The live comedy industry in the UK contributes more than one billion pounds to the UK economy every year, according to a study by Brunel University London.
What's So Great About Comedians?
Comedy is a universal language that transcends words, allowing people to connect across cultures, backgrounds, and boundaries. Good laughs do more than break the ice; they build rapport, reduce tension and leave people feeling uplifted. A comedy speaker is the perfect choice for any event, ensuring guests leave with a smile on their face and cherished memories that can last a lifetime. But, with so many moving parts in an event, humour is one thing you don’t want to leave to chance.
What Makes A Great Comedian In 2026?
The very best comedians weave insight into their humour, offering not only laughter but also meaningful takeaways that resonate with listeners long after the event. With proven track records on stage, television, and tours, the comedians in our top ten list bring both reliability and star power, ensuring your event is memorable for all the right reasons.
Our Top 10 Comedians To Hire In 2026
Drawing from exclusive data gathered from 275 corporate event polls, Lousia Mason-Hayes offers her expert editorial opinion on who the Top 10 Comedians to hire in 2026 are. These thought leaders are renowned for their witty comebacks, relatability and infectious laughs.
1. Mo Gilligan
BAFTA Winning Comedian & Netflix Special Comic
Official corporate ranking: 9.9/10
Mo Gilligan is a man who needs no introduction. Known across Britain for his side-splitting humour and wonderful wit, he’s a phenomenal comedian and host whose ability to brighten any space he occupies sets him apart. Not only has Mo been recognised by The Times as “The Funniest Man in Britain”, but he has also worked alongside the likes of Russel Howard and James Corden to put smiles on the faces of comedy lovers across the nation. Naturally charismatic and impossible to turn your eyes away from, Mo has quickly become a beloved part of Britain’s comedy scene.
Official Testimonial for Mo Gilligan
"Riotous red-carpet relatability from a big-hearted comic" - The Guardian
2. Milton Jones
Mock Of The Week & Live At The Apollo Star
Official corporate ranking: 9.5/10
Milton Jones is known for his timely one-liners and deadpan comic delivery. Milton Jones is one of the best recognised British comedians, and not just for his iconic untamed hair. The award-winning stand-up has featured on every major comedy show, including piloting his own series, and his stand-up tours are renowned for selling out in an instant. Why not hire the versatile entertainer for your event, as a hilarious host or star of the show? He’s guaranteed to be a hit with audiences and the highlight of the occasion.
Official Testimonial for Milton Jones
"No-one can touch Jones when he hits his stride" - The Guardian
3. Jo Brand
Hailed By The Mirror As The Best Female Comic In The UK
Official corporate ranking: 9.3/10
Jo Brand is a BAFTA-winning comedian, actress and writer. Jo Brand is one of the nation’s most recognisable faces and television personalities. Jo left her everyday job as a psychiatric nurse in 1987 to pursue her dream career as a stand-up comic and TV comedian. Jo found success in shows such as Through the Cakehole and All The Way to Worcester, before appearing on hit shows such as Question Time, The Graham Norton Show and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
Official Testimonial for Jo Brand
"One of the UK's best comics" - Off The Kerb Productions
4. Jason Manford
Former 8 Out Of 10 Cats Captain & The One Show Presenter
Official corporate ranking: 9.1/10
Jason Manford is an award-winning comedian and former host of The One Show. Well known for his observational comedy, Manford has appeared on shows such as "8 out of 10 Cats", "Comedy Rocks" and "Would I Lie To You". A brilliant after-dinner speaker, Manford makes great speeches and is even better as an awards host. Manford first began his career in Manchester, and shortly after his first stand-up show, he quickly became the North West Comedian Of The Year.
Official Testimonial for Jason Manford
"Jason's stand up set was fantastic, and his professionalism was outstanding. I cannot thank him enough. His dedication and experience made this a memorable event, and one that all our guests enjoyed." - dabs.com
5. Katherine Ryan
Creator of Netflix's "Katherine Ryan: In Trouble" Comedy Special & Popular TV Presenter
Official corporate ranking: 9/10
Katherine Ryan is as funny as they get. The comedian writes, presents and acts, a powerhouse of creativity. Katherine's comedy is utterly unapologetic, as she fuses humour with socio-political issues to create a light-hearted, cathartic experience. Katherine has made waves internationally with her unique wit, appearing on American shows like The Fix. No stranger to the stage, Katherine has released not one, but two Netflix Specials: In Trouble and Glitter Room. She is now available to book for a myriad of events, appealing to audiences of all demographics who will be captivated by her anecdotes.
