Eddie Lundon and Gary Daly are the founder members of the band which started in Kirkby, Merseyside back in 1979. China Crisis found major success in the UK with five Top 40 singles, ten Top 50 singles and three Top 40 albums and hits across Australia, Europe and the Americas. The band are known for their string of hit singles, including African & White, Christian, Working with Fire and Steel, Black Man Ray and Wishful Thinking, The RETROspective tour will see the band performing these classics alongside songs from all of their seven studio albums. - Eddie Lundon - Gary Daly - Jack Hymers (keys) - Eric Animan (sax)

Somewhere in a parallel universe little Alfie’s natural comedic performance skills were recognised by his doting parents who encouraged and developed his blossoming talent. After several years as a stage school brat Alfie’s angelic face was launched on stage and screen and the rest is history. Meanwhile, in this universe Alfie Moore was told to stop messing about in class before being ‘encouraged’ into the grinding, grimy world of an apprenticeship in the Sheffield steelworks. When recession hit he traded steel for copper by joining Humberside Police. In his 40s the two universes collided when Alfie made a bid for showbiz success – but unfortunately 30 years of shift-work and being punched in the face quite a lot, had left him with ‘a face for radio’. A face not so much ‘lived in’ as inhabited by a settlement of squatters with little regard to property maintenance and repair. This is the true story of ‘Fair Cop’ Alfie’s big plan to transition from the BBC radio waves to TV star. Could it be done? Or had Father Time decided that his time had passed?

With hits like ‘Digging Your Scene’ and ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way’, The Blow Monkeys epitomised the glamour of mid-80s pop at its most graceful and sophisticated. In the band’s frontman Robert Howard (aka Dr. Robert), they possessed a tall, charismatic singer who was both camera-friendly and clever, who appeared to be just as much at ease on the catwalk that is pop’s conveyor belt as he was penning witty, incisive songs. While quite clearly Robert’s band, though, the Blow Monkeys were also gifted three immensely talented musicians in bassist Mick Anker (he of the trademark bowler hat), saxophonist Neville Henry and drummer Tony Kiley. Behind the band’s stylish veneer lay something else, which became increasingly apparent from Robert’s lyrics. While some of the Smash Hits generation avoided politics with a capital P, The Blow Monkeys openly criticised the policies of the Conservative government, railing against social injustices and adopting an openly left-of-centre stance on issues of the day. From openly endorsing the gay community “Digging Your Scene” to an outright attack on Margaret Thatcher ‘Celebrate (The Day After You)’ – a duet with the late, great Curtis Mayfield, The Blow Monkeys were always the thinking person’s pop group. As the 1980s progressed, so too did the band’s musical style, from a sound once dubbed “jazz punk” by Robert to a more soulful, jazzy style and an ever-increasing adoption of dance music. The Blow Monkeys of their rare, indie debut single ‘Live Today Love Tomorrow’ (recorded on a shoestring in 1981) would be barely recognisable to those who bought the Balearic remix of ‘La Passionara’ from 1990. And yet a soulful, spiritually uplifting strain has continued to run through their music – and, indeed, that of Robert’s solo recordings – to this day.

20 years in stand-up for the Taskmaster cheeky texts icon, multi-award winner, YouTube cult figure, Radio 4 favourite and recently ‘Baby Reindeer’ actor: Watson returns after seasons at the Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh comedy festivals. A recent encounter with a stranger caused Mark to spend some time pondering the uncertain future facing humanity. He explores this – along with equally pressing matters like the worst word he has ever said in public, the current state of the UK sausage industry, and much more – in a typically frantic and fun-packed new show.

Clinton Baptiste is the useless clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay's smash hit comedy Phoenix Nights. Fresh from another sell-out UK tour, he's back to deliver the best of his recent work, plus some new bits. Join Clinton for his stories, jokes plus demonstrations of his amazing ability - and as always he'll be in the audience to give you truthful (but startling) readings from the spirit world! Not for the faint hearted.

From one of the most exciting emerging new stars in the UK’s live stand-up scene,1994 is Edinburgh native’s Connor Burns third solo hour. A prolific joke writer, his Scottish-level cynicism and self-deprecation punctuates a disarmingly relaxed persona and an intelligent, razor-sharp wit. Connor’s burgeoning reputation as “one to watch” was cemented at the 2023 Fringe when he sold out his entire run two months before the festival started.

