Some of Britain’s and Ireland’s biggest comedy names are heading Down Under, with the first wave of artists announced for Just For Laughs Sydney 2026.

Leading the British and Irish contingent are Greg Davies, Bill Bailey, Adam Kay, Dara Ó Briain, Rhys James, Peter Antoniou, internet sensations Dan and Phil, and Irish comedian David Nihill, promising audiences a stellar line-up of stand-up, storytelling and festive entertainment.

The festival returns for its 14th edition with performances across some of Sydney’s most iconic venues, including the Sydney Opera House, State Theatre and Enmore Theatre.

Greg Davies returns to Australia

British comedy favourite Greg Davies will bring his acclaimed stand-up show Full Fat Legend to Sydney as part of his biggest live tour to date.

Best known for hosting Taskmaster and starring in The Inbetweeners, The Cleaner, Man Down, Cuckoo and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Davies will perform four shows in November.

Bill Bailey celebrates vaudeville

Award-winning comedian and multi-instrumentalist Bill Bailey returns with Vaudevillean, a celebration of the great variety traditions that have inspired his unique blend of comedy and music.

Adam Kay brings festive medical comedy

Former NHS doctor turned bestselling author Adam Kay returns to Australia with Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas.

The creator of the international bestseller This Is Going to Hurt combines hilarious festive diary entries, stand-up and Christmas songs in a show inspired by life on the hospital wards during the holiday season.

Dara Ó Briain returns with a new tour

Irish comedy giant Dara Ó Briain brings his latest show, Re, to Sydney following the international success of his previous tour, which sold out 173 venues across 20 countries.

Known for his razor-sharp wit and audience interaction, Ó Briain remains one of Ireland’s most celebrated stand-up comedians.

More British favourites

British comedian Rhys James, familiar to audiences from Mock the Week, QI and Live at the Apollo, arrives with his new show Chop Logic, while London’s acclaimed mind-reading entertainer Peter Antoniou combines comedy and psychological illusion in his interactive live performances.

Meanwhile, YouTube stars Dan and Phil bring their hugely successful Hard Launch World Tour to Sydney with a live stage show packed with humour, stories and audience interaction.

Ireland represented by David Nihill

Irish comedian David Nihill performs Do You Have WiFi?, drawing on his experiences of living in more than 20 countries and travelling to over 80. The bestselling author and winner of the San Francisco Comedy Competition has built a global following through his observations on travel, language and cultural differences.

RocKwiz Christmas special

Music trivia favourite RocKwiz also returns with a festive special hosted by Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis, featuring surprise guests, live music and plenty of laughs.

Further artists and events for Just For Laughs Sydney 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets are on sale now through the festival website.

British & Irish line-up

  • Bill Bailey – Vaudevillean (28–29 September)
  • Greg Davies – Full Fat Legend (7–10 November)
  • Dara Ó Briain – Re (11 November)
  • Dan and Phil – Hard Launch World Tour (16–17 November)
  • Peter Antoniou – Psychic Comedian (17 November)
  • David Nihill – Do You Have WiFi? (22 November)
  • Rhys James – Chop Logic (22 November)
  • Adam Kay – Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas (13 December)
  • RocKwiz Rocks Xmas with Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis (6 December)