Nick Mohammed Returns as Mr. Swallow for 'Show Pony' UK Tour 2025‑26
When Nick Mohammed, a double‑Emmy‑nominated comedian‑actor announced his latest stage outing, the theatre world sat up straight. He’s reviving his beloved alter‑ego Mr. Swallow for a brand‑new comedy called Show Pony, a tour that kicks off on 14 October 2025 at The Lowry in Salford and runs through 9 April 2026 at the Royal Court in Liverpool. The premise – ‘payback for everyone who missed the last run’ – has fans buzzing, and the stakes feel high because the show pulls from a very personal clash with a TV commissioner who told Mohammed his character could only talk about ethnicity, not silly fun.
Tour Overview
The 2025‑26 itinerary covers twelve stops across England, each chosen for its vibrant comedy scene. Below is a quick snapshot of dates and venues:
- 14 Oct 2025 – The Lowry, Salford
- 16 Oct 2025 – Corn Exchange, Cambridge
- 17 Oct 2025 – The HAWTH, Crawley
- 20 Oct 2025 – Hackney Empire, London
- 21 Oct 2025 – The HEXAGON, Reading
- 24 Oct 2025 – Corn Exchange, Ipswich
- 26 Oct 2025 – Grand Opera House, York
- 8 Nov 2025 – CURVE THEATRE, Leicester
- 9 Nov 2025 – Theatre Royal, Nottingham (sold out)
- 10 Nov 2025 – Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich
- 11 Nov 2025 – Rose Theatre, Kingston upon Thames
- 9 Apr 2026 – Royal Court, Liverpool
Ticket prices sit between £22 and £36, with a standard £31.50 rate for most seats at The Lowry. Concession discounts range from 5 % for Friends to 10 % for Ambassadors and Gold Friends at Norwich Theatre Royal. Each performance runs about two hours, includes an interval, and carries a 14+ age recommendation.
Show Concept and Origin
Mr. Swallow first sprang to life in the early 2000s when Mohammed was a member of the Cambridge Footlights. He says the character was inspired by an English teacher who ‘couldn’t even read war poetry without a theatrical flourish, and would literally swallow the words as she spoke.’ The high‑pitched Northern dialect became Mohammed’s comedic calling card, surfacing in TV spots, sketch shows, and previous stage tours like The Very…
‘Show Pony’ is billed as his “most personal show yet.” In it, Swallow riffs on everything from the sting of the rejected sitcom pitch – the very meeting where a commissioner demanded he talk about race theory instead of being funny – to the absurdities of fame after Apple TV+’s hit series Ted Lasso, where Mohammed plays Nathan Shelley. The set mimics a classroom, a subtle nod to the teacher who birthed the character.
Critical Reception
Early reviews have been glowing. The Times gave a four‑star verdict, calling the performance “bubbling with genius… one of the purest delights in British comedy.” London Standard went all‑five‑stars, hailing it as “a show full of giggles and moments that make you gasp.” Other outlets – The Reviews Hub, Everything Theatre, and The Arts Desk – all landed four‑star marks, praising the blend of “intelligent mayhem” and “virtuoso comedy.”
Ticketing and Production Details
The production is a joint effort between Berk’s Nest and United Agents. Fans can lock in seats via a “Pay in Instalments” plan at Norwich Theatre Royal, where the reservation holds for 48 hours. For those on the fence, a 5‑minute “last‑minute” release usually pops up a day before each show, a perk for the die‑hard Swallow followers.
What’s Next for Mr. Swallow?
Mohammed hints that after the Liverpool finale, the character won’t hang up his bow tie. In interviews, he’s teased new material that dives deeper into identity politics – not to preach, but to poke fun at the very debates that once blocked his sitcom idea. Expect a possible TV special or a streaming exclusive in 2027, especially now that Apple TV+ is still eager for fresh comedic voices.
Background on Nick Mohammed
Beyond Mr. Swallow, Nick Mohammed boasts a résumé that reads like a British comedy Hall of Fame. He’s a familiar face on Channel 4’s Taskmaster (Series 6), co‑hosted the satirical series The King Is Dead with Simon Bird and Katy Wix on BBC Three, and appeared in beloved shows such as Miranda, How Not to Live Your Life, and Drifters. Radio work includes the hit series Quarters and his own sketch show Nick Mohammed in Bits. His double Emmy nods stem from his writing on the BBC’s Reggie Perrin and his starring role in Ted Lasso.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tour affect fans of the original Mr. Swallow shows?
Long‑time fans will recognize the signature high‑pitched delivery and classroom‑set design, but ‘Show Pony’ pushes the character into new emotional territory by confronting the real‑world rejection of his sitcom pitch. This blend of nostalgia and fresh material makes the tour a must‑see for both old‑school and new audiences.
What led to the creation of the ‘Show Pony’ concept?
During a pitch meeting with a television commissioner, Mohammed’s proposal for a Mr. Swallow‑led sitcom was dismissed with the instruction that ethnic comedians should only discuss identity. The dismissive comment sparked the idea for a show that satirises that very demand, turning the rejection into comedic gold.
Which venues are considered the highlights of the tour?
The London stop at Hackney Empire draws huge media attention, while the final performance at Liverpool’s Royal Court promises a grand curtain‑call. Both venues are known for hosting top‑tier comedy and will likely see the most packed houses.
What have critics highlighted as the show’s strongest element?
Reviewers consistently praise Mohammed’s ability to blend high‑energy physical comedy with sharp, self‑referential commentary. The Times called it “virtuoso comedy,” noting that the balance of “magic, music and brand‑new mistakes” keeps audiences constantly surprised.
Will there be a recorded version of ‘Show Pony’ for streaming?
While no official streaming release has been announced, Mohammed hinted that a filmed version could land on a platform like Apple TV+ after the tour concludes, especially given his successful partnership with the service on ‘Ted Lasso.’
