5 British comedians who have appeared in Las Vegas
Ah, Vegas. Is there anything quite like it? For many people, the US city is the entertainment capital of the world, a place where millions of people flock every year to have a good time, watch hundreds of live shows, and try their best to replicate scenes from their favourite Hollywood movies.
If there's one thing Vegas is famous for, it's casinos. From the ever-flashing, ever-beeping slot machines at the very heart of these historic locations to the croupiers at the roulette wheels and dealers at the blackjack tables, anyone asked to describe the city in one word many would likely come up with something symbolic from the casino floor.
The sharp rise of online casinos is a testament to the popularity of the gambling format; immersive table games, live dealers, and vertiginous jackpots are easily and successfully replicated online, but there's one element of Vegas that you can't take out of the city entirely: the draw of its live shows.
For decades now, Las Vegas has been putting on shows that have only grown in quality as time has moved on. Hundreds of live magic, dance and comedy shows are a big draw to tourists. Comedy, especially, is something that Vegas has become increasingly known for. And - as you'll know as a reader of this website - no one does comedy like us British.
While many comedians may come and go, several of our UK comedians have become global superstars, exemplified by their stints in the holy grail of entertainment, Las Vegas. Getting a slot there for an American comedian is an achievement in itself, let alone getting a slot as a British comedian. The prestige of this city lives on, which is quite something, considering the lure of Vegas has nearly been entirely recreated online.
Here's five British comics who have performed in the bright lights of Las Vegas:
Chris Turner
It was back in January 2022 that Chris Turner began his one-man, comic hip-hop show in Cirque Du Soleil's Mad Apple. With a mix of hip-hop and comedy that is different with every show, Turner has become a must-watch for those over the pond. Check out his YouTube channel for videos of him in action.
Jimmy Carr
Jimmy Carr will be performing a sold-out show at the Mirage Theatre in March 2024. Known for his quick wit and brilliant audience comebacks, Las Vegas isn't going to know what hit it!
Jack Whitehall
If you've watched Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father, then you'll know all about the comedian's first Las Vegas stint. It was eventful, for sure. In an interview with James Corden in April 2023, Whitehall spoke about how he needs to 're-do' Las Vegas sometime in the future. Sure enough he did: he performed in the Wynn Encore Theatre in July. According to various sources, this stint was a lot more successful!
Billy Connolly
The man. The myth. The legend. Billy Connolly's Las Vegas shows took place over a decade ago, but we're sure they still linger long in the memory of those who saw them. Connolly is loved in America, just as he is loved all over the world, and he lit up the Las Vegas stages with his dry humour and succinct, Scottish charm - leaving the audience in fits of giggles in the process! He is even the inspiration for Las Vegas king, Penn Jillette, who is one half of the most recognised comedy magic act in the world.
Ricky Gervais
Ever since hosting the Golden Globes - and being responsible for the enormously successful The Office US - Ricky Gervais has been a household name in America and he has celebrated that with some enormous shows in Las Vegas, with more on the horizon.