The Grand Theatre unveiled its upcoming 2026/2027 season on Tuesday. Among the plays and musicals will be a new live comedy series.
“I’m a big fan of music, but I’m also a big fan of comedy. It felt like another form of performance that relates to theatre in many ways,” said Rachel Peake, the Grand’s Artistic Director.
It’s Peake’s third time planning out a season. Her own personal love of comedy, as well as conversations with audiences, drove the decision to introduce “Grand Laughs” to audiences.
“The opportunity to laugh together in public is such a beautiful act of community,” said Peake.
It’s a chance to reach more people, especially those unfamiliar with the building’s space, said Peake.
The Grand has two separate performance stages. The Auburn stage and its larger, older sibling, the Spriet stage.
The immense space and the venue’s reputation will help attract larger names, said Pat Tiffin. He’s been a stand-up comic for more than a decade.
Tiffin is also the co-founder of the London Sorry! Comedy Festival, which boasts both local and international talent.
“Not only are we competing with other cities for good comedians, but we’ve also produced a fair amount that have gone on past our borders,” said Tiffin.
With a wellspring of talent around, it also means there’s an audience itching for a laugh, which is exactly what Peake noticed.
Three comedy shows will take place at the theatre, including both stand-up and improv, starting in November. Four plays, two musicals, and five concerts were also announced.
