Comedy
Feature
Our guide to the best comedy live-streams
It's the next best thing to being in the same room as your favourite comedians.
Some of the world’s funniest people are busy making sure we don’t go without fresh laughs. From going live on social media to streaming full-length shows, our comedians are putting all-new material out there.
Here’s our guide to some of the best original comedy available online.
UPDATED: 7 September 2020
Katherine Ryan: The Duchess
Sidestepping from stand-up comedy into sitcom, Katherine Ryan leads the charge in the semi-autobiographical Netflix series following the exploits of “a fashionably disruptive all-round bad person whose redeeming quality is that she’ll sacrifice everything to be a good parent.” With her world revolving around Olive, her daughter and the love of her life, Katherine contemplates having another child during turbulent times. Ryan stars alongside Rory Keenan (Peaky Blinders) and Australian comedian Steen Raskopoulos.
The Duchess will be available on Netflix from 11 September 2020.
The Comedy Store Live
The Comedy Store Live presents #ComedyStoreAtHome, every Friday at 19:00. Streaming shows directly into livings rooms, the events include exclusive footage taken from The Comedy Store’s archives. Purchasing a ticket allows fans to watch at their leisure over seven days.
Until 07:00 on Friday 11 September 2020 fans can watch Lou Conran, Adam Bloom, Steve Harris and Marcus Brigstocke.
The next event will stream for seven days from 19:00 on Friday 11 September, starring Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, Matt Reed, John Hastings and Tania Edwards.
Katie Mulgrew’s Bob
Recorded on Zoom during the UK lockdown, comedian Katie Mulgrew’s comedy-drama short Bob. Depicting a family in lockdown, the film features Mulgrew alongside Emily Spowage, Daniel Waterhouse and and Eithne Browne.
Trixie Mattel: Trixie’s Sims Drag Race All Stars
RuPaul’s Drag Race favourite Trixie Mattel continues her regular live stream at 2:00 (BST) on Wednesday 12 August 2020. The RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 3 winner will perform her one woman show on streaming platform, Twitch.
Steff Todd
Comedian Steff Todd has revealed a number of impressions of famous faces during lockdown, including Gemma Collins, Charlotte Crosby and The Kardashians. Her hilarious interpretations have been picked up by national press, as well as high-profile fans Giovanni Pernice, Holly Hagan and Faye Tozer.
United We Stream: No Audience with Jon Richardson and Friends
Marking the Bank Holiday Money, comedian Jon Richardson hosted a livestream comedy evening, joined by some famous friends to raise money for St John’s Hospice in Lancaster, Community Foundation for Lancashire COVID-19 Fund, NHS Charities Together, music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins and United We Stream Solidarity Fund.
From 20:00 – 22:00, the winning line-up will streamed directly into the homes of fans, welcoming appearances by the likes of Dave Gorman, Jack Whitehall, Lee Ridley of Britain’s Got Talent fame, Tez Ilyas, Justin Moorhouse, Harriet Dyer, Bethany Black, Russell Kane, Josh Widecombe, music from the Lancashire Hotpots and a sports star quiz.
Fans are asked to donate through JustGiving, however you can also watch the event without making a donation above.
[Find more information and donate here]
Comedy Without Borders
On Thursday 14 May 2020, Comedy Without Borders welcomed performances from ten comedians from across the globe. Hosted live by South Africa’s Schalk Bezuidenhout, the event saw a very special guest appearance from veteran comedian Eddie Izzard – performing an extract from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations which forms part of Izzard’s live theatre show.
The line up was completed by Anuvab Pal (India), Ari Eldjarn (Iceland), Brodi Snook (Australia), Conrad Koch (South Africa), Dave Hill (USA), Francesco De Carlo (Italy), Igor Meerson (Russia), Luca Capani (Italy), and Sam Morrison (USA). Comedy Without Borders raised funds for Médecins Sans Frontières, who provide medical care in conflict zones, natural disasters and epidemics across the globe.
Jason Manford’s Muddle Class
Star of stage, screen and smokey comedy bars, Jason Manford’s acclaimed show Muddle Class is available to view on BBC iPlayer. The show delves into the very British class system, from eating olives to Jeremy Kyle, and from being questioned over his decision not to send his kids of private school to getting stuck on a water slide.
