Titters in Derbyshire…
Just the Tonic Comedy Club is bringing its much-loved Comedy Shindig to the stunning grounds of Elvaston Castle and Country Park for the first time – promising a weekend of top-tier comedy in a glorious open-air setting from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th July 2025.
Darrell Martin, Founder Just The Tonic:
We’re buzzing to bring this kind of top-drawer comedy to Elvaston Castle. It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend full of laughs, great food, and good company in one of the most beautiful settings in the East Midlands.”
Audiences can expect an all-star lineup of comedic favourites, including the inimitable Johnny Vegas, one-liner king Gary Delaney, otherworldly funny man Clinton Baptiste, the razor-sharp wit of Tom Stade and the brilliantly observational humour of Scott Bennett. They’ll be joined by an exciting supporting cast of award-winning performers and rising stars, making for a weekend packed with unmissable entertainment.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Elvaston Castle, this outdoor comedy weekender is a brand-new addition to the summer calendar – combining the best in British stand-up with a vibrant festival vibe. With food, drink and belly laughs on offer all weekend, the Comedy Shindig promises to be a highlight of the 2025 summer season.
Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just looking for a unique day (or night) out, this is the perfect chance to experience stand-up in one of the East Midlands’ most scenic locations.
Clinton Baptiste:
“I am very excited about playing such a spooky place as Elvaston castle. The ghosts down the ages have promised to show up when I summon them. (*NB no money back if they don’t.)”
Friday 4th July Gigs:
Clinton Baptiste is the outrageous clairvoyant, medium and psychic from Peter Kay’s ‘Phoenix Nights’. Since reviving the character, Clinton has become a cult figure, offering hilariously unfiltered spirit readings and side-splittingly awkward audience interactions. His live shows are a wild blend of the supernatural and the absurd.
Tom Houghton offers a rare blend of posh-boy charm and razor-sharp wit. With a background in reality TV and a growing reputation as a live comic, Tom delivers polished routines full of anecdotes from his life growing up in a castle to navigating modern social norms. He’s also host of the hit podcast ‘Class Dismissed’.
Rob Rouse is a dynamic performer known for his physical comedy, unpredictable storytelling, and infectious energy. With TV credits including ‘Upstart Crow’ and ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, Rob combines theatrical delivery with real warmth, making him one of the most engaging live acts on the circuit.
Nina Gilligan is a powerhouse of a performer whose bold and brutally funny comedy has won her awards and accolades across the UK. With a style that’s both fierce and fabulously funny, Nina tackles everything from personal experiences to social issues with infectious energy and biting humour.
Sally-Anne Hayward:
“Can’t wait to ruin the beauty of Elvaston Castle with my potty mouth. “
Saturday 5th July Gigs:
Gary Delaney is one of the UK’s premier one-liner comedians. A regular on BBC’s ‘Mock The Week’, Gary is known for his razor-sharp wit and ability to deliver an onslaught of puns and perfectly crafted jokes. His style is clever, fast-paced, and relentlessly funny.
Canadian comedian Tom Stade is famous for his laid-back charisma and brutally honest take on modern life. With appearances on shows like ‘Live at the Apollo’ and ‘The Comedy Roadshow’, Tom brings sharp social commentary and a rock ‘n’ roll attitude to the comedy stage, all delivered with a glint in his eye and irresistible charm.
Oliver Bowler is a fresh voice on the UK comedy scene, quickly gaining attention for his unique take on everyday life and engaging, offbeat humour. With an affable stage presence and smart material, Oliver is quickly carving out a space as one of the circuit’s most promising new acts.
Rich Wilson has been performing stand-up internationally for over 15 years. His no-nonsense approach and relatable material have made him a favourite with comedy audiences around the world. He’s also the host of the critically acclaimed podcast ‘Insane in the Men Brain’, tackling mental health and masculinity with heart and humour.
Tom Houghton:
“I’m delighted to be performing at Elvaston castle. Having spent a long time living in the Tower of London, it’s going to feel very homely. Hopefully there will be less head chopping going on at this one though”
Sunday 6th July Gigs:
Johnny Vegas is a household name in British comedy, known for his distinctive voice, manic energy, and larger-than-life stage presence. With a career spanning stand-up, television, and film, Johnny has become an iconic figure through his work on shows like ‘Benidorm’, ‘Ideal’, and countless panel shows. He brings raw honesty and hilarious unpredictability to the stage, making every performance uniquely memorable.
Scott Bennett has rapidly established himself as one of the UK’s most in-demand comics. Praised for his relatable storytelling and sharp observations, he was named by Chortle as one of the breakthrough acts of recent years. Scott has appeared on BBC One’s ‘Live at the Apollo’ and Radio 4’s ‘The News Quiz’.
Sally-Anne Hayward blends warm, observational comedy with a sharp wit and a genuine connection to the audience. A familiar face at comedy clubs and festivals across the UK, she’s also been featured on BBC Radio and Channel 4. Her clever storytelling and down-to-earth humour make her a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Jack Skipper rose to prominence through viral online comedy sketches and has translated that success into a strong stand-up career. His relatable style, natural charm, and strong punchlines make him one of the most exciting new comedians emerging from the UK scene today.
Rob Rouse:
“I can’t wait to play Elvaston Castle! I’ve always thought that the ‘portcullis’ is the most sensible door choice on any home. I’m also a huge fan of the ‘drop latrine’ lavatory system which I’m also looking forward to having a go on”
Comedy Shindig, Elvaston Castle & Country Park, Derbyshire DE72 3EP. Tickets available at: www.justthetonic.com/elvaston-castle-comedy
