Introducing…

ALDEBURGH COMEDY WEEKEND

Friday 17th – Sunday 19th October 2025 

 

In a world that feels heavy with headlines, a good laugh isn’t just welcome, it has never felt more vital. That’s the thinking behind comedy producer Paul Schlesinger and writer Jon Canter, teaming up to launch the very first Aldeburgh Comedy Weekend, a fresh and funny new gathering taking place from 17th to 19th October at Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall. Brimming with wit, warmth and mischief across three joy-packed days, audiences can expect a lively mix of stand-up, satire, improv and theatre, with some of the sharpest names in British comedy heading to the Suffolk coast.

Legendary impressionist Rory Bremner makes his Aldeburgh debut with a brand-new show, Making An Impression, mixing quickfire voices, political punchlines and personal reflection in equal measure with special guest host Helen Atkinson Wood, known for her roles in Blackadder and QI.

Jon Canter’s acclaimed novel A Short Gentleman, serialised on BBC Radio 4, gets its stage premiere too, as a one-man tragicomedy starring Michael Fenton Stevens (The Crown, Outnumbered, Ghosts). Set in Aldeburgh, this wickedly funny tale of a pompous barrister’s downfall promises to be one of the weekend’s highlights on the Suffolk coast.

The Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical also takes to the Jubilee Hall stage in a glorious, entirely unscripted show built on audience suggestions and bursting with comic and musical brilliance.

And in a very special event, the first ever Lunchtime Achievement Award for Services to Comedy will be presented to national treasure Alison Steadman. With a 50-year career spanning Abigail’s Party, Gavin and Stacey and Pride and Prejudice, Steadman will be celebrated on stage in conversation with comedian and broadcaster Clive Anderson.

Packed with something for every comedy taste along with a generous dose of star quality, the Aldeburgh Comedy Weekend promises to be a brilliant new fixture in the town’s cultural calendar and a timely reminder of comedy’s power to bring us together.

Tickets are available now via www.aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk/whats-on/