Acclaimed comedian Bill Bailey is set to return to The Roses Theatre this summer for a special week-long residency, where he will test out brand-new material ahead of his next national tour.

Running from 3 to 9 Aug 2026, the residency will feature 14 performances of Work in Progress, giving audiences a rare opportunity to see Bailey develop his latest show live on stage.

The much-anticipated return follows a completely sold-out run at the venue last year, cementing the theatre’s reputation as a key creative base for the comedian.

Known for his distinctive blend of sharp wit, musical virtuosity and surreal storytelling, Bailey will use the residency to shape material for his upcoming autumn tour, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process.

Work-in-progress shows are often seen as a unique experience for comedy fans, with each performance evolving night by night. In the intimate setting of The Roses, audiences can expect an unpredictable and highly interactive evening, where no two shows are quite the same.

Bailey, a familiar face from television hits including Black Books, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and QI, remains one of the UK’s most celebrated live performers, recently being recognised with an MBE for his services to entertainment.

With demand expected to be high once again, the residency is likely to be one of the standout highlights of the theatre’s summer programme—offering fans the chance to see new comedy take shape before it heads out on tour.