Get ready to sharpen your spectacles and iron your oversized collars – the big shoes are coming to town. After a stellar debut that left audiences craving an encore, The Comedy Forum is officially returning to the Billingham Forum for its second instalment.
On Friday 17th April, the venue will transform into a hub of high-energy wit and cutting-edge absurdity, led by one of the most iconic figures in British entertainment: the one and only Harry Hill.
For nearly three decades, Harry Hill has remained one of the UK’s most cherished performers. From his early, ingenious cult hits on BBC Two and Channel 4 to the record-breaking, multi-award-winning decade of ‘Harry Hill’s TV Burp’, his surreal observations have become part of the British comedic DNA. Whether you know him as the voice of ‘You’ve Been Framed’, the chaotic host of ‘Alien Fun Capsule’, or the charming presenter of ‘Junior Bake Off’, Hill’s brand of comedy transcends generations. His headline set at the Billingham Forum promises to be a masterclass in the ridiculous, proving why he remains a titan of the circuit.
The 2026 line-up isn’t just about the headliner. Ignacio Lopez, often hailed as ‘Spain’s Best Export’, has become a familiar face on UK screens with standout performances on ‘Live At The Apollo’ and ‘Have I Got News For You’. His comedy offers a uniquely sharp perspective on British culture through a Spanish lens. Representing the next generation of comedians is Oliver Bowler, a rising star whose fresh energy complements the more established performers on the bill. Steering the evening is Sunderland’s own Matt Reed, whose reputation for being ‘affably brutal’ makes him the ideal compere to keep the energy flowing from start to finish.
The Comedy Forum has quickly established itself as a must-attend event in the region. With a line-up this strong, tickets are expected to vanish faster than a knitted character in a sketch from ‘TV Burp’. Mark your calendars for Friday 17th April – it’s time to discover which is better: laughter, or even more laughter? There’s only one way to find out…FIGHT!
Tickets, priced from £36.00 in advance, are available at forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk.
