Ian Smith and Alex Stringer bring their respective tour shows to town, and Stephen Bailey headlines at XS Malarkey.
Alex Stringer backed up winning Best Show at the 2024 Women In Comedy Festival with a nod for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe from the ISH awards, and now she’s finally bringing Happy Hour back to Manchester. The story of her sobriety does exactly what it says in the title, provides an hour of great comedy guaranteed to leave you feeling fuzzy inside without having to have a drink.
Nominated for Best Show at the Edinburgh Fringe, Ian Smith is on somewhat of a roll at present and has settled himself as one of the UK comedy scene’s foremost progenitors of righteous indignation. In this new show, he’s trying to see the brighter side of things, but as the show title suggests, Foot Spa Half Empty, it’s getting increasingly difficult.
- Words:
- John Stansfield
- Published on:
- Mon 9 Mar 2026

Manchester’s finest comedy club presents one of Manchester’s finest comedians as Stephen Bailey headlines XS Malarkey this Tuesday. A phenomenal comic with such an easy-going, gossipy style makes it seem like you’re hanging out with your funnest and funniest friend. Not to be missed.