It’s time to “put your beer in the sideboard here” and get “yerself” along to this wonderful show that celebrates the music of the great Chas & Dave. Rabbit Rabbit will have you singing along to all the feel-good, top 20 songs the boys recorded over three decades including: Ain’t No Pleasing You, Gertcha!, The Sideboard Song, London Girls, Margate, Poor Old Mr Woogie and, of course, Rabbit. Performed by the renowned trio, Triple Cream with their fantastic musicianship and witty banter, this fast-moving spectacular will have you smiling from ear to ear. Delighting audiences across the country for an incredible 46 years - they have performed both before and with Chas & Dave in the past. Rabbit Rabbit is the latest touring theatre show to come from leading theatre show producers Entertainers, creators of Fastlove, The Magic of Motown, Lost in Music and The Rocket Man. “What you’re doing is great – that’s spot on” The much-missed Chas Hodges of Chas & Dave

Staring at the Sun sees Simon Evans (Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Simon Evans Goes to Market, One Person Found This Helpful) squinting at an uncertain future, revisiting the blue remembered hills of his youth and trying to stay human as the world around him gets smarter. With the AI singularity looming and “reality” feeling increasingly unstable, Evans looks ahead to the coming shockwaves of technology, and back to the analogue pleasures of hitch-hiking, pub bets, and getting properly lost. Turning his famously dry, surgically precise style on the big modern questions: Are we living in a computer simulation? What happens when your body starts issuing software updates you didn’t request? And is staring straight at a solar eclipse, against expert advice, actually an act of courageous self-sacrifice on the road to true enlightenment? Part philosophical exploration, part nostalgic joyride, Staring at the Sun is a hilarious analysis of reality and trust from a man desperately trying to keep his balance while the floor keeps moving. The tone is unmistakably Evans: provocative, literate, and playfully combative, but also soaked in self-awareness. Evans draws on theories propounded by philosophers and mystics since the days of Plato and Ecclesiastes, casting himself as a public intellectual but constantly undercutting his points with brutally funny domestic truths. Simon Evans is one of the UK’s most respected and best loved comedians who has been at the top of his game for over twenty-five years. His TV credits include two appearances on BBC One’s Live at the Apollo, one on Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow, and a season of Channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week. On BBC Radio 4 his series Simon Evans Goes to Market, delighting audiences with his witty and insightful take on the comedically-unpromising territory of economics, has had six seasons. He is also a regular on Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and various other panel games, and from 1998 to 2002 wrote and hosted eight series of the news satire, The Way It Is. He also stars in One Person Found This Helpful – a Radio 4 show he co-devised with Jason Hazely and Pozzitive Productions, that has fun with on-line customer reviews and hosted Headliners – a regular preview of the following day’s newspapers with two other comedians on GB News. Evans is also in demand as a columnist and has written extensively for The Spectator, The Telegraph and Spiked.

Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audiences minds and read their thoughts at will. Having stunned audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe, sold out shows in Australia, and toured extensively across the UK and North America as the stand-out star of Champions of Magic, Alex has built a reputation as one of the most charismatic and entertaining mentalists around. In this unforgettable live show, he blends razor-sharp humour with jaw-dropping feats of psychological trickery, leaving audiences amazed, laughing, and questioning relaity. Interactive, mind-blowing, and laugh-out-loud funny - don't miss your chance to see Alex McAleer live!

Screaming Blue Murder (or SBM to its friends) is The Old Town Hall’s resident monthly comedy club. This season sees the return of some old favourites plus some rising stars on the comedy scene. Don’t miss out and treat yourself to an uplifting start to the week! Early booking is advised.

Screaming Blue Murder (or SBM to its friends) is The Old Town Hall’s resident monthly comedy club. This season sees the return of some old favourites plus some rising stars on the comedy scene. Don’t miss out and treat yourself to an uplifting start to the week! Early booking is advised.

Screaming Blue Murder (or SBM to its friends) is The Old Town Hall’s resident monthly comedy club. This season sees the return of some old favourites plus some rising stars on the comedy scene. Don’t miss out and treat yourself to an uplifting start to the week! Early booking is advised.

