London doesn’t just have bars and clubs-it has some of the most electric live comedy scenes in the world. If you’re looking for a night out where the laughs are real, the drinks are cold, and the crowd is buzzing, you don’t need to wander far. The city’s comedy circuit is alive, diverse, and constantly evolving. From tiny basement rooms where future stars test their material to legendary venues that have hosted global names, London’s comedy scene delivers every night of the week.
Comedy at The Comedy Store
Open since 1979, The Comedy Store on Piccadilly is the granddaddy of London’s stand-up scene. It’s where legends like Eddie Izzard, Jimmy Carr, and Sarah Millican got their start. The venue runs nightly shows, with the most popular being the Comedy Store Players-an improv group that turns audience suggestions into hilarious, unscripted stories in real time. Tickets start at £15, and you can often walk in for the 10:30 PM slot if you’re lucky. The vibe is gritty, loud, and full of energy. Don’t expect luxury seating. Do expect raw, unfiltered laughs.
The Stand Comedy Club
With locations in Edinburgh, Newcastle, and two in London (Holborn and New Town), The Stand offers a cleaner, more modern experience without losing the edge. The Holborn venue, tucked under a railway arch, feels like a secret spot. Their Headliners Night on Thursdays features top-tier comics you’ll see on TV soon-think John Robins, Mae Martin, or Nish Kumar. The sound system is crisp, the lighting is focused, and the bar serves proper cocktails. Tickets are £18-£25, but they often have £10 early bird specials before 8 PM. It’s the perfect spot if you want quality without the chaos of The Comedy Store.
Up the Creek Comedy Club
Don’t let the name fool you. Up the Creek in Greenwich is a hidden gem tucked beside the Thames. It’s a converted warehouse with exposed brick, wooden benches, and a stage that feels intimate-like you’re in a friend’s living room. The shows here are packed with rising talent, and many acts use this space to test new material before hitting bigger venues. You’ll find open mics on Mondays, themed nights like Comedy Karaoke on Wednesdays, and headline acts on weekends. Tickets are under £12, and you can grab a pint while watching. It’s the most affordable way to catch comedy before it goes viral.
Bar Elmo
Bar Elmo in Shoreditch isn’t a traditional comedy club-it’s a bar that just happens to have killer comedy. Every Thursday night, they host Bar Elmo Comedy, a loose, unpredictable night where comics from across the UK drop in. No setlist. No scripts. Just five to seven comedians doing 10-minute sets, often riffing on the crowd or the drinks they just had. The room is small, the lighting is dim, and the energy is electric. You might laugh at a joke about a spilled beer one minute and be stunned by a deeply personal story the next. It’s raw, real, and free from corporate polish. Cover is £8, and you can order pizza from the kitchen mid-show.
Hackney Empire
If you want to see big names without paying festival prices, Hackney Empire is your best bet. This historic theatre hosts touring comedians who’ve headlined at the Edinburgh Fringe or appeared on Live at the Apollo. Acts like Lee Mack, Russell Howard, and Romesh Ranganathan have played here in the last year. The seats are plush, the acoustics are perfect, and the crowd is diverse-students, families, tourists, and locals all in one room. Shows start at £20, and they often have £10 student tickets. It’s the closest thing to a proper comedy concert in the city.
Secret Comedy Nights
Some of the best shows in London happen where you least expect them. Secret Comedy Nights pop up in bookshops, rooftops, and even a converted church in Camden. You don’t find out the location until 24 hours before the show-just an email with the address and a code to unlock the door. The lineups are curated by industry insiders, and you’ll often see comedians who’ve never performed publicly before. Tickets are £10-£15, and the experience feels like being let in on a secret. It’s not for everyone-but if you love surprises, this is the most thrilling night out in London comedy.
What to Expect When You Go
London comedy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some venues are loud and rowdy. Others are quiet and thoughtful. Here’s what you’ll actually experience:
- Timing: Most shows start at 8 PM or 9 PM. Arrive 20 minutes early-seats fill fast.
- Age: Most clubs are 18+. Some shows are 16+ with ID. Always check before you go.
- Drinks: Most venues have decent bars. Don’t expect cheap pints-comedy isn’t a pub night.
