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.

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.

Journey into the mind of once small-town boy, now internationally acclaimed and award-winning comedian, as he gallivants around the globe sharing stories, observations and thoughts on the weird and wonderful experiences that have coloured his adventures. Kai has toured live in 55 countries with Daniel Sloss, opening in massive theatres and arenas all over the world. Co-star of the brilliantly funny podcast 'Sloss and Humphries on the Road', he also toured nine solo shows including a brilliant run off-Broadway in New York. Catch Kai in his natural element - live, up close and hilarious!

Almost everybody experiences anxiety and stress at some point in their life. This is often a response to our busy, modern lives and ever-changing circumstances. Buddha’s timeless teachings offer simple and yet profound solutions to these troublesome minds. Join us for an inspirational evening and receive simple, practical and life-changing advice. This can help us to face life with clarity, stability and inner strength. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Gen Kelsang Sherab is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Glasgow. He teaches with clarity and wisdom from deep experience of meditation and shows us how to keep a happy heart in whatever we do. Gen Kelsang Sherab has been a student of his Spiritual Guide, the Meditation Master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, since 1998 and he was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 2004. Everybody is welcome to attend this evening event – ideal for beginners.

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.

For those who have ever wondered ‘whodunnit’ and why … Tim Benzie, the acclaimed creator and host of Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote returns with his gripping one-man show, a hilarious and fascinating deep dive into the enduring appeal of murder mysteries. As the clock strikes, the audience will be summoned to the drawing room as Detective Tim Benzie examines the clues that drew him to the genre as a child – from Scooby Doo to Encylopedia Brown, and from German mystery-puzzle books, to gobbling up the entire works of Agatha Christie as a teenager. Along the way he draws connections between obsessions with detective films, the TV series Murder, She Wrote, his role as Detective Tim for Disney TV and his current Solve-Along show. Join Tim as he delves into why murder mysteries surge in popularity through times of societal strife – what is there about these stories that ignites the inner detective in us all? And ultimately, what is the mystery we’re all trying to solve? Funny, touching and showcasing the delight in pop culture minutiae that has made Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote a cult hit, It’s a Mystery! will appeal to any fans of the genre and anyone who’s ever wondered whodunnit (and why).

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Justin returns with "The Greatest Performance of My Life". After a successful and extensively extended tour of his 2022 show Stretch and Think (which you can catch in full on YouTube), he's back on the road with this new show. 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.

Four Northern lads are given the impossible task of rebuilding Northern masculinity in one night. They’ve got big decisions to make, and every time they do, something happens: a game, a song, a scene or a mysterious feeling they can’t quite describe… Only one of them can become the Big Strong Man and save the North, but which one? That’s up to you! Big Strong Man is a celebration of northern culture and community spirit. Using interactive cabaret these fast-paced, skilful performers bring you the captivating atmosphere of a cabaret show or gig. Join surrealist comedy comrades The Growth House, as they invite you for a night of Poundland level extravagance, side-splitting comedy and electrifying performances. Featuring (deep breath) storytelling, song, dance, improv, ladders, competition, boy band parodies, lip syncs, placards, blocks, charity shop suits, karaoke and a bear, Big Strong Man promises to be an unforgettable alternative comedy night out.

KAI HUMPHRIES – Blyths’ very own comedy star who has toured across 55 countries opening for his best friend Daniel Sloss, is the co-host of hit podcast "Sloss and Humphries on the Road" , and has toured 8 of his own solo shows around Australia as well as a run off-Broadway. “Absolutely brilliant… Pure stand-up… honest, relatable and upbeat, you can’t help but like him… Fabulous” ★★★★★ (Voice Mag) “Phenomenally funny… A fantastic comic who is smart, funny, and crude all at once… perpetually upbeat charisma, pushing and pulling us between laughter and empathy… Not to be missed!” (Broadway Baby)

The Hippodrome’s 10-13s Youth Theatre group present the classic story of the awful Mr and Mrs Twit, in which the audience are invited to help save the day! In The Twits, the wicked Mr. and Mrs. Twit, bored of playing pranks on each other, turn their attentions toward a family of monkeys, the Muggle-Wumps, who they train for a circus act. The monkey's cruel incarceration in a cage is avenged when the birds trick the Twits into believing the world has turned upside-down. This amateur production of “The Twits” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

