Manchester’s ‘knock-out comedy festival’ returns this year – with Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, and more on lineup

  1. Home
  2. Art & Culture

Manchester’s newest comedy festival is making a return to the city later this year, and there’s some massive names on the lineup set to bring the laughs.

After what was a smash-hit success in its inaugural year back in 2022, with 10,000 comedy-lovers enjoying countless sell-out stand-up sets, Laughterama is back in Manchester for more in a couple of months time, and will once again be taking over the iconic Castlefield Bowl in the heart of the city centre.

Just like last year, festivalgoers are in for an “explosive series of shows” from some of the hottest names on the comedy circuit.

Multi award-winning comedians Adam Buxton, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, and Alan Davies are just some of the famous names on this year’s jam-paced lineup.

They’ll be joined by the phrenetic Russell Kane, the legendary Dylan Moran, and Taskmaster stars Phil Wang and Fern Brady when they all take to the Castlefield Bowl stage over the five-day festival from Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 September.

Laughterama 2023 lineup / Credit: Laughterama

That’s not all either, as this year’s lineup is also stacked with flawless entertainers like cult comic/poet Tim Key, viral sensation Troy Hawke, ventriloquism queen Nina Conti, Father Ted hero Adrial O’Hanlon, and Mash Report host Rachel Parris, as well as a bunch of fast-rising breakthrough upcoming comedy names and homegrown talents.

Josh Jones, Dan Tiernan, Sharon Wanjohi, Ania Magliano, Celya Ab are just some of the newcomers you can catch over the five days.

And aside from the comedy, just like last year, the very-best eats from Manchester’s street food scene will also be on site to tuck into, as well as an exciting selection of bars serving signature beers, cocktails, and more.

Ed Gamble and Sara Pascoe are two of the famous names on this year’s lineup / Credit: Supplied

Festival organisers are promising an “outrageously good time” for anyone heading down this year.

Laughterama is the latest venture by sibling duo Will Briggs and Cass Randolph of 57 Festivals, who have been bringing their unique blend of comedy programming in boutique-festival settings to sell-out crowds across the UK for the past 15 years.

And after their hugely-successful first year in Manchester, the pair are looking forward to returning later this year.

“Last year’s festival was epic,” Will and Cass admitted.

James Acaster performing at the inaugural Laughterama back in 2022 / Credit: Supplied

“The shows and crowds were electric, and we couldn’t have asked for a stronger first year, [so] for this year’s return, we’ve been focused on making sure we maintain that feeling by presenting lineups that will amaze and delight.

“We’ve added more even shows and are looking forward to welcoming back everyone that came last year, plus their friends and families too.”

Read more:

Laughterama 2023 is landing at Castlefield Bowl from Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 September, with tickets now on sale at £25 per person and already selling fast.

You can grab yours on the Laughterama website before they sell out here.

Featured Image – Supplied