Laugh first, mingle later
- Abigail Mathias
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Laughter Factory February 2026 Early Bird Tickets Just AED 140 Until January 30
February 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most social months yet for The Laughter Factory, as the UAE’s longest-running comedy club combines world-class stand-up with its much-loved after-show parties — where audiences don’t just laugh together, they actually meet.
To kick things off, comedy fans can snap up Early Bird tickets for just AED 140, available until January 30. With limited seating at every venue, early booking is strongly advised.
Leading the February line-up is the brilliantly physical and endlessly likeable Paul Tonkinson, one of the UK’s most respected live comedians and a former double Time Out Comedian of the Year. A regular on British television and a favourite of Michael McIntyre, Tonkinson is renowned for his infectious energy, pitch-perfect impressions and crowd-pleasing storytelling — a guaranteed highlight of the month’s shows.
Joining Tonkinson on tour are crowd favourites Pierre Hollins and Dubai-based rising star Liz Bains, completing a line-up that blends international pedigree with sharp contemporary comedy.
But The Laughter Factory experience doesn’t end when the punchlines stop. Each show is followed by a relaxed after-party, where audiences are invited to stay on, chat, mingle and meet the comedians. It’s a rare chance to swap laughs, share a drink and connect with fellow comedy lovers — a big part of what has kept The Laughter Factory at the heart of the UAE’s live entertainment scene for nearly 30 years.
Tour Dates February 2026
Fri 6th Feb. – Mezz, The Agenda, Dubai Media City 8:30PM
Sat 7th Feb. - Studio One Hotel, Dubai 8:30PM
Sun 8th Feb. – The Club, Abu Dhabi 7PM
Fri 13th Feb. – Radisson DAMAC Hills 8:30PM
Sat 14th Feb. – Dukes, The Palm, Dubai 8:30PM
Tickets: www.thelaughterfactory.com Early Bird: AED 140 (valid until January 30) Regular Price AED 175Age: 21+Info: 050 878 6728
About The Laughter Factory Founded in 1996, The Laughter Factory is the UAE’s original comedy club, hosting three top international comedians every month across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A multiple Time Out award winner, it has helped introduce regional audiences to some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy worldwide.
Meet the comics
Paul Tonkinson
A sensational live performer, Yorkshire man, marathon runner and former (double award-winning) Time Out Comedian of the Year, Paul Tonkinson has long upheld his esteemed reputation as one of the finest stand-ups the UK has to offer. With a unique and distinctive style, Tonkinson is noted for his effervescent physicality and skillful impressions, which bring alive exuberant, tender comic reflections on love, family and the day-to-day idiosyncrasies of 21st century living. A plethora of first class material, combined with tremendous charm and irrepressible, infectious energy make for quite a formidable talent.
After many years of storming the circuit, and much badgering from fellow professionals, he took to the road in 2012 with his eagerly anticipated debut tour: Paul Tonkinson; Fancy Man. The tour took in 50 dates across the UK, and gave audiences the opportunity to experience the full Tonkinson phenomena in all it’s glory.
Following his solo tour, he was given the opportunity to play to a wider audience, joining the mighty Michael McIntyre as a special guest on live shows around the UK. In 2013 he had the honour of joining Michael as a special guest on his global arena tour; playing to millions across the globe, as far and wide as Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Paul joined Michael again in 2015 as special guest on the Happy & Glorious Tour; playing to sold-out crowds in arenas across the UK.
On TV, he’s most recently performed on BBC One’s Michael Mcintyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Comedy Central’s The Comedy Store and The World Stands-up. He was recently a contestant on Ch. 4`s hit show Celebrity Come Dine With Me, proving he’s not just a dazzling stand-up talent, but a whizz in the kitchen, scooping first place to win the cash prize for charity. Back in the day, when he was a mere whippersnapper he had a stint presenting Ch. 4’s The Big Breakfast and he has also presented radio shows on XFM in London and Manchester. He has just completed a stint as a Programme Associate on BBC One’s Michael Mcintyre Chat Show.
Confirming his status as an invincible and highly versatile performer, he is also a regular entertainer for the UK Armed Forces, and has performed in Afghanistan and Iraq; playing to 2,500 troops in 45 degree heat in the middle of the desert.
Testimonials
"Nicely observed and beautifully illustrated with a wide repertoire of subtly silly comedy voices. The man’s a one-man Simpsons cast as he brings to life the likes of his effete, sexually ambiguous ski instructor or a menacing South London laugh. At his best, he reduces a marital argument to meaningless sounds, prompting lots of chuckles of domestic recognition."
Pierre Hollins
Pierre Hollins has been a comedy circuit favourite for many years, and has headlined clubs throughout UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
He is… always enjoyable, often inspired… THE SOURCE.
He has… an easy going joyful manner, laced and juxtaposed with pathos and reality that only an experienced comedian and earthling can bring you…TAKING THE PISTE TOUR.
He should be… made the mayor of a small village… SHANGHAI CITY WEEKEND. A hugely likeable cheekie chappie and unlikely rock god who whipped the crowd into a state of near euphoria. THE LATEST.
Random facts: Pierre Hollins used to perform as a comedy acrobat and unicyclist. His first guitar was a one-string electric squash racquet (still in use at festival gigs). He used to wash dishes in the House of Commons.
Pierre’s first novel The Karma Farmers is being published early this year by Unbound.
Liz Bains
Liz Bains is a British comedian based in Dubai. She won best act in the 2017 Dubai Short & Sweet Comedy Festival. A regular MC and headliner at comedy nights across the UAE, she has also performed stand-up in the UK, US, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iraq. She reached the semi-finals in the 2023 UK Funny Women Awards and was labelled ‘one to watch’.
@mydubai @thelaughterfactory @comedy @thingstodo @standupcomedy
Abi, this is such a joyful article.
You have captured the essence of The Laughter Factory so well - not just the laughs on stage, but the warmth, the connections, and that lovely sense of togetherness that stays long after the show ends. The February line-up sounds fantastic, and I really love how you have brought in the after-show mingling as part of the whole experience. “Laugh first, mingle later” says it all.
An evening filled with full rooms, shared laughter, and the conversations that follow - beautifully written, as always, dear Abi.