NORTH Wales is gearing up for a blockbuster year of comedy in 2026, with some of the UK’s biggest names set to bring stand‑up, storytelling, and a healthy dose of chaos to Llandudno and Rhyl.
From sharp observational humour to surreal character comedy and full‑throttle energy, the region’s two major venues — Venue Cymru and Rhyl Pavilion — are preparing for a packed calendar of laughs.
Jason Manford kicks off the year in Llandudno
The comedy celebrations begin early as Jason Manford brings his new tour A Manford All Seasons to Venue Cymru on 13 January. Rescheduled from November, the show marks his return to the road with a fresh hour of the observational comedy that has made him a household name.
Fans of his Absolute Radio show — or his appearances on Starstruck, The Masked Singer, Live at the Apollo, QI, and 8 Out of 10 Cats — will know exactly what to expect: warm, quick‑witted storytelling delivered with the laid‑back charm that critics have praised for years. The Guardian has called his work “expert observational comedy”, while the Mail on Sunday describes it as “comic gold”.
Sue Perkins brings stories, shame and surprises
In March, Sue Perkins arrives with The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins, her first live stand‑up show in more than a decade. Known to millions as one half of the original Bake Off presenting duo — as well as for Taskmaster, Just a Minute, and her travel documentaries — Perkins is promising a candid, mischievous and deeply funny look at the stranger moments of life in the public eye.
From medical mishaps on live TV to tabloid‑fuelled misunderstandings, she’ll explore the absurdity of fame, embarrassment, and resilience with her trademark warmth and wit.
Stewart Lee unleashes the Man‑Wulf
June sees the arrival of Stewart Lee, one of the most acclaimed and distinctive comedians of his generation. His new show, Stewart Lee vs The Man‑Wulf, pits the veteran comic against a snarling, subconscious werewolf alter‑ego who despises humanity — a typically surreal premise that promises both satire and self‑interrogation.
Lee, described by The Times as “the world’s greatest living stand‑up”, blends intellectual bite with theatrical absurdity. This latest show looks set to challenge audiences as much as it entertains them.
Susan Calman returns to the stage
After a decade away from touring, Susan Calman brings Tall Tales to Venue Cymru in September. Known for Cruising with Susan Calman, Grand Day Out, QI, House of Games and her memorable stint on Strictly Come Dancing, she’s ready to share a new batch of improbable stories.
Expect cats, tanks, travel mishaps, and reflections on getting older — all delivered with the joyful energy and self‑deprecating humour that have made her a favourite on screen and radio.
Mike Bubbins rounds off the year with Welsh flair
October brings Welsh comedy favourite Mike Bubbins with his new show Ideas Man. The Mammoth star — whose sitcom became BBC Two’s biggest new comedy in five years — is known for his big personality, retro obsessions, and storytelling prowess.
Critics have praised his work as “delightfully silly” (The Telegraph) and “wistfully hilarious” (Irish Times). His 2026 tour promises a night of fast‑flowing jokes, nostalgia, and Bubbins’ unmistakable charm.
Rhyl Pavilion welcomes a trio of comedy heavyweights
While Venue Cymru hosts a parade of touring stars, Rhyl Pavilion has its own stellar comedy line-up for 2026.
Chris McCausland: Yonks! (29 January)
Fresh from Strictly Come Dancing and a string of TV appearances — including Would I Lie to You?, Have I Got News For You, QI, and The Last Leg — Chris McCausland returns with Yonks!, a show that’s been, as he puts it, “yonks in the making”.
His last tour sold out nationwide, and his mix of sharp storytelling and dry humour has made him one of the most in‑demand comics in the UK.
Russell Kane headlines Chuckl. Rhyl (21 May)
In May, multi‑award‑winning livewire Russell Kane brings his trademark high‑energy stand‑up to the Pavilion as part of a Chuckl. comedy night. Known for his rapid‑fire delivery and animated physicality, Kane has become a favourite through shows like Live at the Apollo, Celebrity Juice, and Mock the Week.
He’ll be joined by a hand‑picked lineup of rising stand‑ups.
Clinton Baptiste channels the spirits (30 May)
Rounding out Rhyl’s comedy year is Clinton Baptiste, the flamboyant clairvoyant medium from Phoenix Nights, returning with his new show Spectral Intercourse. Fresh from a fourth sell‑out tour, Baptiste promises spiritual guidance, audience interaction, and plenty of supernatural silliness. Expect mystic revelations, probing questions, and a lot of laughter.
A comedy calendar worth shouting about
With two major venues hosting some of the UK’s most recognisable and inventive comedians, North Wales is set for a year packed with punchlines. Whether you prefer surreal satire, warm storytelling, high‑octane energy or full‑blown character comedy, 2026 offers something for every sense of humour.
Meanwhile, for those who like to catch comedy acts before they become household names, Rhyl Comedy Club is a night of live stand-up comedy featuring some of the best up-and-coming comedians from the Northwest Comedy circuit, the UK and beyond.
The regular gig is held on the first Friday of every month at Rhyl Little Theatre.
For more information and tickets, check the websites and box office of the individual theatres.
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