The Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (SICFest) has kicked off excitement for next summer by revealing two of the headline acts for its flagship gala show at Theatre Severn.
The 2026 festival will feature performances across multiple venues throughout Shrewsbury, building up to the gala show on the evening of Sunday 12 July.
Spain's Best Export Heads to Shropshire
Cardiff-based comedian Ignacio Lopez brings his unique brand of comedy to the stage. With a family spanning Spanish, Welsh, Irish, Moroccan and German heritage, Lopez describes family gatherings as resembling a United Nations meeting.
Branded Spain's Best Export by the Spanish Embassy and Department for Culture, Media and Sport in the UK, Lopez has built an impressive television portfolio. His appearances include Live At The Apollo (BBC), Have I Got News For You and Comedy Central Live.
The comedian has become well-known for his sharp observations about British culture and quirks. His online presence has been equally successful, with his videos racking up over 100 million views. Lopez's tweets about public transport and life in the UK have regularly gone viral, though he admits the attention is fleeting.
Beyond the comedy circuit, Lopez has performed for some unusual audiences. He's entertained the Welsh football squad, opened for James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers and performed for military personnel. He now headlines top comedy clubs across the UK and Europe and hosts corporate events worldwide.
An Arab Essex Girl Breaking Stereotypes
Joining the lineup is Esther Manito, described by The List as "an astute observer of everyday daftness as well as being able to tackle the bigger issues with wit and guile."
Manito has supported some of comedy's biggest names, including Alan Davies, Shappi Khorsandi, Sindhu Vee, Jason Manford, Jo Brand and Al Murray. Her television credits include Live At The Apollo (BBC), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV), Hypothetical (Dave) and Russell Kane's Evil Genius (BBC).
Radio work has also featured prominently in her career, with co-hosting roles on Radio 4 Extra's Newsjack Unplugged, Bitesize Parents (CBBC), Breaking the News (BBC) and Russell Kane's podcast Boys Don't Cry.
Her hour-long stand-up show #NotAllMen won best show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2021. The Radio Times praised her performance, saying: "At times it's like Victoria Wood has taken the mic."
Christmas Gift Sorted
Beth McGowan, SICFest director, is encouraging early bookings for the gala show.
"It doesn't seem so long ago since the last gala show in July and yet here we are again planning for 2026. This is my festive, timely reminder to those people with friends who are comedy lovers: I'm sure they would love nothing more than to have a pair of gala show tickets in their Christmas stockings!"
Tickets for the SICFest gala show on 12 July are priced at £39.60 (including booking fee) and can be purchased through the Theatre Severn box office on 01743 281281 or online at https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/whats-on/shrewsbury-international-comedy-festival-gala/