Comedy venue spotlight: Top 10 venues for stand-up in the UK

Fancy getting out of the house for a cathartic giggle along to some of the UK's finest comedians? Well, check out this list of the best comedy venues in the country to see where to do exactly that.

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 27th Jan 2023

The UK comedy scene is arguably in one of the best positions it's ever been in. Whilst the same old TV comics dominate the airwaves, in the trenches of club comedy, and the circuit, there are comedians that are becoming bigger and bigger through self-made growth and an independent mindset, and TV is no longer seen as the only way to make a real dent.

If you are a huge comedy fan, or perhaps you're a regular watcher of Mock The Week, or Live At The Apollo, and want to expand your horizons into the live scene, then the best place to do so is at one of the country's incredible selection of comedy clubs.

Whether its the social media giant that is Hot Water in Liverpool; one of the many iconic Glee, or Stands venues; one of the stalwarts of the scene like Top Secret, or The Comedy Store; or maybe even one of the newcomers into the game that looks set to make a splash like the Comedians Club Chester. The best comedy clubs in the country are ripe to hear your laughter.

So, with this in mind, Skiddle have put together a list of what we think are the Top 10 comedy clubs in the country right now, and we hope to see you down there snorting along in laughter to some of the country's finest merchants of laughter. So scroll down and check it out, and don't forget to have a look at all the incredible gigs and comedy nights at these venues that are on sale on Skiddle now.

Hot Water Comedy Club - Liverpool

Image: Hot Water Comedy Club on Facebook

Where: 45 Hardman St, Liverpool L1 9AS

If you haven't yet heard of Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool, then where have you been? For the last five years or so, the incredible team here have dominated social channels with their clips and changed the game in terms of how Comedy clubs promote themselves on social channels.

The other thing that makes Hot Water one of the best is quite simple. They book the absolute best in the biz. Long-time regular host, and master of crowd-work, Paul Smith is one of the biggest pulls, with clips of his stuff at the club regularly going viral. The likes of John Bishop, Adam Rowe, and Justin Moorhouse, all play here regularly, and recently Dave Chappelle, arguably the best to ever do it, popped in for a surprise set.

If these names aren't enough to convince you, then just check out their stuff online; if you don't end up in a side-splitting doom scroll, then there's something wrong with your sense of humour.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at Hot Water Comedy Club - here

Frog & Bucket - Manchester

Image: Frog & Bucket on Facebook

Where: 102 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LJ

The Frog & Bucket is an institution in the Manchester Comedy scene, for 21 years now the club has been treating Mancunians to some of the funniest people in the country, and has shown absolutely no signs of going anywhere. The likes of Johnny Vegas and Peter Kay were regulars here in their heyday, and the likes of Lee Mack, Jack Whitehall, Dave Gorman, Chris Addison, Ross Noble, Lucy Porter and Jason Manford have all graced this stage at some point in their careers.

one of the highlights of the Frog's schedule is their iconic Beat The Frog night, a night where it's the audience decides which comic stays on stage, and who goes. There are 10 acts, all of whom are competing to last 5 minutes on stage without being carded off by the 3 chosen cardholders in the audience. If they last the time, they've beat the frog, and go on to the final clap-off, after which a winner is announced. arguably the best new acts night in the country.

If you live in and around Manchester and are looking for a good giggle, then the Frog is probably your best option.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at Frog & Bucket - here

The Stand - Edinburgh

Image: The Stand Edinburgh on Facebook

Where: 5 York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB

One of the most iconic comedy venues in one of Uk Comedy's most iconic cities, The Stand in Edinburgh is basically an institution at this point. Starting in 1995, the venue has seen all the big acts come and go, whether at The Fringe it through tour shows, and there are few better places in the whole of Scotland to see comedy.

The Stand's programme, outside of the Fringe and tour shows, includes the Red Raw beginners’ nights (a must-visit), improvised comedy, sketch shows, the all-female Wicked Wenches, plus Irish and Scottish showcases where local talent is celebrated. Basically, there’s always something going on.

Many performers and critics regard this club as among the best comedy venues in the world. Just over one hundred thousand people came last year. Maybe it’s time to come and see for yourself.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at The Stand - Edinburgh - here

The Top Secret Comedy Club - London

Image: The Top Secret Comedy Club on Facebook

Where: 170 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PD

One of London's finest comedy venues, and a right of passage for any comedian, Top Secret Comedy Club is a stalwart of the scene and a place where on any night of the week you can be certain you'll be provided with a quality selection of side-splitting comics from all levels of fame.

With two venues in the building, a smaller venue on the ground floor seating 145, and a banging basement space for big shows with a 220 capacity, they are prepped for any and all occasions. Plus, when you just look at the calibre of acts that have played here over the years, you just know you're in good hands. Dara O'Brien, Dave Chapelle, Chris Rock, Eddie Izzard, Jack Whitehall, John Bishop, Kevin Bridges, Lee Nelson, Micheal McIntyre, Micky Flanagan, and the list just goes on and on and on.

