25 Mar 2026
A line-up of top comedy talent has been added to the programme for this year’s Roman Theatre Open Air Festival – with award-winning comedians Richard Herring and Catie Wilkins kicking things off on Sunday June 7.
Richard is a household name in British comedy: host of the award-winning podcast RHLSTP, star of BBC Two’s Fist of Fun, award-winning writer, and creator of several infamous sell-out stand-up comedy tours – as well as being a familiar face on Channel 4’s current The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer.
Catie is an award-winning writer, comedian, children’s author and podcaster, and will be joining the festival fresh off the back of her Edinburgh Fringe hit, We’ll See.
Richard said: “As a history nut, I am thrilled to be playing one of the oldest venues in the UK and to feel that psychic connection to performers from centuries before. I understand I will be thrown to the lions if I fail to get enough laughs. Harsh but fair.”
Described as “a Morecambe and Wise for the 21st century”, Victor and Albert bring their sell-out riotous musical comedy to the Roman Theatre on Sunday July 5.
Aside from the comedy the festival’s musical evenings begin with the return of Our Friends Electric, the infectious 80s tribute band. Back by popular demand following last year’s sell-out success, the group returns on Wednesday July 22 to once again have audiences dancing in the Roman aisles to the iconic sounds of 80s synth-pop.
The captivating presence and soaring vocals of Kate Lindeman return to the theatre for a third year on Sunday August 2 for an evening of classical crossover pieces.
On Sunday August 9, local legend Tim Boatswain presents A Roman Theatre Spectacle – a bold blend of comedy and tragedy set against the authentic backdrop of the only fully exposed Roman theatre in Britain.
Audiences will witness the hilarious backstage battles between a pompous tragedian, a farcical comedian, and a clever actress, as their beleaguered manager struggles to maintain order. The company presents a medley of excerpts from Rome’s greatest playwrights – including Plautus, Seneca, and Terence, in a theatrical experience truly unlike any other.
Now in its 12th year, the OVO Roman Theatre Open Air Festival welcomes more than 16,000 visitors over the duration of its run. Tickets are on sale now priced from £15. Festival season tickets are also available now priced from £80. For more details visit www.ovo.org.uk
Our Friends Electric photo by Jane Evans.
