New Comedy Festival comes to Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall, Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre this October
We’re excited to announce the brand-new annual Brighton Dome Comedy Festival launching 24-27 October, bringing some of the UK’s most exciting new talent and comedy superstars together.
The diverse line-up will feature traditional stand-up performances as well as improv, storytelling and art installations, events and workshops for all ages. In an in-person UK comedy festival first, all events will be live captioned by a team of stenographers led by comedy specialist Claire Hill.
Building on our fantastic year-round comedy programme, the Comedy Festival will take place across Brighton Dome’s three historic spaces, the Grade I listed Concert Hall and recently refurbished Corn Exchange and Grade II listed Studio Theatre.
Big Names And Rising Stars
Headliners include Taskmaster star and bestselling author Fern Brady (24 Oct) and one of The Guardian’s top 50 comedians of the 21st Century, Nish Kumar (27 Oct).
On 26 Oct, there will be a special edition of our popular comedy night, Live At Brighton Dome, which spotlights emerging artists and household names, featuring Indie choral collective Jam Tarts. In another Brighton Dome first, there will also be a family-friendly version of the show on the Corn Exchange stage, Live At Brighton Dome Bleeped, on the same day and at the same time.
Improv Straight Off-The-Cuff
Star of Ghosts and Stath Lets Flats, Kiell Smith-Bynoe introduces his brand-new improv show Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends: Kool Story Bro in the Corn Exchange on 24th Oct. Featuring a combination of the best improvisers around and some very special guests, every scene will be inspired by a story from an audience member.
Debuts And One-Offs
We welcome the UK’s first – and funniest – refugee comedy collective, London-based No Direction Home. Mentored by award-winning comedian and member of sketch group Pappy’s, Tom Parry, they'll bring some of their best stand-ups to the Festival for their debut Brighton showcase in the Studio Theatre on Sun 27 October.
Don’t miss one-off shows from award-winning clown Julia Masli on 25 Oct, and Edinburgh Fringe favourite Rob Auton on 26 Oct, while Have I Got News For You’s Maisie Adam (24 Oct) and Live At The Apollo’s Kiri Pritchard-McClean (25 Oct) also stop off in Brighton on their UK tours.
Kid’s Stuff
A series of children’s shows will include Phil Kay’s hugely popular hour of interactive fun for children aged 5+, Gimme Your Left Shoe, and more to be announced.
We'll host a number of free comedy workshops for young people in the brand-new community space, Anita’s Room, in partnership with Komedia Productions. Each workshop is led by local comedian Tom Veryzer who will be accompanied weekly by guest comedians; focusing on different elements of comedy and developing writing skills, the workshops aim to build confidence, creativity and are packed full of fun.
On Sun 27 Oct, participants will then have the opportunity to perform in a showcase held in the Studio Theatre, compered by multi award-winning comedian, Michael Akadiri.
See You There!
Brighton Dome will be open to the public throughout the festival with free pop-up events and installations from cartoonists and illustrators Modern Toss.
Supported by Mayo Wynne Baxter.
