Join Laugh-Able at Wanstead Library for another cracking night of comedy that’s affordable, inclusive, and brilliantly heartwarming: A Celebration of LGBT+ History Month
Every February, across the United Kingdom, LGBT+ History Month honours the lives, experiences, and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer individuals. Events that contribute meaningfully to this month often blend education, entertainment, and inclusivity – and Laugh-Able Comedy Night is no exception. This year’s Laugh-Able special, taking place at Wanstead Library on Wednesday, 18 February, from 19:30 to 21:30, promises another unforgettable night filled with laughter, community spirit, and celebration.
This event goes beyond a typical comedy showcase. It’s part of a wider narrative about accessibility in the arts, especially comedy, and it carves out space for voices that might otherwise go unheard on mainstream platforms. With an eclectic mix of performers, each with their own unique connection to the LGBT+ community and lived experience, Laugh-Able guarantees a heartwarming and socially conscious evening of celebration and storytelling.
What Is Laugh-Able?
Founded in recent years as a response to the lack of accessible and inclusive opportunities in the performing arts, Laugh-Able is an innovative comedy night structured to be both laugh-out-loud funny and socially aware. The initiative was created by comedians and producers dedicated to showcasing disabled and non-disabled performers side by side, promoting universal access, and breaking down social barriers through humour.
Laugh-Able events are known for being:
- Affordable – with tickets priced accessibly or free in partnership with libraries and public spaces.
- Inclusive – featuring performers across ability, gender, sexual identity, and ethnicity.
- Uplifting – focused on community, connection, mutual respect, and joy.
The shows typically consist of several comedy sets from emerging and seasoned comics, often interwoven with storytelling, audience interaction, and simply the kind of supportive, welcoming environment that defines community-led performance spaces. If you’re looking for more fun and inclusive activities around London, you might want to check out some of the wider cultural offerings shared under London Events – What to Do in London, Things to See & Experience https://www.londonunravelled.com/category/events/.
Definitions and Context: LGBT+ History Month in the UK
LGBT+ History Month in the United Kingdom began in 2005, spearheaded by Schools OUT UK, an education-focused organisation promoting equality and diversity in schools. The goal of the month is to increase the visibility of LGBT+ people, their history, lives, and experiences. It is also intended to combat prejudice, generate awareness, and foster inclusion.
February was chosen to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28, a legislative clause that prohibited “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities – an era that left deep marks on British education and media.
Events during the month include exhibitions, performances, workshops, and school-based activities. Themes and resources are made available annually to help organisations plan activities aligned with the month’s objectives. In 2024, the theme focused on ‘Medicine – Under the Scope’, yet local events often include broader cultural interpretations, including comedy, which allows for creative engagement with more personal stories. You can find more community-led storytelling and cultural events reflecting modern Britain through London Lifestyle & UK Urban Trends https://www.londonunravelled.com/category/lifestyle/.
How It Works: The Laugh-Able Comedy Night Format
The structure of the night at Wanstead Library will follow Laugh-Able’s standard format:
- A two-hour event consisting of 3–5 comedian performances
- A balance of acts with and without disabilities
- Accessibility features, including wheelchair access, potential British Sign Language (BSL) support, and neurodiversity-friendly lighting and pacing
- A compère or host to guide the evening, often an established comedian with a flair for inclusive audience banter
This format ensures audience comfort and promotes audience participation without pressure. The library setting offers a uniquely intimate environment that bridges the gap between performer and audience, inviting a shared experience. For those interested in the broader cultural shifts taking place in gatherings like these, there’s more context in London & UK Main News – City Updates, Culture & Urban Stories https://www.londonunravelled.com/category/news/.
Featured Acts: Who’s Performing?
While the full lineup for 18 February 2026 was still being finalised at the time of writing, past Laugh-Able lineups have featured an inspiring mixture of comedians, many of whom are rising stars or already-recognised names in inclusive comedy spaces. Performers scheduled or typically featured may include:
- Cerys Bradley – a neurodivergent non-binary comedian and science communicator known for their intelligent, razor-sharp wit and engaging delivery.
- Mark Grimshaw – a self-described queer comedy nerd celebrated for both deadpan and absurd comedy.
- Juliette Burton – award-winning, disabled and neurodiverse performer blending documentary-style comedy with storytelling and mental health advocacy.
- Rowan McCabe – sometimes featured as the “door-to-door poet”, blending humorous poetry and social insight.
- Abi Clarke – known for viral online videos and growing success in the stand-up world with material that embraces queer joy and sharp cultural commentary.
These artists not only deliver well-honed stand-up performances but also broaden audience perspectives on identity, sexuality, and the intersections of human experience. Complementary to this atmosphere, major comedians like Russell Howard, currently on his “Don’t Tell The Algorithm” tour, are also drawing attention to social issues through humour – check out more on his latest show here: https://www.londonunravelled.com/events/russell-howard-dont-tell-algorithm/
Comedy Styles You Might Experience
One of the most engaging aspects of a Laugh-Able comedy night is the wide variety of styles on show – taking in traditional set-up/punchline formats, storytelling gems, absurdist avant-garde, satirical pieces, and audience-interactive banter.
