90+ shows for its 11th year

The Hastings Comedy Festival is returning for its 11th year, with more than 90 performances spread across local venues from June 1 to 7.

It features a mix of established names and newer acts. Maisie Adam, who won the most recent series of Taskmaster, heads the bill alongside Red Richardson, Mock the Week regular Rhys James and political activist  Mark Thomas

Returning acts include improv group The RH Experience, Singaporean comic Jin Hao Li, who won best newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, character comedian President Obonjo and Canadian stand-up Tony Law. Oliver Moore, who won the festival's Norman Award for best newcomer in 2025, also returns. 

Joe Wells, Russell Hicks, Tez Ilyas and Lara Ricote  will also perform.

The programme includes late-night comedy, an open mic night at Ye Olde Pump House and children's shows at the Spun Glass Theatre in Hastings Old Town. The festival closes on the Sunday afternoon with the Norman Award newcomer competition at The Piper.

Chris Young, the festival's director, said the event would offer 'something for everyone from classic stand-up to clowning, theatre to puppetry and more’

Tickets are available at www.hastingscomedyfestival.com.

Published: 6 Mar 2026