This highly acclaimed concert-style production continues to captivate audiences across the UK with its spectacular re-creation of the classic songbook that made The Carpenters a legend in the world of popular music. The outstanding vocal talents of Claire Furley and pianist / artistic director Phil Aldridge take centre-stage, accompanied by Richard Carpenter’s original orchestral arrangements from live musicians, and a stage-wide backdrop of state-of-the-art video projection. Featuring all of the Carpenters hit songs including (They Long To Be) Close To You, Yesterday Once More, We’ve Only Just Begun, Superstar, A Song For You, Rainy Days & Mondays, and many more!

Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and directed by Marianne Elliott BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hamptons celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge and directed by Caitrona McLaughlin Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins anna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synges riveting play of youth and self-discovery. Pegeen Flahertys life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that hes killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitrona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

Step into the world of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks, where nothing is quite what it seems and a big adventure is about to begin. Sir Charlie is bold, brave and brilliantly clever. He loves daring quests filled with wily witches, terrible beasties and fire-breathing dragons. And yes, he has a cat called Envelope. But who is this pint-sized hero and where did his story come from?

Finlay Christie (Live at the Apollo, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Have I Got News For You) humblebrags for an hour about his fuckboy era and his new search for meaningful, authentic connection. His past YouTube specials OK Zoomer and Aura Farmer have nearly a million views total online, which is really good.

Nick Corbin is an East London-based singer and songwriter best known for fronting Brit-Soul band, New Street Adventure. The band released two albums on the legendary Acid Jazz label: “No Hard Feelings” in 2014 and “Stubborn Sons” in 2017. Nick subsequently self-released his debut solo album “Sweet Escape” in June 2020, garnering acclaim from Craig Charles (6 Music), Robert Elms (BBC London) and Paul Moody of Q magazine. Nick was brought up with soul music constantly playing in the background, thanks to his Father’s love for the genre and obsessive collecting of rare records. Hailed by The Guardian’s Tim Jonze as having “an innate understanding of classic soul songwriting”, Nick’s co-writing credits include Laville, Emma Noble and Lack of Afro as well as Abi Farrell and Carmy Love, who have both released singles on Big AC Records. Nick continues to collaborate with emerging artists on the exciting UK soul scene, having written with the likes of Laville, Lack of Afro, Emma Noble, Carmy Love and Abi Farrell. After a 6 year hiatus, New Street Adventure toured the UK in Autumn 2024 to mark the 10 year anniversary of the band's debut album, 'No Hard Feelings', which was reissued on limited edition coloured vinyl by Acid Jazz. In late 2025 New Street Adventure released a long-awaited 3rd LP, “What Kind Of World?”, a commentary on fatherhood, family and fears of what the future holds, soundtracked beautifully by an eclectic production encompassing Corbin’s obsession with soul music. Introspective yet uplifting, it represents New Street Adventure’s most ambitious album to date. Nick will be performing an intimate acoustic set at The Old Town Hall featuring songs from his extensive back catalogue alongside brand new material.

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life isn’t just a show, it’s a cause. A heartfelt passion project that began as a nudge after Keith Alessi’s life took a major turn, it has been his mission to raise money for causes close to his heart. Through donations, including 100% of all artist fees, the show has raised over $1.2 Million Dollars (CAD) as of December 2025 for various charities including cancer organizations, music programs, community groups and artist funding and development. All Proceeds from the performances at the King’s Head Theatre will benefit the theatres Angels of Angel program which supports creation and production of new theatrical productions. The show has sold out runs across Canada, Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland 3 years in a row. It has toured internationally, including Canada, the US, England, Scotland and Australia. Keith shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate board rooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion—playing the banjo! When faced with a deadly cancer battle, his musical pursuit took him on a journey that became the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humor and music, Keith’s story is an uplifting tale of challenge, triumph, and the the healing power of the arts and music.

