ON
chloe petts
how you see me, how you don't
thu 6 feb • 7.30pm • 16+
£17.50
After two consecutive critically-acclaimed shows, rising star Chloe Petts is back on the road with a brand-new hour… and this time she’s getting personal. Between her newly found trolls, oldly found school bullies, and an excellent relationship with her food tech teacher, Chloe brings her trademark laddishness to tell you who she really is, all while her Head Girl badge glistens upon her chest.
Star of Hannah Gadsby's Gender Agenda, host of Toilet Humour on BBC
Radio 4, Have I Got News
For You and Richard Osman's House of Games.
A COMEDIC TRIUMPH
Broadway Baby
fesshole: live
fri 7 feb • 8pm • 18+
£18
Forgive me Leicester, for I have sinned!
Following a sell-out 2024 show, Rob Manuel, creator of Fesshole & B3ta, returns to Leicester with the internet’s naughtiest, funniest, cringiest confessions.
Expect an evening of some of the best and worst confessions known to mankind as Rob digs into the bin of unpublished confessions and uncovers the depths of human grotesqueness. Full of humour & heart, this show is not to be missed.
josh berry best man
fri 7 feb • 6pm • 18+
£17.50
It’s clear what toxic masculinity is, but what does positive masculinity look like in a modern context? Josh Berry intends to provide some sort of answer to this question, through his many impressions and characters, as he tells the tale of being his best friend’s best man earlier this year. From routines on how to organise a ‘progressive stag do’, to the amusing difficulties men seem to face around positive emotional expression, the show is an opportunity for us to have a ruddy good laugh at a concept that could do with being taken a bit less seriously. There’s also a routine about how much Josh hates runners and refuses to become one.
N.B. Josh has since entered a half marathon.
knightmare live
10th anniversary show
sat 8 feb• 3.30pm • 16+
£17
Light the beacons! Rouse the villagers! Gather all your courage... for the smash hit comedy show of the cult 90s TV classic is back!
Sidestep left into adventure as dungeon master Treguard opens the doors once more for the very special, 10th anniversary tour of the hilarious homage to the TV show. Starring Tom Bell (The Mash Report), Paul Flannery (director of Phantom Peak) and a host of brilliant guest comedians.
sophie duker
but daddy, i love her!
sat 8 feb • 6pm • 14+
£17.50
Sophie Duker is BACK! The Taskmaster champ is back on tour and dealing with her (sugar) daddy issues in a hilarious new stand-up show.
But Daddy, I Love Her! sees Sophie take the stage with her trademark naughtiness, this time arguing that we should all choose silliness over common sense and hot wet fantasies over cold, bleak reality. In this intentionally unhinged hour, delulu is the solulu.
RIOTOUSLY FUNNY
The Skinny
mark watson Before It Overtakes Us (Work In Progress)
sun 9 feb • 7pm • 14+
£12
The Bristolian Taskmaster runner-up and No More Jockeys luminary does a preview show before an Australian tour in 2025. So far, the show is about the future of mankind, and a woman called Phoebe. Some other stuff in between.
WITTY, WARM, PERFECTLY JUDGED The Telegraph
john
robertson's the dark room
sat 8 feb• 8pm •15+
£16
Welcome to The Dark Room – the world’s only liveaction, text-based adventure game. It’s strange, insane and addictive – it’s a choose-your-own-adventure, so choose it!
Now its 12th year, this high-octane interactive show is the brainchild of comedian & cult leader John Robertson
justin moorhouse
The Greatest Performance of My Life
sun 9 feb• 9pm • 14+
£14/£6
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Justin returns with a new show.
The story covers subjects ranging from pantomimes to dreams, how to behave in hospitals, small talk, realising his Mum is a northern version of Columbo, and how being a smart-mouthed kid saved him from a life of continually being beaten up. Above all else, it's the Justin you have to come to expect. It's funny and interesting, and perhaps there's a little bit that warms the soul, too.
