Meet the first Hotshots hopefuls of 2026
Fringe-bound acts showcasing in Bristol next week
19/02/2026 … The line-up has been announced for the first Chortle Hotshots showcase in Bristol next week.
Latest News
All the latest news about comedy and comedians: stand-up, TV sitcoms and sketch shows, comedy movies, etc…
Thu 19 February 2026
© Science Museum, London/CC BY-SA 4.0 The new Tunnel Club?
Comedy night to be held in the entrance shaft to Brunel's Thames tunnel
19/02/2026 … A comedy gig is to be held in an underground chamber that was once the entrance shaft to a pedestrian tunnel under the Thames built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Wed 18 February 2026
© BBC/Big Talk Studios Can You Keep A Secret? This comedy's got a second series
18/02/2026 … Dawn French sitcom Can You Keep A Secret? has been renewed for a second series.
Janine Harouni misses out on Netflix's $500,000
But Star Search judges are full of praise for UK-based comedina
18/02/2026 … Janine Harouni missed out on the $500,000 top prize on Netflix talent show Star Search last night.
© Marc Brenner Dawn French writes her 'most ambitious’ novel
'I have attempted to write as fearlessly as I can about getting older and facing the endgame'
18/02/2026 … Dawn French has written what’s being described as her ‘most ambitious’ novel yet.
Tue 17 February 2026
© BBC Stewart Lee: I want Morris dancers on my next tour
Comic might also dip his toe into new media...
17/02/2026 … Stewart Lee is starting to think about his next tour – and it could feature Morris Dancers.
Hoopla improv celebrates 20 years
With a festival in ints London venue
17/02/2026 … London’s Hoopla improv theatre is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a festival bringing together performers who appeared there early in their careers.
Red Dwarf prequel coming soon
Novel set before the accident that wiped out the ship's crew
17/02/2026 … A Red Dwarf prequel is coming soon.