Following two hit UK tours, Biggest Award in Comedy nominee and resident (junior) doctor Michael Akadiri prescribes Brighton with a potent preview of his latest offering, Don't Call Me Uncle! Multi-award-winning comedian Michael is proud to wear many hats: doctor, husband & father. Evidently, that list does not include uncle. Yet, despite only being in his early 30s, for the first time ever, he was recently called uncle in public (a term usually reserved for elders!). This has sent him spiralling! Join Akadiri as he fights this lurid allegation, contemplates the difference between perception and reality all whilst keeping the laughs flowing with his trademark politically punchy anecdotes. As seen on Comedy Central LIVE, ITVs Stand Up Sketch & Channel 4's Stand Up to Cancer.

"Tell Me Everything, Holmes"  It's 1906 - the Golden Age of Magic. The Masked Magician bestrides London's world of Magic like a colossus, UNTIL . one night, in mid-performance, the Magician vanishes. Dead? Kidnapped? In hiding? After a month Scotland Yard is completely baffled (obviously) and call in Sherlock Holmes to help solve the mystery of the Masked Magician's disappearance. Holmes (with an excitable Watson in tow) plunges into the secret world of Edwardian Magic only to find that the Masked Magician's identity is Magic's best kept secret.  As they meet, and question, the Magician‘s peers (seeing a lot of Magic), the mystery of his identity and fate deepens. As they unravel clue after clue, Holmes comes to share Watson's wonder and discovers that it can sit alongside his logical outlook.  When Holmes finally uncovers the startling and surprising secrets of the Masked Magician he, Watson and the audience have to decide.... ....are some mysteries best left as...mysteries!

Calling all music lovers! Join us for an electrifying night of local talent at The Old Town Hall, brought to you by the multi-award-winning Juicebox Live! Dacorum's finest musicians take the stage, showcasing their original sounds and igniting the energy. This is your chance to witness the next big thing and discover your new favorite band, all right here in your own backyard! Launched in 2021, this popular event series is a haven for local artists and a guaranteed night of fresh music discovery. Acts TBA

Calling all music lovers! Join us for an electrifying night of local talent at The Old Town Hall, brought to you by the multi-award-winning Juicebox Live! Dacorum's finest musicians take the stage, showcasing their original sounds and igniting the energy. This is your chance to witness the next big thing and discover your new favorite band, all right here in your own backyard! Launched in 2021, this popular event series is a haven for local artists and a guaranteed night of fresh music discovery. Acts TBA

Calling all music lovers! Join us for an electrifying night of local talent at The Old Town Hall, brought to you by the multi-award-winning Juicebox Live! Dacorum's finest musicians take the stage, showcasing their original sounds and igniting the energy. This is your chance to witness the next big thing and discover your new favorite band, all right here in your own backyard! Launched in 2021, this popular event series is a haven for local artists and a guaranteed night of fresh music discovery. Acts TBA

Calling all music lovers! Join us for an electrifying night of local talent at The Old Town Hall, brought to you by the multi-award-winning Juicebox Live! Dacorum's finest musicians take the stage, showcasing their original sounds and igniting the energy. This is your chance to witness the next big thing and discover your new favorite band, all right here in your own backyard! Launched in 2021, this popular event series is a haven for local artists and a guaranteed night of fresh music discovery. Acts TBA

Calling all music lovers! Join us for an electrifying night of local talent at The Old Town Hall, brought to you by the multi-award-winning Juicebox Live! Dacorum's finest musicians take the stage, showcasing their original sounds and igniting the energy. This is your chance to witness the next big thing and discover your new favorite band, all right here in your own backyard! Launched in 2021, this popular event series is a haven for local artists and a guaranteed night of fresh music discovery. Acts TBA

Calling all music lovers! Join us for an electrifying night of local talent at The Old Town Hall, brought to you by the multi-award-winning Juicebox Live! Dacorum's finest musicians take the stage, showcasing their original sounds and igniting the energy. This is your chance to witness the next big thing and discover your new favorite band, all right here in your own backyard! Launched in 2021, this popular event series is a haven for local artists and a guaranteed night of fresh music discovery. Acts TBA

A quick-witted, unexpected and unapologetic insight into life in midlife. Combining Cally’s comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name, the show has at its heart her own story of radical reinvention - taking her from meetings in boardrooms to treading the boards, thanks to a chance conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers. A funny show about a deadly serious subject, Namaste Motherf★ckers is a celebration of and for the female of the species. Invisible no more. The show has just celebrated an Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 sell-out, and it will include a Q&A and meet-and-greet with Cally (who knows, Jeff the wonder dog may even be there too).

