Ventriloquism is usually a bit creepy. Let’s be real. There is something about the fixed, glassy eyes of a wooden doll that feels like it belongs in a 1970s horror flick rather than a comedy club. But then there’s Nina Conti. She’s the person who single-handedly saved the art form from the bargain bin of seaside entertainment and turned it into something dangerously funny. If you’ve been looking for Nina Conti upcoming events, you probably already know that her shows aren't just about a woman talking to a monkey. They are chaotic, unscripted experiments in human psychology.
Right now, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for her. Between the "Whose Face Is It Anyway?" tour and some high-profile London residency dates, there is plenty to catch. Honestly, seeing her live is a completely different beast than watching a clip on YouTube. The tension in the room when she puts a mask on a random stranger is palpable. You never know if the person is going to freeze up or become a comedic genius under her guidance.
The Big One: Whose Face Is It Anyway?
This is the flagship show for the current season. It’s the evolution of everything Nina has done before. In past tours like "The Dating Show," she focused on a specific theme, but "Whose Face Is It Anyway?" is more like a "reality warp," as her promo material calls it. Basically, she’s stripping away the safety net.
The show relies heavily on audience participation, but not the "where are you from?" kind of participation that most stand-ups do. She literally hijacks your face. By placing a controllable mask on a volunteer, she creates a new character on the spot. It’s fascinating to watch because the person on stage usually ends up revealing way more about themselves than they intended.
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Key Tour Dates to Circle
If you are trying to snag tickets, you need to move fast. Many of the early 2026 dates are already hitting "sold out" status on major theatre sites. Here is what the landscape looks like for the next few months:
- January 15, 2026: Norwich Theatre Royal. This one has been a hot ticket, with the restaurant "Prelude" offering pre-show dining packages for those who want to make a night of it.
- January 25, 2026: Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea. A classic venue for a show that feels both old-school and cutting-edge.
- February 7, 2026: Union Chapel, London. This is a big one. It’s part of the "Live At The Chapel" series. She isn't solo here; she’s headlining a massive bill that includes Ed Byrne, Helen Bauer, and Laura Smyth.
The Union Chapel gig is particularly cool because of the acoustics and the vibe of the venue. It’s a literal church, and there’s something hilariously irreverent about Nina Conti doing her anarchic routine in a place of worship.
Why 2026 is Different for Nina
Nina has been doing this for a long time. She started at the Royal Shakespeare Company—actual high-brow acting—before the legendary Ken Campbell convinced her that her future was with puppets. But 2026 feels like a turning point. After her smash-hit run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in late 2024 and her stint in New York, she’s leaned harder into the "unscripted" element.
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In her older shows, there was a bit more of a structured narrative. Now? It’s pure improv. She’s admitted in interviews that she’s naturally shy, which is why the mask works. It’s her "happy idiot" persona taking over. When you go to one of these Nina Conti upcoming events, you aren't seeing a rehearsed play. You’re seeing a woman battle her own subconscious in real-time. It’s brilliant and occasionally a little bit stressful for the front row.
What to Expect at the Show
- The Monkey (Monkey): He’s the cynical, foul-mouthed heart of the show. If you’re a fan, you know Monkey isn’t just a puppet; he’s basically Nina’s id. He says the things she’s too polite to say.
- The Masks: This is her signature move. She’ll pick people from the crowd, put a lower-half mask on them, and provide their voice. The comedy comes from the disconnect between what the person is doing with their body and what Nina is making them "say."
- No Safety Net: Because it’s unscripted, things can go wrong. A volunteer might be awkward. A mask might slip. But that’s where the best comedy happens. Nina is a master at navigating the "train wreck" moments.
Tickets and Pricing: The Practical Stuff
Don't expect to pay "seaside pier" prices. Nina is a BAFTA nominee and a British Comedy Award winner. Tickets for the 2026 tour dates typically range from £20 to £35, depending on the venue and how close you want to be to the "danger zone" (the front rows).
For the London shows at places like Union Chapel, general admission is usually around £29.15. It’s worth noting that many of these venues have age restrictions, often 14+ or 16+, because Monkey doesn't exactly have a clean mouth.
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Finding Tickets When They Sell Out
If the official site says "sold out," don't panic immediately. Check reputable resale sites like Twickets or the fan-to-fan exchanges on Ticketmaster. Avoid the shady scalper sites where prices are marked up 300%. Nina’s fan base is pretty loyal, and you can often find people selling spares at face value if you keep a close eye on social media or her official mailing list.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to catch her this year, here is your game plan:
- Check the official schedule: Head to
ninaconti.netand sign up for her mailing list. This is where pre-sale codes and surprise dates usually pop up first. - Book the Union Chapel show immediately: If you are in or near London, the February 7th show is the most "bang for your buck" because of the incredible support lineup.
- Prepare to be a target: If you buy seats in the first five rows, there is a 50/50 chance you’ll end up with a mask on your face. If that sounds like a nightmare, sit further back.
- Watch her YouTube specials: If you're new to her work, watch "The Dating Show" or her documentary "Her Master’s Voice" to get a feel for the rhythm before you go.
The 2026 tour is likely the last time she’ll be doing this specific "Whose Face Is It Anyway?" format before moving on to a new concept, so catch it while the energy is still fresh.