AI Arts Festival: AI Stand-Up Comedy Showcase

Live, laugh, learn - welcome to the Ted Talks that would have hit the cutting room floor. At the University we have been training scientists to unleash the funny side of their research, graduating from Dr, BSc and PhD to Haha, LoL and RoFL. We’ve taken these ex teachers pets and released their inner class clown, bringing new subjects to new audiences by creating research-inspired stand up with guidance from experienced comedians!

Join us for 90 minutes of AI-themed stand-up, stories, and silliness from some of Southampton University’s funniest and nerdiest people. Hosted by Professor of Web Science and funny guy Leslie Carr, and featuring postgraduate students Will Hunt and Lucy Hodgins and professional comedian Ted Hill.

Leslie Carr

Les is old enough to remember when computers were fun, but tech bros have been competing to make AIs that can destroy the world. They made Rishi Sunak set up a Global AI Safety summit at Bletchley Park, calling all the world leaders to Milton Keynes in what can only be described as an austerity remake of Avengers Assemble.

Will Hunt

When my girlfriend asked me “are you worried about AI” I became obsessed with flesh-eating robots and she left. Bit I devised a plan to survive the apocalypse, one that just needs a new partner to help me through it. This show is a scientist’s view on robots, prepping, and finding love. All with disastrous consequences.

Lucy Hodgins

Lucy tried to control her brother using the power of science.  He wasn’t impressed.  Armed with a PhD in control theory and a questionable moral compass, she set out to model the people she loves – with mixed results.  A comedy about systems, siblings, and the strange urge to optimise your conversations.

Ted Hill

Ted is a multimedia comedian known for fast‑paced, high‑energy stand‑up that mixes PowerPoint, videos and gloriously nerdy silliness. His work draws on science, personal stories and clever visual gags, and he collaborated with Southampton researchers to build an AI to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.

This event is part of the AI Festival 2026, for full details, visit: aiartsfestival.soton.ac.uk