Those looking for the best in Brighton’s entertainment will no doubt have Brighton’s Dome on their to visit list. The iconic regency building is a quintessential part of Brighton’s scenery, and is home to top-quality theatre, music and dance shows, as well as workshops and the iconic annual Brighton Festival. And across October 2025, it will be host to Brighton Dome Comedy Festival, with big names like Off Menu and Traitor’s Uncloaked’s Ed Gamble, Rosie Jones and Richard Aoyade tickling your funny bone.
Live at Brighton Dome kicked off the Brighton Dome Comedy Festival on October 18, with a star-studded and hilarious lineup. Brighton Dome was a great venue to see the comedy in, thanks to the impressively spacious concert hall, which is intimate enough to feel that you are surrounded by a receptive, warm and vocal crowd. Drinks were available at the bar before the night began and during the two intervals, though be prepared for the fact that they don’t exactly come cheap. Members of the Dome, however, enjoy 20% discount at the bars, as well as supporting the range of talent and music education opportunities on offer.
The night was excellently hosted by Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Amy Gledhill, who warmed us up and kept us entertained throughout the night with some excellent crowd work and hilarious physical comedy. Before long, she introduced us to our first act of the night: Taskmaster and Celebrity Traitors legend Lucy Beaumont. Lucy Beaumont gave us an insight into her often-presented ‘ditzy’ side, with a series of anecdotes of technological and parenting mishaps, before humorously reminiscing on the absurd aspects of her childhood in Hull in the 80s and 90s.
After a short interval, we were introduced to the awesome Limahl Germain, whose smooth, laid-back delivery worked exceptionally well, reflecting on modern life and his childhood in East London, the horrors of a family trip to Shoezone and the all-important question: just when is it cold enough to switch on the heating? Next up was Rhys James, as seen on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, who didn’t shy away from Mock-ing not only The Week but also the audience: good-naturedly teasing the Brighton audience for its privileges, while simultaneously reflecting on the cost of living with palpable confidence and acerbity.
Our headliner for the night was the award-winning Ed Gamble, relatable despite his self-deprecating reflection on his private school upbringing in Wimbledon. His routine was expertly structured, keeping us hooked and laughing ‘till the end through stories of Neighbourhood WhatsApp groups, and his imminent turning 40. At the end, he surprised even himself by closing on a comparison of his penis to Gonzo from The Muppets, and we got a glimpse into his unscripted humour with a truly ad-hoc attempt at closing the act on a more wholesome note.
The evening was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, and the variety of subject matter and delivery style was excellent.
To catch more sensational acts and performances, be sure to pay a visit to Brighton Dome.
Brighton Dome Comedy Festival runs until October 26.
