Live (next to) The Apollo On Tour Christmas Special

After rave reviews from Kenton audience members, Live Next To The Apollo returns to Henley-on-Thames for a Christmas Special.

Live Next To The Apollo has previously brought TV stars including Sterphen Bailey, Hal Cruttenden, Jen Brister, Stephen K Amos and Laura Smyth to the Kenton Theatre. For our Christmas special they will bring THREE stars of Live At The Apollo, Mike Gunn, Esther Manito and Eshaan Akbar plus star of Mock the Week Ben Norris.

Mike Gunn A misspent youth and a series of grim jobs cultivated his cynical outlook on life and a perverse desire led him to the world of stand-up. A self-confessed pessimist, he describes himself as “not a natural choice for a career in laughter”. He has a rare ability to walk close to the line of what audiences find acceptable and yet still remain likable and funny. His reputation for being a bit unfriendly, a touch dark and even morose is really not true. In real life he’s loving, warm and philanthropic. Just a bit misunderstood. Mike has supported Michael McIntyre, Jo Brand, Alan Davies, Lee Mack on tour. His TV credits include TV Credits: Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Celebrity Deal or no Deal, Harry Hill’s TV Burp, Al Murray’s ‘Time Gentlemen Please’, Soccer AM , The Comedy Store (Comedy Central). He is currently a regular on the Sky Poker channel!

“ONE OF THE TOP TEN STAND-UPS IN THE COUNTRY”Independent

“MIKE GUNN WILL MAKE YOU DIE LAUGHING”Guardian

Esther Manito is a comedian from Essex, her comedy revolves around motherhood, identity and her Lebanese father’s hilarious takes on life. A former teacher, she began her comedy career in 2016 and became a finalist of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? award that same year. Her meteoric rise culminated in back-to-back, sell-out national tours in 2024 and 2025. Esther has provided tour support for comic heavy weights such as Alan Davies, Shappi Khorsandi, Sindhu Vee, Jason Manford, Jo Brand and Al Murray. You will have seen her on Live at the Apollo (BBC), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV) and Hypothetical (Dave) to name but a few.

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

“At times it’s like Victoria Wood has taken the mic” Radio Times

“An astute observer of everyday daftness as well as being able to tackle the bigger issues with wit and guile” The List

Eshaan Akbar is the voice of Rishi Sunak, Sajid Javid, and Narendra Modi on Spitting Image! He has appeared on shows such as Sex Education, Live at the Apollo, Apprentice: You’re Fired, QI, Mock the Week, Celebrity Mastermind, Just A Minute, Celebrity Masterchef, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, Comedy Central Live, The Big Asian Stand Up Night, Sunday Morning Live, The Last Leg and many more. He has hosted his own radio shows and podcasts including ‘But Where Are You Really From?‘ on BBC Sounds, ‘Panic Room‘ on Audible, his Saturday afternoon radio show on the BBC Asian Network, and Newsjack Unplugged on Radio 4Xtra. In 2023, he toured the UK with his show, ‘The Pretender’. He has performed three sell out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe – ‘Not for Prophet’ (2017), ‘Prophet Like it’s Hot’ (2018), and ‘Infidelity’ (2019) as well as a sold out run at the Soho Theatre. Eshaan supported Micky Flanagan on his recent tour, including 9 sold-out dates the O2 Arena!

“A big talent in the making” ★★★★The Times

Ben Norris is a highly experienced and hugely well-respected stand-up. He’s been performing comedy since 1993 and is renowned for his incredibly relaxed stage persona and his innate ability to improvise as well as deliver sharply crafted material. Ben has starred in many TV shows over the past 20 years, including; Mock the Week, Never mind the Buzzcocks, and They think it’s all over. Ben has also performed at The Hammersmith Apollo as tour support for Ed Byrne.

“The term “circuit legend” is overused, but Norris is one of a handful that have been headlining for more than two decades and rarely departs a stage without leaving it torn to shreds in his wake. A master of the craft, this will be an hour of the most polished stand-up you are likely to see.” GQ Magazine

“With 20 years on the clock, Norris is one of the most bankable headliners around and is a brilliant improviser.”The Guardian

“Blokey observations, but not always what you expect. He’s an outstanding improviser, and when the comedians get together to play football he does the funniest commentary.” Milton Jones

Ticket Prices: £25.00

Ticket prices include a £1.50 Booking Fee, a £1 Restoration Levy and a 25p Community Fund Levy.

On General Sale: Friday 26 June at 11am

Pre-booking Kenton Friends & Patrons: Wednesday 24 June at 11am, login to your account to access Priority Booking.

16+ age. Adult language and themes. Very occasionally acts may change from that advertised, due to their TV and tour commitments, which are beyond our control. Be assured we will always bill a premium line-up with laughs guaranteed