PRESS RELEASE
Laughing Stock Productions Recording, Preserving, and Distributing the very best of comedy
Laughing Stock Productions was the UK industry’s first comedy production company / record label, and in 2027 it will mark 35 years of trailblazing. The label was launched in 1992 by Pete Brown and Mike O’Brien, and has released an unrivalled catalogue of primarily audio titles [but also some outstanding video]. 35 years on, Laughing Stock Productions can now be seen not just as a destination for the best in comedy, but also as an archive for modern British humour. The label carved out a unique niche by recording, preserving, and distributing live stand-up routines, initially during what was a booming era for the UK comedy circuit.
The company, which is still run by Mike O’Brien, now with music industry producer Rupert Withers, continues to release catalogue material but is also active in the recording of new acts and shows, and securing new partnerships within the entertainment industry. Big enough to be known the world over, Laughing Stock Productions is also small enough, and independent enough, to chart its own course.
Offering both curated compilations and live recordings captured directly from the nations comedy clubs, some early audio productions and commercial releases included shows from the likes of Jo Brand, Eddie Izzard, Rob Newman, Ben Elton, Sean Hughes , Bill Hicks, and Rory Bremner; as well as huge events like the famed The Secret Policeman’s Ball series.
Over time as their influence grew, the company then received commissions from the BBC for radio productions such as the Red Dwarf radio show with Chris Barrie and the production of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s radio show. These recordings were later released commerciallty. Comedy ‘Best Of British’ compilations and samplers were produced as ‘covermounts’ for national newspapers, magazines, and even companies as diverse as Boots, Abbey National and Shell.
Laughing Stock have produced the following Video titles featuring: Ross Noble, John Hegley, Paul Zerdin, John Shuttleworth, Scott Capurro, Mark Steel, Rainer Hersch, Paul Zerdin, Andy Parsons, Seann Walsh, Marcus Brigstocke, Russell Kane, Joanne McNally.
Recent Audio productions and releases include those from names including: Tim Minchin, Eddie Izzard, Mark Steel, Stewart Lee, Jim Jefferies, Noel Fielding, Ross Noble, Henning Wehn, and Andy Parsons.
Laughing Stock Productions engages expertly and enthusiastically with the opportunities and challenges within the new digital landscape for audio and video content.
Rupert Withers said, “MAYBE SOMETHING LIKE Moving forward we want to be taking advantage of my own extensive material in recording and production, thereby capturing new material, expanding the usage of our catalogue. Additionally, we will be building further our presence and influence across platforms like YouTube, as well as continuing to be leverage what we do with the streaming services”.
2026 celebrates 35 years of routines, jokes and gags, but Laughing Stock Productions continues that most serious of missions: to record, preserve, and distribute the very best that comedy has to offer.