Reading Indie Comedy Festival present: Esther Manito & Matt Richardson

Reading Indie Comedy Festival will return in 2026 between the 16 - 18 of May.

The festival will comprise of 4 days of hilarious shows across Reading's independent comedy circuit.

Further detail will follow as we confirm the festival programme so keep an eye on this page.

The Festival Pass will grant entry to every show at the festival including Special Saturday Show at The Pentahotel with headliner Simon Brodkin and Comedy at the Taproom Sunday Showcase 2026 with Headliner Sara Pascoe.

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Esther Manito

After a sold-out, rave-reviewed tour last year, Esther Manito is back — this time embracing the sheer joy of having absolutely no dignity.

She’s tried elegance. She’s aimed for sophistication. But somehow, chaos always wins. Because really — how do you keep your poise when you’re juggling kids, aging parents, and the crushing weight of unmet expectations?

Following the success of her last show, Hell Hath No Fury, Esther is done pretending. Labeled an “angry woman”? Fine. She’ll own it. Now, she’s leaning in even further — into the mess, the mayhem, and the gloriously undignified truth of it all.

From failed attempts at being sexy, sudden hearing loss, and awkward encounters with dodgy drug dealers, to the brutal realities of a waxing session gone sideways — nothing’s off limits.

Because when there’s war in the world and family back in Lebanon, there are bigger things to worry about than being a “slagbomb”.

As seen and heard on Live at the Apollo (BBC One), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV), Hypothetical (Dave), The Prank Podcast Show (4OD), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and Mark Watson Talks a Bit About Life (Radio 4).


★★★★ “Manito skilfully weaves her own personal story with a wider look at gender issues in society”

Evening Standard


★★★★ “An absolute riot from start to finish”

Everything Theatre


★★★★ “Effervescent…Incisivley funny’

The Skinny

Matt Richardson

Being loud, brazen and a little bit lairy was all Matt Richardson needed to propel himself onto the comedy circuit aged 18 and be presenting national telly by 22. But faster than you can say ‘Celebrity Coach Trip’ he suddenly finds himself in his 30s, so what’s next for the lad?

Matt has moved to the countryside, settled down, and is trying his hardest to not make rude jokes. It’s not going as well as he’d hoped…

Attempting to navigate a world of mate’s kids, mortgages and village life is proving a challenge for the guy who can’t resist causing a scene. How do you age with grace and dignity when it’s at odds with all the personality traits that got you this far?

As seen on Dancing on Ice, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Love Island: Aftersun (ITV2), Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and many more.

‘High wattage stand-up’

The Guardian


'Hilarious and Charming'

The Mirror


★★★★★ ‘One of the top comedians in Edinburgh this year’

Theatreweekly.com


★★★★★ ‘An explosive show that left people with bellies aching from laughter’

Voice Magazine


'Sharp, funny and warm'

Heat Magazine

Advance: £10

Reading Indie Comedy Festival present: Esther Manito & Matt Richardson ONLY

Festival pass: £50

Entry to all shows at Reading Indie Comedy Festival.

Lineup subject to change. Timings may changes slightly as we finalise the festival schedule.