Scottish comedian Larry Dean is preparing to return to stand-up comedy after his involvement with the London-based production of Saturday Night Live UK (SNL UK), while also gearing up for the second season of the show. Dean, who rose to prominence with his 2017 appearance on Live at the Apollo and performed at the Royal Variety Performance in 2024, described his experience working closely with the SNL UK cast and crew as a significant and positive chapter in his career.

Dean highlighted the collaborative environment on the show, noting the tight-knit group of 11 cast members and the commitment each brought to their roles. He expressed admiration for the talent of the writers and performers, which convinced him early on that the UK adaptation would succeed despite initial skepticism toward transplanting the American sketch format. He added that the sometimes skeptical nature of British audiences might actually benefit the show by tempering expectations and leading to stronger overall reception.

The comedian, who divides his time between London, where the show is filmed, and Manchester, where he lives with his husband Mikey, discussed the transition from working as part of a team on SNL UK back to solo stand-up performance. After nearly two decades in live comedy, Dean said he initially found it challenging to adjust to performing alone again after the collaborative experience of television production. Nonetheless, he enjoys the freedom of engaging Scottish audiences with his natural accent and cultural references, which he can use without restraint.

Dean’s upcoming schedule includes a month-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by a UK tour that will feature appearances at the Aberdeen Comedy Festival in October. His return to SNL UK for its second season is planned for September, with his stand-up gigs scheduled around filming commitments.

Reflecting on the wider comedy industry, Dean made light of the challenges faced during World Cup years, observing that audience attendance often dips as people focus on the tournament, making it a difficult period for comedians and promoters alike.

Overall, Dean’s comments underscore both the professional growth he has experienced through SNL UK and his ongoing dedication to live comedy performance across the UK.