Live Laugh Leeds: Comedy in October 2025

I’ve been writing Comedy Roundups for Welcome To Leeds for years now, and it’s come to my attention that some of YOU LOT have so far resisted my efforts to get you to go see a Glenn Moore gig. 

Consider this your final warning. He’s in a beautiful venue this month (City Varieties, 1st October). It’s not too pricey. You literally have no more excuses. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. 

Elsewhere at the Varieties this month, Strictly winner Chris McCausland arrives with his much-anticipated Yonks! There’s four shows in three days (2nd/3rd/4th). A brilliant line up for October is completed by Josie Long (10th), Stephen K Amos (11th), political comic Geoff Norcott (12th), Jason Byrne (17th), The Horne Section (22nd), cult horror hero Garth Marenghi (28th), and the incomparable Jenny Éclair (29th).

At the First Direct Arena, John Bishop (11th/12th) marks 25 Years of Stand Up with a celebratory tour. Expect big stories, warm nostalgia and Bishop’s trademark wit. And teeth, obvs.

The HiFi Club brings the controversy with Comedy Unleashed (3rd). Leo Kearse and guests promise “unfiltered” laughs. Saturday comedy club nights run throughout the month. My top picks include Ian Stone (4th), Frankie Monroe (11th), and the wonderfully dry Alun Cochrane (18th). 

The Wardrobe has one of my favourite stand-ups in the world at the moment. Yorkshire legend (too soon?) Scott Bennett plays on the 2nd. His jokes are brilliant; his crowd-work phenomenal. My other strong reccos (short for recommendations, which saves me loads of time typing out recommendations) at the Wardrobe this month Tony Law (8th) and Kae Kurd (9th).

Hyde Park Book Club continues to put on a brilliant programme for inquisitive comedy fans. Stevie Martin (8th) brings her sell-out Clout, fresh from appearing in Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping. Later, Milo Edwards (20th) returns with How Revolting! Sorry To Offend – an hour tackling class, decency and the absurdities of modern Britain.

Fin Taylor is fast becoming the successor to the combined crowns of Jimmy Carr, Ricky Gervais, and Bill Burr. Alongside long-term collaborator Horatio Gould, Fin arrives at the Leeds Playhouse on the 23rd with a live recording of the podcast Fin vs History. While Sandi Toksvig (28th) promises a night of wit and wisdom with Friends of Dorothy.

And at the Glee Club, October is stacked. Marcus Brigstocke (2nd) muses on modern masculinity in Vitruvian Mango, while Greg James (5th) has already sold out his one-off celebration of his new book All The Best For The Future. Then Nish Kumar (10th/11th) headlines two great shows with support from Glenn Wool, Allyson June Smith and Jason Patterson. And, in a rare treat, there’s a sold-out work-in-progress with James Acaster (22nd).

As ever, look out for regular comedy nights at Revolución de Cuba, Verve, Headrow House, The Original Oak, The Old Woollen, and the Parkside Tavern.