A significant new exhibition celebrating the faces of British comedy through the lens of a renowned photographer is set to open in Birmingham next year. "I photograph comedians!" by Andy Hollingworth will launch at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday 18 February 2026, showcasing nearly 80 portraits of legendary and contemporary stars.
A Retrospective of Laughter and Legacy
The exhibition, produced by Blackpool's Showtown museum, offers a unique journey through three decades of UK comedy. Hollingworth's retrospective features intimate studio portraits, rare behind-the-scenes moments, and dynamic live performance shots. It pays tribute to late greats such as Ken Dodd, Sean Lock, Rik Mayall, and Victoria Wood, while also highlighting established and rising talents including Maisie Adam, Rhod Gilbert, Rosie Jones, Sarah Millican, and Paul Smith.
A strong local connection is at the heart of the show. It features comedians from Birmingham and the West Midlands like Jasper Carrott and Stewart Lee. Furthermore, Hollingworth has created brand new, exclusive portraits of Lenny Henry, Joe Lycett, Jo Enright, and Shazia Mirza specifically for this Birmingham display.
Iconic Artefacts and Interactive Displays
Beyond photographs, the exhibition will display an array of iconic comedy memorabilia that fans will instantly recognise. Visitors can see Eric Morecambe's pipe, Tommy Cooper's fez, and Billy Connolly's famous banana boots. The collection also includes costumes, programmes, tickets, and backstage passes.
Among the standout items are a tour jacket worn by Lenny Henry in 1984, a signed pair of Rik Mayall's underpants, and the distinctive teddy suit worn by Joe Lycett in an advertisement for his show Late Night Lycett. Lycett's suit has been recently acquired for Birmingham's own permanent collection. A digital interactive component will allow deeper exploration of Hollingworth's archive, featuring performance clips from greats like Morecambe and Wise.
Celebrating Birmingham's Comic Heritage
Andy Hollingworth expressed his delight at bringing the exhibition to the city. "This retrospective of my work over the last 30 years reflects the changing faces of comedy in the UK and my interaction with them," he said. "I'm delighted that it's being displayed in Birmingham, a city that has produced and been associated with many notable comedians over the years and a vibrant comedy scene."
Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, highlighted the local significance. They praised Hollingworth's unique connection with his subjects and his ability to capture both onstage personas and backstage nerves. "We are particularly delighted that the exhibition celebrates local talent," they said, "featuring different generations of comedians from Birmingham and the West Midlands... showcasing the contribution the region makes to popular culture."
The exhibition will be complemented by a programme of events exploring comedy and laughter, including talks and late-night openings. "I photograph comedians! Photography by Andy Hollingworth" will be on display in the Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from 18 February to 31 May 2026, opening Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm (daily during holidays).
Tickets are priced at £9 for adults, £5 for concessions, and are free for children aged up to 15. They can be purchased in advance or upon arrival at the museum.
