Victorious Festival has been increasing its comedy offering year on year and in 2023 the belly laughs will come courtesy of a host of top comedians, including a Hollywood actor (oh, and that drunk guy who unsuccessfully tries to crowd surf).

Omid Djalili, Angelous Epithemou, Jason Manford, Tom Davis, Dara Ó Briain and Zoe Lyons are on the bill by day at the Comedy & Cabaret Big Top stage. Olivia Lee, Kerry Godliman and Andrew Maxwell will compere the proceedings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.

By night you’ll be able to watch cabaret acts too, hosted by one of the UK drag scene’s stand-out acts Alfie Ordinary. Some of Portsmouth’s favourite tribute and cover bands will be taking to the stage, including Kojak’s Revenge, Supersonic, Southsea Alternative Choir and Ultra 90s Vs 2000s.

Dara Briain, a stand-up comedian and TV presenter – best known for Mock the Week, Blockbusters, Robot Wars and Stargazing Live – is  firmly on my must-see list. Dara’s one of the leading international stand-ups and is gracing Portsmouth with his presence before heading off to tour Canada. He’s on stage on the Sunday afternoon.  Expect beautifully crafted routines, hundreds of funny lines and quick improv work with the crowd.

I’ve been a fan of Dara since the dawn of Mock The Week in 2005. My love for the show has led me to see Frankie Boyle and Russell Howard live several times but I must admit, I perhaps overlooked Dara as just a presenter in the earlier days. Since then I’ve loved his stand up shows on the telly box and can’t wait to experience it in person.

Seasoned Victorious-goers will be pleased to hear that year the comedy and cabaret will be in a larger big top tent this year. It’s always a very popular stage so I’d recommend arriving in advance to make sure you catch your favourite comedians.

Get your tickets today!

Website: victoriousfestival.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/VictoriousFestival
Twitter: twitter.com/VictoriousFest
Instagram: instagram.com/victoriousfestival