He's supported fellow Geordie Chris Ramsay in the past and now Carl presents his own show about his (self-confessed) stubborn nature.

TV favourite Ed Byrne tours his Best Reviewed Show at the Edinburgh Festival, British Comedy Guide's No 1 Comedy show, and his most personal show to date. From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Come and join one of our leading laugh specialists as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs. With his TV career now in its third decade, Ed has regularly appeared on the likes of QI, Mock The Week, Alan Davies As Yet Untitled, and Live At The Apollo. With legions of fans both in the UK and abroad, Ed remains the observational stand-up to see.

Count Arthur Strong is Charles Dickens in, 'A Christmas Carol' 2025 Watch as the beloved comedian takes on the role of the iconic Charles Dickens in this festive adaptation of the classic tale. With his signature wit and charm, be prepared to laugh and be moved by this fantastic show. Get your tickets now and make it a merry holiday season with Count Arthur Strong!

Russell Kane’s bringing to town his gut-punch funny, searing, award-winning take on the years we’ve just gone through. Hailed as the The Guardian’s Number 1 comedy performance to come out of 2020 (The Guardian are miserable and usually hate everything) – this high-octane show brings nuclear-energy belly laughs and pant-wetting observations which prove laughter really is the best medicine (actually, it’s probably hospital medicine). Russell Kane has two chart-topping, award-bagging podcasts: Man Baggage and BBC Radio 4’s Evil Genius. He is a regular on Channel 4, BBC, and ITV: all the usual shows you see funny people on. He’s also a writer, actor, and presenter. He drinks lots of coffee and is ‘like that in real life’. He was the first ever comedian to bag the two most prestigious comedy awards on earth in the same year, for the same show: The Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards (formerly The Perrier), and The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award, (formerly known as the Barry Award). He’s also a raving bighead that likes listing his achievements.

The story covers subjects ranging 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. Above all else, it’s the Justin you have to come to expect. It’s funny and interesting, and perhaps there’s a little bit that warms the soul, too.

Geoffrey Frank Norcott is an English comedian, writer and political commentator. He first performed in 2001 and has appeared on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Question Time, and written for The Daily Telegraph, The Independent and Spiked.

Recently described by the Evening Standard as "Live Comedy's best kept secret" Scott Bennett has been blazing a trail through the stand-up circuit for the best part of a decade. He's written for many high profile acts such as Chris Ramsey and Jason Manford, and recently recorded his debut on BBC Two's Live at the Apollo. In massive demand as a comedy writer and with regular appearances on BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz and The Now Show, Scott is an act on the verge of breaking through into the big time.

How goods a laugh? My joke book is overflowing, so lets get talking about what gives me the ick and what makes me tick. Its time to get down to the nitty gritty. No filter, no limits. The gloves are off and Im packing a punchline, so lets speak easy and laugh freely. Join me for an hour of freestyling musings and merrymaking to get your belly aching! After all, in jokes we trust... Youll laugh until you actually cry ★★★★★ Sunday Express Effortless comedy from one of the countrys strongest stand-ups Sunday Times Amos is dynamite The Guardian A joy to behold The Times A note perfect hour ★★★★★ The Metro Unashamedly feel-good entertainment ★★★★ The Evening Standard Strictly 16+

With over 100M views online see the longest running panellist from BBC Scotland’s “Breaking The News” live in his first national tour! Stuart Mitchell is now regarded as one of the UK’s top comedians and social media stars with over a 100M views online. You’ve seen him online and now you can see him on his first ever national UK tour, Tips Not Included. Join the longest running panellist of BBC Scotland’ Breaking The News as he shares his amazing life story.

The Leopard in My House is proof that this leftie, working-class, Radio 4 favourite truly deserves his place in the UK comedy pantheon. Join multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian Mark Steel for his new tour ‘The Leopard in My House’. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle he is winning (thankfully) and which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show out of. Cancer has done nothing to dull Mark’s acute political observations or quash his “frankly bonkers” energy: you will laugh, you will cry, but you’ll laugh again, and again, and again. Mark Steel is best known for his critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 4 show Mark Steel’s in Town (now in its 13th series), as well as his hit podcast What The F★★★ Is Going On…?. He has presented the BAFTA-nominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC Two, and is a regular on BBC One’s Have I Got News for You and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He has also written several acclaimed books, including an adaptation of his critically acclaimed stand-up show Who Do I Think I Am? for Audible.

