The Laughter Factory January 2026 tour
Belly Laughs Return to the UAE
The Laughter Factory, the UAE’s longest-running comedy tour will start 2026 on a proper high! These shows know how to pack in the laughter and are held in venues where you share the same air as the comics, across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
The January line-up brings together three world-class comics:
- Larry Dean – ★★★★★ reviews from The Guardian & Telegraph, three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, and viral star with 100 million+ stand-up views online. As seen on Royal Variety Performance, Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo.“Stitch-inducingly funny, an expert regaler of daft” – Rolling Stone
- Emmanuel Sonubi – one of the UK’s fastest-rising stars, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, headliner & host of BBC’s Live at the Apollo. A powerhouse storyteller hailed by The Times as “A natural, this stand-up is going to be big!”
- Saaniya Abbas – international sensation and creator of ‘Hello Cuties’ on Instagram; fresh from sold-out sets at The Comedy Store, Comedy Cellar and Hollywood Improv, with over 500,000 fans online.
Event Details:
- January 9th – MEZZ The Agenda, Dubai Media City 8:30PM
- January 10th – Studio One Hotel, Dubai 8:30PM
- January 11th – The Club, Abu Dhabi 7PM
- January 12th – Aura SKYPOOL, The Palm 8:30PM
- January 15th – The Bay, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah 8PM
- January 16th – Radisson DAMAC Hills 8:30PM
- January 17th – Dukes, The Palm, Dubai 8:30PM
- Tickets: Available at www.thelaughterfactory.com
- Seating: Limited – early booking recommended
- Over 21s only
- Call 050 878 6728 for details.
About The Laughter Factory
For almost three decades, The Laughter Factory has been the UAE’s home of live stand-up, presenting three top-tier international comedians every month. Past alumni include Russell Peters, Michael McIntyre, Dara Ó Briain, Mickey Flanagan, Jason Manford, Sarah Millican, Kevin Bridges, and Frankie Boyle.
A multi-winner of Time Out Dubai’s “Best Comedy Night” award, the club remains the region’s most trusted name in live stand-up.
Media Contact:
Gail Clough – Co-founder, The Laughter Factory
Meet the Comics
Larry Dean
Three time Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee Larry Dean “stitch-inducingly funny, an expert regaler of daft” – Rollingstone Magazine, has the “easy charm of an arena comic, and high joke rate too” – The Guardian. Along with over 100 million views online for his stand up, he has also appeared on Royal Variety Performance, Mock The Week & Live At The Apollo
★★★★★ – Telegraph, ★★★★★ – Broadway World,
★★★★★ – Herald, ★★★★★ – Independent
Sharp and unexpected lines…an irresistible chutzpah
Chortle
Larry Dean is an award-winning comedian and writer.
Larry’s comedy career has seen a stratospheric rise since he was crowned Scottish Comedian Of The Year at just 23. Out Now! and Farcissist, his 2015 and 2017 offerings to the Edinburgh Fringe, received nominations for the prestigious Foster’s Comedy Award for Best Newcomer and Amused Moose Comedy Award for Best Show respectively. His 2018 show, Bampot, was nominated for the biggest award at the Fringe: the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show.
A hot ticket on the touring circuit, Larry has performed his shows across the UK and Ireland to jam-packed rooms. Larry’s fanbase is international, as a regular at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Christchurch Buskers Festival, Perth Fringeworld and the invitation-only Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.
Larry’s broadcasting career continues to go from strength to strength as a familiar face from BBC2’s Mock The Week, Comedy Central UK’s Roast Battle and Guessable, plus ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show. Larry has also performed twice on BBC2’s hit stand-up show Live At The Apollo, along with BBC1’s Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and BBC Scotland’s A Night At The Theatre.
‘Destined to become a household name’ ★★★★ Telegraph
Nominee for Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show 2018.
Winner of the Amused Moose Comedy Award for Best Show 2016.
Nominee for Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer 2015.
@debpeart Thanks very much
FB: https://www.facebook.com/larrydeancomedy/
Tweeter:https://twitter.com/LarryDeanComedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-nbJvFG2g8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVnNPlsjvMw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x18W34XKbtM
Web: http://www.larrydeancomedy.com/
EMMANUEL SONUBI
NEW YORK FRINGE ENCORE SERIES AWARD NOMINEE: BEST SHOW 2024
EDINBURGH COMEDY AWARD NOMINEE: BEST SHOW 2023
CHORTLE AWARD NOMINEE: BEST CLUB COMIC 2023
EDINBURGH COMEDY AWARD NOMINEE: BEST NEWCOMER 2022
NEXT UP COMEDY AWARD: BEST SHOW NOMINEE 2022
From explosive newcomer to comedy powerhouse in just a few short years, Emmanuel Sonubi has become one of the UK’s most compelling and rapidly rising stars in stand-up comedy. His meteoric ascent from open mic performer to closing BBC’s prestigious “Live at the Apollo” in 2021 and returning as host in 2023 speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and magnetic stage presence.
Emmanuel has already established himself as a headliner across Europe with his commanding presence and masterful storytelling which have earned him 2 sell-out Edinburgh Fringe runs, 2 sell-out UK Tours, spots at premier venues and festivals worldwide, including Just for Laughs Montreal, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, New York Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe and his favourite, the Altitude Comedy Festival in Austria. His reputation in the UK comedy scene has led to supporting numerous arena shows for comedy giants like John Bishop, Jason Manford, Jack Whitehall and Romesh Ranganathan, along with numerous theatre tours with other beloved British comedians.
Emmanuel’s international appeal has seen him perform across four continents, with successful shows in America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and throughout Europe. His first European city tour in Autumn 2022 took him through Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki. His global reach extends to performances in The Maldives, Dubai and Iraq plus various Mediterranean hotspots including Ibiza, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Greece and Turkey. He’s also become a sought-after performer for luxury cruise lines and high-profile corporate events, where his adaptable style and quick wit make him an exceptional host for awards ceremonies.
