First celebrity guest announced for this year's con.
The White Rock Theatre is delighted to announce that Red Dwarf’s Chris Barrie is the first confirmed celebrity guest for this year’s Hastings Comic Con, which returns
for a second year on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2026.
Chris is best known for playing Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSc., SSc. (Bronze Swimming Certificate, Silver Swimming Certificate), once the Second Technician aboard the JMC mining ship Red Dwarf. Three million years after his death, Rimmer was brought back as a hologram to serve as the senior officer of Red Dwarf over a crew of four. The hit sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf ran for 13 series between 1988 and 2020, and is regarded as a true cult classic, with fans all around the world.
Chris’ other acting credits include playing Hillary, Angelina Jolie’s butler in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2021), while many loved to hate him in his role as Gordon Brittas, the most irritating manager in the history of the British leisure centre industry, in the BBC One sitcom The Brittas Empire. He has also presented the documentary, Massive Engines, exploring the history and engineering of immense machines such as trains and airships.
Chris started out in comedy clubs as an impressionist, appearing as one of the original Comedy Store Gong Show performers which led to appearances on the BBC’s David Essex Showcase and the Jasper Carrott Election Special of 1983. He was later picked up by the producers of Spitting Image, providing the voices for a whole host of characters including HRH Prince Charles, and Paul Daniels. Hastings Comic Con returns with a sequel that offers a weekend celebration of the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment – more celebrities, artists, and experiences will be announced in the coming months.
New for 2026 is a chance to experience an Escape Room produced by Puzzle Party, while visitors will also be able to explore interactive experiences, exhibitions, workshops, fascinating panels and discussions, plus cosplay parades, retro gaming, and shopping courtesy of an incredible selection of merch.
Tickets are available at hastingscomiccon.com.