Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean

Bill Bailey brings Vaudevillean to the Bournemouth International Centre (the BIC) on Saturday 21 November 2026 for one show. The BIC is the town's large seafront venue, an easy walk from the beach, the Lower Gardens and the restaurants in the town centre. Doors and start time appear on the venue's official listing.

Vaudevillean is Bailey's current touring show, and in line with four decades of his work it mixes stand-up, storytelling and live music, that combination of surreal observation and genuine musicianship that has defined his career. Bailey keeps the precise shape of the night to himself, so treat the official listing as the source for running details.

He's one of Britain's most cherished comedians and musicians: the star of Black Books, a long-serving team captain on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, a QI regular and, to the nation's delight, the 2020 winner of Strictly Come Dancing. On stage he's a genuine rarity, a true musical virtuoso who is also genuinely funny, moving between keyboards, guitars and stranger instruments mid-routine.

It's both at once, which is exactly what Bailey has always done. Expect musical parodies, genre mash-ups, instruments rarely seen at comedy gigs and stretches of surreal stand-up woven between them. First-time viewers are often caught out by the musicianship: the joke lands, and then the playing itself draws its own applause.

Tickets are available through the Bournemouth International Centre's official listing and its authorised partners. With a major touring name playing just one night, the best seats sell early, so book ahead and steer clear of unofficial resale sites. The listing confirms prices, seating plans and start time.

The Bournemouth International Centre is the town's largest indoor venue, positioned right on the seafront along Exeter Road. Its main halls host big touring comedy and combine large capacity with good sightlines. It's a fully accessible, modern venue, so contact the box office when booking if you need accessible seating or want to discuss access requirements.

It's a 10 to 15 minute downhill walk from Bournemouth's railway and coach stations, and buses from across the conurbation stop in the town centre just a few minutes away. Drivers have the venue's own multi-storey plus several council car parks nearby, though these fill before doors on show nights, so allow extra time.

The BIC's location is hard to beat, town centre restaurants sit just minutes away and the seafront strip is right on the doorstep, so a pre-show dinner followed by a walk along the promenade makes for a classic BIC evening, bracing yet beautiful in November. Check our food and drink guide for the closest options.

Bailey's comedy leans surreal rather than harsh and generally suits older children and teenagers familiar with his television work, though touring shows can include occasional strong language. If booking for a younger fan, check the venue's age guidance on the official listing.