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What are the most loved comedy moments on stage? Re-discover some of the best comedy moments on stage with our guide. From comedians to comedy plays, bring a smile to your face with our list of best comedy moments!
A Live Analytics report by Arts Council England found that 42% of those asked cited comedy as their favourite genre of theatre. As a theatre offering comedic capers for all the family, we’ve comprised a list of the best comedy moments on stage. From musicals to comedy plays, to comedians, to pantomime, we Britons love a laugh. With plenty of comedy shows upcoming to get excited about at Blackpool Grand Theatre, read on and rediscover a few favourites for yourself.
Arguably up there with one of the funniest sketches Peter Kay has ever graced us with (and that’s saying something) his ‘misheard lyrics’ sketch has stacked up over 5 million views on Youtube. The simplest of concepts, Peter Kay brings lyrics to life in a way that only he could, with his accompanying northern commentary leaving the audience in absolute fits of laughter. Seen as one of the funniest comedians in the UK, his observations of everyday life including the ‘big shop’, the ‘big light’ and the eponymous observations about ‘Garlic bread’ have seen Kay become a firm favourite for many. Indeed his most recent tour was one of the fastest-selling comedy tours, however, he sadly had to cancel due to ‘unforeseen family circumstances. ’
Age rating: 15+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU-FSYou-fo
Lee Evans is also up there with comedic royalty for his commentaries about everyday life. He is most known for his flamboyant and energetic performances, with a running commentary accompanying physical observations of day to day life. Some of his most well-known performances focus on family life, driving, to arguments with his wife. His most popular sketch on YouTube focuses on a family holiday, racking up over 1.6 million views.
Age rating: 16+ (rather a lot of swearing!)
Appearing on both stage and screen, comedian Omid Djalili is a regular on sketch and panel shows, praised for his entertaining, intelligent observations that play into the bigger picture. His hilarious storytelling has seen him rise in prominence as a leading comedian, a highlight of which was a performance for the Royal Variety Show in 2018, performing in front of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. His performance has had over 2.6 million views, and covers all subjects, from politics to ageing.
You can check out tour dates for Omid Djalili at Blackpool Grand by clicking here.
Age rating: 16+
A familiar face for many due to his appearances on shows such as Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, Rob Beckett is from South East London, a fact he comments on throughout his sketches (as well as his big teeth). His witty observations about lower-class life alongside his cheeky-chappy attitude have made him a rising star in the comedic circuit. Most recently, he began starring in his own show alongside Romesh Ranganathan, Rob and Romesh VS, broadcast on Sky TV in 2019, with an interview format. He also has his own show, Rob Beckett’s savage socials, which began in 2019 on E4, showcasing his trademark savage commentary on the hottest topics of the week. His stint at Live at the Apollo has collated more than a million views.
Age rating: 16+
You can buy tickets for Rob Beckett’s comedy tour at the Blackpool Grand here.
Check out our blog: Most Popular Comedians in the UK
A play that is cited as being as side-splittingly hilarious to perform in as well as watch, the play that goes wrong has been heralded as a comedic masterpiece, a play within a play that weaves mishaps into the script and sees the actors handle disaster after disaster. The result is a well-polished performance that seems improvised and reactive. With everything from sets collapsing to the crew getting involved on stage, expect the unexpected with this stroke of genius, first performed in 2015 to rave reviews. The Olivier Award-winning play can be enjoyed by young and old alike and is a delight to watch.
Age rating: 8 +
A one-woman show that has since been adapted to television to great success, Fleabag was first performed at Edinburgh Tattoo by the play’s writer and star, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. With minimal staging, the only prop a bar stool which Phoebe sits on, the surrounding scenes are left up to the audience’s imagination.
The play is comprised of a one-woman monologue for 65 minutes, in which the protagonist shares tales of trials and tribulation as a cafe-owner just about getting through her 20’s. With the weight of the success of two series, the infamous hot priest, and The Fleabag effect in its wake, this show sees traditional ideas of theatrical comedy turned completely on its head.
With awards including 2 Primetime Emmys, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BAFTA and 2 Golden Globe awards, the television adaptation shot Waller- Bridge’s original one-woman play to stardom, with Waller-Bridge now held in prestige as one of Britain’s leading up and coming writers. Waller-Bridge has since worked on the new James Bond script and seen huge success with the critically acclaimed Killing Eve television series.