Mo Gilligan’s All Star Happy Hour
In a slightly different take on the live-stream concept, comedian Mo Gilligan will be hosting a new series on Channel 4, broadcast as it happens from his own home. Promising games, interviews, music performances, sketches and all round good vibes, All Star Happy Hour kicked off at 22:00 BST on 2 May 2020.
Leah MacRae: Geez Yer Chat
The comedian behind the ditzy but loveable Julie from The Scottish BAFTA Award-winning sitcom, Gary: Tank Commander, is treating her followers to regular catch ups in the form of Geez Yer Chat. Fans can also enjoy MacRae interviewing friends from the acting, singing and comedy scenes. Leah has also mentioned plans to film and release sketches in the theme of her last Scottish commercial theatre tour Leah MacRae: My Big, Fat, Fabulous Diary, which was due to be her one woman comedy show at Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year.
Jayde Adams’ Couch Cabaret
Thousands have already tuned into Jayde when she recently hosted a pub quiz and a gin tasting from her living room. Now she’s going all out for her fans with a weekly interactive cabaret night on Facebook every other Wednesdays at 19:30. Expect to see a host of experimental performances from drag artists, comedians, and musicians.
Soho Theatre On Demand
The renowned theatre is hosting recorded performances by some huge names in comedy, including Nish Kumar, Joel Dommett, Josie Long, Lazy Susan, Dane Baptiste, Shappi Khorsandi, and Rhys James. Fans can access the action for a small fee, supporting the continued upkeep of the London venue.
Ticketmaster Homecoming: At Home With
Ticketmaster are hosting regular tours around the homes of some of our favourite stars, including from the world of comedy. Season Two includes hanging out with World Slam Poetry Champion and Edinburgh regular Harry Baker, and Soccer AM regular Annie McGrath. The videos will launch on our Facebook at 18:00 daily throughout each season, with more information available here.
Mo Gilligan’s The Quarantine Games
Every Wednesday and Saturday at 21:00, join Mo on Instagram live to join in The Quarantine Games. Expect fun, laughs and a whole lot of healthy competition coming from Mo’s home, straight to yours. So make sure you tune in twice a week for your chance to win some great prizes.
Paul Chowdhry’s Quarantine Saturday Night Live
Join Paul every weekend for his Quarantine Saturday Night Live sessions. Making sure his fans are holding up alright during lockdown, he starts each of his weekly live sessions at around 21:30. Make sure you’re sitting comfortably with a glass of something sweet.
Alex Horne’s #hometasking
Ever wished you were famous enough to be a contestant on Taskmaster? Now everybody in the world has the chance to join in the hilarious challenges set forth by Alex Horne and be judged accordingly by Greg Davies. Already, fans have been sending hundreds of entries for each task. Expect to see a new task be issued a few times a week until we’re all allowed back outside.
Simon Brodkin
Head on over to Twitter to see what Lee Nelson’s creator is up to while he’s stuck at home. From annoying the wife to providing his own takes on the latest news, Simon is making sure his social media is full of content to make us laugh.
Tania Edwards’ Corona Diaries
If Bridget Jones lived through a global pandemic, it would probably look a little like this. Have a look inside the fictional (we hope) life of an ordinary wife and mother trying to keep it all together under quarantine while staying abreast of all that’s going on in the world.
Romesh Ranganathan’s The Lockdown Chronicles
Romesh Ranganathan, Crawley’s finest, is giving us a live show from inside his own home, posting regular live videos via Facebook, YouTube and his own podcast channel. Whether from his bed, the kitchen or in a quiet sunny corner, you’ll be able to tune in with Romesh every day around lunchtime.
Russell Kane’s Kaneing
Hundreds of people look forward to Kaneing when it comes around on Russell’s social media every week. The few minutes of ranting, about everything from politics to Love Island, are a wonderful way to laugh about the week’s silliest moments. Now he’s taking the show live on Instagram so we can all experience the absurdity together as one. Russell Kane has also been dropping hints about an announcement for a virtual tour that you will be able to stream based on your location.
Harry Baker’s Something Borrowed
The World Poetry Slam Champion is giving us all a weekly performance on Wednesdays at 19:00, which involves a whole load of fun from the worlds of poetry, comedy and music. Each week, Harry is joined by a new special guest to interview and join in the capers on Instagram.
