Comedy, Books & General Confusion

Celebrate the publication of Alex Kitson’s fabulous short story collection, ‘embarrassment (and my usual excuses)’. Alex will join Ella to talk all things comedy, writing, creativity and all things in between. Starting with a reading, followed by an interview and audience Q&A, and an opportunity to grab a signed copy from Alex.

As always, the bar will be open for drinks and snacks to compliment what is looking to be a fantastic event.

A teaser:

Alex was nominated for the ‘Joke of the Year Award’ at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe in August with the following:

‘I’ve been trying to write a joke about margarine all week…

I can’t believe it’s not better’

A little about Alex…

Alex Kitson is a multi-award-winning stand-up, writer and performer. Originally from Devon, now based in London, he gigs at most of the top clubs in the UK and is a regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe. His most recent Edinburgh show ‘Now Look Here’ was shortlisted for Best Stand-Up at the Edinburgh Independent Awards, one of the best-reviewed shows of the Fringe, and he was nominated for Joke of the Fringe for the second time, with other jokes picked out as some of the Fringe's funniest by The Guardian, Times and Telegraph. It followed ‘This Is Water’ (2025), also named one of the best-reviewed shows of the festival by British Comedy Guide, and ‘Must I Paint You a Picture’ (2024), a five-star cult hit nominated for Best Newcomer at the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Kitson has written for the BBC and Channel 4, and supported Fin Taylor and Vittorio Angelone on their national tours. His first collection of short stories, "embarrassment (and my usual excuses)" was published in summer 2026.

Joke of the Fringe - Nominee (2024 and 2026)
Best Stand-Up - Edinburgh Independent Awards 2026 (shortlisted)
Funniest Jokes of the Fringe 2026 - The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph
British Comedy Guide's Best Reviewed Shows of the Fringe 2025
ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024 - Best Newcomer, nominee
Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe 2025 and 2026

"The future of British comedy ★★★★★" - ThreeWeeks
"The best comic I have seen on the Fringe ★★★★★" - Fringe Radio
"It is very much his moment, his Fringe, and the rest of us are along for the ride ★★★★★" - Pepper and Salt
"Expertly constructed punchlines... insanely original ★★★★★" - European Comedy
"The audience laughter is non-stop ★★★★★" - Phoenix Remix

"A natural comic" - Chortle
“He has proper funny bones… He’s going to be a huge star.” - On the Mic