Chortle
rob auton the eyes open and shut show
tue 11 feb• 7.30pm • 14+
£17.50
Award-winning writer, comedian and actor Rob Auton brings his latest show The Eyes Open and Shut Show to Leicester. Rob has written ten hit Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy/theatre/spoken-word shows on specific themes including the colour yellow in The Yellow Show, sleep in The Sleep Show and hair in The Hair Show.
BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED; JUST LIKE AUTON’S COMEDY… HIS ACT IS WELL HONED AND HIS EASE IS INFECTIOUS
The Independent
zoe lyons werewolf
wed 12 feb • 7:30pm • 14+
£17
If life is a journey, Zoe’s has had more than its share of potholes and diversions: from diving with sharks, to sitting in a shed in Vietnam with a former health secretary (and discovering that MPs aren’t the only parasites she has to worry about). Navigating the road to happiness can be exhausting and baffling.
But Zoe’s been on that road long enough now that she’s felt a change – not as in the menopause. A real change. If happiness is ending up the best version of yourself, Zoe is finally getting there. She is where she needs to be. She is… werewolf.
ahir shah ends
Thu 13 feb • 7.30pm • 16+
£17.50
Ahir Shah presents his award-winning stand-up show Ends. The show spans six decades, three generations, and two continents, synthesising past and present in search of hope for the future. It’s funnier than it sounds, honestly. Loads of cracking gags.
First performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, starting as a work-in-progress show, it became the word-of-mouth~ hit of the festival, culminating in Shah winning the 2023 Sky Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show.
THIS IS TRULY OUTSTANDING
STAND UP
Evening Standard
gay comedy night
fri 14 feb • 7.30pm • 16+ pay what you feel
The longest running gay comedy night in the UK is back, platforming hilarious LGBTQ+ comedians for over 27 years. This year, as always, we'll bring you some of the best LGBTQ+ comics on the scene, nationally and from the Midlands - previous acts have included Rosie Jones, Jess Fostekew, Olga Koch, Zoe Lyons, Graham Norton, Susan Calman, Jen Brister and Stephen K Amos.
The line-up this year includes Jodie Mitchell, Dee Allum and Kuan-wen Huang, with compère Jonathan Mayor
This event is Pay What You Feel which supports our continued work with new artists.
richard herring's leicester
square theatre podcast
sat 15 feb • 2.30pm • 16+
£20
His interview podcast is usually recorded in London’s glittering West End at the Leicester Square Theatre, but it’s back again at the Leicester Comedy Festival!
RHLSTP sees him interview top comedians in front of a live audience for his podcast but includes all the chat that's too controversial for broadcast! He'll be joined by creator and star of The Dark Room, John Robertson and the creators of Viz magazine Simon & Chris Donald
Ladies Of Laughter
sun 16 feb• 6pm • 18+
£16.50
The Ladies Of Laughter are back, flexing their female funny muscles especially for you!
This hit tour returns to Leicester with a line-up featuring Esther Manito (Live At The Apollo), Tej Dhutia (BBC AN), Noreen Khan (BBC AN, BBC 1), Shalaka Kurup (King Gong) and Fathiya Saleh (BBC AN).
angela barnes angst
Sat 15 Feb• 8pm • 14+
£17
A brand-new stand-up show from Angela Barnes, star of Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo
Angela is a worrier. Whatever it is, she’ll worry about it. But don’t let that worry you – she’ll worry enough for the both of you.
This hilarious show has some stories of success and sound logic, but mostly features stories of unmitigated failure, a distinct lack of wisdom, a little bit of German and loads of jokes.
SHE'S JUST A GLORIOUSLY DOWN-TO-EARTH, STRAIGHT TALKING AND EXTREMELY FUNNY COMIC
The Guardian
cobo: comedy shutdown
love & laugter
sun 16 feb• 8.15pm • 18+
£16.50
COBO: Comedy Shutdown brings a Leicester Comedy Festival special.
Round up your friends & family and join us for an uplifting night of laughter!
