Comedy
Live Far From the Apollo: Laura Smyth, Hal Cruttenden, Joe Da Costa and Eli Hart
Thu 26 Feb 2026
Live Next To The Apollo is the celebrated stand-up comedy show which resides at the iconic Riverside Studios in Hammersmith (just down the street from THE Apollo!). Building on two years of consistently packed-out shows in its intimate 100-seat venue, the show is now reaching even wider audiences with a new tour of larger venues across the South East of England. Founded and hosted by TV Producer Jonathan Stadlen, the show’s success is a testament to his passion for live comedy and knack for curating top comedy line ups. Stadlen’s warmth, humour, and welcoming presence as the MC has cultivated a loyal following. His industry connections allow him to consistently book top-tier talent which has led Live Next To The Apollo to become a staple of the London comedy scene.
Laura Smyth – Headlining
Winner of the Funny Women Awards and fresh off her solo tour which included selling out the Indigo O2, Laura Smyth has fun mugging off all the madness of parenting, childhood, school, marriage, social media, work, and chasing her dreams. Laura has played the Comedy Arenas at Glastonbury, Latitude, Reading and Leeds Festivals. TV appearances include Live At The Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club. She is soon to star in (along with team mate Jen Brister!) Celebrity Hunted.
“A comic powerhouse ” Mo Gilligan
“One of the best acts I’ve seen in a long time” Romesh Ranganathan
“ Naturally funny ” Jo Brand
“Laura is a brilliant comedian, whipsmart, warm and very funny” Roisin Conaty
Hal Cruttenden – Opening
Hal is one of the top stand up comedians working in the UK today, as well as being a highly accomplished writer and actor. He has made several appearances on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and The Royal Variety Performance, Mock the Week, The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, Would I Lie To You and The Apprentice: You’re Fired.
Hal has completed six nationwide and international tours and has also performed for the British Armed Forces in the Falkland Islands, Cyprus and Germany.
Having originally trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Hal’s acting career includes roles on TV and film in Shackleton, Eastenders and Kavanagh QC. Hal will play Winston Churchill in The Man with the Plan, the film is set for release soon.
“The comedy gift that keeps on giving” The Scotsman
“Remined me how much I love stand-up” The Times
“He’ll make you laugh a lot” Daily Mirror
Laura Smyth – Headlining
Winner of the Funny Women Awards and fresh off her solo tour which included selling out the Indigo O2, Laura Smyth has fun mugging off all the madness of parenting, childhood, school, marriage, social media, work, and chasing her dreams. Laura has played the Comedy Arenas at Glastonbury, Latitude, Reading and Leeds Festivals. TV appearances include Live At The Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club. She is soon to star in (along with team mate Jen Brister!) Celebrity Hunted.
“A comic powerhouse ” Mo Gilligan
“One of the best acts I’ve seen in a long time” Romesh Ranganathan
“ Naturally funny ” Jo Brand
“Laura is a brilliant comedian, whipsmart, warm and very funny” Roisin Conaty
Hal Cruttenden – Opening
Hal is one of the top stand up comedians working in the UK today, as well as being a highly accomplished writer and actor. He has made several appearances on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and The Royal Variety Performance, Mock the Week, The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, Would I Lie To You and The Apprentice: You’re Fired.
Hal has completed six nationwide and international tours and has also performed for the British Armed Forces in the Falkland Islands, Cyprus and Germany.
Having originally trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Hal’s acting career includes roles on TV and film in Shackleton, Eastenders and Kavanagh QC. Hal will play Winston Churchill in The Man with the Plan, the film is set for release soon.
“The comedy gift that keeps on giving” The Scotsman
“Remined me how much I love stand-up” The Times
“He’ll make you laugh a lot” Daily Mirror
Supported By:
Joe da Costa Edinburgh Fringe Comedian Of The Year WINNER 2025
Eli Hart Eli Hart BBC New Comedian of the Year WINNER 2025″.
Ticket Prices: All Tickets £22.75
Ticket prices include a £1 Restoration Levy, a £1.50 Booking Fee and a 25p Community Fund Levy
Useful Information
Date: Thu 26 Feb 2026
Running time: 2 hours 35 mins
Content Guidance: 16+
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