Rory Bremner headlines Abingdon comedy night this weekend

Political impressionist and satirist Rory Bremner will headline a four-comedian bill at Abingdon’s Amey Theatre on Saturday 12 September.

One of Britain’s best-known political impressionists will appear in Abingdon this weekend as Comedy Buoys returns to the Amey Theatre.

Rory Bremner will top the bill on Saturday evening, joined by host Justin Panks and comedians Ross Smith and Tal Davies.

The seated show begins at 7pm, with doors opening an hour earlier. It is scheduled to finish at around 9.15pm.

Limited tickets were still available when this article was prepared, although audiences planning to attend should check the live booking page rather than relying on availability at the door.

Rory Bremner brings political satire to Abingdon

Bremner has spent several decades using impressions, sketches and stand-up to examine British politics and public life.

He became particularly well known through television series including Rory Bremner… Who Else? and Bremner, Bird and Fortune, in which he appeared alongside the late John Bird and John Fortune.

His television work has also included Mock the Week, Whose Line Is It Anyway? and numerous election and political specials.

His repertoire has included prime ministers, presidents, broadcasters and other public figures, with the precise material often changing as quickly as the political news.

The Abingdon appearance gives Oxfordshire audiences a chance to see that work in a live mixed-bill setting rather than a large solo tour.

Although Bremner is the headline act, this is not a full-length one-man show. The evening will feature four performers, with the available stage time divided between the host, opener, support act and headliner.

Who else is appearing?

Justin Panks will host the evening and introduce each act.

An experienced club compere, Panks is known for conversational crowd work and quick responses to events in the room. His role will be to keep the night moving between sets while establishing the relaxed, informal atmosphere expected at a live comedy club.

Ross Smith will also appear on the bill, bringing observational material drawn from everyday situations and personal experience.

Smith has been developing a growing profile on the UK comedy circuit, with a performance style built around concise writing, relatable subjects and an approachable stage presence.

Tal Davies will open the show. The emerging comedian combines observational writing with stories about modern life, relationships and the situations that expose the gap between how people hope to behave and what actually happens.

Comedy Buoys returns after first Amey Theatre show

The evening follows Comedy Buoys’ first event at the Amey Theatre in June, which was headlined by Ed Byrne and also featured Mike Gunn and Ingrid Dahle.

Abingdon School said the earlier event filled the auditorium and marked the beginning of a new programme of comedy nights at the venue.

The Amey Theatre is a 450-seat performance space on the Abingdon School site, with Stalls and Circle seating.

The Rory Bremner event uses allocated seating, meaning ticket holders should sit in the places assigned during booking rather than choosing seats when they arrive.

The promoter previously traded as WCB Comedy and is now using the Comedy Buoys name. Its events pair nationally recognised headliners with working circuit comedians and newer performers.

Tickets and what audiences should expect

The standard ticket price is £27. The live TicketSource page currently displays a total of £29.27 after its booking fee has been included.

Doors open at 6pm, giving audiences an hour to enter, find their allocated seats and use the bar before the first act begins at 7pm.

The official Amey Theatre listing gives an expected finishing time of 9.15pm. Some third-party event calendars display a later end time, but the venue’s own schedule should be treated as the more reliable guide.

The performance will contain strong language and adult topics. The venue says it may not be suitable for anyone under 18, so parents and younger customers should check directly with the organiser before booking.

Audience members should also expect some interaction from the host. This is part of the usual live-comedy format, although it does not mean everyone in the room will be approached.

How to get to the Amey Theatre

Drivers arriving from the A34 should leave at the Marcham Interchange and follow signs towards Abingdon town centre and Abingdon School.

Parking at the school is limited, and the venue asks visitors not to leave vehicles on Park Road.

Town-centre car parks are within walking distance. The lower levels of the Charter multi-storey on Broad Street remain open around the clock, but its upper levels are closed because of structural and fire-safety concerns, meaning spaces are limited.

Other public parking is available around Abbey Close and West St Helen Street. Drivers should check the signs for current restrictions and charges rather than relying on older online information.

Visitors using buses should allow time to walk from the town centre and check the final service home, particularly as the performance is not expected to finish until after 9pm.

Accessibility at the Amey Theatre

The auditorium can accommodate up to six wheelchair users, but spaces need to be reserved in advance.

There is a step-free route from the parking area, with an accessible ramp into the auditorium. The Stalls are raked and contain shallow steps towards the stage, while the Circle is reached by a flight of stairs.

Anyone who needs to avoid steps or sit at the end of a row should contact the Box Office before choosing a ticket.

An accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities are available in the foyer. The theatre also has an infrared hearing system.

Guide and assistance dogs are welcome by prior arrangement.

Where the Amey Theatre manages the Box Office directly, it can offer a complimentary companion or carer ticket with an eligible wheelchair booking. As this comedy event is externally ticketed, customers should confirm the arrangements with the promoter before paying.

Frequently asked questions

When is Rory Bremner performing in Abingdon?

Rory Bremner headlines the Comedy Buoys show at the Amey Theatre on Saturday 12 September 2026.

What time do doors open?

Doors open at 6pm. The first act is scheduled to begin at 7pm.

What time will the show finish?

The official venue listing gives an expected finish of approximately 9.15pm.

Who else is on the line-up?

Justin Panks will host the show, with Ross Smith and Tal Davies completing the bill.

How much are tickets?

The ticket price is £27. The current TicketSource checkout price is listed as £29.27 including its booking fee.

Is the show suitable for children?

The venue warns that it contains strong language and adult topics and may not be suitable for under-18s. Contact the organiser before booking for anyone younger than 18.

Is seating allocated?

Yes. Tickets are sold for allocated seats in the Stalls or Circle.

Is parking available?

A small visitor car park is available close to the school entrance, but capacity is limited. Do not park on Park Road or surrounding private roads.

Is the Amey Theatre wheelchair accessible?

Yes. A ramp provides access to the auditorium and up to six wheelchair spaces are available. These should be reserved in advance.

Where can tickets be booked?

Tickets can be booked through the official TicketSource page.