Description
Bradford Literature Festival’s annual comedy night returns with a brilliant lineup of stand-up talent from across the UK and beyond, bringing quick wit, big laughs and unforgettable stories to the stage.
A stellar lineup including the fearless and charismatic Ola Labib and local comedy star Jack Carroll of Britain’s Got Talent fame.
Powerhouse performer Desiree Burch joins us as this year’s headline act, best known in the UK for appearances on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, and QI.
Hosted by Eshaan Akbar, they bring laugh-out-loud observations on everyday life, identity and the world around us.
Celebrate the start to the weekend with this lively evening of stand-up from some of the most exciting voices in UK comedy today. This is a night not to be missed.
The recommended age for this event is 16+.
The night’s not over yet. Join us for more with legendary Hacienda DJ Mike Pickering at A Lit Night Out.
Please note this event has changed from its original listing.
About the Comedians
Jack Carroll
Local-lad, Jack Carroll, is a Comedian, Actor and Writer. At 12 years old, Jack won a Pride of Britain award and was runner-up on Britain’s Got Talent at 14 years old. He co-wrote the short film, Mobility, which went on to win a BAFTA in 2024. He has appeared in Coronation Street, Doctors and Richard Osman’s House of Games, and performed stand-up on Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Live at the Apollo.
Ola Labib
Ola Labib is a pioneering British comedian known for her infectious charm, edgy material and wry humour, drawing on her Islamic and African upbringing. Labib became the first Black Muslim woman to perform at the O2 Arena while supporting Mo Gilligan. Labib television credits include Richard Osman’s House of Games and Comedy Central Live. Her debut show, pOLArising, toured to sold-out audiences in 2024.
Eshaan Akbar
Eshaan Akbar recently completed his UK tour, Can’t Get No Satisfakshaan. A stand-up comedian, writer, broadcaster and actor, he has appeared on Live at the Apollo, QI, Mock the Week, Celebrity MasterChef, The Last Leg, Sex Education, and Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales.
Eshaan voiced Rishi Sunak, Sajid Javid and Narendra Modi on Spitting Image and has hosted acclaimed podcasts for BBC Sounds and Audible, as well as his own BBC Asian Network radio show. His 2023 tour, The Pretender, earned praise from The Times, and he has sold out multiple Edinburgh Fringe runs and Soho Theatre transfers.
He has supported Micky Flanagan, including nine sold-out shows at The O2 Arena, alongside comedians such as Akaash Singh, Sindhu Vee and Kae Kurd.
Desiree Burch
Desiree Burch is a comedian, writer, actor, theatre-maker and NY-to-London transplant. Desiree has quickly and firmly established herself as one of the break out comic stars in the UK. She is the host and voice of Netflix’s smash reality hit, ‘Too Hot Too Handle‘ and recently hosted Live At The Apollo (BBC 2).
Desiree exploded onto the UK comedy scene, winning the 2015 Funny Women Award. Since then, she has appeared on, ‘Live at the Apollo’ (BBC), ‘Have I Got News For You’ (BBC), ‘Qi’ (BBC), ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’ (Channel 4), ‘Mock The Week’ (BBC2), and co-hosted Netflix series, “Flinch”.
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