Two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Lauren Pattison is back with a brand-new show. She's decided she wants to come back bigger, braver and maybe blonder... either way it's time to put her big girl pants on. As seen on Roast Battle (Comedy Central), Stand Up For Live Comedy (BBC One), Comedy Up Late (ABC) and as heard on the smash-hit Have A Word podcast.

"Chin Music" has two meanings. One is idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in baseball or cricket to intimidate the batter. Both describe Rich Hall's comedy. Idle but intimidating. Sharp,quick, splenetic, and sublimely improvisational. If you've never seen him, you need to hustle down to your local venue and grab a seat because he never disappoints. Ever. Strictly Over 14 years old and above as there is likely to be Adult Content.

Completing the Trilogy begun with Genius 2.0 and The Work of the Devil, Have We Met? finds Simon standing, like Ulysses in Tennyson’s famous verse, gazing out over the moaning deep and the twinkling rocks and wondering whether to seek a newer world? To smite the sounding furrows? To strive, to seek, and to find? Or whether in fact, to put the kettle on, crack open the Hobnobs and simply yield? Drawing on Joyce, Proust and the career of Philip Schofield to make sense of his own tangled past and possible future, Evans skilfully weaves comedy, pathos and narrowly averted cancellation into an unforgettable two hours of unique entertainment.

A TV favourite, and now an aspiring doctor’s wife, Josh Jones is now knee-deep into his 30's and nothing thrills him more than a Greggs Sausage Roll and an M&S food shop. Living a more sedate life isn’t without its challenges though - he’s still trying to earn his cat’s respect!

Mark Simmons combines hilarious one-liners with an irresistible love of performing, to resonate with audiences at virtual and in-person events. His award-winning stand-up is a cut above the rest, setting Mark apart on the booking circuit and leading him to perform on some of the most prestigious comedy stages in the UK.

Hal Cruttenden is a stand-up comedian and actor renown for his fantastic observational humour and frequent appearances on Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, and his very own radio show. Cruttenden began acting in television shows in 1983 but soon found his love for stand-up comedy - he was voted Best Newcomer in 2002 at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and his career took off from there.

With over 4.5 million social media followers and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete Firman is the UK's top comic magician. Join him for an evening of Tricks & Giggles , as Pete brings his trademark blend of magic and comedy from the small screen to stages around the UK with this brand-new show. Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand and big laughs from one of magic's most exciting performers! As seen on Amazon's Good Omens , ITV1's Tonight at the London Palladium and The Next Great Magician , BBC1's The John Bishop Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme . He's probably also popped up on your social media feeds with his mind-boggling and regularly viral magic videos. Please note: Children under 11 years of age cannot be admitted. Please note that there is a theatre restoration levy of £1.50 per ticket. This levy applies to all transactions, whether made in person at our Box Office, by post or by phone, for all payment types. The Rondo opens half an hour before the start of each show. Please ensure that you arrive before the advertised start time, as it may not be possible to admit late-comers.

Angela Barnes (Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and former chair of BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz) has good intentions but trying to live your best life, as it turns out, is really bloody hard.

Namaste Motherfckers is the new show from Cally Beaton (QI, Live at the Apollo) - 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 Motherfckers is a celebration of and for the female of the species. Invisible no more.

One of the UK’s most in-demand comedians, Sonubi is a powerhouse on stage, delivering unstoppable energy, razor-sharp wit, and stories that hit hard as he can and still land even harder.

Life is hard. Come and have a laugh about it. After his nationwide critical-smash sellout 2023/24 Tour, Andy is back with a brand-new show. As seen on Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and his 2025 NextUp standup special. Hysterical. Andy Parsons is on fireThe Mirror Very funnyThe Times Laugh Out Loud FunnySunday Telegraph It's great to welcome sharp, topical comedy and Parsons remains one of its most skilful exponentsThe Guardian Potato-headedEvening Standard Show duration: 1st Act 45mins | 20min interval | 2nd Act 45mins Strictly 14+

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!

Gearing up for his greatest tour yet later this year, join your all-time favourite comedian Nick Helm as he glides through an hour of new stuff and changes the very fabric of your being. He. Is. Your. New. God.

