Many say a Gong Show is the most exciting live comedy show format you can get*… others say they are scarred for life and never doing that ever again**

Join us for this exhilarating stand up show! Consisting of 15 comedians each trying to make it to the end of a 5 mins set for a place in the “Clap Off” final.

Ali Warwood will host the show and the winner gets a cash prize and stage time at Commoners’ Comedy Club.

* punters

** acts

Matt Hoss has changed. Years ago, he was young, punk and slept mostly in his car. Now he has a competitively priced mortgage in a lovely neighbourhood. When did things start going so right? Join Matt as he unpicks all the things that have gone well for him in the last two years. This promises to be a highly silly, joyful and inspiring show.

“A fantastic act.... Charming, hilarious and very quick-witted” - Age UK

“Warm and endearingly funny” NARC magazine

“Funny Brave and Intelligent” ★★★★ Lancashire Post

“Really funny” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

“One of the funniest, most enjoyable comedy shows we’ve been to” – Monsoon

Eric Barker Award Winner 2015

Daniel Nicholas est 1991. ('a powerful performer' - Notts Comedy Reviewer, Best Improv Show Leicester Comedy Festival) is having a party and you're invited.

Missing the schools games of our childhood this Daniel does his best to replicate those feelings of yesteryear. Featuring team games, party hats, balloons, and who can do the best Sean Connery impression. This audience interactive game show seeks out to find who is the best Fringe Festival audience.

No promises on the goodie bag at the end though. If you just want to blow off steam and make silly faces and noises more frequently then this is for you.

Fin Taylor is back on the road with a brand new trunk of painfully funny stand-up for 2023. Sure he’s married with a kid, but that hasn’t made him any less naughty. If anything, it’s only made him even hungrier for that juicy sacred cow meat- and this tour, he’s going after our cultural obsession with mental health. After being locked inside for two years it’s all anyone wants to talk about. But are we actually talking about it or have we just reached the final frontier of a narcissistic society’s obsession with labels?

Fin Taylor has made a name for himself as one of the most talked about comedians working in the UK. He achieved critical acclaim and sell-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe for his last three shows, Whitey McWhiteface, Lefty Tighty Righty Loosey and When Harassy Met Sally. He’s also appeared on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and Live From the Comedy Store, BBC’s Live at the Apollo, Have I got News for You and The Mash Report, as well as garnering fame for his hit web series Fin vs The Internet.

“Gleefully provocative and packed with big, hard laughs”

★★★★ The Guardian

“A gutsy, ingenious truth-teller with the jokes to back up the attitude”

★★★★ The Times

THE CHRIS NORTON-WALKER EXPERIENCE

"The now award winning comedian presents a gloriously inventive hour of one liners, jokes and puns, gags, and wordplay. Possibly the most jokes per hour in the festival. There's no experience like the Chris Norton Walker Experience

"Hilarious to watch" - LocalSecrets.com

"A fun, teasing way of keeping the audience on their toes" - Chortle/Steve Bennett

"Cementing his reputation as one of the best up and coming acts around" - Funny First Mondays

Aaron has been doing stand-up comedy without actually standing up for 8 years now, and it's time for that to change! So he’s attempting to do something he's never done before... Stand-up comedy, standing up.

“An amazing storyteller…there’s never a dull moment…hilarious.” ««««« Neurodiverse Review

“Simmonds is hysterically funny and puts on a great show.” «««« Voice

“A natural storyteller…the audience are rapt.” «««« Wee Review

“Refreshingly different” «««« Metro

As seen on The Russell Howard Hour, Guessable and The Stand Up Sketch Show

The Yorkshire scamp has had enough! Time to take a stand against housemates, homeowners and the North/South divide in this work in progress show.

You can pretend otherwise, but when it comes down to it we're all just hungry, horny and scared. A bunch of crabs at the bottom of a bucket. Let me be your crab leader as I carry you out of the darkness and into the promised land.

'One of the most exciting new comics I've seen for a long time. A very funny man' (Joe Lycett)

'Spontaneously witty with a distinctive line in absurdity ’ (Chortle)

★ ★ ★ ★ ‘Almost like magic’ Mumble Comedy

★ ★ ★ ★ Lancashire Post

This is one small set for Matt, one giant leap for Matt’s kind (i.e. science geeks). With humanity planning to return to the moon in 2025, this comedy show is about the Apollo missions, the last time man stepped foot on the moon (yes, it did happen!). This show is more about the journey than the destination. Telling the stories about the men who walked on the moon and how they did it. How did they get there? How did it make them feel? And how it is all really about Phil Collins? All the key questions will be addressed.

Matt Hobs returns to the Cambridge Fringe following successful solo shows in 2022 (‘Matt Hobs: Follow the Science’) and 2019 ('Matt Hobs BSc (Bristolian of Science)').

