Local talent takes centre stage as Roll Britannia joins official London D&D event

The multi-award-nominated British podcast Roll Britannia has been confirmed for the live performance line-up at the Dungeons & Dragons Fan Expo: London 2026. The event, presented by Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast in collaboration with AEG Presents, is scheduled to take place at The O2 across 21 and 22 August 2026.

The comedy actual play podcast will appear on Saturday, 22 August, with performances listed for both the Indigo at The O2 and the O2 Blueroom. This official fan event represents a significant scale for domestic roleplaying games talent, featuring a programme of live play, panels, and community activities designed to anchor the Dungeons & Dragons brand within the UK’s largest entertainment complex.

First launched in 2020, Roll Britannia has produced nearly 400 episodes, establishing itself as one of the UK’s most consistent independent productions. The show features a cast consisting of James, Paul, Sophie, Tom, Chip, and Alex, following a long-form improvised story defined by homebrew mechanics and a distinctly British comedic lens.

The inclusion of a local, independent podcast as a headline performance at a major venue like the O2 offers a sharp contrast to recent failures in the UK convention circuit. Earlier this year, London Film and Comic Con was cancelled, with organisers citing prohibitive flight costs for international guests and an inability to secure American talent. Critics noted at the time that the event’s reliance on overseas stars made it vulnerable, while domestic creators were often overlooked.

In contrast, the Dungeons & Dragons Fan Expo appears to be leaning into the strength of the UK’s homegrown “actual play” scene. By elevating local performers who have built their own dedicated communities, the event avoids the logistical fragility that derailed LFCC.

James, Dungeon Master of Roll Britannia, said in a statement:

Being announced for Dungeons & Dragons Fan Expo: London is one of those moments where you briefly feel very professional, then remember most of your career has involved shouting at dice in a pirate voice. We started this show as six mates learning D&D together, so getting to be part of an official D&D fan event at The O2 is properly surreal.

The podcast has previously been recognised by Wargamer and the BBC for its international reach, balancing high-stakes fantasy storytelling with “rules-light chaos”. For listeners looking to catch up before the August event, the show’s back catalogue is available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The expo weekend is built as a fan experience, featuring gaming tables, traders, and cosplay alongside the professional performance schedule. While the presence of Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast ensures a corporate-level production, the event’s success may ultimately rest on how well it integrates these independent British voices into the “official” Dungeons & Dragons ecosystem.