September Comedy Season | What i reckon... with Troy Orchard
2 Sep 2026
We have a stacked September season of comedy this year! We are proud to have some of the biggest names in comedy performing on our intimate stage. To make sure we are fully prepared, we asked local Bristol comedian (and friend of the theatre) Troy Orchard to tell us what he reckons about the season. Not sure what the vibes are of who you should check out? Troy has you covered...
BOV isn't really known as a stand-up comedy venue, with appearances from touring comics only becoming more of a regular thing in recent years. Almost a whole month of stand-up comedy at Bristol Old Vic is hugely exciting to me but, on a deeper level, sends a message that "this belongs here" - especially as BOV has booked the highest of quality, established professional acts. Stand up lovers are eating good this month!
It may upset theatre-traditionalists but - with comedy being such a beloved form of entertainment and so widespread and accessible today, from TV to TikTok to your local pub function room - what better combo is there than having the best-of-the-best UK comics coming to the English-speaking world's oldest continually operating theatre. If you're sceptical, I recommend you come along and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. You might even discover your new favourite comedian!
Whether you're a comedy connoisseur or a casual observer, Sep '26 at BOV is shaping up to be the month of all months. Still don't believe me?
Here's who we have coming to us this month, and why I think you should check them out!
Rhys James: Chop Logic
- Rapid punchlines, clever observations
- Silly/absurdist material, with play on words
- Guaranteed big laughs
- TV regular
Check them out if you like: Stewart Lee
Ivo Graham: Orange Crush
- Relatable material for audiences (family, parenthood, navigating life)
- Laid back, self-deprecating humour that really endears him to audiences
- Top level storyteller who holds your attention throughout!
- TV regular
Check them out if you like: David Mitchell
Jack Rooke: Good Grief
- Has won a BAFTA for his television writing! Has a show on C4 called Big Boys
- A relatable, sensitively handled show about grief
- Emotionally candid, vulnerable and funny
- Is bringing back a show from 10 years ago with some new, present-day insights and material
Check them out if you like: Richard Ayoade
Jayde Adams: Before I Give It a Name
- BOV regular!
- One of the country's best loved comedians
- Work in progress show: your responses and support will help build this show
- Cabaret: expect lively music, rude jokes and audience interaction. Perfectly suited fro a theatre like ours!
Check them out if you like: Maria Bamford
Aurie Styla: Maverick
- Hugely energetic
- Will feel like you're in the room with a friend; makes sure everyone is having fun!
- Personal experiences, everyday observations, with an engaging and friendly delivery
- Has his own show on Radio 4 and many TV credits!
Check them out if you like: Eddie Griffin
Daniel Kitson: Thrum
- Intellectual, philosophising
- Takes the audience on a journey with him
- Unconventional style, in a good way!
- Master of the craft
Check them out if you like: David Foster Wallace
Daniel Foxx: How Lovely
- Online sensation, with millions of viral video views and podcast listens
- Also a bestselling author!
- Funny, likeable, camp
- Cheeky Gen-Z vibes
Check them out if you like: Joe Lycett
Stevie Martin: Clout
- 45M online views!
- TV staple (Taskmaster, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown)
- Returning to touring with a sold-out show
- Surreal, deadpan
Check them out if you like: Catherine Tate
