Spirit of Comedy 2026 — Returning after it’s success in 2025 the (and let's be honest, most opinionated) comedy competition, brought to you by Dutch Barn Vodka. A brave bunch of acts have entered the ring to battle it out for £5,000 and, more importantly, their egos. Come and watch the FINAL lineup of people who think they're funny — you be the judge of that. No pressure. Download the SLIDO app now so you’re ready to get voting; democracy has never been this petty. Every ticket holder gets a complimentary Dutch Barn Vodka Ready to Drink cocktail on arrival, because judging comedians is thirsty work. And because one comedian roasting themselves isn't enough entertainment for one evening, we've thrown in audience prizes, a Laugh-o-Meter to keep the acts honest, Applause Paddles for those too polite to shout, and Cue Cards in case you forget when you're supposed to be laughing (no judgement — some of it's a stretch). Vodka. Voting. Vengeance via SLIDO. Spirit of Comedy 2026 — may the funniest act win. Probably.

Here ye, Queer ye! The Beards are BACK! A farcical tale of hope and resilience, Beards by LemonSoap Productions, is a rollicking new musical comedy, bringing Smock Alley audiences all the way back to the Middle Ages! After our sold out run and rave critical acclaim, don’t miss this limited run this Winter. To avoid being burnt at the stake for being gay, medieval siblings Daryl and Erika marry each other's lovers. When one of the lesbians falls pregnant via immaculate conception, both couples must battle their own conflicting feelings as they soon find out that they are about to co-parent the second coming of Christ. “An absolute breath of fresh air and a hoot from start to finish” - The Irish Independent “LemonSoap, one of the most exciting young companies in Ireland today, delivering a show of such hilarious, unholy irreverence it's practically spiritual.” - The Arts ReviewAge Suitability: 15+Warnings: Sexual references, references to birth, homophobiaWRITTEN BY HK Ní ShioradáinDIRECTED BY Em Ó Ceallaigh LIGHTING DESIGN BY Matt McGowan SET & COSTUME DESIGN BY Jack Scullion SOUND DESIGN BY HK Ní Shioradáin ORIGINAL BOOK & DIRECTION BY Ultan PringlePHOTOGRAPHY & ORIGINAL LIGHTING DESIGN BY Owen ClarkePRODUCER Lisa NallyPREVIEW TICKETS €13TICKETS €18 | €16 (concession)GROUP DISCOUNT – 10% discount for groups of 6+RUNNING TIME 55 mins no intervalABOUT THE COMPANYLemonSoap is a collective of emerging artists who develop and present unique new contemporary writing in Ireland. With a focus on exploring the depths of the world we live in through comedic and thought provoking performance, we support new artists, enable marginalised voices, and bring new work to audiences through creative collaboration. As a company, we are both artist and audience focused, aiming to ensure accessibility for new and returning audiences and offering big nights out, big ideas, and big ambition.  Since their inception, they have worked with 114 individual artists across 12 productions, artistic developments, and our artist in residence programme.

CAN YOU PUT A PRICE ON HAPPINESS, BEAUTY AND LOVE?A brand new world-premiere play from the Olivier Award-winning playwright, James Graham (Punch, Dear England, Labour of Love) explodes into the West End for a strictly limited 12-week run.Directed by multi award-winner Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors, Giant) and starring Olivier Award winner Rory Kinnear (Skyfall, The Diplomat) and Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova in her West End debut, this blazing new play tells the astonishing story of rebel economist and member of the Bloomsbury Group, John Maynard Keynes.We are delighted to welcome Thomas Flynn, Laurie Kynaston, Pip Carter, Agatha Enecio, Naomi Frederick ,Claire Price, George Taylor, Christopher Akrill, Luke Cinque-White, Daniela Norman, Xolisweh Ana Richards and Ben Warwick to the cast.Husband to ballerina Lydia Lopokova. Lover to Duncan Grant. Friend to Virginia Woolf. Keynes moves between the corridors of power in Whitehall and the intoxicating freedom of a radical circle of artists, writers and lovers – all determined to live differently.But as markets crash, old systems crumble and Britain teeters on the edge of chaos, one question begins to consume him:WHAT IS A GOOD LIFE?Alive with music, dance, desire and debate, The Standard of Living is a thrilling, funny and deeply moving portrait of a man who dared to imagine something better.

