Dom Joly Brings “A Cabaret of Curiosities” Back to Cheltenham in 2026

Cheltenham has always had a rich cultural pulse, but over the past year, one event has quietly become the town’s must-see secret: Dom Joly’s SpeakeaZy. Equal parts cabaret, chat show, and late-night adventure, it’s an evening where music, comedy, and conversation collid, and where nothing is quite what you expect.

After a spectacular 2025, Dom Joly is back with the first SpeakeaZy dates of 2026: Thursday 15th January, Thursday 5th February, and Thursday 5th March at The Steam & Whistle. Tickets for these are on sale now.

Unlike most shows that chase the capital, SpeakeaZy was created in Cheltenham, for Cheltenham. “Curating this show in my hometown has been an absolute joy,” Joly says. “It’s thrilling to invite friends, artists, and heroes I admire to perform. I wanted to add something fresh to the town’s entertainment scene—and judging by the reaction, it’s worked!”

Every night is unique. SpeakeaZy blends tales from Dom’s three decades in showbusiness with live performances that range from the hilarious to the heartfelt. Previous guests have included stand-up icons Seann Walsh and Jenny Éclair, music from Babybird, The Bluetones, and Leisure Society, and rising stars like Tom A Smith, whom Elton John hailed as “a massive star for the future.” Local talent, too, shines on the SpeakeaZy stage, with artists such as Saint Senara bringing a distinctly Cotswolds flavour.

The show’s charm lies in its unpredictability. October’s edition featured The Rt. Hon. Alex Chalk KC, former Lord Chancellor and Cheltenham MP, delivering an unusually candid political tête-à-tête with a spirited audience. And Dom hints that 2026 will hold surprises for sports fans as well—analysis and stories you’ll never see on TV.

The venue, The Steam & Whistle, adds to the evening’s charm. Doors open at 4pm for artisan pizzas and drinks, with pizza slices available from 6pm, before the 7.30pm show. With a relaxed interval and a bar that stays open for post-show drinks, it’s the perfect night out for locals and visitors alike.

SpeakeaZy isn’t just a show, it’s a celebration of Cheltenham itself: intimate, exhilarating, and just a little bit mischievous. Whether you’re there for the music, the comedy, or just to see what might happen next, Dom Joly promises evenings you won’t forget.

Tickets for the January, February, and March dates are available HERE.

IMAGE CREDIT: NomadUK