Comedian's set to hit main stage at Portsmouth's Victorious Festival for the first time

Comedians will be hitting the main stage at Victorious in Portsmouth for the first time this summer.

Stand-up comedian, actor, and host of The Masked Singer UK, Joel Dommett will lead Friday’s billing. Joel’s high-energy sets are bound to get the crowd laughing with infectious storytelling and trademark quick wit.

Supporting Joel will be Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell whose notoriety as the sharp shooting narrator of MTV’s Ex on the Beach and regular appearances on panel shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Mock the Week have helped Andrew reach the upper echelons of the IE/UK comedy circuit.

Saturday will see the arrival of critically acclaimed comedian Chris McCausland, a regular on shows like Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You?, and The Last Leg. Renowned for his observational humour and unique comedic perspective, Chris has been making waves across the UK with his sharp humour and often self-deprecating jibes, ensuring Saturday night is filled to the brim with big laughs.

Joining Saturday’s billing will be Jon Long, the unique stand-up and musical comedian known for his warm stage presence and side-splitting comedy songs. A favourite on the UK comedy scene, Jon’s critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe debut show ‘Planet Killing Machine’ has led to Jon developing prime time BBC Radio 4 programmes Extinction Compendium and the Carbon Lifeforms series.

Closing this year’s comedic extravaganza on the festival's final day, is the legendary Ruby Wax who has been flying the flag for female comedy for decades and is poised to bring her signature blend of sharp humour and insightful yet hilarious social commentary to the Victorious stage.

With a career spanning decades in comedy and television, Ruby is best known for 90s classic The Full Wax, Ruby Wax Meets..., The Ruby Wax Show and as script editor and actor for multiple eminent comedy series including Absolutely Fabulous. Ruby’s performance is set to be a must-see moment to round off the weekend with an extra special addition to be announced for Sunday’s comedy line up in the coming months.

Festival Director James Ralls said: “We’re beyond excited to bring such an incredible selection of world-renowned comedy talent to Victorious this summer.

"Comedy has become a huge part of our festival's offering over the past few years as we continue to expand on its success. To be able to showcase such a strong line up on the main stage is both a marker for our fan’s ever-growing love for comedy and also testament to our focus on expanding the offering year on year - 2025’s headliners are certainly setting the benchmark high!”