Photo credit: Andy Hollingworth

We’re pants-wettingly excited to announce that you can now apply to have your show featured in the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival 2026 – Fringe.

The Fringe will be supported by a curated mix of events held at the Norbury Theatre, featuring big names to draw audiences to the festival. Last year featured sell-out shows from Greg Davies, Helen Lederer, Paul Foot, Laura Smyth, Shaparak Khorsandi, Peter Richardson and many more. Fringe events will take place in a mix of venues around the town, including pubs, restaurants, cafes and perhaps some more unusual spaces!

What We’re Looking For

We’re searching for performers who embody Rik Mayall’s daring and original spirit. Whether you’re a stand-up comedian, musician, theatre company, or artist, we want to hear from you. We welcome submissions from diverse backgrounds and artistic disciplines. Whether you’re an emerging talent or an established performer, we’re looking for a variety of comedic styles and creative approaches that push boundaries and, most importantly, make people laugh.

We aim to showcase acts that connect with the local community and reflect Rik’s fearless creativity. If your work embraces innovation, originality, and inclusiveness, we want to hear from you.

How to Apply

Start by applying through our festival administration sysytem, Eventotron. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to set one up first. Applying is free.

Provide as much detail as possible to help us review and approve your application.

Once we approve your application, you can start working with venues and planning your show. When you’re ready, you can register your show as part of the festival.

Venues in the WR9 area are also welcome to apply, but we recommend you contact us first.

Key Dates and Fees

To appear in the printed programme, you must register your show and pay the applicable registration fee by 27 March 2026. Shows registered after this date can still feature online. The fee covers all administration and listing costs.

Each and every performance of an event is subject to a registration fee. Registration fees payable vary depending on the capacity of the chosen venue:

For venues up to 25 capacity – £25
For venues between 26 and 50 capacity – £35
For venues with capacity in excess of 50 – £45

If you’re part of a WR9-based community group and performing for charity, we may waive the registration fee, subject to committee approval. For more information, contact us at fringe@rikmayallcomedyfestival.com.

For more information, please make sure to read the Event T&Cs in Eventotron.

APPLY NOW!

Our Core Values

Diverse Performances
We will showcase a mix of comedic and artistic forms, including stand-up, theatre, music, and more, all while embracing the bold spirit of Rik Mayall.
Supporting Artists and our Community
The festival is designed to bring established performers to the town to attract visitors and support new comedians, whilst giving artists the space to explore innovative ideas.
Inclusive Atmosphere
We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable, enabling both artists and audiences to try new things.
Honouring Rik
We are dedicated to ensuring that Rik’s influence remains central to the festival’s mission and activities.

Notes to Editors

The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival is a volunteer-run festival taking place from 29 May to 6 June 2026, across various venues in Rik’s hometown of Droitwich Spa. Centred around the Norbury Theatre, where Rik’s parents were active members, and where Rik made his first on-stage appearance, the festival will feature a diverse range of performances, screenings, and workshops in celebration of his remarkable life and career. With the support of Rik’s family and Ben Elton as a patron, we aim to honour Rik’s legacy in a way that engages and entertains the community, while bringing new visitors to local businesses. A free pop-up museum will also focus on Rik’s influential body of work.

The festival is committed to celebrating Rik Mayall’s enduring legacy while nurturing both emerging and established talent. The festival will support youth programmes at the Norbury Theatre.