Including Lee Mack, Michael Palin and Diane Morgan

Lee Mack, Michael Palin and Diane Morgan are among the stars who will be heading to this year’s BBC Comedy Festival, Chortle can reveal.

The event will this year be staged in Liverpool on May 13 and 14, with free tickets now available for sessions at the Royal Court Theatre.

On the Wednesday, Philomena Cunk and Motherland star Morgan will unveil her new show, Ann Droid. A Q&A session will also feature Sue Johnston, who stars as  a widow coming to terms with a new android assistant, played by Morgan.

In the evening, Adam Rowe will compere a stand-up showcase featuring  Fatiha El‑Ghorri, Sam Nicoresti, Michael Odewale, Emer Maguire, Eli Hart, Alana Jackson and Mike Bubbins.

Thursday will feature a session about creating comedy characters with Amandaland writer Holly Walsh and Ghosts’ Larry Rickard; a discussion with Black Ops creators  Akemnji Ndifornyen and Gbemisola Ikumelo, and an interview with Lee Mack about Not Going Out. 

In the evening, Alison Steadman will be in conversation with Ruth Jones, followed by Sir Michael talking to John Bishop.

This will be the fifth time the BBC has run its Comedy Festival following previous events in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff and Newcastle.

It is described as an opportunity for those working in the TV industry to get together, celebrate and discuss comedy, but the sessions are also open to the public. Announcements boosting local comedy production are also expected at the event.

Jon Petrie, the director of comedy at the BBC, has said: ‘Liverpool has funny bones and a rich culture of producing top tier comedy creatives, so we’re delighted to be bringing the BBC Comedy Festival 2026 to the city.’

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Published: 8 Apr 2026