Following more sell-out shows at festivals and theatres all over the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia, the popular worldwide hit comedy show Shaggers returns to its beloved Leicester Square theatre for yet another Valentine's Day special. So, on this most romantic of all days, why not go for a lovely meal and some wine with your partner in the heart of London's West End, then come and laugh along with a variety of comedians of all sexes, genders and sexual orientations doing their hilarious material based around that most joyous of pursuits, shagging. And of course, all you singletons are welcome to join the sexy, comedic fun too.

Doors: 17:00 17:15 - 17:25 BBC COMEDY FESTIVAL WELCOME Cue trumpeters! Cue fireworks! Cue dry-ice! Cue dancing beefeaters! A spectacular opening ceremony sees Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, don his traditional garb to welcome everyone to this year’s BBC Comedy Festival, kicking off a packed programme of sessions, screenings and conversations celebrating the very best of UK comedy.17:25 – 18:15 DIANE MORGAN IN CONVERSATIONKnown for her razor sharp wit, deadpan delivery and unmistakable comedic perspective, Diane Morgan – best known for her iconic characters such as Philomena Cunk, Mandy, Liz from Motherland, Kath from After Life, and the voice at the end of the Zoopla ads – is joined by Gavanndra Hodge for a conversation about her creative process, career journey, and the craft of building unforgettable characters.INTERVAL – 15 Minutes18:30 – 19:30 ANN DROID EPISODE 1 SCREENING + Q&A with Diane Morgan and Sue JohnstonTake a step two weeks into the future and into the world of Ann Droid with an exclusive first look at Episode 1 of this a brilliantly off beat new comedy created by Diane Morgan, who, if all is going well, will still be on stage from the last session.After the screening, stick around for a special Q&A with Diane Morgan and co-star/national treasure Sue Johnston as they chat about making the show and building its wonderfully eccentric characters, with a particular focus on how cold it was when they were filming it, and what the great comic actors do to keep warm.

20:00 – 22:00 BBC COMEDY FESTIVAL STAND-UP. Join us for an evening of world‑class stand‑up featuring a line‑up of incredible comedians from across the UK including MC Adam Rowe, Fatiha El‑Ghorri, Sam Nicoresti, Michael Odewale, Emer Maguire, Eli Hart, Alana Jackson and Mike Bubbins.  Line‑up subject to change.

18:00 – 19:00 ALISON STEADMAN IN CONVERSATIONAlison Steadman has been at the heart of British comedy and drama for over five decades. From the gloriously awkward genius of Abigail’s Party to beloved roles in Gavin & Stacey, Nuts in May and beyond, her performances have helped define the nation’s sense of humour.  In this special in‑conversation session hosted by Ruth Jones, Alison reflects on an extraordinary career spanning stage, screen and radio. Expect candid stories, sharp observations and behind‑the‑scenes insights - a rare chance to hear from one of the UK’s most cherished performers. 15 MINUTE INTERVAL19:15 – 20:15 SIR MICHAEL PALIN IN CONVERSATION Monty Python. Ripping Yarns. Time Bandits. The Missionary. Brazil. A Fish Called Wanda. Small Prophets–no one has a comedy CV as long and as illustrious as Sir Michael Palin. Even though he has taken several gap years to go travelling.  Talking to Sir Michael this evening –it’s The Bishop! John Bishop. Together they’ll delve into Palin’s remarkable career- from his iconic work with Monty to his acclaimed travel documentaries and writing. Expect laughter, insight and, yes, for once, the Spanish Inquisition.

Rosie and her MP alter-ego are back, fighting their biggest foe yet. Labour are trying to continue the Conservatives’ work of stopping the boats while also still appearing “left wing," but they have an even bigger problem when UFOs arrive. Will the government stand strong? Or insist they are “just waiting for the facts” as aliens start to abduct and eat the British public? A sci-fi streaked satire. '10 Best Political Comedies' -The Times  'A pinpoint portrayal of the personae manifesting our national psyche.' ★★★★ -The Observer 'A character comedy treat.' ★★★★ -Time Out 'Holt perfectly sums up the state we are in, delivering tightly-crafted brutal satire with Orwellian flourishes.' ★★★★ -Evening Standard ★★★★ -The Guardian ★★★★ ​-T​he Telegraph ★★★★ -The Arts Desk ★★★★ -Broadway Baby"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Presented by Impatient Productions                                                                                                                    Performance Information Approximate show duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes including a 20 minute interval Age Rating: 14+ Please note – the bar will close 15 minutes before the advertised start time. Latecomers will not be admitted so please arrive in good time. Please contact Box Office on 0151 709 4321 if you require wheelchair access. There are two wheelchair spaces available for each show. There are no booking fees payable (hurrah!)

