Wingerworth Comedy Club (September 2025)

Event information

Wingerworth Comedy Club is back after the summer break! We’re returning with three more amazing acts and big laughs right here on your doorstep, all presented by your (local resident...) resident MC Carl Jones!

Don’t miss out - these tickets sell very quickly every time and we’re strictly limited on capacity so book early to avoid disappointment.

HEADLINE ACT: ROB ROUSE

As seen on Ben Elton’s hit BBC2 Shakespeare sitcom ‘Upstart Crow’, Rob is one of comedy’s most lively, loveable and dynamic headliners.

Winning the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition at the Edinburgh Festival way back in 1998, he’s one of our best comic storytellers, has performed all over the world and works long form narratives into hard-hitting, uncompromising hilarious tales filled with warmth and a sense of compassion for our collective human frailties.

The Ex-Geography teacher has been described critically as “A born clown”, those who really know him may lovingly use the word ‘idiot’.

You may also recognise him from 8 out of 10 cats, Spoons, The Friday Night Project, Celebrity Juice, Dave’s One night stand, John Bishop’s Only Joking, Live at the Comedy store, maybe collecting one of his wife’s eBay purchases from your garage or perhaps seen him at one of his 8 Edinburgh fringe shows or 3 UK tours.

“He’s a man with genuinely funny bones” THE SUNDAY TIMES

“Rob Rouse is a born clown, a latter-day Stan Laurel” TIME OUT

“The tears of laughter came in floods… a sustained piece of observational storytelling which just peaked and peaked… he is prepared to go to the bleakest and most uncomfortable places….the real reason is simply that he is a great storyteller, of the kind who is able to blur the boundaries between fact and fiction to get at the truths of life and death which lie behind their tale.” THE SCOTSMAN

‘Every single one of these everyday observations and shared recognitions is blown out of the mainstream by his electric-shock treatment of the material…You want to hug his brain for coming up with this stuff, even as you want to wash his mouth out with soap for saying it.’ THE HERALD

★★★★★ “Comedy guaranteed to lighten even the darkest of moods… always a step ahead of your expectations…” EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

★★★★★ “Bursting with originality, energy and enthusiasm, Rob Rouse is a delirious but hilarious man” THE LIST

★★★★ “Left the audience in a giggling slobbering heap” EDINBURGH FESTIVAL MAGAZINE

SUPPORT FROM:

KAREN BAYLEY

Karen Bayley is a Midlands based act hailing from Birmingham and has been a gem of the comedy circuit for over two decades.

Delightfully saucy, her friendly and confident stage presence, combined with a killer wit, an infectious giggle and some devastating one-liners make her a comedic force to be reckoned with a warm and welcoming with a delightfully saucy and spiky edge, her bold, no nonsense attitude strikes a perfect pitch for any audience.

A highly in demand act on the circuit, she has also performed all across the globe including Dubai, Belgium, Norway as well as on Virgin Cruise Ships.

In the past Karen has done tour support for Joe Lycett & Jason Manford, and we can't wait to bring her to Wingerworth!

“Bayley’s material surprises with inspired and sparkling punchlines…with comic timing that is rarely less than brilliant. An assured performer who doesn’t have much trouble getting audiences laughing” - Chortle

“Likeable headstrong persona- packing a considerable performing punch” - The List

“Karen is one of the most consistently hilarious comedians I have had the pleasure of working with . She’s a sharp writer and an unflappable compère, able to cajole any room with her warm audience interaction and precise intelligent gags” - Joe Lycett

JON PEARSON

A comedy giant in more ways than one, his 2015 Daves Leicester Comedy Festival show, Jon Pearson: Tall Order, sold out at Melton Theatre within 2 weeks of the tickets going on sale.

Jon's laid back storytelling has audiences hanging on his every word. With tales based around his own life experiences, his anecdotes are relatable and certain to have people in hysterics.

"Very tall and hugely funny" - Lucy Porter

"Brilliant" - Shropshire Star

"Looks at home, microphone in hand, in front of a crowd" - Notts Comedy Review

"A natural ability for working an audience" - EdFringeReview.com

...and your host, CARL JONES.

Blending a mix of hilarious storytelling with warm and quick-witted audience interactions, the award-winning host of hit podcast When Football Began Again is sure to enhance any lineup.

“Very funny…a breezily entertaining half-hour from a likeable comic.” – Chortle


FAQS

WILL YOU BE SERVING ALCOHOL?

We will be running ‘bring your own booze’ again and will NOT be serving alcohol. You’re welcome to bring your own and we hope to have some light refreshments available on the night for a small fee.

CAN I BRING CHILDREN?

The minimum age for this event is 15. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Please bear in mind that the comedians will be using strong language and adult themes throughout.

I DON’T WANT TO PAY A BOOKING FEE - CAN I GET TICKETS OFFLINE?

Yes! The team at The Barley Mow are supporting this event and you can buy tickets from behind the bar while stocks last. Please do hang around for a drink and/or food and help us support our local pub through this event.

WHAT TIME WILL THE NIGHT FINISH?

We anticipate our headline act will be finishing around 10.15pm, when we’ll be encouraging everyone to head to the Barley Mow for last orders!

I’VE SEEN BABY REINDEER - CAN I CHAT DURING THE ACTS, HECKLE, BREAK INTO SONG OR FOLLOW ANY OF THE ACTS HOME?

Please don’t! Wingerworth isn’t really on the comedy map (yet…) and all of our acts are trusting us that it’s going to be a fabulous audience. So bring your laughing gear and let’s have another great night. Our (local resident…) resident MC Carl is unable to hang anyone’s curtains.

IS THERE RESERVED SEATING?

All our seating is unreserved. The front row isn’t as daunting a place as people think, but if you do turn up late then we can’t promise that won’t be the only seats left…

WHERE CAN I PARK?

The venue has very limited parking so we’d encourage walking or being dropped off wherever possible. The Barley Mow have kindly offered their car park as an overflow so why not park your car there and have a drink before joining us? #supportyourlocalpub

WHERE CAN I EAT/DRINK BEFORE THE SHOW?

Our friends at the Barley Mow are running food and drink offers on the night! Just mention you’re heading to the show to claim these offers (and to ensure you’re in the venue by 7.30!)

2 x 12inch pizza £18.95

20% off the grill menu

Bottle of prosecco £16.95

Double up spirits for £2.50 extra

3 shots for £5

Cask ale £3.50 pt