TorRidendo

TorRidendo: Comedy takes over Piazza Santa Croce

TorRidendo is the comedy festival launched in 2026 in Torre del Greco, a Vesuvius-side city in the province of Naples, Campania. The concept is as simple as it is effective: bringing the biggest names in cabaret and stand-up to a historic town square for two consecutive nights, with free admission and an open-air stage. The result, even in its inaugural year, was a packed Piazza Santa Croce, drawing over four thousand attendees with hundreds more watching from the surrounding streets.

The festival is promoted by the municipal administration led by Mayor Luigi Mennella through the Culture Office. It is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the city center, showcasing the beauty and tourist appeal of Torre del Greco through a year-round calendar of live performances.

Two nights, twelve artists

The format of TorRidendo is that of a collective showcase: rather than a single two-hour monologue, the event features a fast-paced succession of six acts per night, alternating between established television personalities and comedians deeply rooted in the Neapolitan tradition. Between sets, the hosts keep the energy high with improvised gags and banter.

Artistic coordination and hosting duties are handled by Antonio D'Ausilio, joined on stage by actress Imma Pirone (known for the Rai series Un posto al sole) and comedian Antonio Colursi.

A cast spanning Naples and the national stage

The first edition's lineup brought together twelve artists, striking a precise balance between Neapolitan comedy and household names from national television:

• Gabriele Cirilli, a veteran of Zelig and Tale e Quale Show;
• Arteteca, the Neapolitan duo of Enzo Iuppariello and Monica Lima, made famous by Made in Sud;
• Giobbe Covatta, one of Italy's most recognizable satirical voices;
• Francesco Paolantoni, a Neapolitan actor and comedian with a long career in TV and theater;
• Simone Schettino, Giovanni Esposito, Ciro Ceruti, Lello Musella, Nando Varriale, Pasquale Palma, Gino Fastidio, and the duo Enzo e Sal.

Piazza Santa Croce: An open-air theater

The choice of venue is no coincidence. Piazza Santa Croce, located in front of the basilica of the same name, is one of the most iconic spaces in Torre del Greco: a wide, pedestrianized area surrounded by arcades and shops. Once set up with a stage and seating, it transforms into an open-air theater for two nights, with the audience spilling into the adjacent streets once the seats are filled.

The setting adds to the experience: Torre del Greco is the city of coral and cameos, nestled between the sea and the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Attending an evening show in its historic center is the perfect excuse to explore a vibrant urban fabric filled with artisan workshops, historic churches, and nearby Vesuvius villas.

A free festival for everyone

TorRidendo offers free admission on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no booking system: those who arrive early get a seat, while others watch standing. This approach reflects the festival's popular appeal and explains the high turnout, attracting families, groups of friends, and visitors from neighboring Vesuvius towns.

TorRidendo in the local summer calendar

The festival is part of a well-structured municipal cultural program that includes the historic Festa dei Quattro Altari in June, the children's festival Torre in fiaba, the Voci d'Autunno Jazz Festival in September, and various Christmas events. TorRidendo occupies the mid-July slot, serving as the city's premier comedy highlight of the summer.

Tips for attendees

• Arrive well in advance of the start time: seats fill up quickly.
• Reach the square on foot or by public transport: the historic center is pedestrianized and parking nearby is limited.
• Combine the evening with a stroll through the center and a visit to the coral workshops, the city's authentic artisan signature.