York’s own comedy improv night with its own brand of sensational silliness based on audience suggestions. It’s funny, it’s foolish, it’s fit for family audiences, and it really does make it up as it goes along. Never the same show twice. You bring the ideas and our merry band of improvisers instantly turn them into chaotic comedy to brighten everyone’s week. Join us for music, mayhem and muppetry in an unforgettable and absolutely unrepeatable evening of joy-filled nonsense… it wouldn’t be the same without you! “Fast, funny, unpredictable and chaotic. This show…should be added to every comedy fan’s calendar’ York Mix

Join The Filthy Banshees as they bring their quirky folk-rock sound downstairs for a standing-room-only gig at Friargate Theatre! Blending Irish and Celtic folk with rock and pop, this is a band like no other. Expect songs from The Pogues, The Dubliners, and even ABBA! If nothing else, we can promise you one thing a party!

TWICE NIGHTLY - A celebration of the glory days of Variety Freddie Francis has been a second spot comic for thirty years touring the country on every variety bill going. We find him in 1956 recalling his life spent touring the halls; the ups, the downs, the riotous, the fantastic and the downright silly! He recalls his days entertaining the troops during the war, playing at the infamous Glasgow Empire, and we discover what really happened when a speciality act lost her snake on stage!! Ultimately Twice Nightly is a fading memory of the variety stage. The death of something that has been part of everyones life for decades is now on the decline. Where will Freddie go when he finishes this tour? Who will he go back to, and ultimately who really cares? Twice Nightly also includes routines from amongst others: Max Miller, Rob Wilton, Jimmy James and Norman Evans and renditions of many of the popular songs of the time, such as The Man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo, Happy days are here again and Goodnight Sweetheart.

No one, not even the story-tellers themselves, can be left unaffected by this inspiring tale of love and generosity. The Giant is angry. Hes been away for a long time and returns to find children children! playing in his beautiful garden! They run about, laughing and playing games under the blossom on his peach trees, listening to the delightful songs of the birds. So, he puts up a big wall and an even bigger KEEP OUT notice to put a stop to all that. Then winter seizes the garden in its icy fingers Will its grip ever be broken? Through vivid, interactive story-telling, original music, puppetry and humour, Riding Lights brings you this brilliant story of transformation.

Cop-turned-comedian Alfie brings a brand-new show ahead of recording his 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 wouldve done in his shoes with often unexpected and entertaining results! Every show is unique to the audience in the room so why not come along, join in and find out what sort of cop youd make?! Itd be a crime to miss it! Brilliantly funny genuinely hilarious David Mitchell offbeat, revealing and very funny You Magazine thoroughly engaging, endlessly funny. His charisma shines through as bright and colourful as a twirling blue light Mature Times

A magical star is seen in the eastern skies pointing the way to a secret treasure. Two rascally shepherds and their naughty sheep, Jumper, hatch a cheeky plan to steal the star and make their fortunes. But their perfect plan is about to get derailed by amazing angels, crazy carpenters and a wise man with a wool allergy. The first Christmas is about to get messy in this hilarious story filled with heart and hope. Join Riding Lights Theatre Company as they bring a crooked comedy jam-packed with surprising shepherds, silly sheep, slapstick, songs, a spectacular star, and a secret treasure to be found at the very heart of Christmas. This inventive and original take on the nativity story will delight audiences of all ages. Its so good youll want Christmas every year. A Crooked Christmas Caper is the new fast and friendly festive farce and the perfect way to start your holiday cheer!

Five women meet up on a Saturday morning, as they have done every week for years, but this time they have a plan. Fast forward one year and their lives have changed irrevocably. Invisible is a frank, fast-paced comedy drama dealing with how older women are perceived in society, the relationships they forge and most importantly their invisibility. With warmth and laugh out loud humour, the play explores sisterhood, motherhood and the effects of upbringing, as well as navigating modern life as an older woman. This is a truly joyous play celebrating the bonds of friendship and the fascinations and pitfalls of contemporary life. Gather your tribe for a brilliant night out!