Screaming Blue Murder (or SBM to its friends) is The Old Town Hall’s resident monthly comedy club. This season sees the return of some old favourites plus some rising stars on the comedy scene. Don’t miss out and treat yourself to an uplifting start to the week! Early booking is advised.

Screaming Blue Murder (or SBM to its friends) is The Old Town Hall’s resident monthly comedy club. This season sees the return of some old favourites plus some rising stars on the comedy scene. Don’t miss out and treat yourself to an uplifting start to the week! Early booking is advised.

Screaming Blue Murder (or SBM to its friends) is The Old Town Hall’s resident monthly comedy club. This season sees the return of some old favourites plus some rising stars on the comedy scene. Don’t miss out and treat yourself to an uplifting start to the week! Early booking is advised.

Screaming Blue Murder (or SBM to its friends) is The Old Town Hall’s resident monthly comedy club. This season sees the return of some old favourites plus some rising stars on the comedy scene. Don’t miss out and treat yourself to an uplifting start to the week! Early booking is advised.

Off the back of a total sell-out tour in 2024, Andrew Ryan is back with a brand-new show. Everyone’s favourite Cork in the North returns in good faith and in an honest capacity with what promises to be his biggest and most hilarious show to date.

Krapp's Last Tape is a journey through an old man's life, filled with hilarious memories and hopes for the future, coupled with the mourning of lost love and unfulfilled ambition. This production, directed by Academy Award nominee Stockard Channing and starring David Westhead, tours globally throughout 2025. Revel in Samuel Beckett's classic play, as audiences are invited into Krapp's world of solitude, memories, dreams, elation, and despair. This touring production has been brought to life in disused function rooms, underground vaults, former jails, and dusty factories. We are transported to a land of joy, sadness, lost ambition, love, madness, and hope.

The award-winning Dyad Productions and Company Gavin Robertson are joining forces! It’s a pedigree of the first degree! Between them, Dyad’s recent productions – Austen's Women: LADY SUSAN, A Christmas Carol, Christmas Gothic, That Knave, Raleigh; and Gavin Robertson with Goosebumps of Delight, The Ghost of a Smile, and Bond - An Unauthorised Parody, have toured both the UK and internationally, with resounding success over the last few years. Labouring away in secret, looking for the perfect co-production has taken time, but finally the answer has arrived! Every hospital, medical-based, Doctors-and-Nurses cliche-ridden drama onstage in a comedy mash-up spoof! It'll have you in stitches! It’s Dr Ann Fleming’s first day at St David’s, where her unfortunately-named mentor Dr Death, is determined to show her who’s boss. As medical emergencies overload the hapless staff, Dr Fleming has to juggle a complicated budding love affair, with a liver, and a nosey Hospital boss. Not literally. Yes – Holby City, Casualty, E.R and Doctors - not to mention movies galore, are re-imagined and invigorated by Rebecca Vaughan, Andrew Margerison, and Gavin Robertson in a pacy, cliché-ridden comic homage to the intrigues and dramas of every hospital plotline on the big and small screen! To be taken once a day. (Or twice if there’s a matinee). Created in collaboration with The Old Town Hall.

Following from GreenMatthews highly successful Midwinter Revels, they present their new show Midsummer Revels. Featuring traditional English folksongs, self-written material, and toe-tapping dance tunes, Midsummer Revels is a glorious feel-good evocation of sunny days, blue skies, and green fields. Songs of the land and sea, town and country are brought to life on a plethora of instruments such as English border bagpipes, mandocello and shawm, all underscored with GreenMatthews' trademark with and humour.

Spanning several centuries, GreenMatthews' Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes, and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, the show is brought to life with GreenMatthews' trademark wit and humour.

