The London Clown Festival has officially announced its 2026 lineup, marking a significant 10-year anniversary milestone. Running from 30 May through 13 July, the annual fixture of the capital's comedy scene will bring together an eclectic array of physical comedy and contemporary clown-influenced performances across two prominent venues: Soho Theatre and Jacksons Lane.
To celebrate a decade of performance, this year’s festival features a diverse mix of home-grown and international talent. Renowned artists from Poland, Mexico, Venezuela, Australia, Italy, and the United States will join top UK performers to showcase the global breadth of the timeless art form.
The festivities begin with the highly anticipated London Clown Festival Opening Cabaret. To accommodate the massive public demand for this perennially sold-out launch event, the showcase has moved to Jacksons Lane for 2026. Audiences will be treated to a varied sampler from festival regulars and premier guests, including Lara Ricote, Julia Masli, Dan Lees, Tom Penn, and Maya Ricote.
The extensive performance schedule boasts several notable highlights. Renowned international performer Carlo Jacucci will present his acclaimed solo show VITAMIN, while Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josh Glanc is set to debut a new work-in-progress production. Award-winning performer Dru Cripps will bring his signature improvised loopstation comedy to the stage in Juicy Bits, and the Chortle Award-nominated cult favorite Gutter – A Bouffon Comedy Ritual returns to offer its unique brand of dark, subversive satire. Additionally, Jamie Wood will stage a revival of his celebrated avant-garde homage, O No!.
Beyond the main stage productions, the festival continues its commitment to professional development within the creative community. This year's programming includes specialized educational opportunities, highlighted by an intensive two-day course titled "Puppetry for Clowns," led by Olivier-nominated actress and puppeteer Caroline Partridge.
Founded in 2016 by performers Dan Lees and Henry Maynard, the festival was established to expand the public perception of contemporary clowning. Full ticket details, workshop registrations, and complete family programming lists are available on the official festival website.
