The essential Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall continued on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, with a spectacular night of comedy curated by The Cure’s Robert Smith, featuring a stellar line-up including Stewart Lee, Jack Dee, and Dom Joly.
Following a triumphant opening night by elbow on Monday, the traditional comedy evening saw superstar comedians leave the legendary venue in raptures. Dom Joly hosted the night, surprising the audience by recreating his famous ‘shouty phone guy’ persona and joking about being commanded to appear by Smith, noting that “when he commands you to the Royal Albert Hall, you do it.”
The 2026 series runs from 23 to 29 March, raising vital funds for young people with cancer. Upcoming headliners handpicked by “Cureator” Robert Smith include Mogwai, who perform on Wednesday night celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut single, followed by Manic Street Preachers playing the 150th show of the series on Thursday. Tickets for the remaining shows, which also feature my bloody valentine, Garbage, and Wolf Alice, are available via the official Teenage Cancer Trust website.
The comedy line-up delivered relentless laughs throughout the evening. Stewart Lee, widely regarded as the “comedian’s comedian,” topped the bill by expertly deconstructing his own stand-up routine. Earlier, Jack Dee brought his trademark grumpy comedy to the stage, questioning why the hall was sold out on a Tuesday—”one of the seven worst days of the week”—before finishing with a song about paracetamol. Dara Ó Briain proved his iconic credentials with stories of difficult charity gigs, while Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Athena Kugblenu, Miles Jupp, and Andy Hamilton rounded out the diverse and hilarious roster.
When asked about his selections, Robert Smith explained, “Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee and Dara Ó Briain make me laugh!” Smith is the first guest curator taking the mantle from Honorary Patron Sir Roger Daltrey. Reflecting on the cause, Smith noted he was 17 when he started the band that became The Cure, adding, “It is hard to imagine the impact it would have had on my life if at that age had heard the words you have cancer.”
Adding to the atmosphere, celebrated accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegovic performed around the venue each night. Alongside the gigs, Teenage Cancer Trust has launched ‘Good Energy’, a new art exhibition and print series at the Royal Albert Hall running until 9 April. The exhibition features limited-edition silk screen prints chosen by acts like The 1975, Fontaines DC, and Bring Me The Horizon, with prints available to purchase online.
Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease. Jules Worrall, Interim Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, praised Smith’s efforts: “For 2026, that baton has passed to Robert Smith, and wow, what a job he has done.” Jane Ashton, Head of Music and Entertainment at the charity, added that the 2025 series raised a record-breaking £2.05 million, and they hope to beat it this year to continue funding specialist nursing care and support within the NHS.
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