The award-winning Dyad Productions (A Christmas Carol, Lady Susan, A Room of One’s Own, Christmas Gothic, Austen’s Women, Female Gothic) return to The Old Town Hall with their show about the famous and fabulous Elizabethan explorer, sailor, dandy, and warrior, Sir Walter Raleigh. Elizabeth I’s favourite and James I’s knave. This is a journey through the astonishing highs and lows of one of Britain’s most famous men from history. But there’s so much you don’t know... Father, husband, writer, poet, adventurer, philosopher, soldier, tyrant, egotist, lover, traitor, alchemist, visionary, victim. In a life spanning around 65 years, Sir Walter Raleigh achieved more than others might do in a hundred lifetimes. Over a decade in the tower and still he held power. The Huguenots, America, The Armada and execution. Is that the whole story? The final chapter of Raleigh’s life is perhaps the most daring, strange and utterly heart-breaking. See the fall from grace taken directly from historical record, marvel at the magnetism of a man who seized every opportunity to create a legacy which spans the centuries and at every wrenching, exalting and personal moment, you will be witnesses. Written and performed by Andrew Margerison (A Christmas Carol, Frantic Assembly’s Fatherland, Macbeth), and directed by Rebecca Vaughan (A Christmas Carol). Created in collaboration with The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead.

Join Tom as he warms up for his new tour: Spudgun! Tom Davis is back on the road, firing out his freshly cooked observations on life's hot topics. Co-host of the mega-hit podcast Wolf and Owl with Romesh Ranganathan, star of BAFTA and Royal Television Society award-winning comedy series Murder in Successville and BBC One smash-hit comedy King Gary, Tom also has his own special Underdog available to watch on Sky and NOW TV. Also seen on Wonka, Paddington 2, The Curse, A League of Their Own (Sky), Live At The Apollo (BBC) and The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV).

Having performed over 700 shows (and counting) since forming in 2019, True Foxes, the acclaimed alt-country/americana duo from Cornwall, are quickly gaining recognition in the UK and beyond. Following the release of their debut album Howl in March 2024, the duo have been featured on numerous international radio stations, being named as Americana Album of the Month on The Country Mile Radio and UK Country Radio and have received glowing reviews from AmericanaUK, Rocking Magpie, and Fatea magazine. The band features cousins Amie Parsons and Chloe Payne. Amie’s powerful vocals and soulful songwriting has been compared to the likes of Laura Marling and Brandi Carlile, performing on Acoustic Guitar. Together with Chloe’s ethereal harmonies and melodic bass lines, the duo’s storytelling and sisterly banter take the audience on an emotional journey. In 2024 the duo demonstrated their musical range with mainstage performances at Costa Del Folk festival in Portugal, Cornwall folk Festival as well as full band performances at The British Country music Festival and Tunes in the Park (supporting Sophie Ellis-Bexter). They then entered 2025 with a sold out headline tour in the spring followed by a summer packed full of main stage performances including Between the Trees, Tunes in the Dunes, OceanFest and Sidmouth Folk Festival – joining forces with folk legend Steve Knightley ahead of their tour this autumn. After the success of their debut album last year, True Foxes have begun working on their second album, due to be released early 2026! With extensive airplay across the UK and internationally, including recognition as BBC Artist of the Week across eight territories, True Foxes continue to captivate audiences.

Tez Ilyas, one of the most most celebrated stars in British comedy, returns to stage in 2023 with an hour of his trademark, no-holds barred, crowd participation and fun. As seen on Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three), Live At The Apollo (BBC Two), Bounty (CH4), Mock The Week (BBC Two) and much more.

Two classic tales of terror - live on stage! Horrifying spectres, restless souls and evil secrets that refuse to stay buried are all brought to life in this spine-chilling show. Join the mysterious Storyteller for two blood-curdling ghost stories, full of chills and thrills. An unmissable evening by one of the country’s most captivating ghost story performers — dare you face your deepest fears? Includes the classic tales of terror ‘The Room in the Tower’ by E.F. Benson and ‘The Captain of the Polestar’ by Arthur Conan Doyle. The Book of Darkness & Light’s previous work includes a number of original plays, including SHIVERS (“A must-see production” – Northern Soul) and UPON THE STAIR (“Everyone needs to see this show.” – Reviews Hub). Their production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (“A hauntingly wonderful retelling of a classic tale” - Our Theatre Voice) has been produced both nationally and internationally.

