Comedian Chloe Petts will host Channel 4’s First For Funny, a one-night-only mixed-bill comedy night at the upcoming SCENE Festival in Manchester.
Taking place at 7pm on Thursday 27th August 2026 in The Hall at Aviva Studios, the show will bring together an eclectic line-up of some of the UK’s most exciting comedy voices, curated by Channel 4.
As well as host Pletts, colloquially and comedically known as “a six-foot lesbian from Kent,” the line-up will include:
Josh Jones
Sikisa
Charlotte Cropper
Jordan Gray
Ayo Adenekan
Jen Brister
First For Funny is a joint venture between Channel 4’s Comedy, Digital and Entertainment Commissioning departments and will work to showcase the best up-and-coming comedians in the UK, with the ultimate aim of getting more comics in front of audiences and onto broadcast platforms.
From staple Channel 4 TV comedy output such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, to the short form launch pad of Comedy Blaps on streaming, and the unfiltered camaraderie of A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 on YouTube, Channel 4 “continues to cement its place as the broadcaster amplifying new comedic talent,” the broadcaster said.
Charlie Perkins, head of comedy at Channel 4, added: “Expanding Channel 4’s own in-house comedy night First For Funny has been such an energising part of this year. We’ve worked with so many amazing comedians now at the gig itself and into other opportunities at the channel. We’re thrilled with this next step of partnering with SCENE Festival and showcasing this nuts line-up.”
First For Funny forms part of the SCENE: Manchester LGBTQ+ Film and TV Festival, which celebrates the very best in new and classic LGBTQ+ cinema and television through premieres, previews, screenings, Q&As, panels and parties. The 2026 festival runs from Thursday 20 to Thursday 27 August.
Tickets to First for Funny are available now priced at £16.50, plus booking fee, with Aviva £10 tickets and concessions also available, and can be booked via the Factory International website.
Image: Chloe Petts / Twitter
