Comedy

You'll find a whole host of stand-up comedy here in Venueland. Everything from nights devoted to new comedians in pub backrooms, tucked away down side-streets, through to touring shows by the big TV names. The jokes are on us, by the way.

Bath

Bath Spa University Web: www.mirthcontrol.org.uk/clubs-universities-bath-spa-newton-park.htm & www.mirthcontrol.org.uk/clubs-universities-bath-spa-somerset-place.htm • One comedy night per term at each of BSU’s Newton Park and Somerset Place campuses.

Bath University Web: www.mirthcontrol.org.uk/clubs-universities-bath.htm • Fortnightly comedy gigs at Elements Night Club on the Claverton Down campus.

Bizarre Bath Departs summer evenings (8pm) from The Huntsman, North Parade Passage. Tel: 01225 335124. Web: www.bizarrebath.co.uk • Comedy walk every evening during summer (end March-end Sept). Your host, stalwart Bath comic Noel Britten, takes you an irreverent tour around the city.

Comedy Cavern Porter Cellar Bar, George St. Tel: (01225) 404445. Web: www.comedycavern.co.uk • Well-established comedy venue in a quirky basement bar also known for live music and DJs. Gigs every Sun: your host is the indefatigable Geoff Whiting (also one of the biggest comedy promoters in the country). Autumn visitors include camp, catty Californian Scott Capurro (23 Sept) and clownishly charming Rob Deering (11 Nov).

Komedia COMING SOON Beau Nash Picture House, Westgate St. Web: www.komedia.co.uk • Komedia is a well-established Brighton venue, hosting cabaret, stand-up and music. Due to open a sister operation at the beautiful former Beau Nash Picture House in winter or spring 2008.

Rondo Theatre St Saviours Rd , Larkhall. Tel: 01225 463362. Web: www.rondotheatre.co.uk • Top fringe theatre that puts on occasional comedy gigs – the likes of Robin Ince, Jerry Sadowitz and Milton Jones have all looked in recently.

Bristol

Alma Tavern Theatre Alma Vale Rd , Clifton . Tel: 0117 973 5171. Web: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk • Mostly studio theatre at this 50-seater black-box pub theatre, but comedians do occasionally look in, especially in spring, when local comics like Mark Olver and Jon Richardson try out their Edinburgh festival shows.

Bristol Hippodrome St Augustine’s Parade. Tel: 0870 607 7500. Web: www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk • A 2,000-seater theatre better known for its musical shows than for comedy, though forthcoming highlights include a visit from Geordie surrealist Ross Noble (24 Sept).

Clifton Comedy The Lansdown, Clifton Rd. Web: www.cliftoncomedy.co.uk • Very informal comedy in an intimate room near the Students’ Union building on Queens Road. In the past, shows have usually featured established circuit comedians trying out new sets on occasional Tuesdays. If this night returns, it’s well worth checking out.

Colston Hall Colston St. Tel: 0117 922 3686. Web: www.colstonhall.org • Large council-owned venue for 1,800 people, hosting big comedy and music names. Shows now booking include Billy Connolly (8-10 Oct), Paul Merton’s Improv Chums (20 Oct), Alan Carr (26 Oct), Frank Skinner (6 Nov).

The Comedy Box Hen & Chicken, 210 North St, Bedminster. Tel: 0117 922 3686. Web: www.thecomedybox.co.uk • Fully-seated comedy venue upstairs at this south Bristol boozer, running Fri, Sat and occasional Sun nights Sept-July. Visitors are a mix of circuit comedians and touring shows direct from Edinburgh Festival. Expect to see the likes of Ed Byrne, Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Porter and Mark Thomas in any given season. Coming soon: Rhod Gilbert (5-6 Oct), Richard Herring (26-27 Oct), Adam Hills (8-10 Nov), Jo Caulfield (16-17 Nov).

Gagging for It The Hatchet, Frogmore St. Web: www.gagging4it.org • Something of a cult night for new acts and audiences alike. Free entry, and specialises in an open-mic policy for rookie comedians. Russell Howard and Simon Pegg both cut their teeth here as fledgling West Country comics.

Jesters Comedy Club 142 Cheltenham Rd. Tel: (0117) 909 6655. Web: www.jesterscomedyclub.co.uk • Dedicated comedy club, stand-up four nights a week. Circuit stand-up comedians Wed-Sat Oct-April, and Fri-Sat the rest of the year. Big nights Fri & Sat offer food, comedy and club disco till late for couples, large groups and work do’s. In early Nov, Jesters will be moving across the road to The Magic Box. Student Comedy Night on Wed: comedy, cheap beer, late disco

Jongleurs Comedy Club Baldwin St. Tel: 0870 787 0707. Web: www.jongleurs.com • Part of a powerful national chain. From its city-centre base, Jongleurs is designed to appeal to party folk on a night out with work colleagues or friends on a birthday celebration. Stag and hen do’s also catered for. Up-for-it crowds expect to see top names from the circuit. Thur (£8), Fri (£16) & Sat (£17).

The Tobacco Factory North St / Raleigh Rd, Southville. Tel: 0117 902 0344. Web: www.tobaccofactory.com • Another venue that works primarily as a theatre but also dabbles successfully in stand-up, the Factory is a 300-seater theatre that’s been hosting regular comedy gigs for a year now. Autumn highlight is Russell Howard (4 Nov), whose star rose on the Bristol comedy circuit. Early booking recommended.

The Volunteer New St, Old Market, Bristol. Tel: 0117 924 4433. Web: www.tinyurl.com/2cvybt • New comedy club launched by Bath promoter Geoff Whiting at this central Bristol pub, between Old Market and Newfoundland St. Comedy nights every Thur. Students get in for £2.

Student Guide - Bristol and Bath's best guide to all you need around town, plus tons of free vouchers. To order your copy ring 0117 942 8491. Only £2.95.