Another host of well-known comedians take to the Theatre Royal Winchester stage for this year’s Winchester Comedy Festival Summer Gala, on Friday 26 June. This year’s line-up features award-winning stand-up comics from TV and radio, and the comedy and festival circuits. Including Angela Barnes, Arthur Smith, and Ray Badran. The evening’s line up is subject to change, depending who the Play to the Crowd Press Gang team manage to persuade and cajole to appear.

The ‘gloriously down-to-earth’ Angela Barnes – who swapped health and social care for stand-up and won the BBC New Comedy Award – is known for her warm wit, frank insights, and appearances on the likes of Mock The Week (BBC 2) and The Now Show (Radio 4).

Arthur Smith is an original of the British alternative comedy scene as well as a presenter, actor, writer – and self-appointed Night Mayor of Balham! Highly sought after, he is regularly seen on TV and radio, and at comedy clubs, theatres, festivals and private events.

While comedian, writer, and the resident host of a comedy night in London, Ray Badran is also a regular on the international festival circuit, performing full shows and galas at the likes of the Edinburgh Fringe and Sydney Comedy Fringe. He is also seen on TV.

Finally, and as always, the evening is overseen by MC, Tom Deacon – who’s gone from former Barton Peveril student to appearing on TV and hosting his own BBC Radio 1 show. Winchester Comedy Festival: Summer Gala 2026 will be at Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 26 June at 7.30pm. For more information or to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.