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
Free entry! Exploring the life of Terence McKenna is like looking behind the Wizard of Oz’s curtain – finally Graham St John’s penned the first definitive deep dive into our universe’s pre-eminent psychedelic philosopher bard. Let the countercultural revelations flow at BASE anarchist social centre, complete with vegan food, book signing and impromptu discussions with like-minded folks.
UK Biography release - Book signing + talk with the author Graham St John
An immersive, madcap night feat subversive comedy legend Alexei Sayle! Riot Act’s Halloween Spectacular blends stand-up, punk poetry, and outrageous cabaret, with performances from Redeeming Features, Bex Cant, Stephen Bisland, and TRASH BAGZ. Step up for three-minute open mic slots and unleash your own chaos on the stage!
Clowning chaos. Punk poetry mayhem. Circus insanity and Stand-up galore. RIOT ACT- Bristol’s madcap Punk Cabaret Clubnight- proudly presents the very best in conscientious rascality and high-octane fun, powered for the people by the people.
Sell out warning! A theatrical deep dive into the troubled life and interlocking mythos of the grand inquisitor of gothic horror. Providence lends H. P. Lovecraft’s often controversial human existence the appropriate dose of on-stage mysticism, with lashings of vaudeville comedy and plenty of beyond-the-grave guidance from Edgar Allan Poe.
The Apocalypse Players are proud to present the first revival of the 2019 cult hit about HP Lovecraft, by Dominic Allen and Simon Maeder
What country, friends, is this? The Oxford Rep Company reimagines Shakespeare’s gender-bending masterpiece as a dark, modern fable of post-party emotional wreckage, laying bare the story of heartache and estrangement beneath its comic revels.
Theatre show produced by Oxford Rep company
“BAFTA-winning comedian Tom Davis returns to the stage with a brand new stand up tour packed with laugh-out-loud takes on life’s chaos. Known for Murder in Successville, King Gary, and his hit podcast Wolf and Owl with Romesh Ranganathan, Tom brings his unmistakable charm and sharp wit to this no-holds-barred live show. Big laughs, big heart, big lad — this is comedy at full throttle.”
From: Tom Davis: Spudgun
“Already earning a 4½-star review and called “British comedy at its best” (One4Review ★★★★½), Lobster is packed with the sharp observational storytelling, likeability, and non-stop jokes that have made Harry a favourite of audiences across the UK and beyond.”
From: Harry Stachini: Lobster – UK Tour
“After supporting some of the UK’s biggest comedy heavyweights (Paul Smith, Troy Hawke, Adam Rowe & more), Rob finally unleashes his debut tour. You’ll know him as the host of Another One Podcast, a guest on Have A Word and Green Room, and from the millions who’ve watched him online instead of doing something productive.”
From: Rob Thomas: Content
“"What a funny night! First time going to a comedy show, found myself in the front row put on the spot by the MC! Definitely will be back, loved every minute of it!" - Izabella, Google Local Guide reviewer”
From: Eric Rushton: Innkeeper