The Spoonfed Comedy team selects some of the best venues to see comedy shows in the capital, from the big names to promising new acts and Fringe hits.
Soho Theatre
Located on Dean Street, this is a great place to see big comedians, international stars and the best shows from the Edinburgh Fringe. The main theatre has a capacity of 140 yet still manages to retain an intimate feel. We've seen the likes of Brendon Burns and David O'Doherty perform some of their finest work there and the programme is quality controlled to the max - every time you check out their website there is something exciting coming up.
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. It's also Frankie Boyle's venue of choice to test out new material.
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 which house the Camden Fringe, with loads of different performances going on all day and night.
Pleasance
Based in Holloway, above a lively bar and restaurant (definitely worth eating there pre/post show), this place's real draw is its comedy roster. From hosting the best sketch line-ups in the UK through their Sketchatron showcases to big comedy names like The Mighty Boosh and Bill Bailey, there is a plethora of comedy talent to catch here.
Canal Cafe
Beautifully situated by the canal in Little Venice, this place 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
See more London Comedy
See more London Events
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...