Iliza Shlesinger’s Don’t Panic Pantry
For everyone who loves a little late night cooking and comedy, check out Iliza Shlesinger’s Instagram and Facebook to see what you need to take part in the next Don’t Panic Pantry. The Texan comedian has been hosting virtual get-togethers, inviting fans to cook along with her at home. So far people have been tuning in every day at 01:00 to make stir-fries, soups, tacos and all sorts of goodies.
Boners Of The Quarantine
Fans of Boners Of The Heart by Rose Matafeo and Alice Snedden will be glad to hear that the pair have started releasing daily episodes on streaming platforms. With a whole new quarantine slant, these episodes are here to give us all some much needed comic relief.
Daniel Sloss’ Drunk With Dan
The Scottish comedy superstar has promised many more outings of his Drunk With Dan series on Instagram. Make sure you’ve poured yourself a glass, cracked open a can or just put a really long straw straight into your wine bottle before Daniel Sloss goes live.
Chelsea Peretti
The Brooklyn 99 star is getting creative with her make-up on Instagram. Very creative. With interesting eyeshadow applications (that don’t necessarily have to involve eyelids), she delivers these “tutorials” with the calm manners of the most serious beauty blogger. Be sure to follow her to see what she has in store next.
Richard Herring
This comedian’s Twitch channel has quite the schedule during this lock down. Every morning at 08:00, you can join Richard on a morning walk in the field close to his home and then every weekday at 19:30 he streams a solo game of snooker where he sees if he has it in him to beat himself. Then every Wednesday at 20:00, it’s time for a live recording of his podcast, RHLSTP.
Jonathan Pie’s LOCKDOWN
For some, he’s the only reputable news source around. For a satirical reading of current events, tune into Jonathan Pie: LOCKDOWN on Instagram to see that everyone, including reporters, can do their bit by working from home. Normally, Jonathan Pie would be spitting the truth from the streets but now he’s making do from his home office… if he ever get’s the VPN set up.
Sarah Millican’s How To Be Champion Storytime
South Shields’ favourite funnywoman is reading a passage from her autobiography How To Be Champion every day on her YouTube channel. She invites all to read along (or not), streaming live to your device daily through Instagram while we’re all staying at home.
Ross Noble’s Live From The Bunker
Head on over to Ross Noble’s Instagram to find out when he’s next going live from his makeshift bunker. No windows, no rules… Just Ross, his gas mask and a whole lot of people joining him to enjoy his own brand of off-the-wall humour.
Matt Forde’s The Politcal Party
Former political adviser turned stand-up comedian Matt Forde has been presenting the podcast The Political Party during all sorts of strange times… but none so strange as this. To keep us all entertained (and informed) he is featuring COVID-19 experts every week.
Mike Birbiglia’s Tip Your Waitstaff
Those who like dissecting what makes a good joke need to be tuning into Tip Your Waitstaff on Instagram every day at 18:00, where he’s joined by fellow comedians to share jokes they were working on for their cancelled or rescheduled tours. So far, the likes of John Mulaney, Nikki Glaser and Maria Bomford have phoned in, with Sarah Silverman and Melissa Villaseñor set to join upcoming livestreams. Giving everyone a laugh is not the only good Tip Your Waitstaff is doing, so far they have raised over a huge amount of funs for workers in comedy clubs who have lost their incomes.
Sam Avery’s The Homeschool Staffroom
The Learner Parent takes on a whole new meaning now that Sam Avery is teaching his kids at home while the schools are closed. What parents don’t have that schools do is a staff room where they can all go and take time to decompress. Every evening at 20:00, Sam is hosting The Homeschool Staffroom on Facebook. It’s not enough to just tune in though, Sam sets a topic on his social media every day for all you parent-teachers to discuss.
All Killa No Filla live podcast
Never been able to make on of the All Killa No Filla live podcast recordings? Now you don’t even have to leave the house with Kiri Pritchard and Rachel Fairburn streaming a live show with a difference on Sunday 5 April at 14:00. Get your fill of your two favourite murder podcast queens by heading to their Facebook page.
Discover more:
Feature: The best stand-up comedy to stream at home
Have a browse of our Comedy Guide right here.