Age rating: 18 +
Following the story of two Mormon elders who are sent to a Ugandan village for missionary duties, the play, first performed in 2011, became an overnight success. The rather original storyline is brought to life by a brilliant score and hilarious script. As the protagonist’s mission is thwarted and met with hostility, the pair are tested and challenged throughout. With brilliant choreography and satirical script, this musical has been awarded 9 Tony Awards. As shocking as it is witty, it’s certainly one that’s not to be missed.
Age rating: 16 +
Written and directed by Guy Unsworth and based on the 1970s TV sitcom, this play stars Joe Pasquali as the protagonist Frank Spencer, with hilarious mishaps and DIY disasters form the basis for this play. Audiences follow the accident-prone frank lurch through life while trying to hold down a job, with his long-suffering wife Betty by his side. It was first performed in 2018 and is seen as a leading example of the success of sitcom to stage adaptations.
Guy Unsworth spoke to the Guardian, stating; “I think the live studio audience was absolutely key because it gives these scripts a theatrical energy. TV is often shot very safely in many takes. But the stunts had a real sense of danger, because they were designed to make the studio audience gasp. So I was fascinated by doing those in theatre.”
Click to find out more about Blackpool Grand’s performances of Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em.
Age rating: 16 +
You can’t talk about comedy without including Monty Python on the list. One of the most well-known comedy groups to come out of the UK, and seen as many cultural icons for British Comedy, the Monty Python troupe began their rise to royalty on television. Comprised of 5 sharp-witted comedians, the gargantuan success of the television series was followed by a number of highly successful films, including Monty Python’s Life of Brian, The Meaning of Life and The Holy Grail.
The troupe’s satirical, and surreal style of black comedy cemented them as cultural icons in the 1970s, and their 2005 play, mainly written by troupe member Eric Idle, is a stage adaptation of the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. An irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend, it was first performed in 2005 and has since received 14 Tony Awards nominations, winning in three.
Age rating: 16 +
This musical following the much-loved gang of the incredibly popular TV series Only Fools and Horses was first performed in 2019, this relatively new musical saw the return of much-loved favourites of the 1980s show. The original show spanned 10 years and built a cult following, with Rodney and Del Boy Trotter’s schemes to “Get Rich Quick” building the foundation of the sitcom. The sitcom won numerous awards including a BAFTA, and the finale holds the title for a most-watched sitcom, with 24-million viewers tuning in (and this was in 1981!).
With such big shoes to fill, big things were expected with the musical, which was generally well-received. The musical plans to re-open the latter half of 2021.
Age rating: 16 +
One of the most loved children’s tales, Peter Pan tells the story of a boy who doesn’t want to grow up. With famous favourites such as Captain Hook and The Lost Boys, Peter Pan is an adventure loved by young and old alike. The story is well known for the comedic characters Mr. Smee, as well as a few hilarious moments involving Captain Hook and his arch-enemies, Peter Pan and the ticking crocodile who bit off his hand.
Adapted to stage multiple times since the original book was published in 1902, the first stage adaptation was only 2 years later in 1904. It has been a popular pantomime, too, most recently performed at Blackpool Grand in 2019 to great success.
Want to learn more about Peter Pan? Click here to discover our History of Peter Pan infographic.
Age rating: 6+
Based on the incredibly successful 2003 film of the same name starring Jack Black, the school of rock musical was adapted to stage in 2014. With rave reviews from the critics, The School of Rock The Musical has been cited as one of the must-watch new musicals.
The light-hearted, entertaining script is a perfect accompaniment to the show-stopping music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, audiences can expect a few hours of feel-good rock-fuelled fun. With plenty of hits and a stellar cast making it a must-see for young and old audiences alike, the musical is rescheduled to start its run in August 2021.
Age rating: 7+
Pantomimes offer young audiences the perfect chance to get involved and fall in love with theatre, with family favourites brought to life with very entertaining results. With characters such as Widow Twanky, Buttons, The Ugly Step Sisters to name a few, pantomimes offer the perfect package. A hero, a villain and everything in between! A wonderfully interactive production packed with comedic moments and energetic performances, a pantomime offers all the thrills.
Discover more about our Pantomimes here:
What’s on at Blackpool Grand Theatre:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves 2021 – 2022
Discover more about Blackpool Grand Theatre’s upcoming shows here. Explore our upcoming comedy shows here.
The multi award-winning musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN will make a very welcome stop at Blackpool Grand Theatre in 2025!…
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