No one’s summarised the London crowd quite like Oscar Wilde: “it is now composed of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics.”
Wilde’s words ring true to this day. Except, that group of lunatics he refers to can mostly be found on the local comedy circuit, seizing every possible opportunity to poke fun at everybody else.
You’ve found your way to NextUp, so it’s clear you’re not the average comedy fan. You’ve exhausted that recycled material in banner shows… and you know that the best spot to see a truly “brilliant lunatic” in fine form is an authentic comedy club. Right?
Well, you’re in good company. Sit tight while we serve up ten of the best clubs for real comedy fans…
Angel Comedy Club @ The Bill Murray
Angel Comedy Club operates out of The Bill Murray – and is actually run by comics who crowdfunded the lease on the venue. Offering a creative space where comedians can write, practise and perform, Angel Comedy also attracts many massive names who drop in now and again to perform as well as check out the latest emerging talent.
Weirdos Comedy Club
What it says on the tin, basically. Weirdos Comedy Club is the place to see some of the more bizarre and alternative comedians in the capital.
Soho Theatre
Okay, this one’s technically not really a comedy club, but hear us out – Soho Theatre is still a worthy inclusion on the list. Not only is their programme made up of wall-to-wall comedy, it honours the full length 60-minute shows all year round, often performed by NextUp acts.
The Free Association
Want the best improv in London? Just head here. Guests are always stumbling out of the two FA venues in a sniggering stupor. And, after you’ve watched these laugh artists adlibbing, you can even try your own hand at improv by enrolling for comedy training sessions.
Backyard Comedy Club
Based in Bethnal Green, Backyard is the home of house comedy. For less than a tenner, you can get backstage (well, yard) access to some of the freshest talent on the block.
2Northdown
The guys at 2Northdown have a great eye for comedy and curate some fantastic nights. They’ve got some brilliant ‘picks of the fringe’ nights coming up featuring the awesome Olga Koch and Sophie Duker, as well as Frank Skinner’s work in progress which would be well worth a look!
Up The Creek
Don’t drift aimlessly down the comedy club river without a paddle. Head Up The Creek and relax in the knowledge you’ll be in for a roaring good time. Far more than just a revolving door of comedians – Up The Creek throws in time limits and improv sets for its performers. You never know exactly what you’re going to get…but it’s bloody funny.
The Top Secret Comedy Club
The Top Secret Comedy Club attracts the kind of crowd that makes people want to become comedians in the first place. The room is regularly packed to the rafters with a raucous group of joke-lovers… and it’s always a hell of a laugh being amongst them.
Monkey Business Comedy Club
You can’t claim to give a monkey’s about comedy unless you’ve checked out one of the longest-running comedy clubs in London. Monkey Business takes place at Café Rouge in Hampstead. Voted the best comedy club in North London, it’s also aptly named given its ability to turn the room into a gang of howling primates. Pop in and you’ll see.
Banana Cabaret
Housed in The Bedford, Banana Cabaret is a real hoot – and it’s about to get much bigger and much better when the venue’s multi-million refurb is complete. Be sure to be one of the first ones in through the door to see a bright and brand new kind of comedy club.
Catch quality comedy on NextUp
Comedy clubs aren’t the only place to see awesome comedians splitting sides. NextUp streams the newest and best talent on the circuit – and you can get it all for free for 30 days.
Choose your device, hit play and kick back with some kick-ass comedy. It’s what the evenings were made for.
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