Southport Comedy Best of The Fest Show returns with 4 top comedians

THE Southport Comedy Festival Best of The Fest Show sponsored by Acorn Insurance is back for another year. Festival organisers have put together a fantastic night of comedy for this year's 15th Annual Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport with a triple headline bill featuring stars from TV and the cream of the comedy circuit taking place on:- Friday, 16 October 2026.

Steve Gribbin... Liverpool's legendary guitar wielding satirist is renowned for his razor sharp comedy songs, political humour and explosive energy. A veteran of:- The Cutting Edge, at:- London's Comedy Store and winner of the UK Comics' Comic Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Clayton Jones... A hugely popular observational comedian known for his hilarious take on everyday life. Winner of Last Minute Comedian of the Year and finalist in English Comedian of the Year.
Brennan Reece... Multi award winning comedian as seen on:- Live at the Apollo, and Roast Battle. Winner of English Comedian of the Year, with over 100 million online views and 5 sold out UK tours.

The night will be hosted by:- comedian Brendan Riley and is sponsored by:- Acorn Insurance.

Tickets for the show are:- �15+ BF, with the festival organisers keeping prices low to make the event as accessible as possible.

The event takes place on the final weekend of the:- 17 day event running from:- Friday, 2 October to Sunday, 18 October 2026, featuring:- Jason Byrne, Paul Sinha, Jason Manford, Clinton Baptiste, Jimeoin, Henning When, Gary Delaney, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, Adam Kay, Mike Wozniak, Scott Bennett, Laura Smyth, Mick Miller and Seann Walsh.

As well as the headline touring shows:- 'The Southport New Comedian' of the year Grand Final returns sponsored by:- Dragon Soop. Festival goers can also rewind the clock and dance the night away as:- Comedy Bingo Goes Back, to the 90s returns for another nostalgic night of fun.

It all takes place under canvas in a heated and seated luxury marquee courtesy of:- Elite Events in the beautiful grounds of the:- Victoria Park, home of the world renowned Southport Flower Show.

The Southport Comedy Festival organisers would like to thank all the businesses who keep:- 'Southport Smiling' year after year, check out their logos on the festival website.

Visit the official website for full line up, information and direct links to book tickets.

Epstein Theatre seeks local talent for 2027 roster after big Edinburgh Fringe success

FOUNDED in 2025 by Stephen Edgerton, CEO of The Epstein Theatre, alongside Programming Manager Hayley Smitton and Artists in Residence Trisha Duffy and Mike Dickinson of Naughty Corner Productions, the Creative Corner initiative is officially launching its 2nd year searching for the UK's next generation of theatrical talent.

Built on the defining motto:- "The door is open," Creative Corner was designed to give unrepresented:- writers, producers, directors, and actors a direct, accessible pathway to showcase original work.

The initiative's inaugural run proved transformative for its 1t ever winner, Hannah Rose Curtis, who recently returned from a funded week-long run at the:- Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Curtis's production achieved:- critical acclaim, securing multiple 4 star reviews, a 5 star review, and an official Fringe Award.

"This opportunity has completely changed my life," said Curtis.

Curtis will bring her award winning show back to Liverpool for a special homecoming performance on:- 30 September 2026. My Beautiful Brain is a lighthearted, heartfelt coming of age story following Hannah, as she navigates the everyday challenges of adulthood with dyslexia. Applications for the:- 2027 Creative Corner season will also officially open that same night.

Stephen Edgerton, CEO of The Epstein Theatre, said:- "The new work of today is the classic work of the future. Creative Corner is about removing traditional barriers and offering real, career defining backing. Winning a fully mounted run at the Edinburgh Fringe gives emerging artists the exact launchpad they need to turn potential into an established career. If you want to take the next step in your creative career, be at:- The Epstein Theatre on:- Wednesday, 30 September 2026 to see what a winning show looks like, and, more importantly, to get your entry submitted."

Trisha Duffy of Naughty Corner Productions added:- "It was such a special time. Not only did we have our own show performing at the Fringe again this year, but we also had the winner of our 1st festival there. Hannah's show did remarkably well, which was so rewarding. We all chose the right performance to debut at Edinburgh, and we really couldn't be prouder."

Key Dates & Timeline for Creative Corner 2027:-

● 30 September 2026:- Winner's homecoming show My Beautiful Brain, Q&A, and Creative Corner 2027 official launch night.

● 28 November 2026:- Applications close.

● 16 January 2027:- Finalists announced at:- The Epstein Theatre 2027 Season launch night.

● 20 March 2027:- Shortlisted finalists showcase their work live before a panel of industry judges, with the 2027 overall winner announced that evening.

For ticket bookings for the homecoming show visit this link.

What are your thoughts? Please let us know by emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or X.

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Southport Comedy Best of The Fest Show returns with 4 top comedians

Epstein Theatre seeks local talent for 2027 roster after big Edinburgh Fringe success