Ten-day comedy takeover as Rochdale’s first festival of laughs hits the stage

Monday, 22 September 2025 11:39

By David Murphy

ALEX MITCHELL: Last year’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist

TV stars, improv duos and rising talent headline borough-wide celebration of comedy.

Rochdale is getting ready to laugh as the first ever Rochdale Comedy Festival kicks off this Friday, 26 September, promising ten days packed with stand-up, sketches and storytelling across the borough.

Running until Sunday 5 October, the festival boasts a mix of comedy veterans, rising stars and award-winning acts. Performances will take place in a variety of venues, from the historic 100-year-old Curtain Theatre to pubs, bars, sports clubs, and the landmark Rochdale Town Hall.

The line-up includes Robin Ince, co-host of BBC Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage, alongside Liverpool comedy legend Mick Miller, Tez Ilyas of Man Like Mobeen fame, and Lou Conran, who regularly tours with Sarah Millican and hosts BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Comedy Club.

There’s also local and national talent from across the UK, including Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell, Live at the Apollo star Brennan Reece, Scottish comic Lubna Kerr, and former BGT semi-finalist Jonny Awsum. Festival-goers can also see Patrick Monahan, Daisy Earl, Rob Mullholland, and the award-winning improv duo ‘Halls of Ridiculous’, shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Award.

Stockport comedian Aaron Wood, recently named one of Rolling Stone UK’s 12 rising stars of the Edinburgh Fringe, will also perform alongside musical comic Alex Camp.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said:

“Us northerners are known for our sharp wit and love of a good laugh, so it’s fantastic to see the launch of the Rochdale Comedy Festival during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.”

Organiser Rick Attwood from Ace Lips added:

“We’ve hand-picked some of the most exciting talent in UK comedy. Whether you love household names or want to discover your next favourite act, this festival has it all.”

The festival forms part of Rochdale’s packed calendar of cultural events during its year as Greater Manchester’s official Town of Culture 2025–26. Backed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Arts Council England, Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency, the initiative celebrates the area’s creativity, history and thriving arts scene.

The festival also receives support from Your Trust and the Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID).

Tickets and the full schedule are available online at: https://www.rochdalecomedyfestival.co.uk