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. 

Ray Badran

Ray Badran is an Australian comedian and writer, based in London where he is the resident host of Knock2Bag comedy night at Moth Club. 

Ray splits his time between London and Sydney and is a regular on the international festival circuit - performing full shows and on galas at the Edinburgh Fringe, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Brighton Fringe, Sydney Comedy Festival and more. 

As seen on Live at the Moth Club (Dave), No Experience Necessary (Comedy Central) and Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV) 

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.