We take a look at some of the best places to see comedy in the capital, from the big ballroom gigs to the tiny boutique clubs.
It's no secret that London is the comedy capital of the world. There are hundreds of pubs, clubs and theatres here which give regular spots to funny people - some several nights a week and some just once a month. Dozens of comedians have moved here from the likes of Canada, America, Australia and South Africa - if you want to make it in stand-up, this is the place to be. There is a wealth of comedy clubs to discover but it's surprising how many people still only seem to know about the Comedy Store in Leicester Square. Small clubs can offer so much more than big venues in terms of diversity, originality and value for money, so you should make it your duty to support them! Here is a list of some of our favourite regular London gigs from all over the capital.
NORTH
Fat Tuesday
Fortnightly Tuesdays, £7
Held in a tiny room above the Compass bar, it's usually full to bursting with the occasional straggler on the floor. Witty compere Tiernan Douieb keeps things rolling nicely and varying bills mean top stand-ups can be mixed with magic and musical comics, giving the night a good balance.
WEST
Knock2Bag
Monthly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, £7-£10
With two monthly shows in Shepherd's Bush and Notting Hill, Knock2Bag always pulls in large crowds. The Shepherd's Bush gig is held in the Bar FM basement and has an intimate feel while the stunning Notting Hill Tabernacle venue can hold a 350+ audience. You can also reserve your own table at both venues if you wish (book in advance), but the best thing about Knock2Bag gigs are the line-ups which are always quality-controlled by promoter Rupert Majendie.
SOUTH
Sunday Special
Sundays, £6
A fantastic end-of-the-weekend comedy and cabaret club held in Greenwich's Up The Creek. An enthusisatic following regularly attend this unique gig which has seen the likes of Russell Brand, the Puppini Sisters and We Are Klang share the same bill in the past.
Banana Cabaret
Fridays and Saturdays, £14-£16
The Banana Cabaret has a solid reputation down south with top drawer comics consistently appearing on bills and a chance for up-and-coming artists to shine too. Set in a Shakespearean Globe Theatre and ballroom, with tables to sit round and a post-show disco, there is always a good atmosphere in this place.
EAST
Comedy Cafe
Wednesday-Saturday, up to £15
Shoreditch's Comedy Cafe is London's biggest purpose built laughter venue, which features a host of new acts and top comedians. On Wednesdays you can see about eight new comedians for free and from Thursday-Saturday you can see four top stand-ups for between £8-15.
CENTRAL
Old Rope
Mondays from 8pm, £5
Old Rope is a new material night held in the Phoenix pub, popular with established comedians and punters alike. Stewart Lee, Robin Ince, Simon Amstell and Reginald D Hunter are regulars while Ricky Gervais and Lee Mack have also been known to drop in. When new jokes go down badly, the comedian grabs onto the stage noose which signifies the 'killing' of their new material; after which they can then fall back on non-tried and tested routines.
99 Club
Every day, prices vary from £5-30
Now running in several different venues (mostly in Leicester Square) the 99 Club is our favourite London comedy chain. Pick a gig any night of the week and it will always have several headliners on one bill. Tickets are considerably discounted if you book in advance and stag parties are banned. Take that Jongleurs!
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