This is an amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books 'But deep down, we all know the only thing I did wrong was be a girl who spoke up. A girl who refused to stay silent. And... I'm still not gonna stay silent, because this stuff is too important to keep ignoring.' When social media goes into a frenzy over pictures of a girl at a party, Louise's teacher lectures all the schoolgirls on taking more responsibility for their actions. Enraged that it's them getting reprimanded - and not the boys who took the pictures - Louise wages war on the school's systemic misogyny. But when she threatens popular boy Scott, risking his claim to the School Captain title, things escalate horribly; a website appears, objectifying the girls and shaming them for their actions. Natalie Mitchell's play explores everyday feminism, consent and the changing face of teenage sexuality in an online world. Is it always true that 'when they go low', we should go high? Performed by the Hippodrome’s 13+ Youth Theatre class, this is an amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

Its the year 2025 and theres a lot of talk about AI taking over humans. Only one man can out-talk the chat-bots & robots. One hour of standup comedy written by a human, performed by a human... Edinburgh Fringe favourite Patrick Monahan is back on tour! Everybodys favourite comedian, Patrick Monahans high energy style combines with hilarious, engaging, topical and observational material to make a fun evening out! Known for working a room, Patrick is adored by all audiences with whom he makes an effortless connection! Running time: 90 mins plus interval

Hilarity Bites present tour preview shows from two of the funniest stand-up’s on the circuit, ESTHER MANITO (as seen on Live at the Apollo) and HAYLEY ELLIS (co-host of The Worriers podcast): ESTHER MANITO: SLAGBOMB Esther's life seems to be a magnet for embarrassing moments and endless cockups. No matter how hard she tries to project sophistication, she often ends up highlighting her unrefined side. Yet her husband doesn't seem to feel any need to be dignified, so why does dignity have such control over her? After Esther's last show 'Hell Hath No Fury' she decided to embrace her label as an "angry woman" and now she wants to accept her lack of dignity whether it’s her less-than-graceful posture, cringe-worthy encounters with shady drug deals, or the painful realities of waxing gone wrong in her new tour 'Slagbomb'. ★★★★ “Manito skilfully weaves her own personal story with a wider look at gender issues in society” Evening Standard ★★★★ “An absolute riot from start to finish” Everything Theatre ★★★★ “Effervescent…Incisively funny’ The Skinny HAYLEY ELLIS: SILLY MARE Like all women who literally just celebrated their 35th birthday five years ago, Hayley Ellis is obsessed with true crime. Sure, it's not the most feminist of passions - but since when do we ever do what’s best for ourselves, however old we get? Join Hayley as she navigates middle age - and as everyone agrees, the middle of anything is always the most delicious part (excluding Donuts, Avocados or plane seats), the joys of remaining (mostly) happily unmarried and the truly horrific journey of later-in-life contraception. Something for everyone. As seen as tour support for Sarah Millican and Jason Manford. "Sharp, clever, and very funny" - THE SUNDAY POST “Ellis is a talent" - FEST MAG Winner Best Show - NW Comedy Awards 2023

Emma is a young psychologist creating a pre-sentencing report on Chloe, a woman of a similar age. Chloe lies compulsively and Emma’s assessment will determine whether she is identified as villain or victim, deserving support or an extended sentence for crimes she has already admitted to. Chloe has lived numerous other lives - more than anyone knows - and many are shared with the audience. Emma is at the start of her career, challenged and feeling alone, but called upon to be in control, faced with an impenetrable cloud of lies.

Apollo Theatre Company presents the songs and monologues of Joyce Grenfell. compiled and performed by Cheryl Knight and co-devised and directed by Paul Knight. Joyce Grenfell was one of the greatest female entertainers of the twentieth century, loved the world over for her hilarious and beautifully observed monologues and songs, as well as numerous film, television and radio appearances. Her legacy continued through the work of Victoria Wood, who cited her as being a great influence, as well as an array of female comedians including Miranda Hart. First conceived in honour of her centenary year and playing to sell-out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival, this revue has been delighting audiences ever since. In this gem of nostalgia, which recreates the setting of one of Joyce’s stage shows, Cheryl Knight ‘absolutely captures her spirit’ (Everything Theatre). Woven between the well-known songs and monologues are some of her more delicate and poignant pieces, as well as some rare and exclusive material. Truly a labour of love, this show brings back to life an extraordinary entertainer.