A spring of stand-up and side-splitting laughter

This spring, our stage is the place to be for a season of laughter, with a packed programme of comic magic and daring new material.

Leading the season is The Comedy Network (Friday 6 February, Friday 6 March and Thursday 2 April), presented by Avalon. Known as a launchpad for some of Britain’s biggest comedic talent, previous line-ups have included Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Jenny Eclair, Ed Gamble, and Lou Sanders, each show brings together a carefully curated line-up of top comedians with a sharp, witty compere.

For those who love seeing comedy in its most experimental form, Early Doors Comedy Night (Wednesday 18, Thursday 19 February and Thursday 12 March) provides an intimate setting where comedians test new material in front of a live audience. It’s a chance to witness performers at their most daring, blending familiar favourites with emerging stars in evenings full of laughs and surprises. The scheduled line-ups of top-tier comedians feature Cecily Hitchcock and Jonny Pelham on Wednesday 18 February, Sara Barron and Bilal Zafar on Thursday 19 February, and Felicity Ward with Johnny White Really-Really on Thursday 12 March. 

The season also features a host of headline shows that promise unforgettable evenings of comedy. Pete Firman: Tricks & Giggles (Saturday 7 March) brings his award-winning mix of magic and humour to Newbury. With viral videos, TV appearances, and millions of fans, Pete delivers impossible feats, playful audience interaction, and laugh-out-loud gags, creating a show that thrills the eyes as much as it tickles the funny bone.

Critically acclaimed stand-up Ivo Graham returns with Orange Crush (Wednesday 18 March), a gloriously quirky exploration of all things orange. From Aperol spritzes to sunsets and marmalade, Ivo turns the ordinary into the absurd with his sharp, insightful humour, weaving personal stories, witty observations, and delightfully surreal tangents into a show that’s as imaginative as it is funny.

The irreverent duo of Scummy Mummies is back with their brand-new show Hot Mess (Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 April), the ultimate mums’ night out. No topic is off-limits, from menopause and mansplaining to teenagers and Tinder. With brand-new songs, sketches, stand-up, and dazzling sparkly costumes, it’s a high-energy celebration of the chaos and joy of modern motherhood, perfect for anyone who loves a riotous night out.

Rounding out the season is Mark Simmons: Jest To Impress (Friday 17 April), the award-winning ‘master of one-liners'. Known for his record-breaking debut tour, Fringe accolades, and popular podcast Jokes with Mark Simmons, Mark combines razor-sharp, expertly crafted jokes with spontaneous audience-led humour, delivering a show that is clever, quick, and guaranteed to leave audiences laughing.

For more information about the listed performances, and other events, visit our What's On page, or contact the Box Office on 01635 522733.