The burgeoning comedy scene in the United Kingdom has given birth to many great venues across the country. With many of comedy's top acts migrating to the capital city it is perhaps no wonder that London and the neighboring county of Essex are home to some of the best comedy clubs in the country.
Comedy Carnival
Located at The Grand in Clapham, the Comedy Carnival boasts such acts as Russell Brand, Flight of The Conchords and Michael McIntyre and has a reputation as one the best venues for comedy in the UK. The Comedy Carnival has been running since 2004 when it was initially a monthly showcase for touring Australasian comedy acts. Since the early days it has flourished and now has a showcase every Saturday for a diverse range of established and up and coming acts. The Grand itself is an ornately decorated theater complete with balcony seating that is home to a variety of performing arts and club nights making it one of the hottest venues in London. Prices range from around 12 GBP per person for general admission up to 50 GBP per person for a show and dinner. With reasonable ticket prices and a great venue the Comedy Carnival is one of the premier spots in London.
Comedy Carnival
The Grand, 21 -25 St John's Hill
Clapham Junction, London SW11 1TT
Tel: 0207 7361446
www.comedycarnvial.co.uk
The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store is perhaps one of the UK's busiest comedy clubs, The Comedy Store has been the launching pad for many of today's funniest comedians. Originally started in a small room above a gentleman's club in 1979, The Comedy Store has since become one of the most established clubs in London with regular shows by resident comedians known as The Comedy Store Players as well as quizzes with teams made up of the country's best comedic acts. Open seven nights a week, there is a vast array of performances and shows to choose from with tickets ranging from 14 GBP per person to 20 GBP per person. Whether you are a fan of absurdist comedy or traditional stand up routines, there is something for everyone every week at The Comedy Store.
The Comedy Store
Haymarket House
1a Oxenden Street, London, SW1Y 4EE
Tel: 0871 971 4437
www.thecomedystore.co.uk
Jongleurs
Located in the Essex seaside town of Clacton, Jongleurs is a chain of comedy clubs that is often host to the top names in comedy with several of these performances aired on the successful 'Live at Jongleurs' TV series. Jongleurs often has as many international acts as it does homegrown ones and notable comedians that have performed at Jongleurs venues include US actor and comedian Chris Rock and Canadian comic Simon B Cotter. As well as live stand up, Jongleurs also holds various Q & A evenings with established allowing audiences a unique evening with their favorite comedians.
Jongleurs
The Boardwalk, Clacton-On-Sea
Essex, CO15
Tel: 08700 111 960
www.jongleurs.com
