Tickets Now Available For Reading Indie Comedy Festival 2026
Tickets Now Available For Reading Indie Comedy Festival 2026
Reading Indie Comedy Festival 2026 14 - 17 May
Festival Pass
7:30pm
Reading
Reading Indie Comedy Festival will return in 2026 between the 14 - 17 of May.
The festival pass will give you access to 4 days of hilarious shows across Reading's independent comedy circuit.
Thursday 14 May
Reading Comedy Showcase
8pm
Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QE
A selection of the best established and emerging comedians from the Reading area.
All Brought to you by Stand and Deliver + Reading Indi Comedy Festival.
Doors 7pm. Show 8pm.
Blank Peng: Accidental Death of a Communist
8:30pm
Pentahotel Reading
Oxford Rd, Reading RG1 7RH
History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as stand-up comedy.
When a communist falls, China calls it shame, Britain writes it into fame, and a comedian is taking the opportunity to make her name.
A hour show that outlived a revolution, one country's loss is another country's joke.
Friday 15 May
Reading New Comedian of the Year Competition 2026
7:30pm
The Purple Turtle, 9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR
Kicking off the festival is Reading New Comedian of the Year Competition 2026 taking place at The Purple Turtle on Friday 15 May between 7:30pm and 9:30pm.
8 new comedians will battle it out to win a paid spot at Mates Rates Comedy Club and a cash prize.
Reading Indie Comedy Festival presents: David Anthony
8pm
The Purple Turtle, 9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR
David Anthony is a rising star on the international comedy circuit, based in London but regularly performing in New York and across Europe. Known for his sharp cultural commentary, offbeat takes on modern society, and hilariously honest stories about his family, David blends clever observation with a laid-back charm that keeps audiences laughing
Reading Indie Comedy Festival presents: Robert Moriarty
8:30pm
Pentahotel Reading
Oxford Rd, Reading RG1 7RH
Rob Moriarty is an Irish comedian who has performed all across Europe and the UK. In Germany he won the Berlin New Stand Up Award in March 2022. In London he won the infamous and coveted “King Gong” show at The Comedy Store. He performs regularly on pro bills at some of the best clubs in Ireland and the UK, such as The International, The Comedy Store, The Bill Murray and Top Secret. He reached the final of Leicester Square New Comedian of the year 2024 and the semi final of British Comedian of the year 2025. He has opened for comedians such as Radu Isac, Mike Rice, Geoffrey Asmus and Reginald D Hunter.
“The future of comedy. God help us” - David Mc Savage
“Excellent and Fresh” - Tom Ward
The Late Show: Abi Mohanty Tough Titties
10:30pm
Pentahotel Reading
Oxford Rd, Reading RG1 7RH
Abi is a Berlin based comedian. Born in India, she didn’t go far from the stereotype of being a software engineer. While that fills her pockets, comedy fills the void in her heart.
Her comedy is a powerful blend of satire and raw honesty, shedding light on the often-taboo subjects of religious dogma and the psychological scars of a restrictive upbringing. Currently converting childhood trauma into jokes one show at a time, Abi has been performing all over Europe, usually in places where Ryanair goes. She recently won the brutal King Gong at the Comedy Store in London in a desperate attempt to make her parents proud.
Saturday 16 May
Reading Indie Comedy Festival presents: The Hat and The Tash Reloaded
12pm
The Purple Turtle, 9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR
Nick Byard
Nick Byard, the unapologetically leftist comedian, takes the stage with a no-nonsense, gag-slinging style that captivates audiences nationwide. From clubs to festivals, Nick’s tightly crafted jokes and acerbic wit leave both left and right in stitches.