Mistero Buffo by Dario Fo. Translated by Ed Emery Directed by Paul Birch. Two wild strangers roll into York for the 2026 Mystery Plays Fringe, and the tales they tell are about to turn the city upside down. Join Riding Lights Theatre Company for a new production of Dario Fos explosive satire,Mistero Buffo. With ferocious wit and fearless physical storytelling, this production tears into faith, power, profit and hypocrisy by turning ancient bible stories into urgent, laugh-out-loud theatre with a clear spiritual heart. Written by Nobel prize-winning playwright Dario Fo, this hilarious take on the Mystery Plays is the perfect fringe choice for those who like their comedy with a bit of bite. Sharp, subversive and unapologetically now. MISTERO BUFFO is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Fair Laughs presents Jorvik Comedian of the Year 2026 Hosted by Tony Vino 4 Heats. 36 Hopefuls. 1 Ultimate Viking Comedy Champion! The search for Yorks funniest comedian is on! Thirty-six of the UKs sharpest new comedians will be descending on Friargate Theatre in York to battle it out on stage for a chance to win the coveted title of Jorvik Comedian of the Year. Across four heats nine feisty comedians will each perform a tight gag-filled 10-minute set with only two winners (voted for by you!) going through to the final. Hosted by quick-witted veteran comedian Tony Vino (Get Up Stand Up) will invite the hopefuls to the stage as they try to impress our panel of esteemed judges. No safety nets. No sympathy laughs. Just jokes that land or die trying. One title. One year. One winner. If you want to see the brightest stars of the future before they get expensive, this is where it starts! Heat 1: Thu 12 Feb (part of JORVIK Viking Festival Fringe pre-event) - Marty Riley, Ben Robinson, Stuart Thomas, Fil Milton, Alex Camp, Graeme Rayner, Rob, Louis Etienne, and Diane Fitton Heat 2: Thu 12 March - Liam Alexander, Daniel Colbeck, Josh Sedman, Wendy King, Jake Breeze, Edi Johnson, Laurence Tuck, Rex Purnell and Mikey Milligan Heat 3: Thu 9 April - Alfie Carter, Henning Nilsen, Ravi Saini, Jonathon Kiernan, Fred Carver, Stephen Catling, Bobby Jethro, Maxine Wade and Lewis Howard Heat 4: Thu 14 May - Charlie Lewis, Tim Biglowe, Michael Carter, Benny Shakes, Halls of Ridiculous, Matt Wheelwright, Dom Hutchins, Kie Carson and Debra Holt The Final: Thu 11 June Supported by Jorvik Viking Centre and Indie York. Friargate Theatre is not responsible for the content of individual performances. Some comedians may use adult themes or language.

Colosseum of Chaos is a fast, interactive, and hilariously chaotic theatrical experience. Two absurd Gladiators worship an onstage Amazon Alexa, their all- powerful overlord, who commands them to battle each other, perform ridiculous feats, or drag the audience into increasingly silly games. The crowd is split in two, each side backing their Champion. Winners get rewards; losers face comic punishments. Audience members can even take to the stage in games that decide the Gladiators fate. Between contests (games), expect highly choreographed slapstick fight sequenceswith the audience controlling the soundtrack via Alexa, from Eye of the Tiger to Barbie Girl. Its ridiculous, competitive, and entirely in your hands. If you love Gamarjobat, The Boy With Tape on His Face, or The Umbilical Brothers, this is for you: visual comedy, physical theatre, and audience interactionwith a gloriously gladiatorial twist for that winning formula. Our matinee show is a family friendly show which is recommended for anyone 5+

Dive into summer with Mat Joness sparkling one-man performance of Kenneth Grahames classic The Wind in the Willows. Mats sensational single-handed storytelling makes the original 1908 text leap from the book to the stage, bringing to life the timeless characters of Mole, Ratty and Badger as they follow the irrepressible Toad on his hapless misadventures. Indulge in the tale afresh, straight from the authors own words, as youve never heard it before! Based on the bedtime stories that Kenneth Grahame imagined for his son Alexander, The Wind in the Willows was first published in 1908 and soon became a firm favourite of children and adults alike. This lively, engaging and ebullient one-man performance comes from Mat's own condensed version of the original 1908 text, not adapted or reworded, just a little snip here and there. For grandparents to grandkids and everyone in-between, this stunning one-man performance brings the tale to life straight from the page! You do not need spectacle to be spellbound. You just need a storyteller this good. yupvoted

