Stand-up at the Subway: a brand-new comedy festival arrives at Crystal Palace Park
With eleven shows across four nights, Stand-up at the Subway will bring together a standout line-up of award-winning comedians and rising stars, all performing in the atmospheric Crystal Palace Subway, a hidden historic venue beneath Crystal Palace Park, from 21 – 24 May 2026.
Audiences can expect a packed programme featuring names including Daniel Kitson, Elis James, Kerry Godliman, Shoot From The Hip, Scott Bennett, Hal Cruttenden, Sam Nicoresti and more, alongside Edinburgh Preview performances from Finlay Christie and Dan Tiernan.
Tickets prices £8 - £20, with a licensed bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available on site.
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An iconic venue: Crystal Palace Subway
Built in 1865 to connect rail passengers to the Crystal Palace, the Subway is one of the few surviving structures after the Palace was lost to fire in 1936.
From its use as an air raid shelter during the Second World War to its role as a cultural backdrop in more recent decades, the Subway has continually evolved.
Today, it stands as a unique and atmospheric venue, offering audiences an unforgettable setting for live comedy beneath the park.
A festival rooted in South London
With its intimate scale in this distinctive setting and carefully curated line-up, Stand-up at the Subway offers audiences the chance to experience live comedy up close, just steps beneath one of London’s most beloved parks.
The festival celebrates the breadth of the UK comedy scene and shines a spotlight on South London as a destination for standout cultural events.
ENDS
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Notes to Editors
Event: Stand-up at the Subway Comedy Festival
Dates: 21 – 24 May 2026
Location: Crystal Palace Subway, Crystal Palace Park
Tickets: £8 - £20
Booking: Browse shows and book tickets
Age guidance: 16+ (shows may include adult themes and language)
Accessibility: The venue currently has no step-free access. Entry is via two flights of stairs with handrails. The space is fully seated with unallocated seating.
Getting there: The Subway entrance is located within Crystal Palace Park, just off the A212 (Crystal Palace Parade), close to Crystal Palace Bus Station. Nearest stations: Crystal Palace / Penge West.
Line-up includes: Daniel Kitson, Scott Bennett, Sharon Wanjohi, Elis James, Sam Nicoresti, Shoot from the Hip, Finlay Christie, Dan Tiernan, Hal Cruttenden, Kerry Godliman, Eshaan Akbar, Tom Towelling, Anna Thomas and more to be announced.
Programme:
Thursday 21 May
18:00 – Scott Bennett, Sharon Wanjohi, Elis James (MC Peter Flanagan)
20:15 – Scott Bennett, Sharon Wanjohi, Elis James (MC Peter Flanagan)
Friday 22 May
18:00 – Sam Nicoresti & Friends
20:15 – Shoot From The Hip
Saturday 23 May
12:00 – Daniel Kitson
15:00 – Finlay Christie: Edinburgh Preview
18:00 – Tom Towelling, Eshaan Akbar, Kerry Godliman (MC Jimmy McGhie)
20:15 – Tom Towelling, Eshaan Akbar (MC Jimmy McGhie) + Special Guest
Sunday 24 May
12:00 – Daniel Kitson
15:00 – Dan Tiernan: Edinburgh Preview
18:00 – Hal Cruttenden, Anna Thomas, Dan Tiernan (MC Eshaan Akbar)
Stand-up at the Subway shows are programmed in association with Blue Book Artist Management.
About Crystal Palace Park Trust
Crystal Palace Park Trust is an independent, community-led charity. Ticket sales from Stand-up at the Subway help raise funds for the Trust to deliver its charitable mission to care for the park’s unique Grade II* landscape and its historic venues and landmarks.
Every penny raised in the park stays in the park.
Media contact:
Jenny Espírito Santo
Content & Marketing Manager
jenny.espiritosanto@crystalpalaceparktrust.org
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