Melbourne International Comedy Festival reports a record year
Almost 800,000 people attended
16/07/2026 … The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has released official figures about its 40th anniversary year.
Thu 16 July 2026
Wed 15 July 2026
Equity helps comedians hit by Leicester festival woes
Union wins payment for some acts
15/07/2026 … Performers’ union Equity says it is helping comedians hit by the financial difficulties engulfing the Leicester Comedy Festival.
Meet the judges for the first McTavish Award
For Scottish comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe
15/07/2026 … The judging panel has now been announced for the new McTavish Award for Scottish or Scottish-based comedians at the Fringe.
Matt Lucas to play Fagin
Comic takes Oliver! role for six weeks in the West End
15/07/2026 … Matt Lucas is to play Fagin in the West End revival of Oliver! this autumn.
Tue 14 July 2026
New Edinburgh Fringe award for working-class acts
£1,500 prize to 'celebrate their sacrifice'
14/07/2026 … A new Edinburgh Fringe award will give a £1,5000 can prize to an act for whom going to the festival is a ‘massive financial risk’.
Mon 13 July 2026
Peter Kay adds hometown gigs – for Boltonians only
Raising money for the town's hospice
13/07/2026 … Peter Kay is adding four more shows at The Albert Halls in Bolton, after all four of his original hometown dates were snapped up as soon as tickets went on sale.
Wed 08 July 2026
Help given to comics hit by Leicester Comedy Festival troubles
18 performers and one promoter aided by hardship fund
08/07/2026 … Eighteen comedians and one promoter have shared a £5,000 hardship fund for those hit by the financial chaos engulfing Leicester Comedy Festival.
Line-up announced for Just For Laughs Sydney
With Greg Davies, Bill Bailey, Rhys James and more
08/07/2026 … Greg Davies, Bill Bailey, Rhys James, Adam Kay and Dara Ó Briain are among the acts confirmed for the 14th Just For Laughs Sydney.