- Laughs: Not every joke lands. That’s normal. Even the best comics bomb sometimes. The magic is in the energy, not perfection.
- Tipping: Not expected, but if you loved the show, leave a few extra pounds at the bar. Comedians rely on it.
Best Nights to Go
Not every night is equal. Here’s the weekly breakdown:
- Monday: Open mic nights. Great for discovering new talent. Up the Creek and The Comedy Café are solid picks.
- Tuesday: Themed nights. Try Comedy of the Weird at The Stand for absurd, offbeat humor.
- Wednesday: Rising stars. Bar Elmo and The Comedy Store both feature breakout acts.
- Thursday: Headliners. The Stand Holborn and Hackney Empire book their best acts.
- Friday: High-energy crowds. The Comedy Store is packed-bring friends.
- Saturday: Touring acts. Hackney Empire and The Stand New Town host big names.
- Sunday: Chill vibes. Try Sunday Laugh at The Albany in Deptford-more storytelling, less shouting.
How to Save Money
Comedy doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s how to get the most for your cash:
- Book early-many venues offer £5-£10 discounts for tickets bought 7+ days ahead.
- Use Student Beans or UNiDAYS for 20% off at The Stand and Hackney Empire.
- Follow venues on Instagram. They often post last-minute free tickets for volunteers who help with ushering.
- Try Comedy Club Sundays at the British Museum-free entry with museum ticket, and they host rotating comics.
What Not to Do
Some things ruin the vibe faster than a bad punchline:
- Don’t record the show. Most comics hate it. Phones are banned at The Comedy Store and Bar Elmo.
- Don’t shout out jokes from the crowd. It interrupts flow and annoys the comic.
- Don’t assume everyone’s laughing. Some jokes are meant to make you uncomfortable-that’s the point.
- Don’t leave halfway through. It’s rude, and you’ll miss the best bits.
Where to Go Next
Once you’ve tried the big names, dig deeper. Check out Comedy in the Round at the Southbank Centre for experimental acts. Visit The Glee Club in Brixton for a mix of stand-up and musical comedy. Or drop into Wilton’s Music Hall for dark, surreal comedy in a 19th-century building that feels like stepping into a dream.
London’s comedy scene isn’t just about who’s on stage. It’s about who’s in the room. The person next to you might be a writer from Netflix. The comic opening might be the next big thing on TikTok. You never know. But you’ll always leave laughing.
Are London comedy shows suitable for tourists?
Absolutely. Most venues welcome international visitors, and many comics tailor material to be accessible to non-British audiences. The Comedy Store, The Stand, and Hackney Empire all have clear signage, English-speaking staff, and online booking in multiple languages. Just avoid niche local humor nights unless you’re familiar with UK culture.
How early should I book tickets for popular comedy shows?
For headliners at Hackney Empire or The Stand, book at least two weeks ahead. For smaller clubs like Up the Creek or Bar Elmo, booking a few days in advance is enough. Weekend shows fill up fast-especially Friday and Saturday. If you’re flexible, last-minute tickets often appear 24 hours before showtime.
Is there a dress code for comedy clubs in London?
No strict dress code. Most people wear casual clothes-jeans, t-shirts, or smart casual. You’ll see suits at Hackney Empire, hoodies at Bar Elmo, and everything in between. The goal is comfort, not fashion. Avoid overly flashy outfits-they distract from the comedy.
Can I bring a group to a comedy show?
Yes, but group bookings (6+ people) often require advance notice. Some venues offer private tables or reserved sections for groups. Call ahead to check availability. For smaller clubs like Up the Creek, it’s easier to just buy individual tickets and sit together.
Are there comedy shows in London that aren’t stand-up?
Yes. Try Improv Everywhere at The Albany for sketch comedy, or Comedy Cabaret at The Windmill in Brixton for musical parodies and character acts. There are also storytelling nights like The Moth at the Southbank Centre, where real people share true, funny, emotional stories without scripts.
What’s the best way to find last-minute comedy tickets?
Check the London Comedy Listings website, follow @LondonComedy on Twitter, or download the Comedy Hub app. Many venues release unsold tickets at 6 PM on the day of the show. You can also walk up to The Comedy Store or The Stand on a Tuesday or Wednesday-they often have a few spare seats at the door.