The Comedy Network - Summer 2026

Get ready to laugh out loud with an evening of great comedy, as Avalon presents The Comedy Network.

Existing to bring a roadshow of comedic brilliance to your doorstep, The Comedy Network has been a proving ground for some of the biggest names in British comedy. Household names like Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Jenny Eclair, Ed Gamble and Lou Sanders have all cut their teeth on the network circuit. Previous line-ups* have included Simon Brodkin, Steve Bugeja, Sophie Duker and Flo & Joan. 

Whether you are looking for a great night out with friends or a fun way to celebrate a special occasion, start your weekend in style at The Comedy Network. 

July's line-up includes:

Sharon Wanjohi

Pleasance Reserve Member and Funny Women Stage Award Finalist Sharon Wanjohi is a queer British Kenyan comedian, who’s been making waves on the circuit with her take on the lack of Gen-z homeowners.

Sharon is an alumna of the 2024 Pleasance Reserve and is making her debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe with In The House. As a prolific writer, Sharon has written for acclaimed television series including Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Late Night Lycett, and the Jonathan Ross Show. As seen on Comedy Central Live, Wanjohi has also provided tour support for Jessica Fostekew and Sarah Keyworth.

Will Rowland

Will Rowland is a comedian, actor and director. For his stand-up, Will has been a finalist in multiple comedy competitions including Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year, as well as acting in sketches for BBC Three and Pulped. As a director, Will has worked with a number of acts, including some of the best reviewed shows of the Edinburgh Fringe 2023.

Will is one half of the double act Crizards, whose two live shows Cowboys (2022) and This Means War (2023) attracted considerable critical acclaim. Crizards have appeared on Dave’s Question Team, Sky News and the BBC- who filmed them singing a song to Gordon Ramsay (he didn’t like it). They were shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Award and runners up in the Leicester Square Theatre Sketch Off competition.

Sara Barron (headliner)

Sara Barron is one of the fastest-rising comedians of her generation. Since her 2018 debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, she’s starred on shows including Live at the Apollo (BBC), Would I Lie to You? (BBC) and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order (BBC).

A powerhouse live act, Sara has taken four critically-acclaimed stand-up hours, For Worse (2018), Enemies Closer (2019), Hard Feelings (2022) and Anything For You (2024) to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and had multiple runs in London’s Soho Theatre. Her shows have received rave reviews from publications including The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Evening Standard and The Scotsman, and she was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

Matt Pugsley (compere)

Selected for the Best in Class showcase at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Pugsley takes the audience through stories of working class misadventure and unorthodox approaches to dealing with whatever life throws his way. From observation quips to uproarious storytelling, from morose to mischievous, he is a versatile emerging talent, guaranteed to be engaging and hilarious throughout.

A proud Bristolian from working class roots, Pugsley organised and performed at two showcases of fellow working class Bristolians, first partnering with The People's Comedy to run Gurt Lush (2023), and then Made In Bristol (2025) as part of the first Bristol Comedy Festival.

Off stage, Pugsley has had his sketch comedy featured on BBC Sounds, and has also appeared in, and provided voice acting in a number of film and television productions.