It's been raining all summer. The village pubs closing down. And a wild storm threatens to scupper the annual harvest show. Some say its just typical British weather, but others say its something more sinister... Riddlestick Theatre present a new musical comedy telling tales of folk intrigue, wyrd happenings and inebriated villagers. Riddlesticks raucous comedy folk musical is a gem - The Guardian on The Cabinet of Madame Fanny Du Th A hilarious mash-up of folk song, dance and storytelling ... Riddlestick will blow away any cobwebs you have in your head" - StageTalk Magazine "A musical comedy both immersive and full of homespun appeal ... Barleycorn is a highly enjoyable slice of pastoral charm - The Fix Magazine Running time: 75 minutes Age Guidance: Suitable for ages 12+

"FEED ME! Top Hat and Tails Theatre is proud to present Little Shop of Horrors! A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 40 years. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II". This foul-mouthed carnivore promises fame and fortune to the beaten down Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it what it craves - BLOOD! Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination... Presented with a live band and professionally hand-crafted puppets, our production brings this charmingly tongue-in-cheek show to life. The fifth production from a young theatre company, recent award winner at the York Theatre Community Awards, promises to bring horror, love and a vital lesson: DON'T FEED THE PLANTS! Age Guidance: 12+ Run Time: 2 Hours 15 Mins

Dylan Ward is autistic. He has his own way of thinking and his own way of doing things, but no one seems to understand him. How do you navigate a world which operates on a completely different wavelength to the one that youre on? Following its hugely successful and critically acclaimed run at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and based on real experiences of growing up autistic, Tides (An Autism Story), combines Monty Pythonesque humour with a touch of drama to offer an insight into the wonderful, yet challenging world of autism... From one particularly silly individual.

A cabaret style retelling of real cringey memories Who doesnt love to cringe at an embarrassing story?! Enter DJ Funky Steve and his embarrassing story disco! Join Jenna as Funky Steve for a night of crazy comedy cringe as she spins real recorded tales of falls, toilet mishaps and excruciating intimate disasters. Each story is remixed into musical numbers, interpretive dance and Shakespeare sonnets (sort of). Prepared for a raucous, joyful celebration of our most mortifying moments, and celebrate the joy of being human! Jenna has spent two years gathering true embarrassing stories from people all across the UK. In this show she retells these stories, via the character of DJ Funky Steve, using a combination of dance, song, recorded delivery, storytelling, and comedy sketches to create a brilliantly fun evening of laughter, entertainment and cringe. Running Time: 60 minutes, no interval Age Guidance: 16+

Rufus the Dog has taken Uncle Cadabras powerful magic wand and hidden in the attic. Accidentally Rufus has caused the whole audience to be magically transported there too. It is up to sorcerer Sam, and helpers in the audience, to make a magic spell that will get everyone home! A magical story for young families, which is spooky but not scary. With lots of fun, illusions, puppets and joining in! Running Time: 55 Minutes, no interval Age Guidance: All Ages

The Lawnmowers and Murmur Theatre Presents: Meet the double act; Andrew & Ginger. Forever rehearsing, forever arguing over the opening number. Trapped in the faded glamour of a never-ending variety show, they are desperately trying to revive their act in the spirits of Morecambe and Wise and Tommy Cooper. Andrew is resistant to change. His partner, Ginger, has a radical idea: to weave Andrews extraordinary life story into their act. Whilst revisiting recordings with his father, Andrew begins to uncover stories of struggle, triumph, and the hidden truths that have shaped him. Blending the warm, chaotic humour of the double act with the magic of Frank Capras much beloved film. This funny and heartfelt show traces one mans journey with learning disabilities. Performed by and co-created with a cast of learning-disabled and non-learning-disabled artists. Its a celebration of the fact that every life is wonderful, and sometimes all we need is a little nudge and a few good jokes to remember why. Written and directed by Fringe First and The Stage award winning writer and director, Steve Gilroy. "A totally outstanding piece of work and beautiful in its complexity. - Audience Member Running Time: 1 Hour 15mins, no interval Age guidance:(Contains strong language, descriptions of abuse within the care system, and references to parental bereavement and cancer). Age recommendation 14+

