{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/9475d117-fcd4-4915-a6f3-923941e7aa0d/6957cc821002b08bc841621a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"In need of a laugh? The best comedy shows to see in 2026","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/61ba05fc1a8cbed4343cf0e6/1767361661611-b37fd9c7-d66d-45ff-a283-a964354a285d.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>It’s a new year and officially the first Monday back to work after the festive break…if that feels a little bleak, and you’re looking to schedule some laughs in 2026, then stay tuned for today’s episode.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The live comedy scene seems to expand exponentially every year; from award nominees to TV stars to online sensations and podcast heroes, stand-ups are all getting back to their stage roots.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The Standard’s Comedy Critic Bruce Dessau is <a href=\"https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/comedy/the-best-comedy-shows-to-see-in-2026-b1264403.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here with a bumper guide</a> to the best of the bunch hitting the road in the coming months<strong>, </strong>from Josh Widdicombe and Michael Spicer, to Sam Nicoresti, Bridget Christie and plenty more.&nbsp; </p>","author_name":"The Evening Standard"}