A major new comedy festival is heading to one of London’s most iconic venues this summer. For the first time ever, stand-up comedy will take centre stage at Somerset House as Laughterama brings five days of laughter, big-name headliners and rising stars to the spectacular Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court from 29 July to 2 August 2026.

With seven specially curated shows featuring some of the biggest names in British comedy, this could be one of the hottest tickets in London this summer. Here are five reasons to put Laughterama on your radar.

1. Somerset House Is Hosting Stand-Up Comedy for the First Time

Few London venues can match the atmosphere of Somerset House. Over the years it has welcomed world-class musicians, outdoor cinema screenings and major cultural events, but this summer marks a significant first as live stand-up comedy arrives in the historic courtyard.

Set beneath the grand Georgian architecture and surrounded by the famous fountains, audiences will enjoy comedy in one of the capital’s most distinctive outdoor settings. If you’ve ever attended Somerset House’s summer concert series, you’ll know just how special the venue can be on a warm summer evening.

2. The Line-Up Is Packed With Comedy Heavyweights

Laughterama has assembled an impressive roster of comedy talent, bringing together household names, award winners and some of the most exciting performers currently working on the UK circuit.

Across the festival you can catch Josh Widdicombe, Dara Ó Briain, Sara Pascoe, Ross Noble, Tom Allen, Phil Wang, Nick Mohammed, Ed Gamble, Fern Brady, Nina Conti, Rosie Jones, Tim Key, Bridget Christie, Lou Sanders and Michelle de Swarte.

Whether you enjoy observational comedy, surreal storytelling, sharp political satire or brilliantly chaotic audience interaction, there is a show here with your name on it.

3. Every Night Offers Something Different

One of the most appealing aspects of Laughterama is its festival-style format.

Instead of a single headline act, each performance features a hand-picked bill of comedians, allowing audiences to discover new favourites alongside established stars. Every show showcases a mix of styles, voices and generations of comedy talent.

From Ross Noble’s wonderfully unpredictable storytelling to Dara Ó Briain’s razor-sharp wit and Nina Conti’s unique ventriloquism, no two nights are the same. The result is a festival designed to celebrate the full breadth of contemporary comedy.

4. It’s Backed by the Team Behind Some of Britain’s Best Comedy Festivals

Laughterama is produced by live entertainment company 57, the team behind the hugely successful Greenwich Comedy Festival and Laughterama Manchester.

Their events have earned a reputation for bringing together exceptional line-ups in memorable outdoor locations, attracting more than 100,000 comedy fans every year.

The Manchester edition has previously welcomed comedy stars including James Acaster, Frankie Boyle, Aisling Bea, Joanne McNally and Stewart Lee, helping establish Laughterama as one of the UK’s fastest-growing comedy brands.

5. It Could Be One of London’s Must-See Summer Events

Comedy and summer evenings are a perfect combination, and Laughterama promises plenty of both.

With food and drink available on-site, a stunning central London location and some of the most sought-after comedians in the country, the festival has all the ingredients for a memorable night out.

Whether you’re planning an evening with friends, a date night or simply looking for something different to do in London this summer, Laughterama offers the chance to enjoy world-class comedy in an unforgettable setting.

Book Your Tickets

Tickets for all seven performances are on sale now and are expected to be in high demand.

Booking: https://www.laughterama.com

Laughterama at Somerset House

Dates: 29 July – 2 August 2026

Venue: Somerset House, London

Tickets: From £37.40 including booking fee

Website: https://www.laughterama.com

With Somerset House hosting stand-up comedy for the first time and an outstanding line-up of performers taking to the stage, Laughterama looks set to become one of the comedy highlights of summer 2026.