Sam Hickman at Brighton Fringe 2026 arrives at Komedia Brighton on 21 May at 6:30pm — and she arrives with fresh momentum.
Just weeks before her Brighton date, Sam Hickman at Brighton Fringe placed third at the Musical Comedy Awards 2026, beating out 45 other acts and becoming the first harpist ever to place on the podium of the competition. Not a bad warm-up.
Who Is Sam Hickman?
Excitement Surrounding Sam Hickman at Brighton Fringe
Sam Hickman is a Welsh harpist, comedian and performer who has quietly become one of the most distinctive voices in British comedy — and is now breaking through to mainstream recognition.
“Clearly destined for big things, Hickman is equipped with a voice filled with operatic drama” — Chortle
“The musical and comedic ability of Victoria Wood” — Broadway Baby
“The Sensational Sam Hickman” — British Comedy Guide
“Yr showgirl ar y delyn” — BBC Cymru
She has become a firm favourite at Brighton Fringe in recent years, and the Musical Comedy Awards 2026 result — third place from a field of 45 acts — confirms what Brighton audiences have known for a while: this is a performer operating at a different level.
Sam Hickman Brighton Fringe 2026: First Woman
A comedy harp concert. What an original premise.
First Woman is unapologetically queer, gorgeous and filthy — a mad romp through love, romance, sex, friendship, motherhood, trauma, the 2002 television series Monk, and Jesus.
It is mostly about religious trauma and medical transition. Described by Brighton Fringe itself as: “FUN!”
Spellbinding comedy performed live on harp, written, composed and performed entirely by Sam Hickman alongside co-producer and lighting designer Amy Lloyd.
“Tom Lehrer of the comedy harp” — Fringe Review
The Musical Comedy Awards 2026
The Musical Comedy Awards is one of the most respected comedy competitions in the UK — and Sam’s third-place finish in 2026 marks a genuine milestone. She is the first harpist in the competition’s history to stand on the podium.
The result places her alongside some of the most exciting emerging comedy talent in the country — and brings her Brighton Fringe appearance an added significance. This is a chance to see a performer mid-breakthrough.
Practical Details:
Komedia Studio, Brighton
📅 Thursday 21 May 2026
⏰ 6:30pm ⏱ 60 minutes
🎟 £10 / Concessions £8
🔗 brightonfringe.org/events/sam-hickman-first-woman
Age: 18+ Content warnings: strong language, references to mental illness, suicide/self-harm, transphobia, original music.
For more Brighton Fringe 2026 shows, see our full Brighton Fringe guide.
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