Comedy entertainment in Europe
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A
Musical Comedy Theatre
Formerly the Palace Theatre, this neoclassical beauty on pl Iskusstv (Arts Sq) was built in 1801 as a palace. Only in the 20th century was it redesigned, and it opened as a theatre in 1912. It is famous as one of the few theatres that stayed open throughout the blockade. Recently renovated, the place still retains the opulent atmosphere of a palace, with a gorgeous gala staircase and a famous ‘grotto buffet’. These days it hosts a wide variety of musical and theatrical performances, including crowd-pleasing classical ballets and operas.
reviewed
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B
Jongleurs
This is something like a Starbucks-size international chain that serves comedy instead of coffee. There’s eating, drinking and laughing (probably all at the same, choke-risking time). Friday and Saturday nights normally feature one big-name comedian and a couple of guys on unicycles (or thereabouts) and the shows are so popular, you usually have to book in advance. There are other venues in Battersea and Bow.
reviewed
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C
Up the Creek
Bizarrely enough, the hecklers can be funnier than the acts at this great club. Up the Creek was established and is still living in the spirit of the legendary Malcolm Hardee. Hardee, who was the patron sinner of British comedy, famously stole Freddie Mercury’s 40th birthday cake and donated it to his local old folks home. Mischief, rowdiness and excellent comedy are the norm.
reviewed
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D
Jongleurs Battersea
This is something like a Starbucks-size international chain that serves comedy instead of coffee. There’s eating, drinking and laughing (probably all at the same, choke-risking time). Friday and Saturday nights normally feature one big-name comedian and a couple of guys on unicycles (or thereabouts) and the shows are so popular, you usually have to book in advance.
reviewed
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E
Jongleurs Bow
This is something like a Starbucks-size international chain that serves comedy instead of coffee. There’s eating, drinking and laughing (probably all at the same, choke-risking time). Friday and Saturday nights normally feature one big-name comedian and a couple of guys on unicycles (or thereabouts) and the shows are so popular, you usually have to book in advance.
reviewed
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F
Salmon & Compass
It's all about music here, be it in DJ or live set form, with young and trendy Islingtonites crowding in over the weekend. There are large sofas for sitting, but it's mainly standing, drinking and dancing that take place, illuminated by fairy lights and a couple of sky lights during the day, when the bar serves Thai food. Monthly comedy nights are held here, too.
reviewed
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G
Ha’Penny Bridge Inn
From Tuesday through Thursday you can hear some pretty funny comedians (and some truly awful ones) do their shtick in the upstairs room of this Temple Bar institution, which has remained unchanged since the ’70s. Tuesday night’s Battle of the Axe, an improv night that features a great deal of crowd participation, is the best.
reviewed
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H
Landmarc
The preacher wouldn't recognise it. This vibrant bistro-cum-music venue is set in a massive former church - now the stained glass merges with red neon. Acts are a mix of acoustic and tribute bands, with comedy on Wednesdays. The menu's full of tasty café staples: Swiss burger and fries, grilled tuna steak and Thai chicken curry.
reviewed
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I
Backstage
Refreshingly non-mainstream, this groovetastic boîte has a chill night beer garden and a shape-shifting line-up of punk, nu metal, hip-hop, dance hall and other alt-sounds, both canned and live. The Free & Easy festival (bands, movies and comedy) in August and September enjoys cult status among clued-in locals.
reviewed
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J
Union Chapel
One of London’s most atmospheric and individual music venues, the Union Chapel is an old church that still holds services, and concerts – mainly acoustic – in between. It was here that Björk performed one of her most memorable concerts to a candlelit audience. The chapel hosts a monthly comedy night.
reviewed
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K
Battle of the Axe
From Tuesday to Thursday you can hear some fairly funny comedians (as well as some truly awful ones) do their stuff in the upstairs room of this Temple Bar pub. Tuesday night's Battle of the Axe, an improvisation night that features a lot of 'crowd participation' (read 'trading insults'), is the best of them.
reviewed
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L
Amused Moose Soho
One of the city’s best clubs, Soho’s Amused Moose is popular with audiences and comedians alike, perhaps helped along by the fact that heckling is ‘unacceptable’ and all of the acts are ‘first date friendly’ in that they’re unlikely to humiliate the front row.
reviewed
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M
Substanz
About as alternative as things get in Munich, this low-key, beery lair gets feet moving with house to indie to soul, tickles your funny bones during the English Comedy Club (first Sunday of the month) and brings out edgy wordsmiths for the SRO (standing-room-only) Poetry Slam (second Sunday).
reviewed
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N
Boom Chicago
Performances of English-language stand-up and improv comedy year-round. See it over dinner and a few drinks. The ‘Late Nite Improv’ show (the second and third Friday of each month) is always a crowd-puller. Inspiration is drawn from Chicago’s legendary Second City theatre.
reviewed
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O
Lee Hurst's Backyard Comedy Club
Reputed to be the place the comedians most love to play, you can expect excellent shows and a chuckling, chortling, guffawing and shrieking atmosphere. It's established and maintained by Lee Hurst, himself a successful comedian and dedicated promoter of the venue's name.
reviewed
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P
Wharf
A huge glass-and-brick building with a Victorian-industrial look, the Wharf is a big family-friendly pub with a children's area and picnic tables overlooking the water. There's regular entertainment, with live music Monday and Saturday, and stand-up comedy on Thursday.
reviewed
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Q
Hakob Paronyan State Musical Comedy Theatre
Billboards by the Opera House and on Abovyan Poghots advertise upcoming events; the Armenia Information office and the Artbridge Bookstore Café can help with tickets and upcoming events. Tickets are a steal for most events. Most theatres close during July and August.
reviewed
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R
Glee Club
No connection to the hit TV show, this rib-tickler is Birmingham's favourite comedy club, attracting local talent and big names on tour.
reviewed
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S
Teatro Ambra Jovinelli
A home away from home for many famous Italian comics, the Ambra Jovinelli is a historic venue for alternative comedians and satirists. Between government-bashing, the theatre hosts productions of classics, musicals, opera, new works and the odd concert.
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Laughter Lounge
Dublin’s only purpose-built comedy venue can squeeze 400 punters in for live shows, which feature four high-quality Irish and international acts each night. Admission includes entry to the post-comedy club, the After Lounge, with resident DJ.
reviewed
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Café Central
This hip bar-cum-literary salon recreates the early 1900s with antique velvet sofas, flock wallpaper and Persian carpets. There are comedy shows, public readings, films or lectures on many evenings, but the decor means it's always worth a visit.
reviewed
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Café de la Gare
The 'Station Cafe' in the erstwhile mews of a Marais hôtel particulier (private mansion) is one of the best and most innovative cafe-theatres in Paris, with acts ranging from comic theatre and stand-up to reinterpreted classics.
reviewed
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W
Bedlam Theatre
The Bedlam hosts a long-established (more than 10 years) weekly improvisation slot, the Improverts, which is hugely popular with local students. Shows kick off at 10.30pm every Friday, and you’re guaranteed a robust and entertaining evening.
reviewed
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X
Kressles Mühle
Behind Helsinki Bar, this cultural centre housed in an ivy-covered 13th-century flourmill is a lynchpin of the city's creative community, with a schedule that ranges from poetry slams to stand-up comedy, meditative gonging and folk dancing.
reviewed
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Y
View 2
Tucked just round from the heart of the Barbican, this cool venue has its own waterside terrace, and is perfect for a lunchtime pizza or drink. In the evening, enjoy comedy, Latin and salsa, easy listening, soul, funk and R&B.
reviewed
