Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My Life

After a successful, extended tour of 2022’s Stretch and Think, Justin Moorhouse is back on the road with brand-new show The Greatest Performance of My Life.

Join Justin as he discusses everything from pantomimes to dreams, how to behave in hospitals, small talk, realising his Mum is a northern version of Columbo, and how being a smart-mouthed kid saved him from a life of continually being beaten up. It’s funny and interesting, and perhaps a little bit heart-warming, too.

Women Aren’t Funny (Cockpit)

Get ready for a glorious night of standup comedy in our Cockpit that’s here to prove one undeniable truth: women are in fact hilarious.   

Featuring a stellar lineup of the funniest female and non-binary comedians from across the North West and beyond.  

COMPERE: Kay Nicholson

Kay Nicholson is an incredibly dynamic and witty comedian making waves on the UK comedy circuit. Known for her sharp observational humour and down-to-earth style, Kay delivers performances that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. Her relatable storytelling, coupled with her infectious energy, makes her a favourite at clubs and festivals alike.

Kay’s natural stage presence and quick wit have earned her spots at some of the country’s most prestigious comedy venues, including regular appearances at Hot Water Comedy Club. A rising star with a fresh perspective, Kay Nicholson continues to charm and entertain with her unique comedic voice. She is currently starring in the UK tour of Andrea Dunbar’s hit comedy Rita, Sue and Bob Too.

“One of the best new acts I’ve ever seen” – Jamie Hutchinson

“The up & coming queen of scouse comedy” – Skiddle

OPEN: Katie Tracey

Kate Tracey is a rising star in the UK comedy scene, known for her sharp wit and engaging stage presence. She made her stand-up debut over a decade ago at Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool, one of the biggest comedy venues in the country, and has since evolved into a seasoned performer, now headlining shows at the very place where her journey began. Kate’s comedy is a clever blend of relatable anecdotes and bold humour, delivered with a natural confidence that keeps audiences hooked. Her growth from a first-time performer to a headline act is a testament to her talent, making her a must-see comedian on the circuit.   

MIDDLE: Anna Thomas

Winner of the BBC New Comedian of the Year, 2021 Nominated for the Sean Lock Award on Channel 4, 2023

“She has the appealing air of not quite being of this world. But whatever planet she’s from, they know funny” – Chortle

Anna Thomas is an award-winning comedian, originally hailing from Carmarthenshire, South Wales.

She wrote and starred in ‘Lady Bigfoot’, a short film that premiered on BBC One Wales, and is available on the BBC iPlayer.  

As heard and seen on ‘What Just Happened’ on BBC Radio Wales and BBC One Wales, ‘The Machynlleth Comedy Festival Showcase’ on BBC Radio Wales and BBC 4Xtra.

“Welsh starlet, Anna is the breakthrough act of the moment and highly touted for a successful career in comedy. Comparisons with fellow Welsh comic, Rhod Gilbert don’t end with their accents; Anna’s delightfully grumpy and gruff delivery leaves audiences belly laughing”– Punch Drunk Comedy

“A dotty oddball with a giddy energy… tumble of daft ideas that sweeps everyone up with her daffy charm” – Chortle

“Anna Thomas is a Welsh delight on stage” – Skiddle 

HEADLINER: Rachel Fairburn

Now based in London, and star of Live at the Apollo and Comedy Central Live, Rachel has been described by Rolling Stone as ‘very much the Rock ‘n’ Roll star of British comedy’. She has been a finalist of several prestigious competitions including Funny Women, City Life Comedian of the Year, the NATYS and English Comedian of the Year.

Rachel has been a staple of the Edinburgh Fringe since 2014, with 6 critically acclaimed solo shows under her belt and featured in the ‘40 jokes of the fringe’ by the Daily Telegraph in 2018 and ‘Best Jokes from Edinburgh Fringe 2022’ in The Times. She also featured on Chortle’s ‘One to Watch’ list in 2020 and picked up the 2019 online content award from Joe.co.uk.

She has appeared on BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy and BBC’s Funny Festival Live. Her TV credit’s include Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Russell Howard Hour Life Lessons.

Rachel is also a popular podcaster, co-hosting and co-writing the worldwide smash hit podcast All Killa No Filla. With a huge international following of over a quarter of a million listeners and growing, she has taken the podcast on several sell-out UK tours and a tour of the USA. She also features in Global Original’s Ghoul Guide with Rachel Fairburn and Glad Rags with Paul McCaffrey & Rachel Fairburn.

Kane Brown: Crowd Work King

Coming off the back of his SOLD OUT “Don’t Listen To Me” UK tour, Kane brings you his brand-new show ‘Crowd Work King’. One hour of purely unscripted, unplanned comedy; all based around audience participation.

Everything is made up on the spot so you can witness the comedy unfold in real time. A new exciting dynamic to a comedy show when nobody knows what’s coming next (not even the comedian!) Each show will be uniquely different, so you can come along time and time again.

Including support from some the UK’s funniest comedians.

