Want to relax and have an entertaining evening? Then head for one of London’s many stunning comedy clubs. No matter whether you want to see well-known names or up-and-coming comedians, there is a venue that will suit you. London is home to an incredible array of comedy options.
By far the busiest venue is The Comedy Store. Located close to Piccadilly Circus, it attracts over 3,500 people each week. The range of performers is vast. Every night there is a different show. Expect improvisations, topical news-based comedy based on whatever is happening in the world – no politician is exempt! – as well as a vast range of stand-up comedy. You can even try your own comedy skills by taking the microphone during one of the regular talent search sessions which take place on the last Monday of every month.
For the visitors staying at Mowbray Court Hotel in Earls Court, The Soho Theatre is another West End comedy venue where the hottest new comedians try out their sketches and routines. The theatre acts as a center for new writing development, making it a very vibrant and lively venue.
Booking may be necessary at the Leicester Square Theatre as it attracts well-known names such as Ricky Gervais. The range of comedy on offer changes rapidly, with a lot of one-night bookings. This is where you can find anything from skits on Shakespeare, stand-up comics, interviews with comedians as well as heats of the New Comedian of the Year awards.
Heading north to Camden and Islington, you can try the alternative comedy on offer at the Laugh Out Comedy Club’s two venues. During the summer you can often find many of the Edinburgh Fringe comedians polishing up their acts dealing with issues such as irresponsible journalism. Entry prices are generally low.
Arrive very early if you are planning to go to the Angel Comedy in Islington. Entry is always free and it can get full very quickly. Space is limited. No two nights are the same. You can find yourself being entertained by a resident troupe experienced in improvisation or by experienced comics trying out new routines. There may also be specialist nights involving established alternative comedians like Nick Dixon and Ant Dewson.
Don’t be deterred by the fact that Live at the Chapel takes place in a working church – this is also one of the best comedy venues in London. This is where you expect the unexpected and find yourself being entertained by dramatic comedy.
Prefer being on the water? Then head for the Westminster Embankment and board the Tattersall Castle for one of their Boat Show Comedy Club sessions. Big names often use these sessions to practice their routines before heading out on tour or to television shows. The quality of the comedy on offer is always extremely high.
If it is the weekend, then you can head to Greenwich for a session at Up the Creek. According to Time Out, this is ‘one of the best places to see live comedy’ and can feature up-and-coming performers such as Jazz Mafia or Carl Donnelly.
