Joz Norris takes best show

Leicester Comedy Festival has announced this year’s award winners, honouring comedians including Joz Norris and James Ellis.

They are:

Best Show: Joz Norris Is Hugh Jackman Is The Phantom Of The Opera

Best New Show: Luke Rollason: The Poolboy (Work in progress)

Best Debut Show: James Ellis: Craig (Work in progress)

Best Kids Show: The Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Romeo and Juliet

Best Variety Show: Lady Bolognese: Class War

Best Small Venue:  Firebug

Best Large Venue: De Montfort Hall

Best New Venue: Soft Touch Arts

Best Poster: Lucy Pearman: Lunartic (Designed by Will Andrews)

Liberty Award: Wrestling With The Champ

Best Promoter: Laughter Craft

Tracey Miller Community Award: Leicester Libraries

Student of the Year: Molly Oliver

Business Contribution: Steep Soda

Contribution to Leicester Comedy Festival 2026: Highcross Shopping Centre

Chris Maughan Lifetime Contribution Award: Charlotte Laidet, who will be stepping down as festivals and programme director at Big Difference Company, which runs the festival, after nine years.

Michael Harris-Wakelam, chief executive of Big Difference Company, said: ‘Charlotte has been a huge part of the development of Big Difference Company and our festivals for almost a decade. Her commitment to nurturing and supporting talent has always shone… She will of course be missed but leaves behind a significant legacy and contribution to the ongoing successes of our festivals and British comedy.’

Leicester Comedy Festival  will return from February 3 to 21 next year, running in parallel with UK Kids’ Comedy Festival.

Published: 11 Mar 2026