Who Is The Comedian Paul Mccaffrey And Where Is The UK Tour 2026 Show?

Ever feel like the world is spinning off its axis and you're just trying to hang on? You're not alone. It seems top comedian Paul McCaffrey feels exactly the same way. He’s getting ready to hit the road again in 2026 with a brand-new show that perfectly captures that feeling of trying to keep it together when everything else is falling apart. Presented by Off The Kerb Productions, the ‘What a Time to Be Alive’ UK tour 2026 is shaping up to be the perfect night out for anyone who needs a good laugh at the madness of modern life. This is the stand-up event people will be talking about, and tickets are expected to go fast.

What's this new show all about?

The new show is called ‘What a Time to Be Alive’, and the title says it all, really. It’s about the sheer absurdity of living in today's world. Life can be tough, and it often feels like the things designed to make our lives easier just add more stress. Think about being stuck in an endless loop with a customer service chatbot that doesn't understand a word you're saying, or trying to navigate a self-service checkout that has an 'unexpected item in the bagging area' meltdown over a bag of crisps. These are the daily battles Paul McCaffrey is turning into comedy gold. The comedian finds himself struggling with it all. He’s also adapting to life as an older dad, which brings its own set of hilarious challenges. On top of that, having just turned 50, he’s noticed his body is starting to feel a bit like the NHS – underfunded and on the brink of collapse. It’s a relatable struggle, and Paul’s stand-up promises to find the humour in these universal frustrations.

Paul himself puts it best:

‘I’m from a different era and preferred it. My childhood now feels like an episode of ‘How We Used To Live’ when the only things getting delivered were the newspapers and milk, not vapes on Uber Eats from a shop half a mile from your house! At 50, I’ve accepted that I’m never going to be a rock star like my heroes, but I was invited to perform stand-up before one of my favourite bands, and you can hear how that golden opportunity played out. So come along! Going out feels like a hassle, I get it. I’d rather be at home (alone) with my feet up as well but if you drag yourself off the sofa, I promise to give you a night full of big laughs.’

This sums up the heart of the show: a hilarious look back at a simpler time, combined with the struggles of accepting you're not going to be a rock star and the sheer convenience-gone-mad of modern life.

A comedian who's been there, done that

If the name Paul McCaffrey sounds familiar, it’s because he’s one of the most respected names in British comedy. He's not just some newcomer; this comedian has a seriously impressive CV. People might recognise him from his brilliant performances on huge TV shows like Live At The Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News, or BBC Three’s Impractical Jokers. Appearing on Live at the Apollo is a massive milestone for any comic, cementing their place at the top of the UK stand-up scene. He’s also been the handpicked support act for comedy giants Sean Lock and Kevin Bridges, touring the country and performing in front of massive crowds. He’s an award-winning comedian who regularly headlines the biggest comedy clubs up and down the country. Beyond the clubs, he has smashed it at numerous critically acclaimed Edinburgh shows, which are a true test of any stand-up act's mettle. His talent also extends to major music festivals like Reading, Leeds, Bestival, and Latitude, proving he can get a laugh out of just about any audience. This extensive experience is why his show is so highly anticipated.

What the big names are saying

It’s not just audiences who think Paul is brilliant. Critics and industry insiders have been singing his praises for years. Rolling Stone magazine gave him an incredible review, saying, ‘Simply put, Mccaffrey is a f***ing superstar. A GOAT tier stand-up who just gets better, and better.’ That’s some high praise from such a legendary publication. Other critics agree:

• ‘Born to be a comic’ - The Scotsman
• ‘The relaxed, assured confidence of a stadium filler’ - Chortle
• ‘A total natural, his storytelling is utterly unique and never anything less than gut-bustlingly hilarious’ – GQ

With reviews like these, it’s clear that this is a stand-up show you don’t want to miss.

Your complete tour schedule for 2026

Ready to grab your tickets? The general sale begins at 11 am on Friday, 12th September. Here is the full tour schedule, so you can find a date and venue near you. There are plenty of chances to catch him, including a show on a Thursday in Glasgow as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Date	City	Venue
Thursday 12 February	Stourbridge	Katie Fitzgerland’s Fitz Of Laughter
Friday 13 February	Gosforth	Civic Theatre
Wednesday 11 March	Hemel Hempstead	Old Town Hall
Thursday 12 March	Southampton	Attic
Sunday 15 March	Brighton	The Forge
Wednesday 18 March	Leeds	Hyde Park Book Club
Friday 20 March	Birkenhead	Future Yard CIC
Saturday 21 March	Birmingham	Glee Studio
Thursday 26 March	Glasgow	Flying Duck (Glasgow International Comedy Festival)
Wednesday 15 April	Swindon	Arts Centre
Thursday 16 April	Bath	Rondo Theatre
Friday 17 April	Guildford	G Live Studio
Wednesday 6 May	Norwich	Arts Centre
Thursday 7 May	Aldershot	West End Centre
Thursday 14 May	New Milton	Forest Arts Centre
Sunday 17 May	Salford	Lowry Studio
Thursday 21 May	London	Leicester Square Theatre
Friday 29 May	Bristol	Hen & Chicken

For all tickets and further information, try SeeTickets:

Don’t miss your chance to see this fantastic comedian live.