Hardy Har Comedy Festival 2025

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to a Weekend of Laughter in Dorchester

Dorchester is about to get a whole lot funnier this summer as The Hardy Har Comedy Festival returns on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th July 2025 for two days of laughs, mischief, creative workshops, and some of the freshest comedy talent in the UK.

Taking over multiple venues across the town – including The Kings Arms, Dorchester Corn Exchange, Tom Browns Pub, The Convivial Rabbit, Nikki’s Little Play Cafe, Loving by Nature and The Secret Garden Café – this festival offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a devoted comedy fan, just fancy a few laughs, or want a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone.

With over 20 events planned, including stand-up, family-friendly shows, interactive workshops and free events, this year’s Hardy Har promises to be bigger and bolder than ever.

Friday 11th July – Day One: Work-in-Progress Gems & Laughs at Dusk

The opening day focuses on work-in-progress (WIP) shows – the raw, early-stage performances where comedians test new material and push creative boundaries. It’s the perfect chance to catch tomorrow’s comedy stars in an intimate setting before they hit the big time.

Evening Shows at The Kings Arms:

7:00pm – Kayleigh Jones: I Fed My Dad to a Pelican
A brilliantly surreal and sharply observed solo show from Kayleigh Jones, tackling family, grief, and absurdity with a unique twist. Expect the unexpected and prepare for a deeply human – and hilarious – journey. Tickets here.

8:00pm – Jack Campbell: Alcohol, Meat and Cigarettes
BBC New Comedy Award winner Jack Campbell returns with a new show exploring vice, family and personal transformation. Dry wit and heartfelt storytelling meet with Campbell’s trademark delivery.

8:30pm – Raj Adgopul: Just Off the Boat
Raj’s debut hour reflects on migration, cultural collisions and the bizarre experience of adapting to British life – all delivered with warm, self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp timing. Tickets here.

Elsewhere on Friday: Creative Mischief

Lily Maryon – Princess Sparkles – 6:30pm at Nikki’s Little Play Cafe
The kids have gone home, what happens at Nikki’s Little Play Cafe after hours? 18+ Tickets here

Pot ‘n’ Play – Comedy ‘n’ Clay – 7:00pm at The Secret Garden Café
Unleash your inner artist at this adults-only sculpt-and-snigger session. Guided by professional artists and comedians, you’ll shape clay, sip something refreshing and laugh all evening. Perfect for mates, dates and groups. Tickets here.

Comedy Open mic – With ‘Blow your own Trumpet’ – 8.00pm at The Convivial Rabbit
SOLD OUT

Saturday 12th July – Day Two: Family Fun, Stand-Up All Day & Festival Finale

Saturday offers something for every comedy-lover, from accessible family shows in the morning to a packed afternoon and evening of stand-up across multiple venues. It’s a day to explore Dorchester, wander between shows, and discover your new favourite act.

Morning & Afternoon Family-Friendly Highlights

10:30am – Puppet-Making Workshop (up stairs at Loving By Nature)
A hands-on activity for little ones and families. Make your own puppet, learn the basics of storytelling and puppeteering – and take home your new comedy sidekick!

1:00pm – Blue Badge Bunch: The Interactive Game Show (Corn Exchange)
Brilliant, fun, and fully accessible – this game show lets kids and families learn about disability in a joyful, laugh-out-loud format. “Taskmaster meets Sesame Street” and a highlight for all ages.

1:30pm – Paul Hilleard (Kings Arms)
Winner of the 2024 BBC New Comedy Award, Paull Hilleard blends fresh observational comedy with delightfully awkward anecdotes. A rising star with sharp punchlines and plenty of promise. Tickets here

Afternoon & Evening Stand-Up: Rising Stars & Edinburgh Previews

From 3pm onwards, settle in for a rolling programme of comedy across Dorchester:

Cerys Bradley – Intelligent, thought-provoking comedy covering identity, science and the personal in a way that’s relatable and funny. Tickets here.
Hasan Al-Habib – A favourite on the circuit, known for his storytelling style, big energy and heart. Tickets here.
Ed Night – Fringe favourite and TV regular returns with his latest take on being young, confused, and very online. Tickets here.
Tom Glover – One of the region’s best-loved comedians and your guide for the evening. Hosting, performing and always on form. SOLD OUT
Mike Dennis – The rapping violinist. Yes, really. Music, comedy and poetry merge in a genre-defying set. FREE ENTRY.

Venues Across Dorchester

The Hardy Har isn’t just about the stage – it’s a town-wide takeover of some of Dorchester’s best-loved venues:

The Kings Arms Hotel – Main stage for WIP and headliner shows
Dorchester Corn Exchange – Big crowd events and family activities
Tom Browns Pub – Comedy in a classic local with a lively atmosphere
The Secret Garden Café – Outdoor workshops and intimate comedy
The Convivial Rabbit
Nikki’s Little Play Cafe

Tickets & Booking Info

Most tickets are just £5, with some shows completely free.
Book online via www.thehardyhar.com
Book early – shows are in intimate spaces and often sell out!

Eat, Drink & Enjoy the Festival Vibe

Whether you’re grabbing pre-show dinner at The Kings Arms, a coffee between shows at The Secret Garden Café, or browsing the local artisan stalls and food pop-ups, The Hardy Har is just as much about atmosphere and community as it is about comedy.

The town will be buzzing all weekend – a perfect excuse to bring friends, support new talent, and enjoy the start of summer in true Dorchester style.