The Drunk and Heckle Show

Brighton Fringe is back, and if you're looking for something a bit different during the festival, there's a show at Presuming Ed that leans into the chaos of live comedy. It's called The Drunk and Heckle Show, and it’s hosted by the Canadian comedian David Tsonos. The premise is fairly straightforward: instead of the usual "please hold your applause until the end" vibe, this show actively encourages the audience to interrupt the performers. It’s a bit of a departure from the standard stand-up format where silence is usually expected, and it’s designed to be a more interactive experience.

The way it works is that attendees are given paddles to use when they want to heckle. David Tsonos acts as the compere, and he’s joined by three different international guests each night. It’s scheduled for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of May 2026, starting at 22:15. Since it’s part of the Fringe, it’s free to attend, which is handy if you’re trying to balance your festival budget. Just keep in mind that it’s an 18+ event, so you’ll need to be over that age to get in. It’s worth noting that some comedians have mentioned it’s a preferred environment for them to perform in, likely because it removes the pressure of a traditional, quiet room.

The venue, Presuming Ed, has accessible toilets and allows assistance dogs, so it’s set up to accommodate different needs. Because the whole point of the show is audience participation, you should be prepared for a fair amount of interaction and, as you might expect with a show titled this way, there will be strong language throughout the performances. It’s a specific format, and it’s definitely one for those who enjoy a more unpredictable atmosphere rather than a standard, polished stand-up set. If you’re planning to head down, it’s worth arriving in good time to settle in before the 22:15 start, especially given the nature of the show where the audience is essentially part of the act.