Comedy Programmer
Soho Theatre Company Closing date: Sun, 04 Oct 2026
- Full time
- £30k-£40k
- Apply now
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the next chapter of one of London's most exciting cultural organisations working with Soho's comedy and wider teams to bring leading UK and
international comedy to our 960-seat auditorium, identify and support the next generation of talent, and build adventurous, commercially successful programmes for audiences in Walthamstow and beyond.
The role will also help shape and deliver a new programme strand for Soho Theatre Pub. Using its small stage and informal social setting, you'll develop playful daytime, early-evening, late-night and weekend activity that complements the auditorium programme, attracts custom and makes the whole venue feel
alive.
We're looking for someone who knows comedy: artists, agents, promoters, festivals, venues and touring networks; someone with the relationships and judgement to help make ambitious bookings happen, and the organisation and attention to detail to deliver them brilliantly.
Programming
Support the delivery of Soho Theatre Walthamstow's comedy programme, identifying artists and opportunities through strong knowledge of the comedy sector. Contribute to bookings, talent scouting and industry engagement, balancing artistic quality, audience appeal and commercial objectives.
Soho Theatre Pub
Help develop a varied programme of comedy, cabaret, music, talks and special events that complements the wider venue offer and encourages repeat audiences.
Deals, Administration & Delivery
Manage bookings, contracts, budgets and programme administration from offer to settlement. Coordinate information, logistics and reporting to ensure smooth delivery.
Artist & Industry Relationships
Build strong relationships with artists, agents, promoters and visiting companies, providing excellent artist care and acting as a key contact.
Communications & Audiences
Work with colleagues on marketing and audience development, sharing insights that support engagement and income.
Job Requirements
Knowledge and Experience
Strong knowledge of the UK comedy industry and a genuine enthusiasm for live comedy.
Commercial comedy booking or programming experience, including negotiating deals and
managing relationships with artists, agents, promoters or venues.
An active network within comedy and the confidence to build new relationships.
A good understanding of current and emerging comedians, festivals, touring patterns and audience
trends.
Experience of a role involving significant organisation and administration.
An understanding of the practical and commercial considerations involved in presenting live work.
Awareness of Soho Theatre's programme, artistic identity and place within comedy and live
performance.
Relevant experience gained in a venue, agency, production company, promoter, festival or another
part of the comedy and live entertainment industry.
A working understanding of basic technical theatre terminology (desirable).
Job Responsibilities
Personal Qualities and skills
Curious about artists and audiences, with strong programming instincts and good judgement.
An excellent verbal and written communicator.
Confident, diplomatic and comfortable working with a wide range of personalities.
Highly organised and able to manage several shows, relationships and deadlines simultaneously.
Calm and solutions-focused in a fast-paced live environment.
Commercially aware without losing sight of artistic ambition.
Proactive and entrepreneurial: someone who spots possibilities and makes things happen.
Interested in experimenting with programming for informal, social and non-traditional spaces.
Collaborative, generous and professional in the way you work.
Committed to welcoming different artists and audiences and removing barriers to participation.
Success in the Role
Flexible about working evenings, weekends, late nights and public holidays when the programme
requires it.
Ability to travel
Job Overview
- Job Title: Comedy Programmer
- Salary: £30k-£40k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Comedy
- Role: Curation
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Sun, 04 Oct 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsLondon
Job: Comedy Programmer
Job: Comedy Programmer
Organisation: Soho Theatre Company
Postcode: E17 4QH
How to Apply
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please complete the application form linked here.
When completing your application form, please read the job description carefully. We will shortlist for the position based on how you respond to the job description and the person specification.
The deadline for submitting your application is 09:00am 5th October 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity. If you would like to submit your application in another format, or you have any questions about this role, please contact [email protected].
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Soho Theatre Company
Soho Theatre is London’s most vibrant producer for new theatre, comedy and cabaret. A charity and social enterprise, we are driven by a passion for the work we produce, the artists we work with and the audiences we attract.
Our work is wide-ranging, drawing from our fringe heritage, and adding a queer, punk, counter-culture flavour. We champion voices that challenge from outside of the mainstream, and sometimes from within it too. We value entertainment and a great night out.