Game. Set. Laugh. Meet Pauline Eyre — The Line Judge Who’s Taking Her Whistle on Tour
Say hello to the most unexpected grand slam of the comedy world: former Wimbledon line-judge-turned-stand-up star Pauline Eyre is embarking on a tour of her hit show Anyone For Tennis? across 2026. If you thought the sound of “Quiet please!” meant you were in the thick of a tennis match, think again — you’re probably in one of her gigs, where she’s now serving up jokes instead of double faults.
From baseline to punchline
Eyre spent over two decades officiating at Wimbledon and even called matches involving major stars such as Serena and Venus Williams. Her perspective? That the perfectly trimmed hedges and laser-guided line calls are all very shiny, but a bit of human fallibility is what gave Wimbledon its theatre. Reflecting on the shift toward electronic line-calling, she’s joked that officials have gone from being “very skilled professionals” to “glorified butlers.”
So what does someone with that background do next? Well — if you’ve got a career changing shoes, you might head into comedy. Thankfully, Pauline did just that.
The show: “Anyone For Tennis?”
Her live show Anyone For Tennis? is described as a 40-love letter to the game, filled with “smashing stories, ace anecdotes and… why line judges are OUT!” The format blends insider tennis tales (locker-room whisperings, royal box realities) with classic stand-up warmth. Reviewers say she brings both genuine authority (you don’t get 20 years at Wimbledon without accruing some serious anecdotes) and finely-tuned timing.
Tour across 2026: courts and comedy clubs
The 2026 tour is already partly mapped out: venues from Bury St Edmunds (February 25) to Andover (May 21), Leeds (June 17) and Taunton (October 16) — with plenty more to come on the circuit of small and mid-scale theatres across the UK.
So if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to trade a clipboard and “fault” calls for a mic and punch-line bombs — or just fancy a night of tennis-laced humour without the risk of getting hit by a serve — this one’s for you.
Why you should go (and what to expect)
Authentic insider stories: The behind-the-scenes moments aren’t fiction — Pauline was there.
Warm, relatable approach: Her style is known for being both heartfelt and hilarious.
A fresh twist for both tennis fans and comedy fans: If you love sport or you love stand-up (or both), this show serves both sides beautifully.
Small venues = cosy energy: Expect close-ups, friendly crowds, and maybe even a racket-ish pun or two.
Final serve
In the grand slam of comedy, Pauline Eyre is heading the line. She’s waved goodbye to being hidden behind the umpire’s chair and is stepping into the spotlight — no let-letting up, no silent sign-language, just full-on stories, laughs and maybe a bit of Pimms-fuelled tennis nostalgia.
So whether you’re team tennis or team jokes, mark your calendars: 2026 is Anyone For Tennis? time. And make sure you get in early — because as Pauline might quip, in comedy shows like this, it’s the front row that serves best.