Alan Davies is touring in 2026 with his new stand-up show, “Think Ahead,” across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The tour marks his first major stand-up run in a decade and runs from July through October 2026 .
Key Facts at a Glance
The tour is officially titled “Think Ahead” and represents a significant return to live comedy for the British comedian and actor . The show travels across three regions during a four-month window, with performances scheduled in New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland . Tickets are available through authorised platforms including Ticketmaster and Live Nation, with venues urging fans to purchase only through verified sellers .
About the Tour
Alan Davies has been a fixture on British television for over three decades, best known for his role as the title character in the BBC mystery drama Jonathan Creek and as the only permanent panellist on the comedy quiz show QI since its launch in 2003 . The “Think Ahead” tour is his first full stand-up tour in ten years, following a period during which he focused on television work and family life .
The show’s title reflects Davies’s approach to turning 60 in 2026 and contemplating the future after years of working without long-term planning . He has described the material as a chance to “let the little middle aged man scream,” blending observations about ageing, family life, and the absurdities of modern existence . The tour follows the release of his 2020 memoir Just Ignore Him, which dealt with childhood trauma, and his cancer treatment in middle age .
New Zealand Dates
The New Zealand leg opens the tour in July and August 2026, with four confirmed performances . Davies performs at the BNZ Theatre in Hamilton on 31 July, followed by the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Auckland on 1 August . He then appears at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington on 8 August and the Christchurch Town Hall on 12 August . Davies has described Australian and New Zealand audiences as “a little bit louder” than British crowds, and he has family joining him for the trip .
UK Dates
The UK leg runs from late September through late October 2026, covering fifteen venues across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland . The tour begins at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro on 21 September, followed by Bournemouth Pavilion on 22 September and the Bath Forum on 23 September . Subsequent dates include Peterborough New Theatre on 24 September, Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry on 25 September, and Cheltenham Town Hall on 28 September .
The tour continues with Dunstable Grove Theatre on 29 September, Hull City Hall on 30 September, and Leeds Playhouse on 1 October . October dates include Reading Hexagon on 5 October, Leicester De Montfort Hall on 6 October, Bradford St George’s Hall on 7 October, and Worthing Assembly Hall on 9 October . The final English dates are Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House on 19 October and Aberdeen Music Hall on 21 October .
Ireland Dates
Three Irish performances close the tour in October 2026 . Davies performs at the Cork Opera House on 12 October, the Ulster Hall in Belfast on 13 October, and the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin on 14 October . All Irish shows begin at 19:00, slightly earlier than the standard UK start time of 19:30 .
How to Get Tickets
Tickets should be purchased through authorised ticketing agents, primarily Ticketmaster and Live Nation . Live Nation operates a presale system for the New Zealand dates, with general sales following . Prices vary by venue; for example, the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh lists standard tickets at £35.00, with concessions available for children, students, seniors, and unwaged attendees . Venues explicitly warn that tickets from unauthorised resale sites cannot be verified, and fans should check that they are interacting with verified pages before purchasing .
What Else Is Alan Davies Doing?
Alongside the tour, Davies launched a new BBC Radio 4 podcast titled Life Without in February 2026 . The ten-part series, produced by ITN Productions, explores what would happen if essential things like the moon, salt, sleep, or worms suddenly disappeared . Davies said the project appealed to him because it blends “humour and seriousness,” allowing him to explore alarming science alongside funny, bright guests .
He has also released a new memoir that tells the story of his stand-up career within the context of childhood trauma and his cancer treatment in middle age . The book adds to his existing body of autobiographical writing, which includes Just Ignore Him .
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Alan Davies tour start? The “Think Ahead” tour begins in Hamilton, New Zealand, on 31 July 2026 .
Is the tour coming to my city? The tour covers New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland across twenty-two confirmed performances . Venues span major cities including Auckland, London-area locations, Manchester-region stops, Belfast, and Dublin.
Where can I buy tickets? Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and official venue box offices .
Is this his first tour in ten years? Yes, Davies has stated that this is his first stand-up tour since before the COVID-19 pandemic, which he described as “catastrophic” for the live entertainment profession .
Conclusion
The Alan Davies “Think Ahead” tour represents a significant return to live performance for one of Britain’s most recognisable comedy figures. Spanning New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland from July to October 2026, the tour offers audiences a chance to see Davies in a more personal mode than his television work allows. Those interested in attending should check official ticketing platforms for current availability, as venue listings and dates remain subject to change.
When does the Alan Davies tour start?
The “Think Ahead” tour begins on 31 July 2026 at the BNZ Theatre in Hamilton, New Zealand . This marks Davies’s first national tour in a decade, following his decision to return to stand-up after focusing on television work .
Which cities is the tour visiting?
The tour covers New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland across more than twenty confirmed performances . New Zealand dates include Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch in July and August 2026 . UK shows run from late September through October in venues such as Truro, Bournemouth, Bath, Leeds, and Newcastle . Irish dates include Cork, Belfast, and Dublin in mid-October .
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary by venue and region. Standard UK tickets are listed at £35.00 at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre, with concessions at £32.00 for children, students, seniors, and unwaged attendees . Bradford’s St George’s Hall lists general admission at £32.50 . Irish tickets range from €37.20 to €40.75 including booking fees .
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through authorised platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and official venue box offices . Irish dates are sold through Ticketmaster.ie, with general sales having opened in early March 2026 . Venues advise purchasing only through verified sellers to ensure ticket validity.
What is the show about?
“Think Ahead” blends Davies’s signature observational humour with reflections on turning 60, parenting, and confronting personal history . Davies has described the show as “all the ingredients” of his life, calling it “the closest my stage persona has been to actually me” . The material also touches on themes from his memoir White Male Stand-Up, which addresses his career alongside childhood trauma .
