MPF2026: THE COMEDY STAGE
Manchester Punk Festival’s legendary Comedy Stage is back for 2026. It is louder, sharper and funnier than ever. A proud staple of the MPF line-up since 2018, it’s the perfect place to swap circle pits for punchlines and recharge without losing any of the attitude.
Once again, the stage is curated by Red Redmond (Punk Rock Elite podcast), guaranteeing a carefully crafted showcase of cutting-edge stand-up, cult heroes, local legends and future favourites. With former MPF comic Amy Gledhill now appearing on Last One Laughing, there’s every chance you’ll discover your next obsession before the rest of the country catches on.
History of Punk by Andrew O’Neill
Award-winning comedian, musician and best-selling writer Andrew O’Neill returns to MPF after being forced to cancel last year due to a broken foot — and they’re making up for lost time.
A psychedelic, non-binary whirlwind of surrealism, polemic and razor-sharp stagecraft, O’Neill brings their critically acclaimed show The History of Punk in full: a riotous, brainy and gloriously counter-cultural deep dive into the music and movement that shaped a generation.
Catch this triumphant MPF comeback live at The Salutation on Saturday 4th April.
Bethany Black
Comedian, actor and writer Bethany Black has over 20 years of stand-up experience and has toured alongside the likes of Joe Lycett and Paul Sinha.
She has written for shows including Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Mummy’s Big Queer Do, as well as providing jokes for guests across the panel show circuit.
“Comedy’s Henry Cavill” – Joe Lycett
Rob Mulholland
Co-host of the hugely popular Dead Men Talking podcast, Rob Mulholland is as fearless as he is funny.
“A relentlessly funny dickhead” – Rolling Stone (12 Must-See Acts at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024)
“A man-and-mic comedian at the peak of his powers – Recommended” – British Comedy Guide
“His material is clever, layered and acutely observed.” – Joe.co.uk
Red Redmond
MPF’s comedy curator and co-host of the Punk Rock Elite podcast, Red is one of the most in-demand compères on the circuit.
“The most likeable compère on the circuit” – Wow247
“Manipulates an audience masterfully… A rock-solid act” – Chortle
“Wonderfully alternative… Warm, smart and wholly loveable” – GiggleBeats
Sully O’Sullivan
New Zealand’s finest comedy export brings international energy to the MPF stage.
“A blast of hilarity” – Manchester Evening News
“This is comedy that transcends continents!” – Reykjavik Fringe
“Outrageously funny” ★★★★★ – One4Review
Eddie French
Co-host of the Punk Rock Elite podcast, Eddie French is a high-energy performer with razor-fast delivery and relentless momentum.
“Eddie might just be one of the best entertainers going today, and you’d be a fool to miss them if you get a chance to see them.” – Blizzard Comedy
“Their opening joke was superb… they built up a lot of momentum with fast-paced delivery.” – Notts Comedy Review
Pete Selwood
Yorkshire-born and rapidly rising, Pete Selwood blends expert storytelling with sharp observational punchlines. One of the hottest new names on the circuit.
“Wowed the crowd” – Liverpool Echo
Katie Zoe Mitchell
Selected for Best in Class at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023 and shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Award, Katie Zoe Mitchell has supported Andrew O’Neill on tour and built a cult following across Nottingham and Leicester festivals.
Her stand-up is surreal, whimsical, gothic and proudly LGBTQIA+.
“Quickly won over the crowd” – Wee Review
“Katie Mitchell is an example of everything comedy should be” – Mark Dean Quinn
Jack McLean
Hailing from Hull, Jack was named Hull New Comedian of the Year 2022 and Yorkshire Comedy Awards Best Breakthrough Act 2023. He opened the Chris Ramsey and Friends Gala Night at Hull Arena last year — and now brings that momentum to MPF.
Charlotte Cropper
Gigging regularly across the North West and Midlands, Charlotte combines playful charm with razor wit. A Chortle Student Comedy Award 2021 finalist, her digital work has been streamed by Funny Women and broadcast on BBC Upload. She is currently a Supported Artist at the New Adelphi Theatre.
“Grabs your attention and holds it” – Notts Comedy Review
“Thoroughly engaging presence” – Chortle
Maxine Wade
With blue hair and head-to-toe leopard print, Maxine Wade is impossible to miss — part Bet Lynch, part Just Stop Oil protester (her words).
BBC New Comedy Award Semi-Finalist 2023 and Yorkshire Comedy Awards Best Breakthrough Act 2023.
Tony Basnett
An upbeat North Easterner with mischievous charm, Tony has appeared at top comedy clubs nationwide and major UK music festivals. Expect playful crowd work and feel-good chaos.
Daniel Powell
Award-winning screenwriter and stand-up from West Yorkshire. A semi-finalist in So You Think You’re Funny? after just ten gigs, and writer of one of 2023’s “11 Best Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe.”
Beth Moore
★★★★
“Exceptionally winsome surrealism” – The Scotsman
Andrew Marsh
Co-host of Leeds Punk Cabaret: Valhalla of Decadence — bringing high-camp chaos and underground cabaret energy to the MPF weekend.
Punk attitude. Big laughs. Zero filler.
Whether you’re escaping the pit for an hour or making comedy your main event, the Manchester Punk Festival Comedy Stage 2026 promises sharp minds, loud voices and absolutely no polite applause.
Circle pits optional. Belly laughs guaranteed.
Grab your MPF2026 tickets here.
