THE COMEDY STORE ARRIVES AT WOOLWICH WORKS AS PART OF MAJOR NEW COMEDY PROGRAMME

THE COMEDY STORE COMES - WOOLWICH WORKS (11 SEPTEMBER & 27 NOVEMBER)

BIG BILL’S COMEDY NIGHT RETURNS WITH SOME OF THE UK’S HOTTEST EMERGING COMICS (19 JUNE)

PLUS SARA BARRON, GARRETT MILLERICK, STUART GOLDSMITH, SCUMMY MUMMIES AND MORE

Images available here

Woolwich Works has announced a packed new comedy programme for 2026, bringing together acclaimed stand-ups, Edinburgh Fringe previews, grassroots comedy nights and major live platforms in a season that blends established names with some of the UK’s fastest-rising comic talent.

Leading the programme is the arrival of the legendary Comedy Store - Woolwich Works this autumn, with inaugural performances on 11 September and 27 November. Presented by Live Nation, the iconic comedy institution brings nearly 40 years of stand-up history to South East London, having helped launch the careers of comedy heavyweights including Eddie Izzard, Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican, John Bishop and Rhod Gilbert. Known for showcasing “the stars of tomorrow today”, The Comedy Store remains one of the most respected names in British live comedy.

Earlier in the season, Woolwich Works welcomes a series of Edinburgh Fringe preview performances from some of the country’s sharpest comedic voices. On 21 May, acclaimed stand-ups Garrett Millerick and Jonny Pelham bring brand-new material to Woolwich ahead of this year’s Fringe. Millerick’s breakout US television appearance on Conan helped establish him as one of the UK circuit’s most distinctive voices, whilst Pelham’s blend of vulnerability, absurdity and razor-sharp punchlines has earned him widespread critical acclaim and appearances on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled.

The Fringe preview strand continues on 28 May with Sara Barron and Cecily Hitchcock. Since her acclaimed Edinburgh debut in 2018, Barron has become one of British comedy’s fastest-rising names, with television appearances including Live at the Apollo and Would I Lie to You?. Joining her is social media sensation and crowd-work specialist Hitchcock, whose anarchic style and off-beat storytelling have amassed millions of online views.

Woolwich Works’ ongoing grassroots comedy evening Big Bill’s Comedy Night, curated and hosted by rising comic Bilal Rashid, continues to build momentum with a hand-picked line-up of circuit favourites and emerging talent. The June edition (19 June) features award-winning comic and viral sketch creator HoratioGould, alongside Harry Coombes, Zak Ranger and Terry Gargin. Combining fearless satire, dark humour and unpredictable energy, Rashid’s monthly night has quickly established itself as one of South East London’s most exciting new live comedy platforms.

Award-winning comics Eric Rushton and Stuart Goldsmith arrive on 14 July with previews of their latest solo shows. Rushton’s previous show Innkeeperbecame one of the best-reviewed productions of the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe before transferring to Soho Theatre, while Goldsmith’s critically-acclaimed Spoilerswon Best Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2023.

On 18 July, Perrier and Fringe First Award-winner Will Adamsdale presents AI AI OH (Or How I Wrote a Hit Sitcom with ChatGPT But We’re Not Talking Now)— a surreal and sharply-observed new comedy exploring technology, creativity and modern life through Adamsdale’s trademark blend of storytelling and absurdism.

Comedy favourites Scummy Mummies arrive at Woolwich Works on 19 November with their latest show Hot Mess, bringing stand-up, sketches, songs and sharp observations about modern parenting in a high-energy “Mums’ Night Out” celebration.

The final Comedy Store night of the year (27 November) rounds off Woolwich Works’ comedy programme in style, launching its festive season. Full line-ups for both Comedy Store events will be announced in the coming months.

Nick Williams, Director of Woolwich Works, commented: "Comedy is an important part of the programme at Woolwich Works: it brings people together in such an immediate and joyful way.  This season is exciting because of the range — from grassroots nights nurturing emerging talent through to internationally-recognised brands like The Comedy Store bringing big names. We want Woolwich Works to be somewhere audiences can discover brilliant new comedians alongside some of the most respected names working today.”

Tickets and information for all shows are available here.