This Machine Kills Wasps with Special Guests Professor Elemental, Claire Vine, Laurie Black, and Lil Wenker

Brighton's best / only alternative music AND alternative comedy night returns for its first show of 2026. We only do four of these a year, to keep them nice 'n' special, so book early and book often.

The way it works: there's a first half of alternative comedy, then there's an interval, then there's a jarring shift in tone, and then there's some music. It all works better than we were expecting.

THE HOST

Returning champion and analogue synth / electro-pop maestro Laurie Black shall be our MC for the evening. Laurie can do whatever she likes cos she's awesome, but exect tunes from her new album I hope (no pressure, Laurie).

THE COMEDY

Baba (Halima Habil) is you. Baba is me. Baba is everyone. Please enjoy our and, soon to be, your, favourite diasporic clown.

Leslie Bloom is the incredible comedic creation of Simon Topping, who hosts and runs Brighton's best alternative comedy night, Extra Topping. Leslie is into tarot and parkour for pensioners, and has a son called Craig from an ill-advised love affair with Kenneth Brannagh.

Lil Wenker (actual name) is an American clown and character comedian who sent audiences wild in 2025 as wistful cowboy Bangtail. She'll be doing cool and funny stuff.

Claire Vine is a folk musician who lives in Wales. She writes beautiful, very moving, very political, and very personal songs that are extremely worthy of your attention.

James Walsh is in a band called The Highchurches, who are traditionally TMKW's house band. They wo't be appearing at this show, but James will be singing anyway. You can't stop him.

Professor Elemental is our headliner. He's a Brighton legend, beloved for his very silly and also strangely profound songs about time travel, tea, and the clothing one should wear for specific situations.

Early bird tickets are available now.

This Machine Kills Wasps takes place at the gorgeous Folklore Rooms in central Brighton. 

Previous acts have included (on the comedy side) Robin Ince, Mark Silcox, Blank Peng, Shelf, and Lachlan Werner. Previous acts have also included (on the music side) Message From The Ravens, Jo Burke, The Coal Porters, Jason Pegg out of Clearlake, Queen Mab, MJ Hibbett with Chris Thorpe-Tracey on piano, and many other wonderful artists. Every night is different, and every night is special. 

Lineup is subject to change once we’ve actually booked some people.

We’re sorry, but The Folklore Rooms is not yet an accessible venue.