Expect a brilliant festive night of live stand-up comedy at Papillon in Southampton, with three top-billed comics, a cracking crowd and big laughs from start to finish.

Whether you’re planning a date night, rounding up your mates, sorting a work social or just looking for something fun to do in Southampton over Christmas, Stand Up in the Basement brings club-style comedy nights to the city centre.

Tickets are limited and our shows often sell out. Book early to get the best price and guarantee your seat.

Line-up – December 17th 2026 Stand Up in the Basement

ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU

The brilliantly strange creation of Dan Renton Skinner, best known from Shooting Stars and The Angelos Epithemiou Show, with a gloriously awkward, unpredictable style all of his own.

“When he’s good, Epithemiou is brilliant, with unexpected lines delivered with perfect judgment” – Chortle

“Barmy banter is a puerile delight” – The Guardian

DANNY WARD

An award-winning stand-up and Edinburgh Fringe favourite, Danny won the 2023 Victoria Wood Award and the Ish Comedy Award Panel Prize in both 2023 and 2024. He's also toured internationally with Mark Simmons and co-hosts the Jokes podcast.

★★★★★ “Wow, just wow! A talented writer and storyteller… my must-see of this year’s Fringe” – One4Review (2025)

★★★★ “Smart… elegant and funny… exceptional” – Chortle (2025)

JAMES ELLIS

From plumber to award-winning stand-up, James won Best Debut Show at the 2026 Leicester Comedy Festival, has appeared on BBC One and BBC Radio 4, and supported Micky Flanagan, Angela Barnes and Zoe Lyons.

“A talented comedy craftsman” – Steve Bennett, Chortle

“A frightening amount of brilliant punchlines, delivered by a genuinely funny guy. I was laughing the whole time James was on and so was everyone else. Top stuff” – Paul McCaffrey

COLIN OWENS – MC

Our resident host and the man behind Stand Up in the Basement, Colin keeps the night moving with quick wit, sharp crowd work and plenty of laughs between the acts.

Meet the Comics...

(click headshots to find out more)

Book your seats for Stand Up in the Basement at Papillon. Ticket prices rise by release tier, so booking early gets you the best price.