Live Laugh Leeds: Comedy Roundup – May 2026

Your guide to the best comedy shows in Leeds in May 2026

Ah, May in Leeds.

That magical point in the calendar when the sun appears for six minutes, and everybody acts as if they’ve emigrated to the Med. Your mate Johnny wants a pint outdoors in balmy 12 degrees, the missus is holding a rake and raising an eyebrow at the garden, and my Cosmogrill Dual Fuel Grill with Side Smoker (RRP £339) eagerly awaits its third outing (current cost per use: £169.50).

If you’d rather avoid all that and spend your evenings somewhere dark, here are our top comedy picks for the month ahead:

Leeds Grand Theatre starts the month strong with Murder in Successville and Wonka star Tom Davis (1st), before fast-talking observational whirlwind Russell Howard arrives for two nights on the 2nd and 3rd.  

The City Varieties features friend of Welcome To Leeds and sensationally funny man Scott Bennett (16th), the gloriously awkward absurdist John Kearns (14th), and Scottish favourite Susan Calman for a Work In Progress show on the 30th. 

There’s a special show at the Brudenell Social Club on the 2nd, as our most beloved podcaster Adam Buxton brings his band along to celebrate the release of his debut album, Buckle Up.

Over at The Glee Club, veteran comic and effortless crowd-charmer Richard Blackwood headlines a showcase alongside quick-fire observational specialist Curtis Walker (3rd). Then on the 20th, Laura Belbin brings no-filter chaos about dating, divorce and surviving your 40s.

Hyde Park Book Club welcomes rising star Molly McGuinness (20th), and also has two chances to see SNL UK star Ayoade Bamgboye on the 24th. 

Some other top picks: Hot on the heels of her smash hit Wuthering Sh*tes tour, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Kate Butch returns to the Carriageworks for a one-woman mainly-improvised show on the 6th. Stewart Lee returns with Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf at the Leeds Playhouse (11th/12th/13th). And Peter Kay is back at the Leeds First Direct Arena on the 16th.  

And as ever, look out for regular comedy nights at Headrow House, The Original Oak, The Hi-Fi Club, The Old Woollen, and the Parkside Tavern.

Enjoy the warmer weather. I’m off, because the lawn won’t rake itself, and I’m determined to bring my Cosmogrill Dual Fuel Grill with Side Smoker cost-per-use down to £113.