Bristol is an essential stop-off in the UK comedy circuit. The Comedy Box is probably the city’s most prolific stand up promoter, regular shows bring crowds to The Hen and Chicken, The Tobacco Factory and Colston Hall’s ‘The Lantern’. In summer The Comedy Garden in Queens Square brings a who’s who in British comedy with past guests including Stewart Lee, Marcus Brigstocke, Mark Watson and Shappi Khorsandi. The Loco Club (beneath Temple Meads train station) is home to occasional stand up nights promoted by Bristol Underground Comedy. In the city centre alongside the headliners found at Colston Hall and Bristol Hippodrome, Riproar Comedy host stand-up every Friday and Saturday evening.
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Our recent comedy recommendations
Sell out warning! Bristol Porn Festival digs into the raunchier end of the moving image, bringing together short films by queer artists and sex-workers from Bristol and beyond. Hosted by local filthmongers Maya Poison and Pixie Sin, with ceramic awards for the evening’s most salacious offerings hand-crafted by Bunny Royle. Leave your inhibitions at the door....
Bristol Porn Film Festival at The Cube.
Sell out warning! Aunt Gladys is for the gays! Zach Cregger’s Weapons gifted us a high-camp queer icon, and it was only a matter of time ‘til it got the signature Ghoulboss drag-horror treatment. Cue Drag Dungoneers’ Boohooman, enthralling enigma Mariana Trench and the fantastical Garbitch, all serving up creepy-chic cabaret mayhem and ghoulish mystery.
Ghoulboss Productions Presents: WEAPONZ at Zed Alley.
Grassroots food'n'film fundraiser featuring two illuminating shorts: in My Neighbourhood, Mohammed must suddenly share his family home in East Jerusalem with Israeli settlers, while Free Running Gaza shows parkour as a means of temporary escape from the constant oppression in Khan Younis refugee camp.
Palestine Film Fundraiser - My Neighbourhood and Free Running Gaza at The Arc.
Sell out warning! Guardian columnist extraordinaire Owen Jones rings the death knell for Western superpowers, launching his explosive new tome in person with former Green leader Carla Denyer MP. Laying bare the 21st century's parade of arrogance and economic failures, Jones shows how the elite's crumbling façade paved the way for the migrant-baiting insecurities of today.
The Fall of the West launch - Owen Jones in conversation with Carla Denyer at The Station.
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What our editors say
“After reaching the finals of Britain's Got Talent², Ted recreates the show he would have performed for the King at the Royal Variety Performance, alongside all his best PowerPoint comedy. Expect high-energy jokes, ridiculous visual effects, and (funny) graphs. ”
From: Ted Hill: 110% Weird
“See free comedy shows at The Robin Hood on St Michael’s Hill (sister venue of The Gaffe Comedy Club), every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Each gig platforms the best comedians on the local circuit as they develop and refine brand new material into hilarious routines. Without a doubt the best way to start your week, expect local acts, secret headliners, great vibes and good beer! ”
From: Robin Hood Free Sunday Comedy
“Here's the deal: there's a family of delightful characters regularly bringing you their new jokes, joined by local guests doing short spots and, crucially - MOST IMPORTANTLY - we invite absolutely cracking headliners to come and show us what's in their finely-tuned comedy brains. Every month, on a Thursday night. What more could you ask for?”
From: OPPO Comedy
“June was a finalist for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 2025 and the Welsh New Act in 2024, with other accolades including writing for BBC Radio Wales and being the organiser for Bristol’s annual Trans Pride South West Comedy Night. With her wickedly sharp sense of humour and serious momentum behind her, she has quickly become a standout voice in the South West comedy scene so trust us, you don’t want to miss out!”
From: Robin Hood Free Tuesday Comedy
“Tom has been described as a “formidable force of nature” by all things comedy website Beyond The Joke, and we would have to agree! As a Bristol Comedy Competition Runner Up in 2026, finalist for the Bath Comedy Festival New Act in 2022 and co-host of Serving Cursed podcast, Tom is certainly paving the way for comics in the South West. With hosts like these two, you’d be silly not to come!”
From: Robin Hood Free Monday Comedy