Comedian and children's author David Walliams has made a low-key return to live performance, hosting two intimate shows at a 50-seat pub theatre in north London. This comes just weeks after his long-time publisher, HarperCollins, severed ties with him following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Intimate Performances Follow Publisher Exit
On Saturday 17 January 2026, Walliams performed two fundraising events at the Circle & Star Theatre, a compact venue situated above his local pub, The Horseshoe in Hampstead. The afternoon slot was billed as a "family matinee" promising readings and audience interaction, while the evening show was advertised as an event of "humour, heart, and theatrical mischief." According to online listings, the performances were designed to spark a love of storytelling and support the local theatre.
The Daily Mail reported that the 54-year-old entertainer did not comment on recent events as he arrived at the venue. His return to such a small-scale setting marks a stark contrast to his former status as a bestselling author and television personality.
The Allegations and Denials
Walliams's current situation stems from a report in The Telegraph in December of last year. The newspaper claimed HarperCollins decided to drop the author after he was accused of behaving inappropriately towards young, female staff members. The report alleged a junior colleague had complained, prompting the publisher to interview other staff.
Former employees reportedly stated they were advised to work in pairs during meetings with Walliams and were told not to visit his home. In response, a spokesperson for Walliams issued a firm denial, stating: "David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins... He strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice."
This is not the first controversy for the star. In 2023, he left Britain's Got Talent after The Guardian published a leaked transcript from 2020 in which he made obscene remarks about auditionees, for which he later apologised.
Career Impact and Future Engagements
The fallout from the allegations has had tangible professional consequences. HarperCollins confirmed to The Independent in December that it had "decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams." This ended a hugely successful partnership; his books have sold an estimated 60 million copies worldwide and been translated into 55 languages.
Furthermore, Walliams has been removed from the lineup of the upcoming Waterstones Children's Book Festival in Dundee. Despite this, he continues with some scheduled live work. He has two dates remaining on his "An Evening With..." tour, set for Exeter and London in late March, with tickets for the London show priced between £45 and £65.
The intimate pub performances demonstrate an attempt to reconnect with an audience directly, away from the corporate publishing world that has recently distanced itself from one of the UK's most recognisable storytellers.
