Wednesday 11 November
Stand-up comedy in the UK
Stand-up, cabaret and improv: what's on tonight, the comedy clubs in your city and the shows worth booking.
Comedy by city
Comedy in your city
The comedy clubs and what's on tonight in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and the UK's other big cities.
Where it's on every week
The comedy clubs
Clubs with stand-up on regular nights, from the open mic to the headliner.
Pick your night
What kind of night?
A comedian with a microphone, a cabaret artist at the piano, or a night made up on the spot.
Questions about comedy
What is the difference between stand-up and cabaret?
In stand-up one comedian with a microphone tells jokes and stories, often in a comedy club where several comedians perform on one night. Cabaret is a theatre tradition: a show by one cabaret artist or a group, with stories, jokes and often songs.
Where can I see stand-up comedy in the UK?
Comedy clubs run in most big cities. The Stand says it has clubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle, the Glee Club lists venues in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham and Oxford, and in London The Comedy Store and the Top Secret Comedy Club play every week. The comedy clubs page has them by city.
What time does a comedy show start?
Start times differ by club and by night, so check the club's own page. Theatres and arts centres usually start in the evening; clubs often run more than one show on a busy night.
What is an open mic?
At an open mic new comedians take the stage for the first time and known comedians test new material. Entry is often free or a small fee.
