Hyde Park Book Club Launches Work In Progress Comedy Programme for Summer 2026

The Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds is gearing up for an exciting summer as it announces its much-loved Work In Progress comedy programme for June and July 2026. This annual event has become a highlight for comedy fans in the region, offering a unique opportunity to see some of the UK’s most talented comedians as they test out brand-new material before heading to the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Exciting Line-Up for 2026

This year’s programme promises to be a fantastic mix of established comedic names, Edinburgh award nominees, and fresh online creators. Comedians from across the UK, Ireland, and Australia will take to the stage in the venue's intimate Snug space, located in LS6. Isabelle Allen, the Programming Lead at Hyde Park Book Club, expressed the venue's ambition: “Our hope as a venue is to become a hub for emerging comedy in the North, bringing exciting new work-in-progress shows to Leeds audiences before they head to the Edinburgh Fringe and beyond.”

Previous years have featured notable acts such as Jack Skipper, Amy Gledhill, and Josh Jones, helping Hyde Park Book Club earn a reputation as one of the North’s key venues for discovering new comedic talent. The 2026 programme aims to continue this tradition by showcasing a variety of comedy styles, including stand-up, character comedy, and sketch performances.

Returning Acts and New Talent

One of the highlights of this year’s line-up is the return of Harry Stachini, who enjoyed a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025. Stachini is excited to return to Leeds, saying, “Leeds is one of my favourite places to gig! The audiences are always up for it, and Hyde Park Book Club is where I performed my first ever tour show.”

Other notable performers include:

• Alice Fraser - Regular co-host of The Bugle and one of The Telegraph's 50 funniest comedians of the 21st century.

• Tom Ballard - An acclaimed Australian comic and broadcaster.

• Horatio Gould - A well-known stand-up and podcaster.

• Brennan Reece - Famous for his appearances on Live At The Apollo and Roast Battle.

The programme will also spotlight emerging talent such as Grace Mulvey, Marty Gleeson, Raj Poojara, Imogen Andrews, and Roger O’Sullivan, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Not Just Comedy

The Hyde Park Book Club is not only about comedy; it also hosts a variety of other performances. For example, on 24th May, Ayoade Bamgboye, a star from Saturday Night Live UK, will present her critically acclaimed debut show focusing on the themes of suffering and smiling. Following this, George Zacharopoulos will bring his latest show, Immigrateful, on 7th June, which explores identity and belonging in a sharp and self-aware manner.

With such a diverse range of shows lined up, audiences can expect plenty of laughs and a chance to see the next big names in comedy before they hit the bigger stages at the Edinburgh Fringe.

How to Get Involved

Tickets for the Work In Progress comedy programme and other upcoming shows are now available:

This summer promises to be an unforgettable experience for comedy lovers in Leeds, with the Hyde Park Book Club continuing to be a crucial platform for both established and emerging comedians. As these acts prepare for their Edinburgh performances, audiences in Leeds have a unique chance to witness the creative process behind the laughs, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy live comedy.