Doors: 13:4514:00 – 14:45 CHARACTERLAND: MAKING COMEDY ENSEMBLES WORK How many funny characters do you need for a comedy to succeed? One seems the bare minimum; 396 is probably too many-there just aren’t enough names for them all. Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot, and here to reveal the secrets of making them all funny in a room together are two writers with a strong track record in ensemble comedy: Holly Walsh (Amandaland, Motherland, The Other One) and Larry Rickard (Ghosts, Amandaland, Horrible Histories). They are joined by Amandaland’s Philippa Dunne to explore the creation of comedy characters that people will love, and love laughing at.  Hosted by Rhianna Dhillon. 15:15–16:00 FROM SKETCHES TO STING OPERATIONS From sketch comedy roots on Famalam to undercover operations on Black Ops, Akemnji Ndifornyen and Gbemisola Ikumelo are two comic voices who’ve helped push the dial and won BAFTAs in the process. They take to the stage to unpack their comedy journeys so far, discussing building characters, creating their own work, and navigating an industry that increasingly rewards those who make things happen for themselves. 16:30 - 17:30 LEE MACK: STILL GOING OUT Lee Mack is one of Britain’s foremost comedians, known for entertaining the nation in Would I Lie To You? and, of course, his sitcom Not Going Out, which has been running for 20 years this autumn .He talks to Boffola supremo Shane Allen about how he writes Not Going Out, and how he has periodically reinvented it to keep it fresh over two decades.

Based on the autobiography of Josiah Henson. Born into slavery in Maryland, enduring 41 years of unimaginable brutality and persecution before escaping to Canada. The play dramatises his unwavering resilience, determination and faith; the indomitable spirit which led him to become a respected leader, minister and teacher. His story inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe to create Uncle Tom in the seminal novel of the 19th Century – Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This is a story that matters today in a time when histories are being erased and challenged. It is a compelling true Canadian story of triumph over adversity.

Genius? Madman? Saint? The story of Antoni Gaudí, internationally renowned visionary architect responsible for Barcelona's towering Sagrada Familia. The sell-out 2024 Fringe show written and directed by Stephen Callaghan returns with a revised version marking the centenary of Gaudi's death. As all eyes turn towards Barcelona for the completion of Gaudi's masterpiece and the case opens for Gaudi's canonisation, Callaghan heads a cast of three bringing to life the powerful and enigmatic events and characters surrounding God's Architect. ‘Acting is strong throughout... engrossing’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). 'Superb writing' (Derek Awards). 'Sincere storytelling' (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Fun and educational' (Scotsman).

Award-winning Night Owl Shows chronicle the story of the most successful female artist in history, starring Voice of the Fringe 2025 Maia Elsey (Derek Awards). This anticipated journey spanning from Like a Virgin, Papa Don’t Preach through to Ray of Light and beyond, will remind you why Madonna’s story is the most inspiring of all pop music. The unique formula that has won Night Owl Shows international acclaim brings Madonna’s story to life through a spellbinding performance from Maia Elsey and her dynamite band. Relive the magic of the ultimate Material Girl. World Premiere.

Returning to the Fringe, Viva bring you this fast-paced, much-loved romp through 1920s girlhood by Denise Deegan. Daisy Meredith is off to Grangewood School for ‘Gals’ but she finds herself the target of a mean campaign of tricks and false accusations. Undeterred, Daisy launches into a mission of her own – to find the Beaumont Treasure – beat the bullies and save the school! An affectionate and hilarious parody, Viva’s Daisy Pulls it Off delivers a feel-good, charming and utterly spiffing show. Complete with a gripping on-stage hockey match and daring clifftop rescue!

Best of the West End Musicals – experience the magic of the West End in one electrifying show. Featuring unforgettable songs from the world’s best-loved musicals, this high-energy celebration brings together iconic anthems, heartfelt ballads and show-stopping numbers. With powerhouse vocals, emotional storytelling and dazzling theatrical flair, Best of the West End captures the spirit of London’s greatest stages. From timeless classics to modern favourites, this uplifting concert showcases the breadth and brilliance of musical theatre, proving there’s no business like show business, leaving audiences ready to give it a standing ovation.

After their professor, Tim Kenneth, suffers a mental breakdown in class, obnoxious prankster Scooter and teacher's pet Pencil embark on an odyssey through New Jersey, saddled by the weight of their own existence and with complicated feelings towards their lecturer. After its sold-out run in New York and debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, this academia-set dark comedy returns, bolder and brighter than before!