This spring, comedy in Taunton takes a major step forward as Queen’s College launches a new live stand up series at the Queen’s Hall Theatre.
Bringing nationally recognised, television-credited comedians to Somerset, the series delivers the quality, scale and atmosphere audiences expect from the UK’s professional comedy circuit.
The opening night takes place on Friday 13 March 2026, staged in the 500-seat Queen’s Hall Theatre, the largest seated theatre in Taunton and the surrounding area. Purpose-built for live performance, the venue offers professional sound, lighting and raked seating, creating a true touring-calibre comedy experience in the heart of the town.
A Professional Comedy Night with TV Comedians
This is not a novelty event or amateur showcase. The series is delivered in collaboration with Genius PR Events, ensuring the programme reflects the standard of acts currently performing on the UK comedy circuit and appearing on national television.
The evening is carefully curated to flow from opening moments through to a standout headline set, with interval breaks and refreshments available throughout, creating a relaxed but polished Friday night out.
The night will be hosted by Rory O’Hanlon, known for his sharp crowd work and appearances across Comedy Central and BBC comedy formats. He is joined by Ignacio Lopez, seen on Live at the Apollo, and Ian Murphy, whose work has featured on Comedy Central.
The evening builds to a headline performance from Emmanuel Sonubi, one of the most exciting voices in British stand up today and a familiar face from Live at the Apollo and QI.
Raising the Bar for Comedy in Taunton
Speaking about the launch, Trish Caller, Owner of Genius PR Events, said:
“This is exactly the kind of night Taunton deserves. These are genuine, touring comedians who regularly perform on major UK stages, and we are thrilled to be bringing that level of live comedy to the town. This is not a novelty or a one off, it is the start of something we hope will become a real fixture for the local live entertainment scene.”
The venue itself plays a central role in delivering this experience. With its capacity and technical capability, Queen’s Hall Theatre allows audiences to enjoy live stand up comedy at a scale not previously available locally, bridging the gap between regional theatres and national tour venues.
Queen’s Hall Theatre as a Community Venue
Zara Turner, Events Manager at Queen’s College, added:
“Queen’s has outstanding facilities and it is incredibly rewarding to be welcoming the wider public into them. Opening our theatre for events like this allows people to experience the space in a completely different way. Queen’s is very much a community hub for Taunton and the surrounding areas, and hosting high quality public events is an important part of that role.”
By opening its doors to professional touring comedy, Queen’s College continues to expand the role of Queen’s Hall Theatre as a destination for high quality public events, supporting Taunton’s growing cultural scene.
A Friday Night Comedy Experience in Taunton
Designed as an easy and enjoyable Friday night out, the event is ideal for groups of friends, colleagues or anyone looking for a high quality live comedy experience in Taunton. Just minutes from the town centre, the venue combines convenience with the atmosphere of a large-scale touring show.
Reduced price early bird tickets are available until 2 February 2026.
Comedy Night FAQ’s
Is this a professional comedy event or a school production?
This is a fully professional live comedy event featuring nationally recognised TV comedians who regularly perform on the UK comedy circuit. The event is delivered in collaboration with Genius PR Events and staged at touring standard in Queen’s Hall Theatre.
Which comedians are performing at Queen’s College Comedy?
The evening features comedians with television credits including appearances on Live at the Apollo, QI, BBC comedy formats and Comedy Central. The line up includes Rory O’Hanlon as host, with performances from Ignacio Lopez, Ian Murphy and headline act Emmanuel Sonubi.
Where is the comedy event taking place in Taunton?
The event takes place at Queen’s Hall Theatre at Queen’s College, Taunton. The theatre is the largest seated venue in Taunton and the surrounding area and is fully equipped for professional live performance.
Is Queen’s Hall Theatre suitable for live stand up comedy?
Yes. Queen’s Hall Theatre has professional lighting, sound and raked seating, making it ideally suited to touring calibre comedy shows. The venue offers the scale and atmosphere audiences expect from major live comedy events.
Is this event open to the public?
Yes. The event is open to the public and designed as a high quality Friday night comedy experience for adults, groups of friends and colleagues looking for live comedy in Taunton.
Are the comedians seen on television?
Yes. All performers are established touring comedians with television credits across major UK comedy platforms, including Live at the Apollo, QI, BBC comedy programming and Comedy Central.
Are early bird tickets available?
Reduced price early bird tickets are available for a limited time until 2 February 2026. Booking details are available via the Queen’s College website.
