Building on the success of Brighton Dome's year-round comedy programme, the Comedy Festival will span the venue's three historic spaces, the Grade I listed Concert Hall and Corn Exchange and Grade II listed Studio Theatre.
A recent major refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre has seen the two performance and community venues return to the heart of the city, signalling the importance of arts and culture in Brighton & Hove.
In an in-person UK comedy festival first, all Brighton Dome Comedy Festival events will be live captioned by a team of stenographers led by comedy specialist Claire Hill.
Headliners in Brighton Dome's Concert Hall include Taskmaster star and bestselling author Fern Brady (24 Oct) and one of The Guardian's top 50 comedians of the 21st Century, Nish Kumar (27 Oct).
A special edition of Brighton Dome's comedy showcase, Live at Brighton Dome (26 Oct), which spotlights emerging artists alongside household names, will be opened by Indie choral collective Jam Tarts and, in another Brighton Dome first, a family-friendly version of the show will take place next door on the Corn Exchange stage – on the same day, at the same time and with many of the same performers.
Elsewhere, star of Ghosts and Stath Lets Flats, Kiell Smith-Bynoe introduces his brand-new improv show Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends in the Corn Exchange on Thursday 24 October.
Featuring a combination of the best improvisers around, plus some special guests, every scene will be inspired by a story from an audience member.
The UK's first – and funniest – refugee comedy collective, London-based No Direction Home, mentored by award-winning comedian and one third of sketch group Pappy's, Tom Parry, bring some of their best stand-ups to the Festival for their inaugural Brighton showcase in the Studio Theatre on Sun 27 October.
Award-winning clown Julia Masli (25 Oct) and Edinburgh Fringe favourite Rob Auton (26 Oct) perform one-off shows and Maisie Adam (24 Oct) and Kiri Pritchard-McLean (25 Oct) will also stop off in Brighton on their UK tours.
Rosie Crane, Comedy Producer at Brighton Dome, said:
"We are thrilled to be bringing a brand new comedy festival to audiences this October.
"Fitting all of Brighton Dome's comedy favourites into just four days has been a challenge but I believe there really is something for everyone in what I hope will be the wittiest, silliest, most joyful and inclusive festival of all that is funny.
"This is just the beginning for Brighton Dome Comedy Festival."
Alongside its adult programme, the Comedy Festival will feature children's shows, including Phil Kay's hugely popular hour of interactive fun for children aged 5 and up Gimme Your Left Shoe (26 Oct), with more to be announced.