London's Best Comedy Theatres

London's Best Comedy Theatres

by: Spoonfed Team

The best theatres to see comedy shows in the capital, from the big names to promising new acts and Fringe hits.

Soho Theatre

Located on Dean Street, the Soho Theatre is the place to see big comedians, new talent, international stars and the best shows from the Edinburgh Fringe. The main theatre has a capacity of 140 so it retains an intimate feel, while the downstairs cabaret space is even smaller and has a bar attached. 

Leicester Square Theatre

Leicester Square Theatre has all its bases covered. Downstairs is a small basement room for new material shows and up-and-coming acts while upstairs houses a 400 capacity auditorium with comfy old-school-cinema style seating. This place has really become a comedy hotspot of late with respected stand-ups like Stewart Lee and Doug Stanhope opting to hold lengthy show runs there. Sign up to the mailing list and you get to hear about secret gigs before anyone else (past shows have included Bill Bailey upstairs for £7 and Michael McIntyre downstairs for £5).

Hen and Chickens

A renowned Islington fringe theatre, this place sits above the cosy Hen and Chickens bar on Highbury Corner. The theatre itself is a small space with 54 individual raked seats, while the bar underneath is renowned for its friendly staff and lively atmosphere. H&C prides itself on showcasing new comedy writing from plays to sketches and stand-up.

Etcetera

Famous for being the smallest theatre in London, the Etcetera can be found above the Oxford Arms pub on Camden High Street and plays host to some of the best fringe shows in the capital. With a maximum capacity of 42, it certainly is intimate and if you're in the front row you feel right in the action. During the whole of August, it is one of several venues that house the Camden Fringe, with loads of different performances going on all day and night.

Pleasance

As well as holding one of the main performance spaces at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Pleasance also has a smaller base in London, where it fosters new comedy talent all year round. Based in Holloway, above a lively bar and restaurant, there are several small theatres spaces here, showcasing everything from Edinburgh warm-up shows, comedy plays and the occasional TV star. 

Canal Cafe

Beautifully situated by the canal in Little Venice, the Canal Cafe Theatre has been running comedy and fringe theatre since 1979 and is where the excellent topical satire show NewsRevue is held four times a week. As well as providing a platform for up-and-coming new acts, it gets the occasional big name coming through its doors too; The League of Gentlemen, Daniel Kitson and Stewart Lee have all performed there in the past. Found above the Bridge House pub on Delamere Terrace, it has a slight cabaret feel to it with red velvet curtains and candle lit tables seating from 4-10 people.

Photo credit: DamoRobo, Flickr

Updated January 2013.


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Spoonfed Team