If you love improv, or are simply improv-curious, come feast on an Improv Buffet to suit all tastes, presented by She SaysImprov! Well serve a half of short-form starters, with new imps, and a half of long-form mains, with seasoned performers. If your jam is an Improv Jam; put down your name and get stuck in for our bonus half to finish! For those who would rather sit back and be fed the funny, your appetite is sure to be satisfied by never seen before (or ever to be seen again) treats brought to the stage. The vibe will be casual with plenty of opportunity to enjoy drinks and the company of fellow laughter-lovers. So bring and share your suggestions and we promise to serve up a fresh banquet certain to fill your funny. Running Time: 2 Hours 15 Mins with two 15 minute intervals

100% Badgers is the sell-out 2025 Edinburgh Fringe stand-up comedy show where Matt Hobs talks about how the worlds of humans and badgers collide. The show takes us on Hobs journey from a passing interest in badgers, to an obsession that leads to him standing in a field looking at a caged, frightened badger caught up in the confusion of the bovine TB debate. Well learn about the European badger and its dachshund nemesis, the presidential American badger, the world-famous internet sensation that is the honey badger and many more. His storytelling is gripping, his facts are fascinating, and his punchlines are perfectly timed. . 5, Edinburgh Reviews. Age Guidance: 14+ Running Time: 75 Minutes including 15 Minute Interval

Edwina's beautifully written songs, charming stage presence and voice of an angel have won her a reputation as a true natural talent of gentle folk-Americana. She has played everywhere from Glastonbury Festival to The Royal Albert Hall.

Lee Bardsley and Friends are based in Glossop, Derbyshire. Good friends who over the years found their sound over pub pints and idle chat, then went ahead and crafted it into beautiful songs woven together with threads of wistful, harmonious melodies. Lee Bardsley is a singer-songwriter/dreamer of poetic melodies that are born in the everyday and transcended to the sublime with his gloriously heartfelt voice of human experience and wonder. Reflective themes of family, longing, and adventure feature highly, and are painted with the rich and complimentary melodic lines and accompaniment from India Shan on violin, Paul Higham on guitar/ vocals and Raddon Stephenson on accordion/ piano/ vocals. They also spend time recording and have a few EP's out with more to come and have been received joyously in their locality and further afield; a night not to be missed! Running Time: 2 Hours 45 including two intervals Age Guidance: 13+

Join us for our Acting Up performance, York! this June!

This gripping solo show is a knockout InDaily Watson. An old soldier with a few bruises and a cracking story to tell. 1894\. Watson is alone. His beloved wife Mary and the great Sherlock Holmes are both gone. But London seethes with false reports and rumour. It is time to set the record straight. So Watson tells his tale... a tale of long buried secrets, betrayal and death. For there is a shadow in the gutters of London. A spider's web of poisonous intrigue lies across the city. Someone is playing a long game and Holmes and Watson face their greatest ever challenge. But as Watson unravels the story, is the game really over? 'Watson' is performed by Tim Marriott (BBC's The Brittas Empire) and directed by Bert Coules (BBC's The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; Cadfael; Rebus). Running Time: 1 Hour 30 including 20 minute interval Age Guidance: 12+

A sparse stage. A single performer. And Victorian London springs to life. Returning after last year's sold-out shows, this is ‘A Christmas Carol’ as Charles Dickens performed it himself, drawn directly from his original reading script. Through voice, presence and the power of Dickens’ unaltered words, a whole world unfolds - Scrooge’s chilly office, Fezziwig’s joyous party, the warmth of the Cratchit family, and the haunting visitation of the spirits. The simplicity becomes the magic: no adaptation, no modern reinterpretation — just the story as it thrilled audiences 183 years ago, brought vividly to life. Step into the magic of Christmas as Mat Jones returns with his acclaimed one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ beloved festive classic.

FolkLaw are one of the UK folk scenes most exciting live acts, blending driving Celtic-Folk rhythms, soaring flute and fiddle and powerful vocal harmonies in an uplifting and unforgettable live show. Described as a "Gold standard of folk music" by Irish Music Magazine, the band combine festival energy with thoughtful songwriting, delivering songs that make audiences dance, sing and smile. Having performed across the UK and Europe, including Cropredys Field 8, Costa del Folk Ibiza and Bremen Maritime Festival and sharing stages with artists including Seth Lakeman, Show of Hands and The Shires, FolkLaw's high-energy performances, passionate musicianship and crowd-raising choruses have earned glowing praise from the folk press, and been described as one of the most exciting acts to grace the stage. Reviews: A gold standard of folk music - Irish Music Magazine Stylish and passionate - R2 Energetic and inspiring - The Morning Star