Schedule: BBC Comedy Festival 2026

The BBC Comedy Festival is taking place in Liverpool on Wednesday 13 - Thursday 14 May and we have some free sessions available to book tickets for right now! Find out more below

Wednesday 13 May: Diane Morgan in conversation, screening of Ann Droid episode one and Q&A with Diane and Sue Johnston

Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe Street, Liverpool, L1 1HL

5.25 – 6.15pm: Diane Morgan in conversation

Known for her razor sharp wit, deadpan delivery and unmistakable comedic perspective, Diane Morgan – best known for her iconic characters such as Philomena Cunk, Mandy, Liz from Motherland, Kath from After Life, and the voice at the end of the Zoopla ads – is joined by Gavanndra Hodge for a conversation about her creative process, career journey, and the craft of building unforgettable characters.

6.30 – 7.30pm: Ann Droid episode one screening and Q&A with Diane Morgan and Sue Johnston

Take a step two weeks into the future and into the world of Ann Droid with an exclusive first look at Episode 1 of this a brilliantly off beat new comedy created by Diane Morgan, who, if all is going well, will still be on stage from the last session.

After the screening, stick around for a special Q&A with Diane Morgan and co-star/national treasure Sue Johnston as they chat about making the show and building its wonderfully eccentric characters, with a particular focus on how cold it was when they were filming it, and what the great comic actors do to keep warm.

Wednesday 13 May: Stand-up night

Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe Street, Liverpool, L1 1HL

8 - 10pm

Join us for an evening of world‑class stand‑up featuring a line‑up of incredible comedians from across the UK including MC Adam Rowe, Fatiha El‑Ghorri, Sam Nicoresti, Michael Odewale, Emer Maguire, Eli Hart, Alana Jackson and Mike Bubbins.

Note, line‑up subject to change.

Thursday 14 May: Holly Walsh, Larry Rickard, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Gbemisola Ikumelo and Lee Mack

Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe Street, Liverpool, L1 1HL

2 - 2.45pm: Characterland: making comedy ensembles work

How many funny characters do you need for a comedy to succeed? One seems the bare minimum; 396 is probably too many-there just aren’t enough names for them all. Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot, and here to reveal the secrets of making them all funny in a room together are two writers with a strong track record in ensemble comedy: Holly Walsh (Amandaland, Motherland, The Other One) and Larry Rickard (Ghosts, Amandaland, Horrible Histories). They are joined by Amandaland’s Philippa Dunne to explore the creation of comedy characters that people will love, and love laughing at. Hosted by Rhianna Dhillon.

3.15 - 4pm: From sketches to sting operations

From sketch comedy roots on Famalam to undercover operations on Black Ops, Akemnji Ndifornyen and Gbemisola Ikumelo are two comic voices who’ve helped push the dial and won BAFTAs in the process. They take to the stage to unpack their comedy journeys so far, discussing building characters, creating their own work, and navigating an industry that increasingly rewards those who make things happen for themselves.

4.30 - 5.30pm: Lee Mack: still going out

Lee Mack is one of Britain’s foremost comedians, known for entertaining the nation in Would I Lie To You? and, of course, his sitcom Not Going Out, which has been running for 20 years this autumn .He talks to Boffola supremo Shane Allen about how he writes Not Going Out, and how he has periodically reinvented it to keep it fresh over two decades.

Thursday 14 May: Alison Steadman and Sir Michael Palin

Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe Street, Liverpool, L1 1HL

6 - 7pm: Alison Steadman in conversation

Alison Steadman has been at the heart of British comedy and drama for over five decades. From the gloriously awkward genius of Abigail’s Party to beloved roles in Gavin & Stacey, Nuts in May and beyond, her performances have helped define the nation’s sense of humour. In this special in‑conversation session hosted by Ruth Jones, Alison reflects on an extraordinary career spanning stage, screen and radio. Expect candid stories, sharp observations and behind‑the‑scenes insights - a rare chance to hear from one of the UK’s most cherished performers.

7.15 - 8.15pm: Sir Michael Palin in conversation

Monty Python. Ripping Yarns. Time Bandits. The Missionary. Brazil. A Fish Called Wanda. Small Prophets–no one has a comedy CV as long and as illustrious as Sir Michael Palin. Even though he has taken several gap years to go travelling.

Talking to Sir Michael this evening –it’s The Bishop! John Bishop. Together they’ll delve into Palin’s remarkable career- from his iconic work with Monty to his acclaimed travel documentaries and writing. Expect laughter, insight and, yes, for once, the Spanish Inquisition.

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