Official Testimonial for Katherine Ryan
"Words can’t describe how funny Katherine Ryan was at our Senior Management Strategy Day! Fantastically hilarious, relevant and an absolute delight to have her!" - Old Mill Group
6. Adam Kay
BAFTA Award-Winning TV Writer of "Mrs Brown's Boys"
Official corporate ranking: 8.9/10
Adam Kay is a renowned comedian and TV screenwriter, known for his work as a Screenwriter for Mrs Brown’s Boys and the Executive Producer of Crims. Adam’s natural comedic genius has allowed him to generate countless hours of entertainment for his avid viewers. Having performed various sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Latitude Festival and the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Adam is a renowned comic whose commanding stage presence makes him a hit with all ages. When looking for a talented corporate comedian, make Adam Kay your first choice.
Official Testimonial for Adam Kay
"Hilarious! Absolutely brilliant!" - HRH Prince William
7. Nina Conti
One Of Britain's Greatest Ventriloquists & British Comedy Award Winner
Official corporate ranking: 8.7/10
Nina Conti is a leading female ventriloquist available for hire for private parties. An excitingly different act for any corporate function, Conti cut her teeth appearing at various entertainment events and comedy festivals; her diverse, intelligent and wickedly funny stand-up comedy has garnered Conti several prestigious awards and led to headline live acts and prolific TV appearances.
Official Testimonial for Nina Conti
"Gut-bustingly funny and the crowd roared their approval throughout ... trust me, it is yet another ingenious, adventurous conceit that has had a real comic intelligence applied to it. This is a really well thought out, clever, witty and downright brilliant show. Wonderful entertainment performed by an artist at the peak of her powers." - The Mirror, UK
8. Jimmy Carr
Legendary Dark-Humoured Comedian & Winner of Multiple LAFTA Awards
Official corporate ranking: 8.5/10
Jimmy Carr is one of the most distinctive and original comedians of the modern era, attracting tens of thousands of fans to his live performances. As well as having renowned success on screen, he is commonly booked for corporate events, where he keeps audiences on the edge of their seats and in fits of laughter. An ideal comedian for a wide range of events, Jimmy tailors his adaptable comedy style to your theme and audience, ensuring that those in attendance have the time of their lives. True to his unique risqué style, guests will be unable to believe their ears when they hear Jimmy's satirical punchlines and dark humour-infused situational comedy.
Official Testimonial for Jimmy Carr
"Guests couldn't believe their luck when they heard Jimmy was the host." - Network Rail
9. Maisie Adam
Hilarious Stand-Up Comedian Who Has Featured On 'Mock The Week' & '8 Out Of 10 Cats'
Official corporate ranking: 8.3/10
Maisie Adam is fairly new to the field of comedy, only joining the circuit in 2016. However, she has not let that stop her, with her unique self-deprecating humour winning her the praise of her audiences time and time again. Initially, Maisie planned to follow a career in acting and writing; however, she instead decided to follow comedy. Maisie previewed her first show at the Ilkley Fringe, called Living On The Edge. Since then, her career has grown, performing at various well-known events. In 2017, she was nominated for Best New Comedy at the Brighton Fringe. A year later, she was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe, and on the 24th of August, she won the award. Maisie is the fourth woman to have ever won the award within the 30-year history, making her quite the celebrity.
Official Testimonial for Maisie Adam
"Maisie was excellent last night. Please let her know that we all loved her, she really engaged with the audience well and it was obvious she'd read the script for rehearsals which is a god send!" - The Spectre Awards 2023
Hire a Top Comedian Today!
Want laughter, connection and energy? Any of the comedians above will bring that. To book one of these comedy stars, or to talk through which one would be a perfect fit, contact us at Champions Speakers. Call us at 0207 1010 553 or fill out our contact form.
This exclusive article on the top comedians to hire in 2026 was authored by Lousia Mason-Hayes and has been vetted by exclusive research conducted by Champions Speakers across 275 events between 2022 and 2024, and vetted information from Brunel University London.
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