by The last few years have certainly tested most, with the cost of living, endless strikes, the Russia-Ukraine war, a pandemic and lockdowns.
A new year brings new opportunities, and with a stellar lineup of top-notch comedy shows, you can be sure to laugh your sorrows away.
Below we select the best from the series of the world of comedy in London.
Upcoming comedy festivals in London 2023
Just for fun Until Sunday March 5th
The international comedy festival at the O2 presents the Who’s Who of the entertainment world.
The 2023 program includes The Graham Norton Variety Show, Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort (yes, The Ryan Reynolds) and Comic Relief, hosted by Richard Curtis, with a special performance by everyone’s favorite fox, Basil Brush.
Vault Festival Until Sunday March 19th
The Vault Comedy Festival brings together acclaimed comedy acts and is the premier opportunity to see the latest material from top comedy acts.
The festival also features the world’s only live-action text-based adventure game, with programs featuring award-winning artists fresh off the stages of the Edinburgh Fringe and Edinburgh Comedy Awards, to name a few.
Peckham fringe Friday May 5th – Sunday June 4th
Peckham Fringe is held at Theater Peckham and features comedic productions of sketch and stand-up comedy.
Peckham Fringe was formed to offer new comedians the opportunity to try something different in a dynamic and supportive environment with less financial risk than other fringe groups.
Weapons Of Mass Hilarity Comedy Festival Thursday 2nd June to Saturday 4th June
The bank holiday never looked sweeter with the only comedy event showcasing Middle East/SWANA heritage.
Weapons of Mass Hilarity has previously appeared on The Guardian, with tickets often selling out quickly.
Wandsworth Arts Fringe Friday 9th June to Sunday 25th June
Wandsworth Arts Fringe is supported and funded by Wandsworth Council and offers a diverse arts and culture programme.
Expect cutting-edge theater and comedy, music concerts, art exhibitions, experimental performance art, and outdoor art extravaganzas.
Balham Comedy Festival Friday 8th July to Saturday 16th July
The Balham Comedy Festival features a total of nine nights of epic stand-up comedy, including celebrities, household names and up-and-coming comedians, at popular venue The Bedford.
Featuring celebrities from Shappi Khorsandi to Seann Walsh, first-timers and festival favourites, the individual shows will feature on this Best of Banana Cabaret bill.
Ealing Comedy Festival July, dates TBA
The annual West London Ealing Summer Festival returns and is set to bring back laughter, music and performance this summer.
The Camden Fringe Monday 31 July to Sunday 27 August
North of the river, trendy Camden has a variety of comedians performing in a variety of venues.
TimeOut wrote of the festival: “Edinburgh isn’t the only place with a bursting, brilliant fringe, and indeed, as the Scottish capital’s iconic event continues to rise in price, the once rowdy underdog Camden Fringe is starting to look like a serious contender.
“It’s smaller than Edinburgh by far, but still has hundreds of events across Camden, offering everything from the expected stand-up sets and experimental theater to children’s shows, dancing and even magic.”
The Blue Tick Festival Thursday 10 August to Saturday 19 August
Bringing together the best comedians and creators on the big screen, the Blue Tick Festival takes place at the Rio Cinema in London.
The Greenwich Comedy Festival Wednesday 13 September to Sunday 17 September
The Greenwich Comedy Festival will delight everyone with its open-air theme at the famous National Maritime Museum in south-east London.
The festival offers a range of different comedic shows in one of the most picturesque locations in all of London.
sits: The Jewish Fringe, October 2023
Tsitsit celebrates all things Jewish and is the world’s first Jewish festival featuring music, theater and of course comedy.
Tsitsit first opened in October 2021 and has grown into an annual comedy event not to be missed.
