Student crowned UK pun champion with Henry VIII gag

A university student has been crowned UK pun champion after serving up gags about King Henry VIII and takeaway pizza at the Leicester Comedy Festival.

Adam Ernest Pickard beat seven other comedians in the jokey battle royale at De Montfort Hall on Monday to claim the 2026 title.

The 22-year-old Master's student said the UK Pun Championships show, which was hosted by comedian Jason Byrne and involved comics competing in a boxing ring, was the biggest of his career so far.

"It's just very overwhelming, but very exciting as well," he said.

Pickard got the audience laughing with his wisecrack: "The song Greensleeves was composed by Henry VIII. I'd play some of it here, but it's not royalty-free."

He also quipped: "I've compiled everyone who works at my local takeaway pizza place into a book. It's my Domino's Who's Who."

Another gag went: "Only women can use the herbal dumbbells. Thyme weights for no man."

Pickard said he thought winning the award was a "very elaborate prank".

"I'm very overwhelmed," he said. "It's the biggest gig I've ever done and I'm very pleased that there is a competition for something that I'm good at.

"It's a skill I've always liked, rushing puns. It's something I've always been good at.

"I've always loved comedy. One of the first comedians I really loved was Tim Vine, who of course is the pun master.

"I'd like to be part of the comedy world, and hopefully this is a stepping stone to get there."

Pickard, who lives in Norwich while completing a Master's degree in scriptwriting, said he visited Leicester for the first time for the gig.

"It's a really great place to have a comedy festival. You get a lot of very interesting shows here," he said. "I really wish I could have stayed longer than I did."

The festival, now in its 33rd year, comprises 700 shows across 76 venues in Leicester and Leicestershire.

It features known comedians including actor and writer Sir Stephen Fry and Sue Perkins, and up-and-coming talent.

Michael Harris-Wakelam, chief executive of Big Difference Company - the charity behind the festival - said: "The skill on display this year was outstanding.

"This event is a flagship of our festivals programme and celebrates and champions the art involved in great word play.

"Congratulations to all involved and to our worthy winner."

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