TV & RADIO
Emmanuel’s charismatic screen presence has made him a familiar face on British television,
with appearances including:
– BBC One: “Live at the Apollo” (Headliner and Host), “Celebrity Mastermind”, “Pointless Celebrities” “The Hitlist”
– BBC Two: “QI”, “QI XL Christmas Special”, “Have I Got News For You”, “The Apprentice – You’re Fired”
– ITV1: “The John Bishop Show” – ITV2: “The Stand-Up Sketch Show” – ITVx “Sorry I Didn’t Know”
& his one hour stand-up comedy special “Emancipated”,
– Channel 4: Funraisers, (Ch4 really need to step their game up 😉
– Dave: “Silence is Golden”, “Alan Davies As Yet Untitled”, “Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains”, “Mel Giedroyc’s Unforgiveable”
– Comedy Central: “Comedy Central Live”(Host), Rosie Jones’ “Out of Order” & as “Rapper Plat’num”
– Radio 4 “Dying for a Transplant” (which is about to go BBC Worldwide), “Knock Knock”, “The Comedy Club”
“The Sound of Us” & “Loose Ends” to name just a few
THEATRICAL BACKGROUND
Before conquering comedy stages, Emmanuel showcased his versatility in London’s West End, starring in the title role of “Daddy Cool” in 2007. This theatrical foundation underpins his exceptional stage presence and timing that critics consistently praise.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
“One of my favourite discoveries… Hilarious, warm and unique.” – Jason Manford
“The bloke has got funny bones. He’s incredibly likeable… despite looking like he could snap you in two!” – Romesh Ranganathan
“Emmanuel is incredibly funny and I’m not just saying that because I’m scared of him” – Joel Dommett
The Times hails him as “A natural, this stand-up is going to be big!” while The Guardian praises his “charm and effortless authority, deployed to fine effect.” The Evening Standard notes that “This man has funny bones under his impressive muscles,” and Comics Comic boldly predicts “Sonubi might just become the next Idris Elba.”
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Emmanuel is currently working on a sitcom which we hope to pilot in 2026
Edinburgh Fringe 2025 will see Emmanuel back up at the Fringe for his new show ‘Life After Near Death’ which will then see in Autumn 2025 Emmanuel embark on his most ambitious tour to date; a massive 60+ date journey across the UK. This highly anticipated tour promises to showcase the evolution of his craft and cement his position as one of comedy’s most exciting talents. Tickets on sale now!
Here is a clip of Emmanuel acting and performing stand-up here:
Emmanuel Sonubi Stand Up Sketch Show
Here is a clip of Emmanuel closing Live at the Apollo in 2021
Here is a clip of Emmanuel smashing a job interview for Channel 4
Here is a clip of Emmanuel on Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled
Here is a short Joke for the Dave’s Comedy Awards Nomination Show
Here is a clip chatting to Russell Howard on Russell Podcast Wonderbox
Reviews for Curriculum Vitae at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023
“A natural, this stand-up is going to be big!” – The Times
“Sonubi might just become next Idris Elba” – Comics Comic
“A born performer, he’s so good at everything” – Entertainment Now
“This man has funny bones under his impressive muscles” – Evening Standard
“Emmanuel ‘owns’ his stage, his delivery is top notch. He has it all to be a major star”
– One4 Review
“A display of the Londoner’s sparkling skill set, gym-bro body and… some great gags”
– The List
“Charm and effortless authority, deployed to fine effect. The performance is commanding”
– The Guardian
“The comedic timing was impeccable. The audience were really enjoying the show, engaged with his stories and bursting with laughter at every punchline” – Fringe Review
“Just a few years into his career as a stand-up, he already sounds like someone who has been around for decades” – Daily Business Magazine
Reviews for Emancipated at the Edinburgh Fringe 2022
“Outright hilarious, his star is on the rise” – Fest
“A polished, impeccable hour of stand-up” – Entertainment Now
“Side-splittingly funny, there are roaring laughs” – The Independent
“A very funny comedian, The full house certainly loved the show” – Squirrel Comedy
“Sonubi is a distinctive, classily polished act. His ascendancy appears assured” – The Scotsman
“This guy is going places and fast. Grab a ticket now, leave it and it may be too late”
– One4Review
“Big laughs, engaging tales, you’re seduced by the easy authority of of his storytelling”
– The Guardian
“At the top of the show, Sonubi promises his capacity crowd a great time and he delivers”
– On The Mic
“Emmanuel is so very cool. An hour in his company felt like 10 minutes, I could listen to Emmanuel do stand-up all day” – Voice
“There’s no denying Sonubi his impeccable craft. If he’s shooting for a BBC One primetime slot, this is bang on target” – The List
“This guy is a natural!, Hilarious. Consistent and there’s laughter throughout. It’s a solid hour with great writing and great delivery; he will be a star!” – @ComedyReviewer
https://www.emmanuelstandup.com
Saaniya Abbas
The mind behind ‘hello cuties’ on Instagram, Saaniya Abbas, isn’t your average comedian. During her most recent tour in the US and the UK, she performed at sold out shows at legendary clubs like The Comedy Store, The Comedy Cellar and Hollywood Improv. Saaniya is a globally popular comedian with over half a million fans on her social platforms.
With a knack for funny insights into global cultural quirks, Saaniya tells her hilarious story – of breaking away from tradition and making her own path. Her jokes resonate with people from all walks of life.
https://www.saaniyaabbas.com/about
Instagram: @saaniyax (181K Followers
Tickets: www.thelaughterfactory.com