West Berks Comedy Festival

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Event 1

Thurs July 16 7.30pm - Thatcham Rugby Club

Small Fish - Graeme Coulam £5

Coulam is a small fish in a big pond. But he's evolving like the rest of humanity. Or is he? Just because Dawkins says something, it doesn't make it true. On the other hand, you can't trust religion either, so what are you supposed to think. If there is a God, how come Man Utd won so many trophies in the 1990s. If there isn't a God, how come so many atheists behave as if there is. And now that Curly Wurlies are shorter than they used to be, and Trump is in the White House, who cares anyway? Expect tangents, cul-de-sacs and more U-turns than Starmer as Coulam navigates the BIG questions with his tiny goldfish mind.

  • "Slick, quick & intelligent" - (Fringe review)
  • "Considerable talent, high quality writing and engaging personality" - The Stage
  • "Amongst the very best on offer" - The Scotsman

    • Book Graeme & Alan together and get a £2 discount

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    Event 2

    Thurs July 16 8.30pm - Thatcham Rugby Club

    Alan Francis-Hard Wired - Alan Francis £10

    When H. G. Wells wrote The Shape of Things to Come, did he imagine the shape we have become? Well this out-of-shape comedian wants to know. Can we come together and explore the stars? Or do we just order another pizza? Alan Francis asks what happened to the bright future science was supposed to bring. And is there any room left for our humanity?

  • "A brilliant Observational Stand-Up" **** The Scotsman
  • Brazen, dark and clever…. ****

    • Book Graeme & Alan together and get a £2 discount

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    Event 3

    Friday July 17 7.30pm - Newbury Rugby Club

    It's a Fair Cop Radio Warm up - Alfie Moore - £15

    Alfie Moore returns with a fun-filled, interactive 'warm up' show ahead of recording Series 10 of his hit BBC Radio 4 comedy 'It's A Fair Cop'. Alfie 'swears in' the audience as police officers before sharing a brand new, real-life scenario from his 'casebook'. He playfully challenges the 'audience cops' to say what they would've done in his shoes - with often unexpected and entertaining results! Every show is unique to the audience in the room - so why not come and find out what sort of cop you'd make?! It'd be a crime to miss it!

  • "Brilliantly funny… genuinely hilarious" – David Mitchell
  • "…offbeat, revealing and very funny" – Mail
  • "…thoroughly engaging, endlessly funny. His charisma shines through as bright and colourful as a twirling blue light" – Times

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    Event 4

    Sat July 18 7.30pm - Hungerford Town Football Club

    Musical chairs £PWYW

    In the beginning, there were dinosaurs. They didn't write songs or tell jokes, but if they had, only one of them would be allowed to use an instrument at once on any given comedy bill.
    Skip a few million years. Friz, Ashley and Edi Johnston had their Make a wish granted and were allowed to roam over comedy festivals as Musical Chairs, selling out at the Leicester Comedy Festival.
    It's simply an hour of wonderful musical stand-up comedy, proving you can have multiple musical comedians on the bill… and nobody gets hurt.

  • "Frizzle is energetic, inventive and beautifully crass" Independent.
  • "Ashley Frieze, a true master of his craft" Jongleurs
  • "Johnston Took The Roof Off" Laffacake Comedy

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    (This show is Pay what you want, but £1 now reserves your seat)
    Event 26

    Sun July 19 4.00pm - Boswell's Cafe, Newbury

    I've Started So I'll Finish - It's too late for questions - Samantha Day - £PWYW

    What should you do when it's clear that you've chosen the wrong partner, or the wrong job? Stop and think about it? Change direction? Of course not! Talk yourself into it - you're not a pathetic quitter. Don't get distracted by red flags in relationships or emails from HR - believe in yourself! Samantha masterminds a stand up comedy show in celebration of all the fabulous 'can do' people who just want to get on with cocking things up without being interrupted.
    "Once you choose false hope, anything is possible." - Samantha Day
    Sam Day is a former partner with KPMG. She is also an award-winning comedian with the following accolades.

  • Funny Women Stage Award - Finalist (2025)
  • Leicester Comedy Festival Silver Stand Up Award - Winner (2025)
  • British Comedy Guide Pro Award - Finalist (2024)
  • Not So New Comedian of the Year - Finalist (2024)
  • British Comedian of the Year - SemiFinalist (2024)

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    (This show is Pay what you want, but £1 now reserves your seat)
    Event 5

    Sun July 19 6.30pm - City Arts Cafe, Newbury

    Dry Humour - Dave Chawner - £5

    Dave's given up booze...but does that make him sober? A sharp, self-deprecating look at age, expectations & identity. As seen on BBC, ITV & Channel 5. Heard on Radio 1,Radio 2 & Radio 4
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ - Arts Award Voice ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ - Bunbury Magazine ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ - Voice Mag ★ ★ ★ ★ - The List ★ ★ ★ ★ - Edinburgh Festival Magazine ★ ★ ★ ★ - Three Weeks ★ ★ ★ ★ - Broadway Baby ★ ★ ★ ★ - Broadway World ★ ★ ★ ★ - Wee Review ★ ★ ★ ★ - On The Mic ★ ★ ★ ★ - Entertainment Now ★ ★ ★ ★ - Ed Fringe Review ★ ★ ★ ★ - Fringe Explosion ★ ★ ★ ★ - Theatre & Art Reviews ★ ★ ★ ★ - UK Cabaret ★ ★ ★ ★ - We Love Brighton

  • 'Thank goodness for Dave; he tells his invaluable story with humour and tongue in cheek charm...hilariously entertaining' - Mail On Sunday
  • 'quirky, moving & hilarious' - Indy 100
  • 'This is one comic you have to make the effort to see' - The Scottish Herald
  • 'sharp, insightful, touching, but above all really, really funny' - Three Weeks

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    Event 27

    Mon July 20 5.00pm - Rocket Propelled Games, Newbury

    Grog WIP - Paul Hilleard £PWYW

    BBC New Comedian of the Year 2024, Channel 4 Sean Lock Finalist 2025, Winner of Chortle Hotshots 2026, debuts this Fringe! Hailing from Pontypridd in the South-Welsh Valleys, Paul shares experiences of growing up in a deprived area. Expect dry oddball observations from the Valleys and beyond!
    Expect routines about; market towns, God, gates, the class system, hot food, relationships, yoga, landlords, Epstein
    Be kind to yourself

  • 'Projects the image of a man not too successful at life but still clinging to hope... Precision and obscurity' (chortle)
  • 'Top Rate Comedy' (Spencer Jones)
  • 'Energy and delivery on stage absolutely fantastic' (Babatunde Aleshe)

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    (This show is Pay what you want, but £1 now reserves your seat)
    Event 6

    Mon July 20 7.30pm - Bowler's Arms, Wash Common

    Rachel Creeger: Queen of the Jews - Rachel Creegar - £PWYW

    A while ago, someone sent Rachel a poisonous message on social media that concluded with "and who do you think you are, the Queen of the Jews?" She's not sure that's quite the hostile flex they think it is. Join Rachel for an exploration of the humorous side of hate as we try and work out whether people's actions are because of her or because of them... when is it racism, and when is it just Rachism?
    Rachel Creeger is a multi-award-winning comedian and the only orthodox Jew on the UK comedy circuit. She's taken 4 critically acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Fringe and can regularly be seen on BBC1 and heard across the BBC Radio network.

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    (This show is Pay what you want, but £1 now reserves your seat)
    Event 7

    Mon July 20 8.45pm - Bowler's Arms, Wash Common

    How's Your Head? WIP - Aarian Mehrabani - £PWYW

    Aarian is a triple threat. Brown, Blind and Bi. Arguably too many things to talk about in a debut stand up hour. But he only had to go and get f**king brain cancer in 2024 and further add to the DEI party.
    This is the debut stand up hour from Critically acclaimed, multi award-winning Writer and Comedian Aarian Mehrabani, co-writer and actor of the 2023 smash hit play "It's a MotherF**king Pleasure".


  • "Aarian Mehrabani has naturally perfect comedic timing, and left me genuinely winded with laughter a couple of times...Pure genius...as close to perfection as you can get" Binge Fringe
  • "entirely charming...Funny, chaotic and wincingly relevant." The Spy in the Stalls
  • "hilarious and incisive" Playbill
  • "Ridiculously entertaining." The Stage
    • This will be a Work In Progress performance of the show. Aarian will continue to develop the show ready for its premier at The 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show has been gratefully commissioned by Lowry as part of the 'Developed With' programme. With additional support from Arts Council England.

