The past few years has most certainly tested most, with the cost of living, endless strikes, Russian/Ukraine war, a pandemic, and lockdown.
A new year brings with it new possibilities and, with a stellar line-up of top-class comedy shows, you can be sure to laugh your troubles away.
Below we cherry pick the best of the bunch as the comedy world in London.
Upcoming London comedy festivals 2023
Just for Laughs Until Sunday, March 5
This international comedy festival at the O2 features a who’s who of the entertainment world.
The 2023 line-up includes The Graham Norton Variety Show, Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort (yes, that Ryan Reynolds), and Comic Relief hosted by Richard Curtis, with a special performance from everyone’s favourite fox, Basil Brush.
Vault Festival Until Sunday, March 19
Vault Comedy Festival brings together acclaimed comedy acts and is the first chance to check out the freshest material from top comedy acts.
The festival also brings the world’s only live-action, text-based adventure game, with programmes featuring award-winning artists fresh from the stages of Edinburgh Fringe and Edinburgh Comedy Awards, to name a few.
Peckham Fringe Friday, May 5– Sunday, June 4
Taking place at Theatre Peckham, Peckham Fringe offers comedic productions of both sketch and stand-up comedy.
Peckham Fringe was set up to offer new comedians the chance to try out something different in a dynamic and supportive setting with less financial risks than other fringes.
Weapons Of Mass Hilarity Comedy Festival Thursday, June 2 to Saturday, June 4
The bank holiday never looked sweeter, with the only comedy event showcasing Middle East/SWANA heritage.
Weapons of Mass Hilarity previously featured in The Guardian, with tickets often selling out quickly.
Wandsworth Arts Fringe Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 25
Wandsworth Arts Fringe is supported and funded by Wandsworth Council, bringing an eclectic programme of arts and culture.
Expect cutting-edge theatre and comedy, music concerts, art exhibitions, experimental performance art, and outdoor art extravaganzas.
Balham Comedy Festival Friday, July 8 to Saturday, July 16
Balham Comedy Festival offers a total of nine nights of epic stand-up comedy, including celebrity and 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 solo shows will be on this Best of Banana Cabaret bill.
Ealing Comedy Festival July, dates TBA
The annual West London Ealing Summer Festival returns and looks to bring laughter, music, and performance back this summer.
The Camden Fringe Monday, July 31 to Sunday, August 27
North of the river, the trendy borough of Camden features a variety of comedians playing across different venues.
TimeOut wrote of the festival saying: “Edinburgh isn’t the only place with a bursting, brilliant fringe, and indeed as the Scottish capital’s iconic event becomes ever more expensive, the once scrappy outsider Camden Fringe looks ever more like a serious contender.
“It’s smaller than Edinburgh by a long shot, but still boasts hundreds of events all over Camden, taking in everything from the expected stand-up sets and experimental theatre to kids’ shows, dance, and even magic.”
The Blue Tick Festival Thursday, August 10 to Saturday, August 19
The Blue Tick Festival brings together the best comedians and creators on the big screen, taking place at the Rio Cinema in London.
The Greenwich Comedy Festival Wednesday, September 13 to Sunday, September 17
The Greenwich Comedy Festival is set to delight all with its open-air theme located in South-East London’s famous National Maritime Museum.
The festival offers a number of different comedic shows set in one of the most picturesque locations in all of London.
Tsitsit: The Jewish Fringe, October 2023
Celebrating all things Jewish, Tsitsit is the world’s first Jewish festival featuring music, theatre, and of course comedy.
Tsitsit first opened in October 2021 and has become an annual comedic event not to be missed.