The line-up stars Sikisa (BBC Live At The Apollo), Kat B (BBC, MTV), Kevin J (BBC, MTV) and Daliso Chaponda (Britain’s Got Talent).
ignacio lopez
Señor Self Destruct
wed 19 feb • 8pm • 12+
£20
Spain’s Best Export™ Ignacio Lopez is on a mission to destroy himself, and build a better version; Leaner. Smarter. Funnier. Join the star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Comedy Central, QI, House Of Games, & more, for a riotously funny exploration of vices, intrusive thoughts, and self improvement.
CHARMING, CHARISMATIC, HILARIOUS
Deadline News
lou sanders no kissing in the bingo hall
fri 21 feb • 8pm • 16+
£22.50
A show about being human - can you relate???
Just like Tom Cruise does all his own stunts, I'm going to do all my own jokes! A deep, dumb show for the masses. Star of Dancing On Ice (ITV), champion of Taskmaster (Channel 4), co-host of Mel Giedroyc's Unforgivable (Dave), regular on QI (BBC) and as seen on The Late Late Show With James Corden (CBS) and Would I Lie To You? (BBC).
A WARM, RELATABLE AND HILARIOUS SHOW
gary meikle neurospicy
thu 20 feb • 7.30pm • 16+
£22.50
On 23rd January 2024 I was diagnosed as being neurodivergent which was kind of a surprise to me, funnily enough not to anyone that knows me. Although surprising this pretty much answered my full life and why I am the way I am. So come join me in a show where I’ll give you a 1st hand insight from my delusional eyes to what goes on in my ever expanding mind with stories of how I've managed to survive through a life of total confusement to how and why I now prefer to be alone, mostly!
jazz emu knight fever
sat 22 feb • 1pm • 15+
£25
For the first time ever musical supernova and viral comedy sensation Jazz Emu (The Guardian's breakout comedy act of 2023) will be touring the UK with his hotly anticipated brand-new show, Knight Fever, alongside his full live band, ‘The Cosmique Perfectión’ in spring 2025. Following his run at the Soho Theatre & Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this tour will feature brand new songs, and an appearance from the King himself.
AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME Fringe Insider
Leicester comedian of the year competition 2025
sat 22 feb • 7.30pm
£20/£18
Leicester Comedy Festival's flagship competition is back! The stellar list of past winners include Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas, Jason Manford, Seann Walsh and Rhod Gilbert. Join us as we present this year's finest up and coming acts, nominated by top comedy promoters from across the UK. A serious comedy competition, headlined by 2024 winner Eva Bindeman and hosted by the fabulous Thanyia Moore (Mock the Week (BBC), Mo Gilligan’s Black, British and Funny (Channel 4), The Duchess (Netflix), Alma's Not Normal (BBC2).
marcus brigstocke
Vitruvian Mango
sun 23 feb • 6pm • 14+
£17
What are men for? Most heavy things can be lifted by machines and most problems can be solved by computers and most puddles can be crossed without us gallantly draping our capes over them - so are we fellas of any use at all?
Award-winning MAN Marcus Brigstocke thinks we might still serve some useful function. But what is it? This new tour show will resolve the entire issue once and for all (in a non-patriarchal, open minded, progressive sort of way).
DaVinci’s Vitruvian Man is the image of the ideal male form. Marcus’ Vitruvian Mango is the same, but sweeter, softer, seasonally available and, when ripe, delicately perfumed.
“CHARMING, HILARIOUS AND UTTERLY REFRESHING
The Sunday Mirror
Eshaan akbar can't get no Satisfakshaan
sun 23 feb • 8pm • 14+
£18/£16.50
Eshaan Akbar is back doing jokes on tour! Eshaan’s previous tour, The Pretender, was described by The Times as “pretty sick” (not an actual quote) so this one is likely to be mad good.
As seen on Sex Education (Netflix), Mock The Week (BBC), QI (BBC), Live At The Apollo (BBC), Comedy Central Live and many more. Forthcoming TV includes The Last Leg (Channel 4) and Pilgrimage (BBC).
