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Bristol Comedy & Stand-Up Events

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Bristol's Comedy Scene

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

A rare treat for radical thespians: Worms Theatre hosts a playful, beginner’s-friendly deep dive into Augusto Boal’s revolutionary practice, culminating in a Forum Theatre play at the end of the course. Theatre of the Oppressed reframes ‘acting’ as a vehicle for social change, encouraging anarchic audience participation and providing a safe space to practice real-life resistance. Theatre of the Oppressed 10-Week Course at The Trinity Centre.

Robert Aldrich’s psycho-biddy masterpiece often gets unfairly eclipsed by Psycho and Rosemary’s Baby. Bette Davis is absolutely unhinged in this one, playing an aging child star left to care for her wheelchair-bound sister (Joan Crawford). A monochrome nightmare, a vicious send-up of showbiz, and a bleak examination of the damage wrought by childhood fame; Baby Jane is a must-see for all serious horror fans. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 12 7.00pm at Bristol Improv Theatre.

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.

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What our editors say

“"Great night of comedy in Bristol! Been at both midweek and weekend shows and the comedians are so funny, vibes are great and room set up perfectly for comedy." - Phoebe, Google Local guide reviewer”
From: Harriet Dyer: Easily Distra..

“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

“"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: Jack Barry: Let’s Get Barried

“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