"Hobs' explanations are equal to that of the best lecturers, and undoubtedly funnier... a very likable leading comic with a talent for multimedia comedy.", The Wee Review

Best thing ever.

At the age of 36 Si had a baby. Well, his wife did, but he was very much involved. He’s tired now and confused as to why he’s writing this in third-person, but regardless has written a show. It’s the best thing ever ... The baby, not the show. Although the show is pretty damn good too.

Anyway, it's about the baby and other things in his life that are also pretty damn good and some that aren't.

One of the country's top new stand-ups presents their debut hour.

'Fearless comedian on the rise' (Daniel Kaluuya). Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show nominee.

'Very bloody funny' (Aisling Bea).

As seen on BBC One, Dave, Comedy Central, and at 25, already performing at major festivals and historic venues across the UK. 'Tadiwa has been gathering pace as a prodigious act' (Kiri Pritchard-McLean). An alumnus of the 2022 Pleasance Comedy Reserve at the Edinburgh Fringe, Tadiwa has provided tour support for Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jessica Fostekew, and TV warm up for Desiree Burch’s Amazon Prime special.

A work-in-progress stand up comedy show from Amused Moose Finalist & Harrogate New Comedian of the Year finalist, Louise Atkinson.

A WIP comedy show from Amused Moose Finalist & Harrogate new Comedian of the Year finalist, Louise Atkinson.

You can never complete a night out with your friends unless someone has cried over their ex, you've all made a new best friend in the toilets that you'll never see again, and you've done three laps of the bar looking for Lisa. Seriously though, where is she?

Our friends are our chosen family. From the happiest times to breaking up with friends, grab a pint (of wine) and Louise will recount some of her funniest memories. Hopefully we find Lisa.

Wonderfully inventive stand-up comedy from this distinctive and uniquely talented comedian. As seen on Harry Hill’s Club Nite, Channel 4.

Wildly entertaining and absolutely funny’ Chortle

“Should be required viewing for all wannabe surrealists” The Skinny

“Call-backs, themes and clever wordplay dizzily weave in and out” The List

“An impressive knack for both observational wit and quirky flights of fancy.” The Evening Standard

Rumourville: have you heard the gossip?

The story of a small town where a rumour could ruin all. Improvised comedy, based on audience suggestions!

“My name is Harun Musho’d. That is an Arabic name. Good news is I can't fly a plane. Bad news is I have a rucksack." If you don’t like that joke, don’t come to this show.

"Smart...His use of irony and repetition has previously drawn comparison with Stewart Lee. And that’s on full display" The Scotsman

“If you get a chance to see this and miss it then you are a fool!” ★★★★★ Radio Faversham

"Excellent show. Sharp and witty comedy " Fringe Review

"A great comedian" ★★★★Views From The Gods

"Provocative" Chortle

Daniel Foxx: Villain (Work in Progress)

Heroes are boring. Draped in pearls and something uncomfortable from Zara, join Daniel Foxx as he tries out jokes for a show that will, eventually, be about embracing your inner baddie and having a little fun for goddamn once.

As seen on BBC One, BBC Three, Tour Support for Sofie Hagen, Josh Widdicombe and Judi Love, and on TikTok (’Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children’, ’The Supervillain’s Gay Assistant’).

Check out Daniel’s sketches on TikTok and Instagram!

“Funny and filthy” – Graham Norton

“Natural magnetism”, “easy charisma” – Steve Bennett, Chortle

Liz Guterbock (2022 Union Jack Radio One To Watch, 2021 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Nominee, 2020 British Comedy Guide Pro Performance Award Nominee, 2019 Funny women Finalist) presents her Work-In-Progress show, Geriatric Millennial.

Weaving a little California sunshine into her story-driven stand up, Liz will explore aging (dis)gracefully and whether it’s possible to stay in love with life as we get old(er).

"Punchy, slick and accomplished...Liz Guterbock['s] zippy performance - including a solid English accent - is refreshing, and the gags breezily amusing. A club ready act, for sure." Chortle

**Nominated for best musical comedy at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2023**

Paul Richards literally can't stop drumming; he's performed all over the world, from huge gigs in China to grotty working men's clubs, posh corporate gigs to the whole of the UK toilet circuit whilst eating more Ginsters slices than could be considered healthy. But is all that driving, alone, late at night, drum kit in the boot, odd smoke coming from the engine, so much time to think, good for your health?

A warm storytelling comedy show about why it's often quite degrading to play drums at someone else's wedding. **** (Scotsman)

How (not) to Cope’ is a stand-up comedy show about grief, how it can be better or worse, and most importantly, how it can be very funny. How is anyone supposed to deal with the death of a loved one? Isaac Kean’s answer is to write a “woe is me” tragicomedy. Join him as he teaches you how not to cope with whatever life throws at you, and answers the age-old question: can emotional struggle be genuine if it’s just part of a comedy show?

Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer Nominee. As seen on Comedy Central.

THE VARIABLES PRESENT 50 MINUTES OF SCIENCE COMEDY!

Science comedy troupe The Variables return from a sold-out show at the Cambridge Junction to present another evening of their signature comedy.

Join performers old and new as they make you laugh at all things science –from triumphs and disasters in the lab to their everyday adventures.

A comedy threesome from East Anglia is taking over! Join 3 of the brightest talents from the east Tom Alban, Louie Green and Martin Westgate as they bring they educate and entertain about being a 30-something from East Anglia! This is a comedy beast from the east.

Dazzling divas! Dramatic death scenes! Hilarious high notes! Party like it’s 1899, with Madame Chandelier, in an interactive introduction to opera that’s fun for the whole family. Will you meet an evil queen who sings way too high, a princess who can’t stop crying, or a priestess who’s always on fire? Anything could happen at the Opera Party. And you’re invited!

★★★★ Observer

★★★★ Scotsman

Suitable for children 5+

So what can I say about me? I’m a comedian, writer, actor, and pretty much anything else you fancy paying me for…apart from that! If you recognise my face, it might be because I’ve been on a few TV shows, including 8 Out Of 10 Cats, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, The Last Leg and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle (Where I whooped Alex Brooker’s ass BIG TIME).

A no holds barred hour of top quality gags, tales and anecdotes from the wrong side of the A12 with the legendary Essex Life Coach, Philosopher and Comedian, Paul Merryck.

Or put simply, Lies, Alibis and Filthy Stories

The President of Lafta Republic, President Obonjo wakes up one morning in the year 2019 of a lovely summer in bed with his six wives , to find out a coup has been arranged announced on British TV. This is a story of how the President fought the West and did what he could to save his Presidency.

Also known as the Original African dictator fights back to stop the attempted coup organised by the West, this is one dictator you will fall in love with and never let go.

Why didn’t they tell me? About the hormone that makes your ribs move, that once your water breaks IT CAN KEEP BREAKING FOR 12 HOURS, that childbirth is the most punk thing anyone can do, that often in newborn parenthood I might want to get in the car and drive away from my family forever, that during lockdown I’d get so bored I’d make a list of animals I could beat in a fight…there’s so much they didn’t tell me. So now I’m telling you.

After having a baby and enduring a pandemic (like everybody else) and not having done a new show since her Edinburgh Award nominated Busting A Nut in 2018, Felicity Ward has decided to come back with three full hours of comedy – the first on Pregnancy, the second on Birth and the third on Parenthood. There’s a complacency about birth. Like we get it. It’s a big deal, human life, blah blah blah, but we’ve heard it right? Not enough. Not. For. A. Second. Enough.

Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated comedian, star of Mock the Week, QI, Late Night Mash & Richard Osman’s House of Games, your favourite comedian/sleep paralysis demon Olga Koch is finally doing her Marina Abramovich hour. Strap the fuck in.

Ali Brice is embracing life after almost losing it. Two years on, he’s admitted defeat and is back on his feet and trying again. Through therapy, friends, and sausages he’s enjoying the moment and celebrating the little things that life has to offer.

This is a sincere and heartfelt show. Silly stories, big questions and jokes aplenty - all held together by a ridiculous man with a silly moustache.

Ali Brice is a comedian and actor. As seen/heard on the BBC and Channel 4. He was almost in the new series of Never Mind the Buzzcocks, but has no way to prove it.

★★★★★ "a twinkle-eyed comedy natural" ShortCom.co.uk

★★★★ "joyously bonkers" Chortle

★★★★ "completely bizarre... deadpan, totally off-the-wall' ThreeWeeks

Two teams from Cambridge’s oldest Comedy Improv troupe will do battle in a series of sketches, challenges, and daft tasks.

Can they talk only in rhymes? Who will be quickest to guess who their blind date is?

The Impronauts include a wide range of people from first-year English students to local engineers and teachers. They train together regularly to keep their skills sharp, and to anticipate and support each other’s ideas.

The performers will use all their years of Improv training to win your favour, and to entertain you in the hope of glorious victory.

Your host, Barney, will welcome you, and invite you to help set the challenges and inspire the scenes in a truly unique show

LOCATION TBC

The Award-winning anti-comedy legend tries to rationalise the world around us. By combining the big (i.e. the advent of unisex toilets) and the small (the inevitable apocalypse) – as a group we can then work out where we all go afterwards?

Ed promises to come up with a big idea to hang the whole thing on – but probably it'll be based on a loose set of unconnected themes with no real purpose. There'll be a demonstration of Ed's acting skills, the odd political impression and the apocalypse included as part of the standard package.

‘Britain’s Greatest Entertainer” – The Guardian

**** 'A master of his genre' (Kate Copstick, The Scotsman).

**** 'Deliberate and expertly done' (Claire Smith, The Scotsman)