If you're a London local, and are looking for an awesome night of comedy, then Top Secret should be one of your first choices.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at The Top Secret Comedy Club - London - here

The Comedy Store - London

Image: The Comedy Store on Facebook

Where: 1a Oxendon St, London SW1Y 4EE

The big, red-lipped smile on the logo of The Comedy Store is arguably the most famous club logo in the whole British comedy scene. But, the whole reason why it's so famous, is down to this absolute icon of a venue; The Comedy Store.

Located in Soho, the amphitheatre-style seating and low ceilings create an electric atmosphere and the space boasts all the facilities you’d expect from a world-renowned Comedy venue, and it's not just the set-up that makes people want to come. The likes of Paul Merton, Michael McIntyre, Rhod Gilbert & Mike Myers are just a few of the acts who kick-started their careers here, and there are few big-name comics in the country who haven't played here.

A classic, and for good reason, all you Londoners just get your tickets now, you won't regret a thing - except maybe about how much your sides will hurt afterwards.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at The Comedy Store - London - here

The Stand - Newcastle

Image: The Stand Newcastle on Facebook

Where: 31 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EW

The Stand, whilst many known for their Edinburgh venue, have two others, one in Glasgow, and this one in Newcastle, which was built on the success of these sister venues. Arguably the most important comedy venue in the whole Toon, The Stand regularly hosts Tour shows from the biggest names in comedy, as well as weekend mixed-bill compilation shows, Kids Shows, and the Red Raw our legendary new material night every Wednesday, which is a stalwart at every Stand venue.

The Stand Newcastle is already recognised as one of the best venues in the North East for comedy, by punters and comedians alike. Offering comedy seven nights a week and attracting some of the biggest names, while also supporting new local acts, there’s truly something for everyone.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at The Stand - Newcastle - here

The Glee Club - Birmingham

Image: The Glee Club Birmingham on Facebook

Where: The Arcadian, 70 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TD

The Glee's are a group of comedy venues dotted around the country, that have basically mastered how to put on consistently hilarious comedy in an incredible space, and the Birmingham edition of the club is no exception. The city is where comedy started for The Glee Club, and every week expect to find unique comedy shows, exclusive to the club.

Over the years, many acts that have graced their stage have gone on to super-stardom, such as Jo Brand, Jimmy Carr, Michael McIntyre, Johnny Vegas, Sarah Millican, John Bishop, Rhod Gilbert, and Greg Davies. This tradition has even continued into the modern day, with more recent stars such as Katherine Ryan, Rob Beckett, Josh Widdecombe, Kevin Bridges and Romesh Ranganathan all playing early shows there.

It's well-known, and widespread for a reason, they are often the best clubs in their cities. Just get some tickets, you'll be laughing for days after.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at The Glee Club - Birmingham - here

The Leadmill - Sheffield

Image: The Leadmill on Facebook

Where: 6 Leadmill Rd, Sheffield S1 4SE

If you live in Yorkshire or the North West, then there will be very few of you who haven't heard of the emblematic Sheffield club, The Leadmill. Over its more than 40 years as a venue, it has been the place to go in the Sheffield music scene and quickly became a right of passage for many bands.

However, what many are still not aware of is just how amazing their comedy scene is. Whether it the regular gigs they hold for the long line of huge comedians that have the crowds in tearful laughter, or their monthly comedy club at which some of the best-rising stars come together for a multi-billed night of hilarity, they know what they're doing, and the room is immense for comedy.

So get down and see what it's all about, we specifically recommend their comedy club, it's a cheap, and laughter-filled night. Plus, while you're at it, go and sign the petition to save the Leadmill. We cant lose another iconic entertainment space in this country.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at The Leadmill - Sheffield - here

The Glee Club - Cardiff

Image: The Glee Club Cardiff on Facebook

Where: Bay, Mermaid Quay, Unit 7a, Cardiff CF10 5BZ

The Glee's are a group of comedy venues dotted around the country, that have basically mastered how to put on consistently hilarious comedy in an incredible space, and the Cardiff edition of the club is no exception. It's got a strange hold on the Welsh capital's scene and if you want to see the biggest and the best, then it's your main go-to.

It's well-known, and widespread for a reason, they are often the best clubs in their cities. Just get some tickets, you'll be laughing for days after.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at The Glee Club - Cardiff - here

The Comedians Club - Chester

Image: The Comedians Club Chester on Facebook

Where: St Mary's Hill, Chester CH1 2DW

Now, this one is a bit of a surprise edition on this list as it's so new, but we are almost certain that this night will become a mainstay in the comedy circuit, mainly due to just how awesome the room is; plus the underrated legend that is Dan Nightingale compere's them. The Comedians Club in Chester only opened its doors at the end of last year, but in a short space of time, some of the best new and established acts in the North West comedy scene have graced its stage.

The host and compere of the regular nights, Dan Nightingale, former mainstay host of the aforementioned Beat The Frog night at the Frog and bucket, and current co-host of the Have A Word podcast (who recently sold out an arena), is an incredible pull, as seeing him alone is a buzz, nevermind alongside some of the best in the game.

But, the room in the converted church that is St Marys Creative Space, is stunning and blows the rest of this list out of the water for sheer beauty alone. It's a truly unique gig that is only going to get better, and whilst it may not fully deserve its spot now, we are certain that in a very short time, it will leave no one in doubt.

Find more information on, and tickets for, events at The Comedians Club - Chester - here

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.