Winchester Comedy Festival: Summer Gala 2026

Angela Barnes

Described by the Guardian as ‘a gloriously down-to-earth, straight talking and extremely funny comic’,  Angela Barnes swapped a career in health and social care for one in stand-up in 2010 and hasn't looked back.

By 2011, Angela had won the BBC New Comedy Award and has since toured the UK several times with her signature brand of down-to-earth, witty warmth and frank insights. On screen, she was a regular on BBC Two’s iconic Mock The Week, and has appeared on Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You on BBC1.

She is a firm favourite on BBC Radio 4, having featured on The Now Show and The News Quiz - including a recent stint as the host. She also hosted BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Newsjack.

Arthur Smith

Comedian, presenter, actor, writer (and Night Mayor of Balham - self appointed), Arthur is one of the much admired originals of the great British alternative comedy scene. 

Arthur has a consistently brilliant talent and ability to provide light entertainment whilst also still finding new and interesting ways to make people laugh. 

It is no surprise, therefore, that he remains a sought after artist by comedy clubs, theatres, festivals and private events and is regularly seen and heard on television and Radio. 

Josh Weller

Josh Weller is a comedian, comic book author, musician and podcast host. Born in England, raised in Malaysia and now based in London, he has built a reputation for his high-energy, self-deprecating stand-up and a large online following through sketches, animated comedy, character work and viral content.

Alongside his comedy career, Josh is an experienced broadcaster, having hosted and produced the hit Excitable Boy podcast, as well as official podcasts for Hard Rock Cafe and Vans Warped Tour. He currently hosts Hard Rock Cafe’s social video content, including Learn Guitar with Josh Weller.

Before comedy, Josh enjoyed a successful music career, signing to Universal Records as a teenager and touring internationally as a solo artist and frontman of punk band The Kenneths. He has performed with artists including Ray Davies, Paloma Faith, Mumford & Sons and The Maccabees.

His graphic novel Die Already was published by CollegeHumor, and he has appeared on the BBC’s Life Lessons with Alfie Brown.

Tom Deacon (MC)

Since winning the Chortle Student Comedy Award in 2007, Deacon has hosted his own BBC Radio 1 show, done some telly (The Rob Brydon Show, Fake Reaction, Dave's One Night Stand), and followed The Champions League around the world as The Eurofan - notching up over one million views on YouTube.

A slick, upbeat, confident and loveable performer.