GENIUS STAND-UP COMEDY
Edinburgh Festivals
A VENUE TO REMEMBER...
Find out what we can do for you to make your event a success at Leicester’s oldest surviving theatre.
Hospitality and sponsorship packages are also available to help promote your business whilst supporting a local charity.
Get in touch today
venuehire@ytheatre.co.uk
the mighty kids beatbox comedy show
sun 16 feb • 3.30pm • 4+
£10/£8
Hey kids and kidults, cool cats, and dancing dogs, Jarred and Hobbit are back with an all-new action-packed beatboxing and comedy hoopla!
Guaranteed LOL’s and interactive fun for the entire family (ok, maybe NOT the cats and dogs!). An inclusive show for wallflowers and show-offs alike; throw some shapes, shake your booty, or keep it firmly in your seat...just get on down and enjoy the party atmosphere. It’s a whole heap of infectious, doozy fun!
Families Edinburgh Magazine
wed 5 Feb• 12.30pm by invitation only
An annual showcase of the comedic talents of primary school children from across Leicester and Leicestershire! We have been working with young people to teach them the basics of comedy performance and sketch writing. In this showcase the participants will take to the stage to show off what they have learnt as we crown "Leicestershire's Funniest School".
Wed 19 FEB • 3pm £12/£10
Join Live At The Apollo’s Ignacio Lopez (aka Juan Solo) on a daring journey through the galaxy, in his rust bucket of a ship, the Millennial Falcon!
Expect sarcasm, stand-up comedy, and silliness, in this chaotic, interactive adventure show.
UNIQUE & HILARIOUS BUZZ Magazine
Box office 0116 255 7066
Our box office is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and one hour before a show.
Online www.ytheatre.co.uk
You can book tickets online 24 hours a day and right up until a show starts on our website.
Refunds
Tickets are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances. To be agreed with management.
General Terms
The Y Theatre reserves the right to:
• Refuse ticket holders entrance or ask them to leave the venue
• Introduce or change special offers, ticket prices and fees
• Change seat location of a ticket without prior notice
Concessions
Where a reduced price is given concessions are available for children under 16, full time students, people unemployed and in receipt of benefits, and senior citizens unless otherwise stated.
Please be prepared to show appropriate identification on entry.
Fees
We charge a booking fee of £1.50 per ticket, capped at £10 per transaction. Because ticket revenue is split between many different parties, an increase in ticket prices may not benefit the theatre. By charging a booking fee, this directly supports us to stay open and keep bringing you the shows you want to see.
Protect your booking
You can now add refund protection for your tickets for £1.50 per ticket. This enables you to get a full refund should you or anyone in your party be unable to attend due to injury, illness, adverse weather, vehicle breakdown, and many other unforeseen instances.
Advance permission should be sought from the venue for the use of flash photography or filming equipment.
Access
Our stalls and bar have step-free access from the street, and there is a loading bay in front of the building that is suitable for drop off. For all shows we reserve seats to suit a variety of access needs until the day of the show or until it is sold out, so you can access our shows no matter when you book.
For our full access information and how to join our access scheme, please visit our website, or contact our box office.
HOW TO FIND US
Car Parking
East Street NCP is our closest car park, with discounted tickets available when you book. Please ask for details.
OUR STAGE LEICESTER’S FUTURE
As a small independant venue without core funding The Y Theatre shares the current challenges of other arts sector organisations. Your help will ensure this Victorian treasure survives in the long term and also supports our work with residents of YMCA Leicestershire through our in-house training programme. This training aims to give our young people the opportunity to become the arts professionals of the future.
Donate today!
Scan the QR code or visit www.ytheatre.co.uk
THANK YOU
Grace Petrie, John Helps, Mercer Building Solutions, Jamie, Sam & Arabella Mollart and Rock Kitchen Harris. A special thank you to Stocks Taylor Benson for their hard work and generous support in the creation of our brand.
