Comedy talent at Liverpool Royal Court Studio

Comedy is returning to Liverpool’s Royal Court – and in a big way – this spring.

The Roe Street theatre’s Studio is playing host to a series of shows by some of British comedy’s brightest talents.

Comedy gigs were a regular feature in the basement space in its old incarnation, and now it seems the Studio is set to fulfil that function again as well as showcasing new plays and other stage work.

The 150-seat space is a combination of tables and tiered traditional theatre seating set around a small stage so you're never that far from the action. Which could be a good - or a bad - thing!

Catch a show from a household name, or see a rising star on their ascent (Jack Whitehall for example once played to an audience of around 50 in the same room).

Here’s who you can see in the venue over the next few months. For ticket availability and booking follow the link HERE

Maisie Adam: Hang Fire

February 5

The 25-year-old 2018 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee, Amused Moose National New Comic 2018 and So You Think You’re Funny? winner embarks on her debut UK tour, working out who is to blame and for what.

You’ll have seen the Yorkshire comedian, actor and writer on Have I Got News For You, The Stand Up Sketch Show, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Mock The Week. Now’s the chance to catch the rising star live.

Max and Ivan: Commitment

February 28

Say 'I do' to the triumphant return of Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees Max & Ivan (BBC Two's W1A, Radio 4's Casebook…).

Commitment is the true story of the unreasonable lengths one best man (Max) will go to give one groom (Ivan) the greatest weekend of his life. It's a show about dreaming big, growing up, and trying – but ultimately very much failing – to make it in the band.

Directed by Kieran Hodgson.

Simon Munnery: Alan Parker Urban Warrior Farewell Tour

March 25

The multi award-winning comedian reprises his notorious alter ego - bedsit anarchist Alan Parker Urban Warrior – in this must-see show in March.

Once the most radical, now the only radical, Alan returns with the old gold, the old truths, and some new truths (based on the old truths).

Munnery has performed around the world for more than 35 years, experimenting with and innovating the stand-up form. In the 1990s, his Alan Parker: Urban Warrior character took the comedy circuit by storm, gaining the comedian his own BBC Radio 1 series, which Time Out London called ‘the funniest thing on Radio One’ and a residency on ITV’s Saturday Live.

In 1996 he collaborated with Graham Linehan and Stewart Lee for BBC2 show London Shouting in his Alan Parker guise, and the character also become a regular contributor to NME magazine.

Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Empathy Pains

March 26

If you haven’t already bagged yourself a ticket for this show you may face disappointment.

Pritchard-McLean thinks that we live in a time where empathy is seen as a weakness - like asthma or being first to pull away from a handshake. But why is that? Surely what we need in these divided times is more empathy?

So she’s off on a search to find a group of people who she struggles to empathise with. Who could that be? Come and see her to find out if she can make the impossible hilarious…or possibly get arrested.

Rhys James: Snitch

April 9

The Mock the Week regular - and star of his own BBC Radio 4 series - heads for the Royal Court Studio on his first national tour.

In early 2019, James was asked to go back to his school and inspire the Year 11s. Given that teenagers are a nightmare and there was no fee, he ghosted the teacher who had emailed.

Bit of a shame really, given that he's figured out the true circle of life, has solved parenting despite having zero children, and even thinks he can predict the curriculum of schools in 50 years. Maybe he'll inspire some Year 11s in 2069?

Nick Helm: Phoenix From the Flames

May 1

Resurrected from the ashes, come and witness two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and International Treasure In Waiting shaking his ass, singing songs and righting wrongs.

The confrontational comedian (also an actor and rock musician) may be known for his bombast and big persona on stage, but this show – which he premiered at Edinburgh last summer and which takes a look at mental health – has been described as combining humour and emotional intimacy.