarah Millican and Sara Pascoe, who have all made five. 

Series 19 features the likes of John Kearns, Dan Tiernan and Judi Love (all pictured above) as well as Chloe Petts,  Janine Harouni, Eddie Kadi, Harriet Dyer, and Ian Smith, among others

The show typically airs between November and January.

Published: 2 Sep 2025