Direct from the Edinburgh festival, and his last smash-hit nationwide tour, the legendary Canadian stand-up star is back on the road with a brand-new show. Join Tom as he playfully dishes out more of his insightful observations. An irrepressible tour-de-force with an hour of first class, mischievous and uncompromising comedy. As seen/heard on Have a Word Pod, Ch4's Comedy Gala, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, The John Bishop Show, Live at the Apollo (so good, he's done it twice) and much more!

In May 1993, Nicholas Collett was in his home town of Sheffield, celebrating his parents’ golden wedding anniversary. His father Gordon was a veteran of the Atlantic Convoys, serving on the destroyer escort, HMS Vanessa. Previously silent about his experiences, he told his son about the dangers he had faced. After his death in 2018, Nicholas used his father’s service records to uncover some extraordinary details, which made him reconsider his father’s life – and their relationship. These stories, together with a dramatic soundscape and music from the 1940’s, form “Mettle”; a solo-play which commemorates those who served, those who were lost and those who lived to tell their story. “A gentle story that packs an unexpected punch” The Stage In association with the Daparian Foundation - committed to those on trauma journeys, supporting veterans and blue lights personnel.

Following award-winning show FLUFF, Teepee Productions & Joe C Brown present Tell Me Where It Hurts. This powerful comedy-drama follows Chrissy, a dedicated drama teacher navigating life with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). She is determined to stage the school play while also mentoring Annie, a talented yet troubled student who is auditioning for a prestigious performing arts school. As both women wrestle with their own bodies and emotions, they find themselves facing a shared struggle… the feeling of being unheard and misunderstood by the world around them. At the same time, Chrissy is grappling with tensions in her personal life, particularly with her partner, Nathan, who longs for a child, a desire that clashes with her own uncertainties. The play sheds light on the resilience required to manage women’s health issues in a world that often fails to recognise them.

Following his hugely successfulCatch Your Breathtour, comedian and NHS anaesthetist Ed Patrick returns with his new hit show Numb and Number. Get your appointment while you can. As seen on Channel 4, Have I Got News For You and heard on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4and BBC Radio Scotland.

Star of BBC’s Upstart Crow, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Friday Night Project and Dave’s One Night Stand. Since winning the prestigious Channel 4 So You Think You’re Funny Award at the Edinburgh Festival in 1998, Rob Rouse has toured the world for the last 27 years! Fortunately, over a quarter of a century in ‘the biz’ hasn’t made him (me – obviously I’m writing this) in the slightest bit sensible, and he’s (I am) absolutely delighted to be coming to the SJT. Funny Bones is Rob’s brand-new stand-up show: a relentlessly funny and daft evening of comedy, from a one-man whirlwind who pulls the audience into his craftily spun tall tales with bucketfuls of manic energy, first-class stagecraft, eerily convincing characters, and a barrage of brilliant one-liners.

What?! Mark Thomas has been ‘standing up’ for 40 years? Impossible!! But how old does that make you…? Alas it is true; one of our oldest surviving alternative comics celebrates 40 years at the mic as he takes his brand-new show on the road this autumn. So, here’s what he has done so far in numbers; performed comedy for 40 years, won 8 awards for performing, 4 for human rights work and 1 he invented for himself, made 6 series of the Mark Thomas Comedy Product (Channel 4), written 6 books and 5 play scripts, made 5 series of the Manifesto for Radio 4, made 3 Dispatches for Channel 4, sued the police (and won) 3 times, curated and authored 2 art exhibitions with artist Tracey Moberly and had 1 Guinness World Record for holding 20 protests in 24 hours. If that’s not enough, he’s also walked 724km around the length of the Israel Wall in the West Bank, been credited with changing the law on tax avoidance, started a comedy club in Palestine with Dr Sam Beale and campaigned successfully for things like trade union recognition for cinema workers and getting multinationals to change their practices. You’re right, there’s more, but your attention is running out and we’re running out of space. So, let’s just say he’s generally mucked about trying to have fun and upset the right people…which he is really, really good at. This is a taster menu of political and personal mayhem, jokes, rants and a state of the nation broadcast as he tries to turn ‘what the hell is going on’ into a cogent evening of stand-up.