Back with a bang, award-winning comedian Sam Avery returns with his electrifying new show, Thunderstorm! In his trademark punchy style, Sam takes you on a whirlwind journey through the chaos of the modern world - from parenting disasters to culture wars, conspiracy theories to political morons. With sharp wit and a stormy twist, he’s here to prove that the only way to weather modern life is through laughter! Expect thunderous punchlines, lightning-fast jokes, and a night of belly laughs you won’t forget.

1 in 6 adults in the UK will lose their hearing in their lifetime; two of those are Ray Bradshaw’s parents. The multi award winning comedian is back on tour with a brand-new show all about growing up as a CODA; A Child of Deaf Adults. His upbringing was nothing like the Oscar winning film and he’s here to tell you why. CODA is a funny, heartwarming show all about the brilliant things that happen when you grow up in a house where sign language is the first language used; whether it’s watching his dad shut his eyes to win any argument or beating his in-laws easily when they suggested playing charades against a deaf family on Christmas Day. Ray’s previous shows Deaf Com One and Doppelginger were huge successes and sold-out theatres across the world. As this show is all about growing up with deaf parents every show of CODA will have a BSL interpreter. Ray has previously supported John Bishop on his UK arena tour after John described him as ‘one of the best comedians in the country’.

Our comedy hero is back on the road with a brand new epic standup show. Join Neil Delamere as he takes on life's absurdities in his own inimitable way. A celebration of the altogether too frequent weaknesses that make us human. Don't miss the hilarious Achilles Neil. Does not contain any actual Greek mythology

John Robertson is a comedian, streamer, children’s author, improviser, actor, videogame writer, insult comic and manic hurricane man. LGBTQIA+, gamer, Goth, geeky and goddamn good at screaming at large groups. His crowd are diverse, perverse, wholesome, yet awful. This high-octane show is the brainchild of comedian & cult leader John Robertson. Filled with stand-up, appalling prizes and more audience chanting than you’d get at a protest – it’s a gut-busting rock n’ roll experience for everyone who buys a ticket.

Following her sell-out show of 2023-25, Mrs Smith is back with a brand-new show... 1, 2, 3, Eyes on Me'. Ever wondered what your teacher was thinking? Let Facebook's Mrs Smith enlighten you! Mrs Smith was an ordinary teacher in an ordinary school until she went viral on Facebook and accidentally became a stand-up comedian. 'Mrs Smith transforms the stage into a classroom of laughter and nostalgia'

Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world - star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is back! One of the most sought after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week special guest, Gary has been through the laughing glass and he's ready to bring you a brand new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only a master could craft. If you're hunting for snark, Gary's got it covered!

Jim Smith is one of Scotland’s most beloved farming comedians, bringing his unique blend of rural humour and sharp storytelling to audiences across the country. Hailing from Perthshire, Jim is not only a stand-up comedian but also a working farmer, making his comedy deeply relatable to those who know the joys and struggles of agricultural life. His down-to-earth charm, quick wit and hilarious take on rural Scotland have won him a dedicated following. Having completed two sell-out tours of Scotland, Jim has firmly established himself as a must-see act on the comedy circuit. His shows celebrate the quirks of Scottish country life, from unpredictable weather to eccentric local characters, all delivered with his signature warmth and authenticity. Recently, Jim brought his humour to the airwaves with Me and the Farmer, a hugely popular BBC Radio 4 series that went out UK-wide, entertaining the nation with his sharp insights and hilarious tales from the farm. He has also appeared on BBC Scotland’s hit comedy series Scot Squad, as well as writing and acting in two pilot episodes for the BBC, of The Farm, a sitcom based on rural life. Now, Jim is back with a brand-new show featuring the very best of his comedy-hand-picked highlights from his previous hit performances, along with fresh material that guarantees big laughs. Don’t miss the chance to see one of Scotland’s funniest storytellers live on stage!

Star of BBC’s Upstart Crow, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Friday Night Project and Dave’s One Night Stand. “He’s a man with genuinely funny bones” — The Sunday Times 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.

Widely considered to be one of the best ever Abba Tribute Acts, they play to packed theatres and festivals throughout Europe. A stunning stage show, which combines costume changes, lighting effects and a faithful reproduction of the Abba sound. A great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed for all age ranges. The band love audience participation, so you can sing along, clap or even get up and dance. If however you are ‘too posh’ to join in, then no problem, just rattle your jewellery!