Liverpool to host BBC Comedy Festival 2026; Lee Mack, Michael Palin and Diane Morgan among guests

Lee Mack, Michael Palin and Diane Morgan are among the names set to appear at the BBC Comedy Festival 2026, which will be held in Liverpool on May 13 and 14. Free tickets are now available for sessions at the Royal Court Theatre, with a programme mixing interviews, panels and comedy.

On Wednesday, Philomena Cunk and Motherland star Diane Morgan will unveil her new show, Ann Droid. A Q&A will also feature Sue Johnston, who stars as a widow coming to terms with a new android assistant, played by Morgan. That evening, Adam Rowe will compere a stand-up showcase featuring Fatiha El-Ghorri, Sam Nicoresti, Michael Odewale, Emer Maguire, Eli Hart, Alana Jackson and Mike Bubbins.

Thursday’s line-up includes a session on creating comedy characters with Amandaland writer Holly Walsh and Ghosts’ Larry Rickard; a discussion with Black Ops creators Akemnji Ndifornyen and Gbemisola Ikumelo; and an interview with Lee Mack about Not Going Out.

In the evening, Alison Steadman will be in conversation with Ruth Jones, followed by Sir Michael in conversation with John Bishop. This will be the fifth edition of the BBC Comedy Festival, following previous events in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff and Newcastle. Billed as a chance for television-industry professionals to meet, celebrate and discuss comedy, the sessions are also open to the public.

Announcements boosting local comedy production are also expected at the event. “Liverpool has funny bones and a rich culture of producing top tier comedy creatives, so we’re delighted to be bringing the BBC Comedy Festival 2026 to the city,” said Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy.