Royal and Derngate Theatre

From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Come and join Ed Byrne as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs. Edinburgh Fringe 2023 was a bumper 5-star review year for Ed. They came in thick and fast alongside outstanding critical acclaim for this exceptionally funny, ‘Best Reviewed Stand Up Show at Edinburgh 2023’ (British Comedy Guide). As seen hosting Live At The Apollo and regular appearances on QI and Mock The Week (BBC).

Music from your all-time favourite Hollywood blockbuster soundtracks, including: Jurassic Park Schindler’s List Harry Potter Jaws Indiana Jones Star Wars E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial … and many more! The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra invites you to join them on the red carpet for a celebration of some of the greatest film scores ever written. With mesmerising music from iconic movie moments, written by legendary composers such as John Williams, John Barry, Hans Zimmer and more, this spectacular gala show for movie fans of all ages is not to be missed. Stephen Bell Conductor  Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Star of 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Have I Got News For You and QI Kiri Pritchard-McLean has had a busy few years. As well as hosting Live at the Apollo, fronting the Radio 4 panel show Best Medicine and starting a comedy school, she’s become a foster parent. Didn’t know that about her? Well, until now she hasn’t been able to talk about it on stage, she hasn’t even told the kids in her care that she’s a comedian. Oh, and she uses a different name – she’s the Bruce Wayne of comedy but without the mansions. However, this year something changed and after a couple of the eggiest gigs of her career in boardrooms to social workers a show about becoming a foster carer has been signed off! So, come and join “Louise” as she lifts the lid on social workers, first aid training and what not to do when a vicar searches for you on YouTube. Join the co-creator and co-host of cult hit podcast All Killa No Filla for a joyous and uplifting show from a comedian known for making “powerhouse stand-up from the thorniest of subjects” (The Guardian). “expect sequins, social commentary, and massive laughs from the renaissance woman of UK comedy”...

Following a sell-out UK and Ireland Spring tour, and after announcing a third run in London’s West End at The Gielgud Theatre, comic legend Frank Skinner adds extra tour dates in Autumn 2024 for his critically acclaimed new stand-up show, ‘ 30 Years of Dirt’.

Following the huge success of Ben Elton’s critically acclaimed sold-out UK tour in 2019, which marked his return to live comedy after a fifteen year hiatus, the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is going back on the road with his new show – Authentic Stupidity. Ben says ’Since my last live tour a whole new existential threat has emerged to threaten humanity! Apparently Artificial Intelligence is going to destroy us all! Well I reckon our real problem isn’t Artificial Intelligence it’s good old fashioned Authentic Stupidity! Forget AI! It’s AS we need to be worrying about!’ Ben Elton first exploded into the national consciousness back in the 1980’s hosting Channel 4’s ground breaking Saturday Live and he’s been setting the standard for gag filled, taboo busting, tonsil rattling, mind expanding stand-up comedy ever since!

Following SOLD-OUT performances in London’s West End, a Worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to stun audiences across the globe, making it a must-see international sensation. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more. Get your tickets fast as this is an evening not to be missed!

Dr Louise Newson, leading medical expert on menopause and hormones, is embarking on her inaugural UK theatre tour accompanied by Dublin-based comedian Anne Gildea. “Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate” aims to educate and challenge misconceptions about menopause and advocate for better healthcare for women. Described as “the medic who kick-started the menopause revolution”, Dr Louise has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and their families through her pioneering work as a GP and menopause specialist. Her advice on HRT, as well as lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, and sleep, has revolutionised the health and wellbeing of so many women. Known for her gut-busting, honest and informative comedy, Anne is a founding member of the iconic Irish musical-comedy trio, The Nualas. She will bring humour and a unique perspective, while Louise’s knowledge will allow women to make informed decisions about their health, whilst at the same time educating the rest of the family, including men. An evening of learning and laughter, the duo are set to captivate, educate and entertain.

During the First World War, over one million British Empire soldiers lost their lives, with around half of them still resting in unmarked graves today. John Nichol, a former RAF Tornado Navigator and Gulf War POW, embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the emotional tale of the Unknown Warrior interred in Westminster Abbey, highlighting our enduring need to honour and grieve for the fallen. Following the conflict, the concept of a single ‘Unknown Warrior’ emerged as a symbol to commemorate the missing and alleviate the overwhelming national sorrow. John retraces the Warrior’s path from the battlefields of Northern France to Westminster Abbey, engaging with descendants of those involved and delving into forgotten records. In this extraordinary theatrical production, enriched with evocative visuals and a stirring soundscape, audiences are transported back to this tumultuous era, experiencing the passion of those who came before us and the enduring pain of those who still walk among us.

South African-New Zealander Comedian, Urzila Carlson returns to tour the UK with her new show ‘Just Jokes’. Carlson has become one of the biggest names in comedy in Australia and New Zealand. Her new tour arrives hot on the heels of her 2023 sold-out UK tour, ‘It’s Personal‘. An undeniable tour de force of the comedy world, Urzila hasn’t stopped since taking to the comedy stage. She has sold out seasons in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. A fan favourite on season 2 of Taskmaster NZ in New Zealand, now airing on Channel 4. In 2024, Urzila made her UK TV debut, appearing on QI. Later this year, she’ll make her mark in feature animation as the voice of Honkus in the film Ozi alongside Donald Sutherland, Laura Dern, Ru Paul, and Amandla Stenberg. Book early; this tour is a guaranteed sell-out!