Four new one-night shows for autumn 2026 have just gone on sale at Birmingham Rep, including comedy from the stars of the legendary BBC TV show The Real McCoy, more laughter from some of the funniest females in the business with Ladies of Laughter, and festive mirth with Upfront Comedy Christmas Special.

Stand up with the Real McCoy – Black History Month Special | Saturday 17 October

Join them for an evening of live stand-up comedy with stars from the groundbreaking BBC comedy series The Real McCoy, the iconic show that changed the face of British comedy.

For this special event, the legends return to the stage for a laughter-packed spectacular full of sharp wit, cultural comedy and big stage energy, bringing the spirit of the classic series to life.

Hosted by one of the original stars of the show, Judith Jacob – bringing charisma, quick-fire humour and that unmistakable McCoy presence, and featuring stand-up comedy sets from acts who appeared on the show: Curtis Walker, a true McCoy original with timeless, feel-good humour; Richard Blackwood who made his comedy debut on The Real McCoy; and Toju, bringing fresh, fearless energy to a legendary line-up.

Experience nostalgic vibes and the kind of cultural commentary that made The Real McCoy iconic as they celebrate heritage, humour and unforgettable comedy.  Whether you grew up watching the series or you’re discovering these comedy heavyweights for the first time, this is your chance to see them live, raw and unfiltered.

Ladies of Laughter | Saturday 17 October

The Ladies Of Laughter are back, flexing their female funny muscles especially for you!

Acts include Tej Dhutia (BBC Asian Network), Noreen Khan (BBC Asian Network, BBC 1, BBC Radio 5 Live), Shazie Mirza (BBC, ITV, Channel 4), Stella Graham (comedian, writer and actor) and Naph Esa (one of comedy’s newer voices).

These kick ass comics are certain to leave you in stitches. So leave your worries at the door and join the Ladies Of Laughter for a night you won’t forget.

An Evening with Vidya Patel | Saturday 21 November

An Evening with Vidya Patel marks Vidya’s return to her home city of Birmingham, bringing together artists and live performance for an evening of dance, music and creative exchange, rooted in classical Indian dance and music.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Vidya Patel is a UK-based dance artist, choreographer, performer and collaborator whose practice is deeply shaped by her cultural heritage, upbringing and experiences of belonging. Trained in Kathak from a young age, Vidya’s work merges this classical Indian dance form with contemporary movement, drawing from dance, music, poetry and visual arts to explore themes of identity, memory, nature, well-being and empowerment.

Since representing the South Asian category on the inaugural BBC Young Dancer in 2015, Vidya has presented work at venues including Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Opera House, Southbank Centre, Tate Modern and the V&A. She has collaborated and performed with artists and companies including Sir Richard Alston, Gary Clarke, Hetain Patel, Thick & Tight, Orchestral Qawwali, Sampad and Akademi, alongside an ongoing creative collaboration with composer Shammi Pithia, designer Shankho Chaudhuri and others. She has made work for BalletBoyz and the National Ballet Company of Jersey, and continues to see how she can collaborate with other artforms. Her performance work has received three National Dance Critics Circle Awards nominations, alongside the Michele Fox Choreographic Award and Vic-Wells Award in 2023. 

Upfront Comedy Christmas Special | Wednesday 23 December

A Christmas comedy special featuring Aurie Styla introducing festive laughs from chirpy and cheerful Marlon Davis (Live at The Apollo), Birmingham’s own Jo Enright (Ricky Gervais’s Life’s Too Short; Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights), and English-Scottish online king Ali Woods.

Tickets go on public sale from midday on Friday 4 September. To book, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk