Edinburgh Fringe Acts head to Hyde Park Book Club to cut their teeth as Work In Progress season returns
Some of the UK and international comedy scene’s biggest rising stars are heading to LS6 this summer as Hyde Park Book Club brings back its acclaimed Work In Progress preview season
One of Leeds' most popular independent cultural hubs is set to become a northern epicentre for live comedy this summer, as Hyde Park Book Club unveils its massive 2026 Work In Progress (WIP) programme.
Running throughout June and July, the annual summer season will see a wave of the UK, Ireland, and Australia’s most exciting comedic talents descend on the intimate LS6 venue.
The shows offer Leeds audiences an exclusive, first-look opportunity to watch established names and fast-rising creators test brand-new material in the venue’s cosy Snug space before they head to sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
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The venue has quickly built a reputation as a key northern launching pad for emerging comedy talent, with previous seasons hosting the likes of Live at the Apollo star Jack Skipper, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and recent Taksmaster contestant Amy Gledhill, Josh Jones, and local favourites like Tom Lawrinson and Joe Kent-Walters.
This year’s stellar line-up promises a sharp mix of established circuit veterans, Edinburgh award nominees, BBC New Comedy Award finalists, and viral online creators; among the major highlights announced is the return of Harry Stachini, fresh off a completely sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run in 2025.
Speaking about the performance in Leeds, Harry explains: "Leeds is one of my favourite places to gig. The audiences are always up for it, and Hyde Park Book Club is actually where I performed my first-ever tour show."
Joining him on the summer roster is an equally impressive collection of broadcast and international talent, including The Bugle co-host and acclaimed Australian broadcaster Alice Fraser, who was previously named by The Telegraph as one of the 50 funniest comedians of the 21st century.
She is joined by fellow Australian comedy heavyweight Tom Ballard, London-based stand-up and podcaster Horatio Gould, and Brennan Reece, who is widely recognisable from high-profile TV appearances on Live At The Apollo, Roast Battle, and Celebrity Coach Trip.
The 2026 programme will also heavily spotlight a curated selection of the most talked-about new generation comedy talent on the circuit, including Grace Mulvey, Marty Gleeson, Raj Poojara, Imogen Andrews, and Roger O’Sullivan.
Isabelle Allen, Programming Lead at Hyde Park Book Club, said: “Our hope as a venue is to become a hub for emerging comedy in the North, bringing exciting new work-in-progress shows to Leeds audiences before they head to the Edinburgh Fringe and beyond.”
The venue is kicking off its summer comedy offerings early with a couple of massive standalone dates; this weekend (May 24), Saturday Night Live UK star Ayoade Bamgboye brings her critically acclaimed debut show detailing a sharp, witty take on suffering and smiling to the Hyde Park stage.
Following that, on June 7, George Zacharopoulos arrives with Immigrateful - a fiercely intelligent, self-aware exploration of modern identity and belonging.
For the full line-up of shows, dates, times and ticketing information, visit the Hyde Park Book Club website - early bookings are recommended due to the limited space in the Snug.