Carl Richard
“Casually cutting comedic sensibilities “
RDG Today
“I booked him to open for my tour and I’d book tickets to watch him, he’s class”
Jacob Hawley
Reading Indie Comedy Festival presents: Rachel Fairburn
1:30pm
The Purple Turtle, 9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR
Rachel Fairburn
Rachel Fairburn, star of Live at the Apollo and co-host of All Killa No Filla podcast, is a renowned stand up and “rock’n’roll star of British Comedy” (Rolling Stone). She’s bringing not only her “Bright, brave and bitterly enjoyable” (The Skinny) stand-up comedy out on the road but also some brand-new characters “A skilled impressionist…incredible” (The Guardian) along for the ride.
Reading Indie Comedy Festival present: Harriet Kemsley
3pm
The Outlook, 76 Kings Rd, Reading, RG1 3BJ
Harriet Kemsley
Harriet is an award winning comedian, writer and actress. She has starred in the Viceland reality sitcom Bobby and Harriet: Get Married which she co-created and co-wrote with her husband Bobby Mair, to huge critical acclaim. She can also be seen on Dave's Hypothetical, ITV's Hey Tracey, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, and is a recurring guest on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats. Her other credits include hosting the BBC Radio 4 Comedy Club, The Radio 1 Comedy Lounge, BBC3’s Comedy Marathon, The One Show (Edinburgh Special) and Kevin’s Hart’s LOL Live.
Harriet’s awards include the Leicester Mercury New Act of the Year Finalist, Funny’s Funny Winner, Up The Creek New Act of the Year Winning and Leicester Square New Act of the Year Finalist. She has been described by Time Out as ‘a very funny rising star’ and as one of Rhod Gilbert’s ‘Ten Comics to See’ in the Mail on Sunday.
Reading Indie Comedy Festival present: TBC
4:30pm
The Outlook, 76 Kings Rd, Reading, RG1 3BJ
We are in the process of filling this slot at the festival (how exciting!) and will update this section soon.
Reading Indie Comedy Festival presents: Darius Davies
6pm
The Purple Turtle, 9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR
Darius Davies
Darius is a seasoned performer first cutting his teeth in 2007 in the comedy clubs of New York city. Success quickly followed as Darius won an MTV New Talent contest, opening the door for Darius to strut his stuff on MTV america. Alas due to “visa irregularities” Darius soon found himself back, and uncelebrated in London.
Certain that success would be just as swift, Darius launched himself on the UK comedy scene. In the blink of an eye (four and half years later) Darius found himself gigging regularly up and down the country entertaining the crowds with his high-energy, captivating, and hilarious tales.
"It’s hilarious stuff, supercharged by precision timing and an impassioned, charismatic delivery that’s tempered by an engaging self-effacing streak" - Chortle
Special Saturday Show at The Pentahotel
8pm
Pentahotel, Reading, Oxford Rd, Reading,
RG1 7RH
Saturdays’s closing event at Pentahotel on Saturday 16 May will be headlined by the hilarious Simon Brodkin
Simon Brodkin
Of his many characters, Simon is best known for his irrepressible, south London wide boy Lee Nelson. With each of his Lee Nelson tours (Serious Joker, Suited & Booted, Lee Nelson’s Well Good Tour and Lee Nelson Live) being extended twice or more.
Simon is also the writer, star and creator of two series of BBC Three’s ratings smash Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show, sketch series Lee Nelson’s Well Funny People, and the 90-min special Jason Bent’s World Cup’s Best Ever Goals, Ever! (BBC Three). Lee has appeared multiple times on BBC One’s Live At The Apollo, as guest and host.
As well as numerous TV and radio credits including Sunday Night at The Palladium (ITV); The John Bishop Show (BBC One); Absolutely Fabulous (BBC One); Children In Need (BBC One) – Lee Nelson also made a highly anticipated return to BBC One’s Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, reaching the final with an impressive hip-hop-ballet performance of Swan Lake!
The Haters Ball
10:30pm
Pentahotel, Reading, Oxford Rd, Reading,
RG1 7RH
Four headline comedians battle for the prestigious title of Master Hater, roasting your suggestions. From pop culture to daily gripes, no topic is safe. Expect interactive chaos – no show is ever the same twice. 'Brutally funny' (Scotsman). 'Hysterical' (Dircksey.com.au). 'Perfect late-night adrenaline' (GonzoMagazine.co.uk). 'Most fun I've had compacted into one hour' (Gerard Butler, A-list movie star). Prepare to be offended, amused and part of the ultimate roast!
