Virgin Voyages Confirms 2026 UK Comedy Fest Lineup from Portsmouth
Milton Jones, Lucy Beaumont, Babatunde Aléshé, Desiree Burch, Seann Walsh and Kae Kurd are among the familiar names joining Virgin Voyages’ 2026 UK Comedy Fest from Portsmouth.
Virgin Voyages Reveals Wider UK Comedy Fest Lineup for 2026
Virgin Voyages has revealed the performer lineup for its 2026 UK Comedy Fest sailing from Portsmouth, bringing a broad roster of recognizable comedy names, panel show regulars, live circuit favorites and rising stars to Valiant Lady.
The seven-night sailing departs Portsmouth on August 20, 2026, with calls in Bruges, Amsterdam and Hamburg before returning to the UK. Unlike the 2025 UK Comedy Fest, which was built around previously announced performer Jack Whitehall, the 2026 edition takes a wider approach, with a larger group of familiar names from shows including Mock the Week, Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, Celebrity Gogglebox, QI and Would I Lie to You?.
A Broader Comedy Lineup for the 2026 UK Sailing
The lineup brings together several comedians with strong mainstream recognition alongside performers known for improv, viral comedy, radio, podcasts and live touring. The mix includes classic one-liners, observational stand-up, storytelling, panel show favorites, improv, audience interaction and newer comics with strong online followings.
Virgin Voyages has not yet confirmed the full schedule for each act, but comedy programming is expected to make use of several venues across Valiant Lady, including The Red Room, The Manor and On the Rocks. The Red Room is the ship’s main flexible theater space, while The Manor often hosts late-night entertainment and special performances. On the Rocks, one of the largest bars onboard, is also a natural fit for more informal live entertainment.
Familiar TV Names and Live Comedy Favorites
Milton Jones
Milton Jones is one of the UK’s most recognizable one-liner comics, known for his surreal wordplay, rapid-fire delivery and long-running appearances on Mock the Week. He has also appeared on Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Richard Osman’s House of Games, with live tours that have played to large audiences across the UK.
Lucy Beaumont
Lucy Beaumont brings a distinctive comic voice to the lineup, with credits including Meet the Richardsons, Taskmaster, Would I Lie to You?, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and QI. A writer, actor and stand-up, Beaumont is also known for co-writing Channel 4’s Hullraisers and for her acclaimed BBC Radio 4 work.
Babatunde Aléshé
Babatunde Aléshé is one of the most familiar faces in the lineup, with appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show and The Last Leg. His warm, high-energy style and successful stand-up tours have made him a popular live performer as well as a regular presence on British television.
Desiree Burch
Desiree Burch adds an international edge to the UK Comedy Fest lineup. Originally from New York and now based in London, she is known globally as the host and voice of Netflix’s Too Hot To Handle. Her UK credits include Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, QI, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out of 10 Cats.
Seann Walsh
Seann Walsh brings observational comedy and a distinctive live style to the sailing. His credits include Live at the Apollo, Tonight at the London Palladium, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Celebrity Juice, Stand Up Central and Netflix’s Flinch. He also hosts the podcast What’s Upset You Now? with Paul McCaffrey.
Kae Kurd
Kae Kurd is one of the fastest-rising names in British stand-up, combining sharp writing with big laughs and socio-political insight. His credits include Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Celebrity MasterChef and The Apprentice: You’re Fired. He has also fronted his own Sky series, Sets & Reps, and performed at London’s O2 Arena.
More Performers Joining the Sailing
The wider roster adds further depth, with comics known for panel shows, radio, improv, viral clips and acclaimed live work.
| Name | You Might Know Them From |
|---|---|
| Laura Smyth | Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You?, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, The Jonathan Ross Show, Richard Osman’s House of Games, her ARIAS Gold-winning BBC Radio 4 special I Don’t Know What to Say, and the Radio 4 series Your Mum |
| Aurie Styla | Richard Osman’s House of Games, Comedy Central Live, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Don’t Hate the Playaz, BBC Radio 4’s Tech Talk, and his award-winning special GREEN |
| Jack Skipper | The Stand Up Sketch Show, Comedy Central Live, viral social clips, support slots for Michael McIntyre and Josh Widdicombe, Best Debut Show at Leicester Comedy Festival, and a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards |
| Louise Young | Comedy Central Live, Channel 4’s Original Comedy Shorts, BBC Radio 4’s Fred at The Stand, her Edinburgh show Feral, support slots for Jason Manford, Alan Carr, Tom Davis, Angela Barnes and Tom Allen, and a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards |
| Matt Richardson | The Xtra Factor, Virgin Radio, Red Bull Soapbox Race, Just Tattoo of Us: The Aftermath, When No One’s Watching with Matt Willis, and finalist spots in So You Think You’re Funny? and the Chortle Student Comedy Award |
| Travis Jay | Late Night Mash, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Spitting Image, Netflix’s Supacell, ITVX’s Deep Fake Neighbour Wars, Black, British & Funny, and supporting Dave Chappelle on tour |
| Ken Cheng | Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, Celebrity Eggheads, BBC Radio 4, Dave’s Best Joke of the Fringe, the BBC New Comedy Awards, and his “LinkedIn comedian” satire |
| Darren Walsh | Dave’s Joke of the Edinburgh Fringe, the UK’s first Pun Champion title, viral street videos, rapid-fire puns, visual gags and multimedia comedy |
Improv and Interactive Comedy at Sea
The lineup also includes International Improv Allstars, bringing together Stephen Frost, Steve Steen and Ian Coppinger for a fast-moving improv show built around audience suggestions.
The format should be a strong fit for a Virgin Voyages sailing, where comedy can work beyond traditional seated theater shows. With no fixed script, each performance is shaped by the room, giving Sailors a different experience each time.
Voyage Details: UK Comedy Fest from Portsmouth
- Ship: Valiant Lady
- Dates: August 20 to 27, 2026
- Length: 7 nights
The voyage sails roundtrip from Portsmouth before heading to Bruges, Amsterdam and Hamburg.
With two sea days, Virgin Voyages has room to spread Comedy Fest programming across the sailing alongside Valiant Lady’s usual dining, nightlife and entertainment.
Source: Virgin Voyages Official App: Voyage Lineup