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    (This show is Pay what you want, but £1 now reserves your seat)
    Event 8

    Tues July 21 7.30pm Kintbury Rangers FC

    Sandro Ford - Work In Progress £10

    Sandro is a Welsh stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster, hailing from the same steelworking town as legends Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins, and Michael Sheen.
    Known for his unique comedic approach, he delivers captivating performances that blend humour with dynamic, engaging narratives.
    Sandro is also the co-host of the popular Problematic Pub Podcast, which achieved an impressive 100,000 followers and 25 million views online in its first year—solidifying its place in the comedy podcasting world. Sandro is also known for being a guest on podcasts such as 'Dead Men Talking', 'Have A Word' and 'Hot Water's Green Room'.
    This show is a work in progress of his up and coming UK tour

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    Event 10

    Wed July 22 7.30pm - Hungerford Rugby Club

    30, Burty & Thriving - Burt Williamson £6

    Burt Williamson prepares his fourth (yes fourth) comedy hour. This year Burt tackles personal challenges in his life with his trademark aplomb, bringing the funny to an unexpected plethora of offbeat observations.
    Join him as he brings an early draft of what will likely be another consecutive critically acclaimed hour show, delivered with the confidence of a comic that continues to go from strength to strength.

  • "His beautifully crafted set is clever in unguessable ways, unexpectedly hilarious at every turn." - ★★★★ The Scotsman
  • "affable and poised" ★★★★ Bristol365

    • Book Burt Williamson & Jacob Nussey together and get a £2 discount

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    Event 11

    Wed July 22 8.45pm - Hungerford Rugby Club

    Table for One - Jacob Nussey - £6

    Jacob Nussey unassumingly draws in audiences with his deadpan style, sharp jokes, and ill-fated anecdotes with clever punchlines.
    Jacob quickly established himself on the comedy circuit, being named by Chortle as one to watch in 2023. After winning Bury Met Comedian of the Year, and West Didsbury Comedy Festival New Act of the Year. He's seriously funny!

  • "Hilariously Nonchalant... Impeccable Deadpan Delivery" - Broadway World ★★★★★
  • "Insanely funny, he'll be a household name before you know it" - Skiddle
  • "Brilliant and bloody hilarious" - On The Mic

    • Book Burt Williamson & Jacob Nussey together and get a £2 discount

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    Event 12

    Thurs July 23rd 7.30pm - St Nicolas Church Hall, Newbury

    Andy Kind - £9

    Andy Kind is a comedian, preacher and writer. He started doing Stand-up on 23rd January 2005. By the September of that year, Andy had gone full-time as a comedian and has made a living from it ever since.
    Andy's stand-up style is the joyful ranting of a redeemed alpha male. He has been featured on BBC1, ITV and Channel 4, while he's had jokes featured on Dave's One Night Stand and Live at the Apollo.

  • 'Terrific' The Scotsman
  • 'Tossing out comic gems in an almost profligate manner' Yorkshire Times
  • ★★★★★ Sorted Magazine

    • If you fancy a curry before this show, see the option below to add food to your order

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    Event 22

    Thurs July 23 6pm - St Nics Hall, Newbury

    Curry & comedy

    We have teamed up with Foodilicious to offer an evening meal before the show! Why not treat yourself to some fabulous home cooked, authentic Indian food, lovingly prepared by Foodilicious.
    Two options are available
    Chicken curry, Vegetable pulao rice, Aloo gobi / potato cauliflower, Cucumber Raita
    OR
    Chickpea curry, Vegetable pulao rice, Aloo gobi / potato cauliflower, Cucumber Raita

    Chicken option £9
    Veggie option £7
    Event 13

    Thurs July 23 8pm - Thatcham Cricket Club

    David Tsonos Club Comedian - David Tsonos - £5

    Now with 25 years of Stand-up comedy under his belt Canadian David Tsonos is doing it by himself. He will be a one man comedy club in which he is the Compere, the opening act and the headliner. No sad stories, no uplifting tales, just straight stand-up comedy club style humor. David has not only performed stand-up but has studied it and will bring his years of experience to the show and make sure you come out still laughing.

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    Event 14

    Fri July 24 7.30pm - Ace Space, Newbury

    Avoid Excessive Cleavage (and other advice to ignore) - Jules O'Brian £5

    Jules O'Brian is in her 50s now, and the "helpful" advice about everything she should and shouldn't be doing just keeps on coming. Don't wear that. You're never too old – but don't leave it too late. Have you tried magic sticky tape for droopy jowls? Maybe join a dating site for people who are "apparently hurtling towards death"?
    Accompanied by (a life-size cardboard cut-out of) Liz Hurley and her trusty friend Pinot, Jules is on her own Middle-Age Crusade to silence unsolicited advice and reclaim a bit of dignity (or at least laugh loudly while losing it).
    Warm, sharp and self-aware, this is a show about ageing, expectations, and refusing to quietly fade into the background. (Please note: under-fifties will find it funny too. Jules also used to be young.)

