It was laughter all the way for audiences enjoying Aberdeen Comedy Festival. Image - James Murison
Laughter is the best medicine as Aberdeen Comedy Festival made a successful comeback with more than 16,000 tickets issued for 40 gigs across the Granite City.
So successful was the return of the festival - under the stewardship of Aberdeen Performing Arts with support from Aberdeen Inspired - that the first acts have already been announced for its expanded outing in 2026.
This year’s laugh-filled event came to a close on Sunday, October 5, as two of Scotland’s comedy giants, Rory Bremner and Fred MacAulay sat in conversation at His Majesty’s Theatre for Rory Bremner’s Making an Impression.
Remarking on the success of the festival, Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive Sharon Burgess said: “It has been an incredible two weeks, with the Comedy Festival venues filled with laughter and sold-out shows, we’ve loved every minute.
“We’ve had amazing performances from local heroes such as the Flying Pigs, national treasures like Rory Bremner and Chris McCausland, and the brightest and funniest new comics on the circuit, including Sophie Duker and Elf Lyons.
“We’re delighted that comedy fans have taken this festival to their hearts and come out in their droves to join in the fun. With the 2026 Aberdeen Comedy Festival already taking shape with the fabulous Russell Howard, John Kearns and Laura Lexx all confirmed to appear, Aberdeen will be the place to be next Autumn!”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The success of the Aberdeen Comedy Festival is something that should put a smile on the face of everyone in the Granite City.
Comedy icon Russell Howard has already been announced as a headliner for next year's Aberdeen Comedy Festival. Image - Aberdeen Performing Arts
“With so many shows and so many tickets sold, it brought a real buzz and vibrancy to the city centre as people flocked into town to enjoy this feast of top-flight comedy. Many of Aberdeen Inspired’s levy-payers - especially within the hospitality industry - have told us the comedy festival helped boost their businesses before and after the many shows.
“We are delighted that next year’s Aberdeen Comedy Festival is already taking shape, adding to the rich cultural offering that makes the city such a great place to live, work and play.”
It was a warm welcome to the Granite City for some festival acts as they made their first appearance in Aberdeen with Chris McCausland selling out two performances at the Music Hall, and Elf Lyons bringing her SKY Arts Comedy Award-winning show Horses to the Lemon Tree.
It was a triumphant return for others, including Connor Burns, Stewart Lee, Adam Kay and local favourites The Flying Pigs, who packed out His Majesty’s Theatre with their newest show The Fashed and Furious.
Performers and promoters enjoyed a taste of Aberdeen, consuming 80 rowies and over 100 caramel wafers backstage, while families got in on the fun with the festival’s children’s programme, including sold-out performances of Comedy Club 4 Kids.
Buoyed by the response to this year’s revived event, Aberdeen Comedy Festival will extend its dates in 2026, bringing three weekends of beguilement to the Granite City from Friday, September 19, to Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Elf Lyons was a crowd-pleaser at this year's Aberdeen Comedy Festival. Image - Louise Chan
Leading the line-up, Russell Howard comes to the Music Hall on Friday, September 19, with his brand-new stand-up tour Don't Tell The Algorithm. After breaking records with sold-out shows across the globe, “one of the world’s top comedians” (The Sunday Times) is inviting you back into the room: no phones, no distractions, just humans and jokes. Don’t tell the algorithm.
Tickets are available now, don’t miss your chance to see one of the UK’s most successful standups as he makes a triumphant return to the North-east for the opening of Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026.
Taskmaster alumni and double Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner, John Kearns returns to Aberdeen with his brand new stand-up show Tilting at Windmills.
Seen bewildered on Taskmaster (Channel 4), terrified on Live at the Apollo (BBC), getting through Never Mind the Buzzcocks (Sky), and implicating others on his Sky standup special The Varnishing Days, John Kearns comes to the Lemon Tree on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
And fresh off the success of her critically acclaimed show ‘Slinky’ (Winner of Best Show at the Women in Comedy Festival 2024), multi-award-winning comedy star Laura Lexx is back with her brand-new show, Yo-Yo.
As seen on Mock The Week (BBC), Live at The Apollo (BBC), Hypothetical (Dave), and Roast Battle (Comedy Central), Laura Lexx swings into the Lemon Tree, Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026 will take place from Friday, September 19, to Sunday, October 4, 2026. The first tickets are on sale now, with further programme announcements in the months to come.
To book tickets and to sign up to receive future news, visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com