Taunton is set to welcome a major addition to its cultural calendar this spring with the launch of a new live comedy series, bringing nationally recognised stand up performers to the town as part of a professionally curated touring event.
Taking place on Friday 13 March 2026, the opening night will be staged in the 500 seat Queen’s Hall Theatre at Queen’s College, the largest seated theatre in Taunton and the surrounding area, delivering the scale, atmosphere and production quality audiences would expect from a national comedy tour, right in the heart of Somerset.
The event is being delivered in collaboration with Genius PR Events, ensuring the programme reflects the standard of acts currently performing across the UK’s established comedy circuit. Audiences can expect a polished evening of live stand up, carefully paced from opening moments through to a standout headline set, with refreshments available throughout and interval breaks to maintain a relaxed, social atmosphere.
The night will be hosted by Rory O’Hanlon, known for his sharp crowd work and appearances across Comedy Central and BBC comedy formats, setting the tone from the very first moments. He is joined by Ignacio Lopez, seen on Live at the Apollo, and Ian Murphy, whose work has featured on Comedy Central. The evening builds to a headline performance from Emmanuel Sonubi, one of the most exciting voices in British stand up today and a familiar face from Live at the Apollo and QI.
Speaking about the launch, Trish Caller, Owner of Genius PR Events, said:
“This is exactly the kind of night Taunton deserves. These are genuine, touring comedians who regularly perform on major UK stages, and we are thrilled to be bringing that level of live comedy to the town. This is not a novelty or a one off, it is the start of something we hope will become a real fixture for the local live entertainment scene.”
The venue itself plays a central role in the experience. With professional lighting, sound and raked seating, Queen’s Hall Theatre offers the capacity and technical capability required for touring calibre performances, allowing audiences to enjoy live comedy at a scale not previously available locally.
Zara Turner, Events Manager at Queen’s College, added:
“Queen’s has outstanding facilities and it is incredibly rewarding to be welcoming the wider public into them. Opening our theatre for events like this allows people to experience the space in a completely different way. Queen’s is very much a community hub for Taunton and the surrounding areas, and hosting high quality public events is an important part of that role.”
Designed as an easy and enjoyable Friday night out, the event is ideal for groups of friends, colleagues or anyone looking for a high quality live comedy experience here in Taunton. Located just minutes from the town centre, Queen’s Hall Theatre combines convenience with the feel of a large-scale touring show.
Reduced price early bird tickets are available until 2 February 2026.
Full event details and booking information can be found via the Queen’s College website.
Event details:
Date: Friday 13 March 2026
Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Venue: Queen’s Hall Theatre, Queen’s College, Trull Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4QS