  • "Utterly hilarious" - Jo Enright

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    Event 15

    Fri July 24 8.45pm - Ace Space, Newbury

    Mitch Benn - £10

    Mitch Benn is Asking Elvis
    The King is back! Mitch Benn resurrects Elvis from BBC Radio 2's legendary "Steve Wright in the Afternoon" show, to answer hunks of burning questions about life, death, cheeseburgers and everything in between… including the story of how Mitch managed to be possibly the most popular thing on the most popular show on British radio for over ten years, without anyone ever knowing it was him.
    If YOU have a question for Elvis, go to: mitchbenn.com/asking-elvis
    Thankyouverrymuch…

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    Event 16

    Sat July 25 4pm - Croft Hall, Hungerford

    Edinburgh Fringe/Glasgow Haircut Stephen Carlin £8

    2026 is going to be a great by the way, spectacular. I've just decided based on no evidence whatsoever. As the global clusterf*ck collides impressively with personal crisis, the chief executive of self awareness - Stephen Carlin (Stewart Lee's 10 best comedians of all time) is on hand to explain how none of this fiasco is any of his fault. Now sit back, kick back and enjoy the Cool Aid.

  • "He's a quality Comedian" Kevin Bridges. Herald *****

    • If you fancy a curry after this show, scroll down to the option below to add food to your order

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    Event 22

    Sat July 25 6pm - Croft Hall, Hungerford

    Curry & comedy

    We have teamed up with Foodilicious to offer an evening meal between shows! Why not treat yourself to some fabulous home cooked, authentic Indian food, lovingly prepared by Foodilicious.
    Two options are available
    Chicken curry, Vegetable pulao rice, Aloo gobi / potato cauliflower, Cucumber Raita
    OR
    Chickpea curry, Vegetable pulao rice, Aloo gobi / potato cauliflower, Cucumber Raita

    Chicken option £9
    Veggie option £7
    Event 17

    Sat July 25 7.30pm - Croft Hall, Hungerford

    Now look here - Alex Kitson £10

    It's nice to do things in real life isn't it. After two critically acclaimed shows in 2024 and 2025, multi-award winning comedian Alex Kitson has a brand new hour of stand-up comedy to show you. He's talking about attention and if you could direct yours his way for a moment he'd be very grateful.
    Best Reviewed Shows of the Edinburgh Fringe 2025

  • "The future of British comedy " - ★★★★★ ThreeWeeks
  • "The audience laughter is non-stop" - ★★★★★ The Phoenix Remix
  • "Expertly constructed punchlines... Insanely original" - ★★★★★ European Comedy
  • "Hilarious. Properly, effortlessly, hilarious." - ★★★★★ EdFringe Review
  • "a natural comic... Robin Williams level" - Chortle
  • "Proper funny bones... He's going to be a huge star." - On the Mic

    • Book Alex Kitson & Joe Wells together and get a £5 discount
    Also scroll up to see the option to book an authentic home made Indian curry to enjoy before the show

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    Event 18

    Sat July 25 8.45pm - Croft Hall, Hungerford

    Daddy Autism - Joe Wells £10

    Joe and his wife have had a baby. He's autistic so statistically it's quite likely the baby will be too.
    In this new show, critically acclaimed comedian Joe Wells explores fatherhood through the lens of neurodiversity. Plus, there's a really good joke about a parrot. As seen on Rosie Jones' Disability Comedy Extravaganza, BBC Two's Ouch Storytelling Live and Channel 4's Jokes Only a Neurodivergent Can Tell.
    Over 20 million online views.

  • 'Some of the most surprising and thought-provoking material coming from any comedian' Guardian
  • 'One of my favourite comics' Frankie Boyle

    • Book Alex Kitson & Joe Wells together and get a £5 discount

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    If you cannot come but want to support

    We aim to give away some free tickets for some of these shows. There are people in West Berks who would like to come but can't afford a ticket. If you would like to support someone else to come to one of these nights you can donate here. The three options let you add multiples of £1, £2 and £5 to the donation. You can choose what to give.

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