The Roundhouse Comedy Festival returns to Camden from 1–18 August, bringing together some of the biggest names in stand-up, podcast and live comedy for almost three weeks of performances at one of London’s most iconic venues.
The stellar line-up features a constellation of familiar faces from the Funny Women Awards community, with big-chick energy alumni including Rosie Jones, Katherine Ryan, Sara Pascoe, Sarah Keyworth, Desiree Burch, Celya AB, Diane Morgan, Micky Overman and Chloe Petts dazzling across the festival programme.
Perhaps in a way that reflects it’s birth in the wake of Lockdown, this year’s festival blends headline stand-up shows with live podcast recordings. There is theatrical comedy and special one-off collaborations, with the opening night seeing Frank Skinner joined by Phil Wang and of course Funny Women legends Rosie Jones and Celya AB, while 2008 Stage Award winner Katherine Ryan brings together a strong line-up including Judi Love, Michelle de Swarte and Lou Sanders.
Elsewhere, Sara Pascoe and Vittorio Angelone each curate evenings featuring some of their favourite comics, while Sam Campbell headlines a showcase hosted by Sarah Keyworth, alongside Fern Brady and Desiree Burch.
Live editions of The Adam Buxton Podcast and The Alexei Sayle Podcast, feature the brilliant Diane Morgan joining Sayle for what promises to be an interesting collison of comedy heritage and the here-and-now, while comedy fans can catch Chloe Petts supporting Kristen Schaal’s one-night-only London performance of The Legend of the Crystal Shell.
Funny Women founder Lynne Parker says the festival demonstrates just how strong the comedy landscape has become: “Festival season is in full flow again this summer and it’s great to see an iconic venue like The Roundhouse in London showcasing comedy, one of the greatest and least recognised artforms. There is a rich seam of female-identifying talent, including some of our most successful Funny Women Awards alumni and a brilliant mix of line-ups and formats. It will be a great antidote to Ed Fringe FOMO!“
Funny Women Awards alumni have long used the competition as a springboard into the industry, with many returning as headline acts, TV regulars and festival favourites.
Whether you’re looking for a big Saturday night bill, an intimate podcast recording or the chance to discover your next favourite comic, the Roundhouse Comedy Festival offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate the depth and diversity of today’s comedy scene.
The Roundhouse Comedy Festival runs from 1–18 August. Find the full programme and ticket information here.