Luke Kidgell is one of Australia’s favourite comedians. With over 4 million fans online, he has built a reputation for fast- paced, hilarious shows that have sold out theatres across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Luke Kidgell brings his brand new high-energy stand-up show packed with sharp observations, relatable storytelling, and quick-witted crowd interactions. Expect a fun, unpredictable night of stand-up full of laughs and stories you’ll still be quoting the next day. His comedy specials, including Cheers To That and Happy Hour are streaming online. Luke is one third of the BLT podcast which has a dedicated following. You’ve seen the clips. Now join in the fun in person. Don’t miss Luke Kidgell live in the UK and Ireland!

“Sometimes I think I could be fucked into enlightenment.”A cocky and clever uni student is dead set on finding herself through fucking other people and living up to her expectations of modern queerness. But one surprising hookup might bring her modern love montage to an end. From the comfort of her bedroom, we are with her through sex, situationships and spliff fuelled philosophical discussions. As people come in and out of her life and her bed, will they help her come to conclusions about her identity and her future?'coming to conclusions. is a coming-of-age play exploring how we find and lose ourselves in other people through the self-inflicted sexual chaos of a queer university student.After a successful run during The Hope Theatre's 'Write Club' festival, 'coming to conclusions' is returning to the venue for an extended run.  “Some people want to be in relationships, you know?”“I don’t get it.”This is Molly MacAskill’s debut play. Starring Molly MacAskill, Joe Reynolds and Izzy Kate Ward. Directed by Ellie Drayton. LATECOMERS MAY NOT BE ADMITTED.UNDER 18s ARE NOT PERMITTED INTO THE THEATRE FOR THIS PERFORMANCE.The performance lasts approximately 60 minutes without an interval.Refunds and exchanges are not available.

‘There’s a one in fifty-one chance you’ll win £500. There’s also a one in fifty-one chance you’ll end the show immediately. What you gonna do?’An interactive and audience-led show about gambling addiction, grief and winning the jackpot. When The Fun Stops, Try Again? is a semi-autobiographical exploration of working-class addiction and how we can’t help but dream of a more lavish life.Part storytelling, part stand-up, part dream, When The Fun Stops, Try Again? asks: What would YOU do if you

‘This is a guide on where to begin This is a lesson in reclaiming your skin’ Once, women came from the sea to dance on land. They slipped from their seal-skins and danced beneath the moonlight. One night, a woman’s skin was taken. And she could not return. Rooted in an ancient story, The Seamstress follows a woman as she confronts the wilderness beyond her - and the wilderness within.

Award-winning one-woman show, bringing royal scandal and the high seas to life. When Sweden's 19-year-old Princess Cecilia Vasa is caught with a lover in 1559, Europe thinks the scandal will tame the harlot. But Cecilia is just getting started. Condemned, filthy rich and yearning for freedom, she enters Renaissance Europe where war, chastity and men rule. Could friendship with Queen Elizabeth I of England grant her the independence she craves – or why not a life of piracy? Translated into English.

Award-winning LBC radio presenter, author and podcast host Iain Dale returns for a sixth Fringe season of in-depth interviews featuring audience questions, sharing his incisive insight on current affairs across 14 shows in five days. This show's guests are broadcaster and author Michael Crick, election guru John Curtice and journalist and political editor Brian Taylor. 'Forensic and mischievous interviewer with a deep sense of humanity' (Emily Maitlis). 'Makes me feel happier and cleverer every time I hear him' (Jeremy Vine). 'Great series for politics enthusiasts!' ***** (ThreeWeeks).

I told my manager I wanted to write a show about dead dogs, and she said 'oh god' but that's not really my problem, it's her job to market it. This show isn't sad, you will leave feeling good. I promise. Thinking about asking my vet for a refund on the euthanasia just to see what happens. 'Holland is an act in absolute mastery of her craft' ****(Scotsman). 'A whirlwind of comedy, chaos, and charm' **** (ThreeWeeks).

Live from Edinburgh. It's The Tom Brace Magic Hour. Prepare to have your minds read, your jaws dropped and potentially your hearts broken (wink) by 'one of the most original, brilliant and wonderfully funny magicians I've ever seen' (Nick Mohammed, Ted Lasso). Back for his 10th year, Tom Brace is bringing his biggest show yet. 'Charmed, amazed and delighted in equal measure' ***** (James O’Brien). 'Hysterical to watch and bewilderingly impressive' **** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). 'A love letter to magic' **** (WorldMagicReview.com).

When does self-censorship stop protecting you and start erasing you? Inside a fractured subconscious, a chaotic drag persona and an overprotective childhood plushie battle over buried secrets. Developed at Leeds Conservatoire and premiered at Leeds Theatre Festival 2024, Self Censored blends raw, personal storytelling with live original music to explore autism, masculinity and the exhausting performance of fitting in – offering an unfiltered glimpse into a mind caught between self-protection and self-expression.