Expect to see:
- Observational comedy – focusing on the quirks of everyday life, love, and identity.
- Alternative comedy – blending elements such as characters, movement, and multimedia.
- Political satire – especially relevant during LGBT+ History Month.
- Autobiographical storytelling – drawing on first-person narratives to explore gender, sexuality, disability, and pride.
- Improvised segments – welcoming engagement and play, where performers react in the moment or draw from shared audience energy.
This unique blend encourages not only laughter but reflection – part of what makes Laugh-Able events accessible and transformative. It’s this kind of inclusive city experience that contributes to London’s vibrant culture, as often highlighted in London Unravelled – British City Portal about London and the UK https://www.londonunravelled.com/.
Recent Highlights and Developments
2025 was a landmark year for the Laugh-Able project. With increased funding from arts councils and diversity grants, they expanded their reach considerably.
Recent developments include:
- Partnership with local libraries and community centres – extending opportunities beyond traditional comedy clubs
- Development of a digital archive – preserving performances and making accessible highlights available for those unable to attend in person
- Increased diversity in programming – ensuring representation across gender identities, sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, and physical and mental health status
- Award nominations – shortlisting for regional accessible arts awards and diversity recognition in entertainment media
These achievements speak to the growing recognition of Laugh-Able within the UK’s cultural landscape.
Table: Key Features of Laugh-Able Comedy Events
Here is a summary of some core aspects that make up the Laugh-Able experience:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Live comedy night in a community-setting venue |
| Usual Duration | 2 hours (19:30 – 21:30) |
| Ticket Cost | Free or low-cost, depending on funding |
| Target Audience | Open to all, especially LGBT+ and disabled communities |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible venue, sensory-friendly options, possible BSL interpreter |
| Types of Performers | Disabled and non-disabled, LGBT+ inclusive and representative |
| Tone | Heartwarming, supportive, inclusive, and humorous |
This table captures the essence of what an attendee can expect from a Laugh-Able evening – an atmosphere designed to foster connection, safety, and joy.
Who Is the Event For?
While anyone can enjoy Laugh-Able nights, they are particularly designed to expand access and representation for marginalised groups within the entertainment sector.
Key audiences include:
- LGBTQ+ individuals and allies – particularly those interested in seeing positive, honest representation onstage.
- Disabled attendees and performers – Laugh-Able strives to remove accessibility hurdles in performing and spectating.
- Families and caregivers – thanks to the safe environment and daytime venue location, some events accommodate mixed-age audiences.
- Comedy lovers and festival-goers – particularly those looking to move beyond mainstream comedy circuits. There are more citywide shows like this making headlines—just like the return of iconic acts such as PYX LAX LIVE IN LONDON, offering a shared cultural moment across demographics https://www.londonunravelled.com/events/pyx-lax-live-london-2026/.
Individuals who have not always felt welcome or represented in traditional performance settings often find Laugh-Able a refreshing community venue.
How to Participate and What to Expect
Attending is easy and welcoming. Typically, Wanstead Library partners with Laugh-Able on promotional efforts, including booking tickets via Eventbrite or through telephone registration for those without internet access.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Arrive Early – Doors generally open 15 minutes before (around 19:15), and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Respect the Space – It’s a community-focused event, so mutual respect and positive engagement are part of the social contract.
- Trigger Warnings – Comedians may cover a range of lived-experience content. Organisers typically note this at the beginning.
- Stay Afterwards if You Can – One feature of Laugh-Able is post-show mingling, where conversations deepen among audience and artists.
Whether you’re attending with friends, on a date, or coming solo to soak in some affirming energy, the night is designed to leave you smiling and thinking.
Broader Impacts on the UK Comedy Scene
The ripple effect of Laugh-Able and similar efforts is significant. Over the past decade, calls for increased diversity and accessibility in the UK comedy scene have gained traction, backed by Arts Council England, grassroots organisers, and changing audience expectations. The success of Laugh-Able proves there is both a need and a demand for comedy that doesn’t rely on punching down or ignoring lived experiences.
In turn, mainstream festivals such as Edinburgh Fringe have begun expanding assistance and recognising accessible and inclusive comedy acts with more awards, grants, and platforming.
Events like Luna Comedy, Crips Without Constraints, and even broadcast debuts on platforms like BBC Radio 4 and Channel 4 have begun showcasing talent that once was ignored or marginalised.
By acting as a testing ground for fresh talent and mentorship, Laugh-Able reinforces the growing ecosystem of inclusive performance in the UK.
This year’s LGBT+ History Month comedy celebration at the Wanstead Library is more than a laugh session – it’s a tribute to resilience, identity, shared struggles, and shared victories. Creating visibility and connection through art, it forms a key cultural contribution to London’s evolving performance spaces.
Attending the Laugh-Able night offers you more than an enjoyable time – it’s a way of supporting real inclusivity, ensuring everyone has access to laughter, recognition, and community stage presence. Visitors can expect warmth, surprise, cleverness, and more than a few excellent punchlines. A simple evening out at a library transforms, as laughter reminds us that everyone’s story deserves to be heard, and everyone deserves to be seen.
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