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The Rest Is Politics Live – 2025 UK Tour Dates and Tickets

Jack Thomas Clarke Harrison • 2026-04-12 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

The Rest Is Politics Live brings together two of Britain’s most prominent political figures for an evening of candid discussion, debate, and insider perspective. Hosted by former Downing Street Director of Communications Alastair Campbell and former cabinet minister Rory Stewart, these live events transform the popular podcast format into an immersive theatrical experience. Audiences across the UK and Ireland have embraced the opportunity to witness firsthand the chemistry between two politicians who rarely see eye to eye yet manage to disagree respectfully.

Since launching their live touring programme in 2023, Campbell and Stewart have taken their format from intimate venues to major concert halls, reflecting the podcast’s rapid growth into one of the most-listened-to political shows in Britain. The live shows blend the podcast’s signature approach—analysing the week’s biggest stories with wit and candour—with audience interaction and extended discussion that simply cannot fit into a standard episode.

For those wondering how to secure their place at the next performance, this guide covers everything from confirmed tour dates to ticket availability, with practical details on venues and pricing to help plan the experience.

What is The Rest Is Politics Live?

The Rest Is Politics Live is the touring extension of the acclaimed podcast hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart. Campbell served as Director of Communications and Strategy under Prime Minister Tony Blair, while Stewart held cabinet positions including Secretary of State for International Development and Secretary of State for Defence. Their contrasting political backgrounds—one from the Labour Party, the other from the Conservative Party—create the productive tension that defines the show.

Hosts

Alastair Campbell & Rory Stewart

Format

Live political discussion and Q&A

Next Shows

November 2025 UK tour announced

Access

In-person tickets available now

Key Insights

  • The podcast regularly attracts millions of listeners weekly across multiple platforms.
  • Campbell and Stewart describe their approach as “bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably.”
  • The live format allows for extended debates and audience questions not possible in regular episodes.
  • Venues have ranged from small theatres to prestigious concert halls like London’s Eventim Apollo.
  • The show covers both British Westminster politics and international affairs.
  • A separate US edition has featured Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as hosts.
  • The November 2025 tour includes five dates across major UK cities.

Snapshot Facts

Fact Details
Podcast Debut 2023
Live Tour Debut 2023
Regular Hosts Alastair Campbell (Labour) and Rory Stewart (Conservative)
2025 UK Tour Cities Bournemouth, London, Glasgow, Manchester
2026 Expansion Belfast Waterfront Hall confirmed
Average Ticket Price Approximately £43
About the Hosts

Alastair Campbell’s tenure at Number 10 included managing communications during the Iraq War, while Rory Stewart gained recognition for his candid assessments of government policy and his memorable performances during Conservative leadership debates. Their friendship despite political differences has become a defining feature of the podcast’s appeal.

Upcoming Tour Dates and How to Buy Tickets

The November 2025 UK tour represents the show’s largest live outing to date, with five confirmed dates across four major cities. According to ticket listings on Stereoboard, the tour visits Bournemouth, London (two nights), Glasgow, and Manchester. AEG Presents, the tour’s official promoter, confirmed these dates and noted that tickets were selling quickly.

November 2025 UK Dates

Sunday, November 9, 2025 marks the opening night at Bournemouth’s BIC, with tickets starting from £43.05. The tour then moves to London for two consecutive evenings at the Eventim Apollo on November 11 and 12, before heading north to Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo on November 15 and concluding at Manchester’s O2 Apollo on November 16, with tickets from £43.50.

Securing tickets involves purchasing directly through official vendors or authorised resellers. Both Stereoboard and AEG Presents serve as primary ticket sources for the tour. Prices vary by venue and seating category, with the approximately £43 starting price offering accessible entry to these popular shows.

Ireland Expansion in 2026

The show announced its first Irish dates in March 2026, with Belfast’s Waterfront Hall confirmed as the venue for Friday, March 6, 2026. This expansion marks the show’s continued growth and willingness to reach audiences beyond mainland Britain.

Ticket Availability

Tickets for the November 2025 shows were listed as “selling FAST” according to AEG Presents, indicating high demand. For sold-out dates, official ticket exchange platforms may offer resale options, though prices typically exceed face value. Early booking is strongly recommended for the Belfast date once released.

US Edition Special Event

A distinct edition of The Rest Is Politics focusing on American politics took place at London’s Indigo at The O2 on July 16, 2025. This show featured Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as hosts and promised to uncover secrets from inside White House inner circles while examining broader American societal issues. The event attracted audiences interested specifically in US political affairs.

How to Watch The Rest Is Politics Live Online

For those unable to attend in person, official clips and highlights from live shows appear on the podcast’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. However, full live streaming of complete performances has not been consistently available for all tour dates.

Where to Find Official Content

The podcast maintains a strong presence across major platforms including Spotify and YouTube, where select highlights from live events appear. The official Goal Hangar Podcasts website serves as the home base for the show, offering episode listings and tour announcements.

While complete live streams of touring shows remain limited, the podcast itself continues with regular weekly episodes regardless of touring activity. Listeners can access new content through their preferred podcast platform, with episodes typically running between forty-five minutes and an hour.

