Victorious Festival: Frankie Boyle, Al Murray and Russell Howard in comedy lineup for Southsea summer event

The highly anticipated summer event - which will take place on Southsea Common on August 23, 24 and 25 - has announced its full comedy lineup today (May 1.) Building on the success of last year’s expanded comedy offering, Victorious will welcome some of the biggest and best names in comedy, adding even more value to an already jam-packed Bank holiday weekend.

Headlining Friday’s comedy lineup is Russell Howard, best known for writing and starring in 10 seasons of ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’. Russell will bring “positivity and laughter” to Victorious’ comedy stage off the back of a critically acclaimed UK and European tour.

Joining him will be comedy queen and BBC Radio 4 star Suzi Ruffell, returning to the festival following her “Dance Like Everyone’s Watching” tour, which gained her a nomination for Best Stand Up Show at the National Comedy Awards, and compere Emmanuel Sonubi, one of the hottest comedians on the comedy circuit right now who will host Friday and Saturday’s comedy offerings.  It has already been announced that Saturday’s headliner will be Frankie Boyle who is expected to “push the boundaries of humour while casting a light on societal issues with a confrontational full-frontal delivery”. Having taken a break from the stand-up circuit, Frankie will offer “topical observations” with sometimes vicious and polarising reflections on life, society, politicians, celebrity and consumer culture with equal measures of shock and laughter.

Joining him will be touring Filipina comedian, actress and writer Ria Lina known for her appearances on BBC’s Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, The Now Show and Mock The Week. Saturday’s stacked lineup also includes Fatiha El-Ghorri who will “challenge cultural preconceptions and stereotypes” with her unique brand of unapologetic stand-up. Acting as main support on the festival’s penultimate day is compere Justin Moorhouse, known for his regular TV and radio features leading proceedings.

As announced in the second wave, everyone’s favourite pub landlord Al Murray will be the Sunday headliner offering “classic British humour” at this year’s festival.

Eastenders star and Pompey panto favourite Shaun Williamson - known for portraying ‘Barry’ - Barrioke will also make its Victorious festival debut in the comedy and cabaret tent on the Sunday afternoon. Expect audience participation and plenty of laughs all rolled into one joyous karaoke session.

Elsewhere on the bill festival goers can enjoy Emmy Award-winning comedian Fiona Allen, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Abi Carter-Simpson and Paul McCaffrey (as seen on Live At The Apollo) plus performances from Brandon Palmer, Michael Frankland, Saaniya Abbas, Perry Reilly, Radu Issac and Andy Field. The comedy and cabaret tent will also welcome Southsea Alternative Choir, Bog Rolling Stones, Bloody Grungers, House of Anthems, Beatles for Sale, The South Side Racketeers, HYPR, Rewind and Bingo Bango.  

Sam Woodman, partnerships marketing manager at Wightlink which is sponsoring this year’s comedy and cabaret tent said: “Wightlink is delighted to sponsor The Big Top Comedy & Cabaret stage, at Victorious Festival. With such a fantastic line-up we look forward to adding even more laughter for festival goers.”

This year’s showstopping comedy lineup will take place alongside a stacked music bill featuring headline sets from Fatboy Slim (Friday), Jamie T (Saturday), Biffy Clyro (Sunday) and performances from Sugababes, Louis Tomlinson, Wet Leg, Courteeners, Pixies, Groove Armada (DJ set), Professor Green, James Bay and Razorlight. 

You can find out more information about the festival here: Victorious Festival 2024: Sugababes, Professor Green, James Bay, The Kooks and Razorlight to perform. You can book tickets here.