One of the breakout stars of the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe is heading to the south coast. Rory Marshall’s critically-acclaimed, sell-out comedy hit Pathetic Little Characters will arrive at Komedia Brighton on Saturday 17 January 2026, bringing one of the most talked-about new comedy shows of the year to a hometown-style audience.
Following a barnstorming Fringe run that earned a place among British Comedy Guide’s Best-Reviewed Shows of 2025, as well as Observer Fringe Highlights and Time Out’s Best Comedy Shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2025, Marshall’s debut hour has quickly established him as one of the most exciting new voices in UK comedy.
Critics and comedy royalty alike have been quick to champion his rise:
“I laughed so loud it was almost embarrassing… We should all be keeping a very close eye on Rory Marshall — because he’s about to blow up.”
— ★★★★★ Metro
“Deliciously good… a real Fringe find.”
— ★★★★ The Times
“Rory Marshall is the real deal: sharp, funny and one to watch.”
— ★★★★ The List
Additional four-star reviews have come from The Scotsman, Chortle, Three Weeks and One4Review, while fellow comedians have also weighed in:
“Rory Marshall is my absolute favourite.” — Lolly Adefope
“Perfectly observed and properly funny.” — Rhys James
About the show
In Pathetic Little Characters, Marshall digs deep into his “extremely sad and pathetic soul” to create a gallery of equally sad and pathetic people — all of whom he insists are nothing like him. It’s a sharply observed, character-driven hour packed with awkwardness, absurdity and biting social satire, delivered by a performer many see as a major new talent in British comedy.
Fresh from a sold-out Edinburgh run, this is the debut show from South East Dartmoor’s fifth-most promising character comedian, and one that has quickly built a cult following.
A return to Brighton
For Marshall, the Komedia date is especially meaningful. Before comedy, he spent his formative years playing punk rock in Brighton with his band Birdskulls.
“I spent my younger years playing punk rock to the people of Brighton, and I can’t wait to be back on stage for the good people of the city,” says Marshall.
“Yes, I’ve laid down the guitar and picked up the microphone — the comedy one — but the attitude remains as punk as ever. Many people are calling me the Johnny Rotten of comedy. I have a real ‘up yours’ attitude, and since I left my band I’ve become a complete prick.”
On screen and on air
Rory Marshall has already appeared on Starstruck, Ellie & Natasia (Channel 4), and has been heard on BBC Radio 4. The show is directed by Alex Cartlidge and Will Farrell.
Show details
Rory Marshall: Pathetic Little Characters
📍 Komedia, Brighton (BN1 1UN)
📅 Saturday 17 January 2026
🕕 Doors: 6.00pm
🎟 Tickets: Brighton Tickets available now
