Max Roddy embarking on 'Peter Pan - the Tour that Never Grew Up'

2026 promises to be a big year for popular Derry comedian Max Roddy, who is taking his show ‘Peter Pan - The Tour that Never Grew Up’ on the road.

Described as “Ireland’s fastest rising comedy talent” Roddy, who has become something of an internet sensation, said the tour would bring a “fresh, fast-paced and unpredictable brand of comedy” to stages across Britain and Ireland.

“It is bursting with hilarious energy and high-octane storytelling,” he said, “and will run from February to June 2026.”
Born for the stage, Roddy has been a performer since childhood.

“I stepped onto the professional stage at just 17, touring in John Godber’s play ‘Bouncers’,” he said.

“I am now 33 and I think I bring the same unstoppable enthusiasm to my comedy,” he grinned, “a style often described as what would happen if Peter Kay and Lee Evans had a love child!”

Long before TikTok, Max was filming sketches on his best friend John Burke's camcorder, building a character-driven world inspired by Peter Kay and Robin Williams.

That DIY energy eventually exploded online, earning him more than 40 million views and producing massive viral hits including ‘Plank of Wood’, ‘EastEnders Phone Call’, and hundreds more fan favourites.

Roddy’s breakthrough 2018 sketch series ‘Max Roddy PT’ was directed by Sean Mullan and co-created with his best friend John Burke.

“John has been filming with me since I was 10-years-old. Amazingly, the sketch captured more than 300,000 views across three episodes. It drew media attention in the emerging world of viral comedy. Fans still reference the character from Derry to Dubai,” said Roddy.

“But stand-up was always the dream,” he added. “My on-stage journey began in 2021 when Owen Colgan (Hardy Bucks) invited me to perform, after discovering his videos. This one-off appearance quickly turned into four gigs.

“After I got sober in August 2023, I wrote my debut solo show ‘Clean Mad’ which sold 200 tickets at the Waterside Theatre in June 2024.

“Momentum grew rapidly and I supported Diona Doherty and Mark McCarney on what was only my sixth gig, at Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club, and co-organised the 13-date ‘Hope Comedy Festival’ with Ironman Danny Quigley, to raise mental-health awareness across Derry,” said Roddy, who began developing ‘Peter Pan in January 2025.

“Essentially ‘Peter Pan’ is at the heart of the 2026 tour,” said Roddy. “By July, I was performing it to packed houses. This led to bookings at Brickwork Comedy, Derry and New Gate Arts, and culminated in my Edinburgh Fringe debut, where NI comedy star William Thompson invited me onto his show.

“A single clip sent to Liverpool’s legendary Hot Water Comedy Club then secured me a slot there, which has helped me to secure my biggest run yet - ‘Peter Pan - The Tour that Never Grew Up’.

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The ‘Peter Pan - The Tour that Never Grew Up’ will include stops at:Top Secret Comedy Club (London); The Empire (Belfast); Cosh (Derry); Marketplace (Armagh); and An Grianán (Letterkenny), as well as 12 additional dates across Britain and Ireland.

“I will be joined throughout the tour by MC Rory McSwiggan, founder of the award-winning weekly comedy night Chicken Box Comedy, established in 2018 to give local talent a platform,” said Max Roddy.

Roddy credits the intimate lounge of the city’s Bennigan’s Bar and the diverse, supportive Derry comedy scene for his growth as a stand-up, and is “delighted” to have Rory - a 14-year veteran of comedy and hosting - on board.

Roddy has since become an officially featured comedian on Top Secret Comedy Club and Hot Water Comedy Club socials.
Now, just 17 months into full-time stand-up, Max Roddy is proving he’s more than ready for the road.

“For me ‘Peter Pan – The Tour That Never Grew Up’ is a celebration of resilience, humour and never quite growing up,” smiled Roddy, “and even at this early stage, it’s a show you won’t want to miss.”