Warnings
Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing
Sunday 17 May
What's The Game Improv Reading Comedy Festival Showcase 2026
12:30pm
The Purple Turtle, 9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR
Mad Monkey Improv and What's the Game are teaming up to present the Reading Improv Comedy Festival Showcase!
Improv comedy, created spontaneously by the performers... anything can happen.
Experience the very best of the Reading improv scene!
Hosted by veteran improvisers Alexander McWilliam and Seamus Allen.
What's The Game Improv Reading Comedy Festival Showcase 2026
2pm
The Purple Turtle, 9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR
A phenomenal stand-up comic, Garrett’s breakout television performance was on the hit US late-night talk show Conan (TBS).
“Smart, provocative, playful and devastatingly funny”
★★★★
Chortle
“This brave and winning hour certainly pulls no punches”
★★★★
The Times
“Get on board and enjoy the thrill of his comedy white water rafting”
★★★★
The Scotsman
Reading Indie Comedy Festival present: TBC
3:30pm
Milk Bar Reading, 8 Merchants Pl, Reading, RG1 1DT
We are in the process of filling this slot at the festival (how exciting!) and will update this section soon.
Reading Indie Comedy Festival present: Esther Manito & Matt Richardson
5pm
Milk Bar Reading, 8 Merchants Pl, Reading, RG1 1DT
Esther Manito
After a sold-out, rave-reviewed tour last year, Esther Manito is back — this time embracing the sheer joy of having absolutely no dignity.
★★★★ “Manito skilfully weaves her own personal story with a wider look at gender issues in society”
Evening Standard
★★★★ “An absolute riot from start to finish”
Everything Theatre
★★★★ “Effervescent…Incisivley funny’
Matt Richardson
Being loud, brazen and a little bit lairy was all Matt Richardson needed to propel himself onto the comedy circuit aged 18 and be presenting national telly by 22. But faster than you can say ‘Celebrity Coach Trip’ he suddenly finds himself in his 30s, so what’s next for the lad?
‘High wattage stand-up’
The Guardian
'Hilarious and Charming'
The Mirror
Comedy at the Taproom Sunday Showcase 2026 with Headliner Sara Pascoe
8pm
Double-Barrelled Brewery, Unit 20 Stadium Way, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 6BX
Sunday's headline event at Double-Barrelled Brewery on Sunday's 17 May will be closed by the hilarious Sara Pascoe.
Sara Pascoe
Sara Pascoe is a critically acclaimed comedian, author, screenwriter and broadcaster whose latest stand-up show I Am a Strange Gloop is her biggest ever and will tour the UK, Australia and Canada from 2025, including playing the UK's iconic London Palladium in 2026.
2025 also sees Sara's return to hosting The Great British Sewing Bee for BBC One and starring alongside a stella line up of British comedians in Prime Video’s Last One Laughing UK, co-hosted by Jimmy Carr and Roisin Conaty. As a TV regular, Sara has appeared on the likes of Taskmaster (C4), Live at the Apollo (BBC Two), QI (BBC Two), 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4) and Mock the Week (BBC Two) to name a few.
Opener Zoe Lyons
Zoe took her first steps down the comedy path in 2003 after training as an actress at the Poor School in London. She went on to win the Funny Women Competition in 2004 and her debut Edinburgh show was nominated for the if.comedy newcomer award. In 2008 she won the Dave, Funniest Joke of The Fringe Award.
Zoe has appeared in many TV and radio shows including Mock the Week, The Wright Stuff, Michael McIntyre Roadshow, The Now Show, The News Quiz and many more. She also travels the world being funny, you may have seen her performing in Australia, New Zealand and Leicester.