The past few years have been challenging for most people, with rising living costs, strikes, war, a pandemic, and lockdowns. However, with the start of a new year, comes new possibilities, and

London's comedy scene is gearing up to help people laugh their troubles away. Below are some of the top comedy festivals in London in 2023:

Just for Laughs Festival, Until March 5

The Just for Laughs Festival is an international comedy festival held at the O2 in London, and it features some of the biggest names in entertainment. The 2023 line-up includes The Graham Norton Variety Show, Maximum Effort by Ryan Reynolds, and Comic Relief hosted by Richard Curtis. The festival will also feature a special performance by Basil Brush. This is a fantastic opportunity for comedy lovers to see their favorite comedians and have a good laugh.

Vault Comedy Festival, Until March 19

The Vault Comedy Festival brings together some of the best comedy acts and is the perfect chance to see fresh material from top performers. The festival features the world's only live-action, text-based adventure game, with programs showcasing award-winning artists fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe and Edinburgh Comedy Awards. The Vault Comedy Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves comedy.

Peckham Fringe, May 5– June 4

The Peckham Fringe takes place at Theatre Peckham and features productions of both sketch and stand-up comedy. The festival was created to give new comedians the chance to try out new material in a supportive environment with fewer financial risks than other festivals. The festival is a great way to discover new talent and support up-and-coming comedians.

Weapons Of Mass Hilarity Comedy Festival, June 2 to June 4

The Weapons of Mass Hilarity Comedy Festival is the only comedy event showcasing Middle East/SWANA heritage. The festival was previously featured in The Guardian, and tickets often sell out quickly. The festival is a fantastic opportunity to see comedians from different backgrounds and cultures.

Wandsworth Arts Fringe, June 9 to June 25

The Wandsworth Arts Fringe is supported and funded by Wandsworth Council and brings an eclectic program of arts and culture to the festival. The festival features cutting-edge theatre and comedy, music concerts, art exhibitions, experimental performance art, and outdoor art extravaganzas. The Wandsworth Arts Fringe is an excellent opportunity to see a diverse range of performances and support local artists.

In conclusion, the London comedy scene has something for everyone, whether you are a fan of stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, or experimental performance art. Attending one or more of these festivals is a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life and have a good laugh. So, mark your calendars and get ready to laugh your troubles away! Photo by Laragiddingsofficial, Wikimedia commons.