“Kane Brown is the most naturally talented standup with a crowd I’ve ever seen.” – Guz Khan

Chris McCausland

Following his sold-out shows in 2025, Chris McCausland returns with Yonks!

You might have seen him on Strictly Come DancingWould I Lie to YouHave I Got News for YouThe Royal VarietyQIBlankety BlankThe Last Leg, and tons more as well.

He’s been called an “overnight success” – even though he’s been doing this for bloody yonks!

Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making.

The last tour was a sell-out, so get your tickets now!

Age guidance: 16+

 

Don’t Touch My Stuff

Two siblings. Two bedrooms. Two very different people.

Alice and Isaac are siblings. They’ve always shared a very thin bedroom wall, but as Alice leaves for university, childhood bickering turns into something far more complicated.

First relationships. Questionable life choices. Identity crises at 1am….and somehow growing up together, even while apart

Set entirely between two bedrooms,Don’t Touch My Stuff!Is a relatable, heartfelt comedy that dives headfirst into the chaos of growing up: sexuality, mental health, family expectations (even some Uno and Spag Bol!)

Written and directed by Francesca Hill, and following a five-night London run, this is the North West debut of Don’t Touch My Stuff! featuring a cast of rising graduates from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

Expect arguments. Expect secrets. Expect at least one slammed door. You might even text your sibling afterwards (or not!)

The Utterly Revolting Science Show

The spectacular, hilarious, highly explosive science stunt show.

Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry. Expect enormous bottoms, edible fireworks, burp machines and the world’s loudest fart in this riotous science spectacular.

On the surface it’s a rollercoaster of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences, but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science.

The show is the brainchild of Stefan Gates, high-octane presenter of 20 TV series (five for CBBC), award-winning author of 13 books (including Rude Science) and internationally renowned producer of world-class science stage shows.

‘Brilliant! Spectacular, hilarious and packed with fascinating science’ – Marieke Navin, Head of Cheltenham Science Festival

Warnings

Loud bangs, audience participation, latex balloons, stage fog, edible samples. This show is not suitable for those with latex allergies. Apologies. Age 5+.

The John Smith Show

 

 

John’s show is full of big visual jokes, real Deaf experiences and strong Deaf identity. He shares funny stories about everyday life, family, school and the challenges of living in a hearing world.

The show is lively, bold and full of Deaf humour that everyone can enjoy—Deaf and hearing.

BSL access

Venue: Chester Lane Library

 

 

Ignacio Lopez: Nada

Star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, QI, Richard Osman’s House of Games & Comedy Central Live; Ignacio Lopez returns with perhaps his most ambitious and pretentious project yet.    

Nada is the captivating comedy experiment which sees Spain’s Best Export create a brand new, completely unique and blisteringly funny stand up show right in front of your eyes, from absolutely nothing!   

Mining his hilarious upbringing, growing up in Mallorca and South Wales, as well as suggestions from the crowd, and everything he’s learnt performing comedy since 2010, Ignacio crafts an intricate story of mystery and suspense packed with sarcasm, silliness and huge laughs.   

As well as dazzling viewers with his quick-wit and charm on almost every UK TV station, Ignacio’s talents have seen him headlining all the top comedy clubs, cruises, corporate and military shows worldwide and his acclaimed, sold out tour shows all over the UK prove he’s an act not to be missed.    

Janine Harouni

 

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and ‘unstoppably entertaining’ (★★★★★ Times) Janine Harouni hits the road with a brand-new hour of joyful, quick-witted stand-up.

Fresh off a world tour – including an Off-Broadway run in New York and a performance at the Netflix is a Joke Festival in LA – the New York native returns with a razor-sharp new show about marriage, parenting, and all the other wonderful milestones that slowly degrade your sleep and sanity.

With over 100 million views online, an Amazon Prime special, and rave reviews across the board, Harouni is one of the most electric comics working today.

Harouni is a regular on UK TV (Live at the Apollo, The Last Leg, The Russell Howard Hour, The John Bishop Show), and has opened for comics like Michael Che and Adam Rowe. She has featured in films and TV shows like Bob’s Burgers, The Franchise, Collette, Patrick Melrose, The People We Hate At The Wedding and The Batman

 

Alison Spittle

 

Age guidance 14+Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Following an award winning sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Alison Spittle is touring “her finest show to date” (The Scotsman).

A man told Alison to sit down and now she’s doing a whole stand up show about it. After an encounter on a train with a man triggers a series of events that change Alison’s life, she ponders if it’s easier to change herself than the world around her. This is a big show about making yourself smaller.

Alison has made appearances on House of Games, Celebrity Goggle Box and Pointless Celebrities, and on the popular podcasts Off Menu, The Gargle and Trusty Hogs. She is the co-host of the new podcast Magazine Party, and has also co-hosted Wheel of Misfortune and Guilty Feminist. You may have also seen Alison as the support act for Fern Brady, Rob Delaney and Maria Bamford on tour.