Streaming Availability

Full live streams of complete touring shows have not been announced as a regular offering. Audiences should verify official announcements for any future streaming options rather than relying on third-party streams, which may not be authorised or reliable.

Past Live Shows and Event History

The live touring programme began in 2023, shortly after the podcast established itself as a major voice in British political media. Initial shows drew sell-out crowds to smaller venues, quickly demonstrating demand for in-person appearances that prompted escalation to larger concert halls.

Timeline of Major Live Events

  1. 2023 – First live shows debut at smaller UK theatres, establishing the touring format.
  2. 2024 – Expanded UK tour visits additional cities with larger venue capacity.
  3. 2025 – November UK tour announced with five dates across four cities; US edition takes place at Indigo at The O2 in July.
  4. 2026 – First Irish dates confirmed for Belfast Waterfront Hall in March.

The show’s content during live performances typically mirrors the podcast format—Campbell and Stewart discuss the week’s major political stories, share behind-the-scenes anecdotes from their time in government, and answer questions from the audience. Extended time slots allow for deeper exploration of topics than the standard podcast episode permits.

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed Information

  • Five UK dates confirmed for November 2025
  • Belfast date confirmed for March 6, 2026
  • Tickets available through Stereoboard and AEG Presents
  • Starting prices approximately £43
  • Hosts are Campbell and Stewart for UK/Irish editions
  • US edition hosted by Kay and Scaramucci on July 16, 2025

Unconfirmed Information

  • Whether additional 2026 UK dates will be announced
  • Complete US tour schedule beyond the single July show
  • Regular live streaming availability for future tours
  • Specific setlist or topic focus for upcoming shows
  • Whether venues will add extra London dates due to demand
  • International expansion beyond Ireland

Why Live Political Podcasts Matter

The success of The Rest Is Politics Live reflects a broader trend in political media consumption, where audiences seek more substantive engagement than traditional broadcast formats provide. Live podcast events create a space for extended discussion and genuine audience participation that news programmes and panel shows rarely accommodate.

The partnership between Campbell and Stewart demonstrates that productive political dialogue remains possible across party lines. Their willingness to challenge each other’s positions while maintaining mutual respect offers a model for discourse that many listeners find refreshingly different from typical political debate.

For political enthusiasts seeking deeper analysis and behind-the-scenes perspective, these live events provide access to candid assessments that mainstream media outlets rarely elicit. The hosts draw on decades of direct experience in government, offering insights into decision-making processes and institutional dynamics that casual observers rarely witness.

What Sources Say

“The Rest Is Politics Live brings back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably.”

— Official description from AEG Presents

“The show analyses international news and current affairs, providing debate on global issues while revealing political insights from Westminster with insider perspectives and expert analysis.”

— Tour information from stereoboard.com

For those interested in the broader landscape of political media, including television dramatisations of political events, the piece A Very British Scandal – True Story, Cast and Where to Watch explores related themes of political scandal and media representation.

Key Takeaways

The Rest Is Politics Live offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience the podcast’s distinctive brand of cross-party political analysis in person. With confirmed UK dates in November 2025, an Irish debut in Belfast in March 2026, and competitive ticket pricing starting around £43, the shows remain accessible despite their growing popularity.

Those interested in broader economic context that often frames political discussions may find the analysis of Current Inflation Rate UK – Latest ONS Figures and Trends relevant to understanding the policy environment these politicians now debate.

Given the strong ticket demand noted by promoters, prospective attendees are encouraged to purchase through official vendors promptly to avoid sold-out disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the hosts of The Rest Is Politics Live?

The UK and Ireland shows are hosted by Alastair Campbell (former Labour government communications director) and Rory Stewart (former Conservative cabinet minister). The US edition features Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci.

When are the next The Rest Is Politics Live tour dates?

The upcoming tour includes November 9, 2025 in Bournemouth, November 11-12 in London, November 15 in Glasgow, and November 16 in Manchester. An Irish date is confirmed for March 6, 2026 in Belfast.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets start from approximately £43, with prices varying by venue and seating category. Bournemouth tickets begin at £43.05 and Manchester tickets from £43.50.

Can I watch The Rest Is Politics Live online?

Official highlights appear on YouTube and social media, but full live streams of complete touring shows have not been regularly offered. The podcast continues with weekly episodes on major platforms.

Where can I buy tickets?

Official ticket vendors include Stereoboard and AEG Presents. The November 2025 shows were listed as selling quickly, so early purchase is advisable.

Has The Rest Is Politics done live shows before?

Yes, the live touring programme began in 2023 and has expanded each year, moving from smaller theatres to major concert halls. Previous tours covered numerous UK cities.

What topics are covered in the live shows?

The shows cover the week’s major political stories, Westminster insider perspectives, and international current affairs. Extended format allows for deeper analysis and audience questions.

Is there a US edition?

A US edition took place on July 16, 2025 at Indigo at The O2 in London, hosted by Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci, focusing on American politics and White House dynamics.

Jack Thomas Clarke Harrison

About the author

Jack Thomas Clarke Harrison

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.