Aberdeen Comedy Festival has claimed a successful comeback under the stewardship of Aberdeen Performing Arts with support from Aberdeen inspired. Over 16,000 tickets were issued to 40 gigs across the Granite City as comedy fans flocked to the North East for the festival’s return.
The revived festival came to a close on Sunday 5 October with Rory Bremner and Fred MacAulay in conversation at His Majesty’s Theatre for Rory Bremner’s Making an Impression.
Remarking on the success of this year’s festival, Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive Sharon Burgess said: “It has been an incredible two weeks, with the Comedy Festival venues filled with laughter and sold out shows, we’ve loved every minute. We’ve had amazing performances from local heroes such as the Flying Pigs, national treasures like Rory Bremner and Chris McCausland, and the brightest and funniest new comics on the circuit, including Sophie Duker and Elf Lyons.
“We’re delighted that comedy fans have taken this festival to their hearts and come out in their droves to join in the fun. With the 2026 Aberdeen Comedy Festival already taking shape with the fabulous Russell Howard, John Kearns and Laura Lexx all confirmed to appear, Aberdeen will be the place to be next Autumn!”
It was a warm welcome to the Granite City for some acts as they made their first appearance in Aberdeen with Chris McCausland selling out two performances at the Music Hall, and Elf Lyons bringing her SKY Arts Comedy Award winning show Horses to the Lemon Tree. While it was a triumphant return for others including Connor Burns, Stewart Lee, Adam Kay and local favourites The Flying Pigs, who packed out His Majesty’s Theatre with their newest show The Fashed and Furious.
Performers and promoters enjoyed a taste of Aberdeen, consuming 80 rowies and over 100 caramel wafers backstage, while families got in on the fun with the festival’s children’s programme including sold-out performances of Comedy Club 4 Kids.
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired said: “The success of the Aberdeen Comedy Festival is something that should put a smile on the face of everyone in the Granite City."
Following the maiden run of the Comedy Festival under Aberdeen Performing Arts’ stewardship, plans are already afoot for next year. Buoyed by the response to this year’s revived event, Aberdeen Comedy Festival will extend its dates in 2026, bringing three weekends of beguilement to the Granite City, Friday 19 September to Sunday 04 October 2026.
Leading the line-up, Russell Howard comes to the Music Hall on Friday 19 September with his brand-new stand-up tour Don't Tell The Algorithm. After breaking records with sold-out shows across the globe, “one of the world’s top comedians” (The Sunday Times) is inviting you back into the room: no phones, no distractions, just humans and jokes. Don’t tell the algorithm. Tickets are available now, don’t miss your chance to see one of the UK’s most successful stand-ups as he makes a triumphant return to the North East for the opening of Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026.
Taskmaster alumni and double Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner, John Kearns returns to Aberdeen with his brand new stand-up show Tilting at Windmills. A fragmented, digressing portrayal of a 38-year-old man’s life, alluding to books he hasn’t read, touching on the modern condition. Plus VAT! Seen bewildered on Taskmaster (Channel 4), terrified on Live at the Apollo (BBC), getting through Never Mind the Buzzcocks (Sky), and implicating others on his Sky stand-up special The Varnishing Days, John Kearns comes to to the Lemon Tree Tuesday 29 September 2026.
And fresh off the success of her critically acclaimed show ‘Slinky’ (Winner of Best Show at the Women in Comedy Festival 2024) multi award-winning comedy star Laura Lexx is back with her brand new show Yo-Yo. In a 10 year marriage eventually your partner sees it all. Every bad idea. Every silly decision. Every unfiltered thought, and somehow, they still say they love you. The real twist is that somewhere along the way, you have to believe them. And maybe, just maybe.. you learn to love yourself too. As seen on Mock The Week (BBC), Live at The Apollo (BBC), Hypothetical (Dave), and Roast Battle (Comedy Central), Laura Lexx swings into the Lemon Tree, Saturday 03 October 2026.
Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026 will take place Friday 19 September to Sunday 4 October 2026. The first tickets are on sale now, with further programme announcements to come in the months to come. To book tickets and to sign up to receive future news, visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com.
Picture by Louise Chan.
