Complete guide to comedy venues

They say laughter is the best medicine, and with scores of comedy venues packed into the region, we’ll certainly be getting a good dose.

Check out our complete guide to comedy zones near you.

SHROPSHIRE:

Shrewsbury Laughter Lines @ The Old Post Office, Milk Street, Shrewsbury, has a host of rising stars and established comedians on show over the summer. The venue packs in up to 70 people and advance booking is essential. For more information call (01743) 236019 or visit www.chortle.co.uk for details of forthcoming shows.

Shrewsbury Grazia @ Victoria Quay, Shrewsbury, is a bright and spacious riverside restaurant and bar which offers regular comedy clubs showcasing top talent from across the circuit. You can download a PDF of forthcoming events at Grazia from their website at www.gograzia.com.

Shrewsbury Music Hall @ The Square, Shrewsbury, often have some great comedy acts on throughout the theatre season. Check out the website for details at www.musichall.co.uk or call the box office for more information on (01743) 281281.

Oakengates Theatre @ Limes Walk, Oakengates, Telford, has a fantastic line-up of comedy greats passing through their doors over the coming months, from Lee Evans and Paddy McGuinness to Russell Howard and Frankie Boyle. Call the box office on (01952) 619020 or visit www.oakengates.ws for details.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms @ Mill Street, Ludlow, plays host to regular visits from top comedians, and even have a comedy festival in July - The Gob Akimbo - which is now in its fifth successful year. Featured artists include Rob Deering, Reginald D Hunter and Karen Bayley, and you can find out more at www.gobakimbo.com. Alternatively, call the Ludlow Assembly Rooms box office on (01584) 878141.

WEST MIDLANDS:

The Wolverhampton Civic Halls bring some of the country’s finest stand-up’s to the stage, spread across their three venues - The Civic, The Wulfrun and the more intimate Little Civic. Lined up for this year are the likes of Steve Coogan, Michael McIntyre, Dara O’Briain, Paddy McGuinness, Rich Hall and Jimmy Carr to name just a few. Find full details at www.wolvescivic.co.uk or book directly through the box office on 0870 320 7000.

The Grand Theatre @ Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, combines a calendar of top acts with family-friendly comedy shows, from Cannon and Ball’s Big Bad Mouse to a rare chance to see Paul Merton’s Impro Chums show in June. Visit www.grandtheatre.info for details.

STAFFORDSHIRE:

The Stroke Comedy Club @ The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield, has hosted a successful series of comedy nights since 2002. Top stand-up’s, fresh from the London circuit, appear at The Stroke on the first Thursday of every month. Find out what’s coming up at www.strokecomedy.com.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre @ Eastgate Street, Stafford, offers a varied programme of music, plays and comedy, with star performers Jo Brand and Russell Howard set to make appearances over the summer season. Book online at www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk or call (01785) 254653 for forthcoming shows.

BIRMINGHAM:

The Glee Club @ The Arcadian, Birmingham, is one of the most respected comedy venues in the Midlands. From Thursday to Saturday, four of the best comedians from the UK and international circuit take to the stage. The club has two rooms - the larger, theatre-style Main Room which doubles up as a restaurant, and the more intimate Studio room which houses a small bar. For full listings visit www.glee.co.uk

Jongleurs @ Quayside Tower, Broad Street, Birmingham, is a comedy lover’s paradise. With venues dotted all over the UK, Jongleurs squeezes in a talented line-up of top stand-up’s every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Its 2,400 capacity and accompanying restaurant makes Jongleurs a very popular venue. Visit www.jongleurs.com.

The Alexandra Theatre @ Station Street, Birmingham, is primarily a theatre venue but also hosts a good selection of star performers, from Tim Vine to Frankie Boyle. The theatre capacity is 1,371. More information is available from the box office on 0870 607 7544 or visit www.birmingham-alexandra.co.uk.

The National Indoor Arena is one of the biggest concert venues in the Midlands and therefore can accommodate crowds of thousands who pour in to see the country’s most popular and best-loved acts. Coming up in October, the NIA will be hosting shows from Lee Evans, Steve Coogan the The Mighty Boosh. Visit www.thenia.co.uk to book online.

Know of any more top comedy venues in the Midlands? Let us know - email l.page@expressandstar.co.uk

See Also: