Comedy stars set to bring laughter to the Corn Exchange Newbury and Old Library this autumn

Comedy fans are in for a treat this autumn as the Corn Exchange Newbury welcome an exciting line-up of some of the biggest names in stand-up alongside and the UK’s most exciting emerging talent. 

Over at The Old Library, James Barr brings Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) to the Old Library on Thursday 22 October. Described as a bold and genre-defying hour of stand-up, the show combines dark humour, honesty and sharp storytelling as James explores shame, survival and life’s unexpected challenges. A nominee for Best Show at the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards, NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy and the Queer Performers Award at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, the show was also recognised as one of the best-reviewed performances of the festival. 

Then on Friday 13 November Michael Akadiri: Don’t Call Me Uncle! comes to the Old Library’s stage. Following two hit UK tours, the multi-award-winning comedian and junior doctor brings his latest show to Newbury, exploring identity, family and the hilarious realities of getting older. With appearances on Comedy Central LIVE, ITV’s Stand Up Sketch and Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer, Michael combines sharp social observations with his trademark wit to deliver a hugely entertaining night of comedy. 

The autumn comedy programme at the Corn Exchange Newbury begins on Sunday 6 September with Seann Walsh: This is Torture. Following his sell-out 2023 tour, the award-winning comedian returns with a brand-new hour of side-splitting stand-up. Known for his trademark high-energy performance and razor-sharp observations, Seann Walsh promises an unforgettable night of comedy as he explores the everyday frustrations that inspired the title of his latest show. 

The laughs continue throughout the season as The Comedy Network (Fridays, 11 September, 9 October and 6 November) returns to the Corn Exchange Auditorium. Bringing a roadshow of comedic brilliance to audiences across the UK, The Comedy Network has helped launch the careers of some of Britain’s biggest comedy names, including Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Jenny Eclair, Ed Gamble and Lou Sanders. This autumn’s shows will showcase a mix of established favourites and rising stars, with September’s line-up featuring headliner Slim, one of the UK’s biggest stand-up stars and a leading figure in the Black British comedy circuit, alongside Davina Bentley, Joshua Bethania and compère Joe Sutherland. October’s line-up includes Matt Richardson, Jess Carrivick, Amy Mason and Joe Jacobs, while November welcomes Huge Davies, Ciara O’Connor, Toussaint Douglass and Dom McGovern. 

On Thursday 24 September, Josh Pugh returns to Newbury bringing his brand-new show Ha Ha, Yeah Sound to the Corn Exchange stage. After two sell-out tours, he returns with an hour of his brilliantly understated, observational comedy. Known for appearances on Live at the Apollo, Big Fat Quiz of Everything, Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You? and The Last Leg, as well as his hugely popular online videos, Josh Pugh has become one of the most recognisable voices in modern British comedy. 

American-British comedian, writer and television presenter Ruby Wax invites audiences behind the scenes of her remarkable broadcasting career on Wednesday 14 October, as she revisits highlights from shows including Ruby Wax Meets and The Full Wax in Absolutely Famous. Joined by lifelong friend and producer Clive Tulloh, Ruby shares extraordinary stories and previously unheard anecdotes from her conversations with some of the world’s most famous figures. 

Comedian Rhys James returns to the Corn Exchange Newbury on Saturday 31 October with his show Chop Logic, a fast, forensic and gag-packed show from one of the nation’s sharpest stand-ups. Best known for appearances on Mock the Week, QI, Live at the Apollo and BBC Radio 4’s Rhysearch, Rhys brings his unique blend of big ideas and brilliantly crafted jokes to Newbury. Then on Wednesday 11 November, comedian Scott Bennett presents Blood Sugar Baby, a heartfelt and hilarious true story about his family’s experience following his daughter’s diagnosis with the rare condition congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI).  

Also joining the Corn Exchange Newbury’s autumn line-up on Sunday 1 November is Larry Dean with Hellbent. The recently married Glaswegian comedian returns with a riotous new show about refusing to grow up, promising his trademark blend of energetic storytelling, sharp one-liners and emotional honesty. A regular favourite on the comedy circuit, Larry has appeared on SNL, Live at the Apollo, QI and The Royal Variety Performance, and his latest show has already earned a five-star review from the Telegraph.  

You can book your tickets now on the Corn Exchange website or contact the Box Office on 01635 522733.