Comedy in London

When it comes to comedy London can stand up and be counted among the best. Each night the choice is endless. The Cellar Bar, 22 Below, Tuns Bar, Belushis, The Canal Café Theatre, Comedy Café EC2, The Comedy Carnival and many more.

The comedy store opened in Soho above a strip club in 1979 and moved to Leicester square in 1982. Today it is still thriving in Piccadilly Circus. The club focused on the then cutting edge “alternative comedy” and launched many stars. French & Saunders, Paul Merton, Alexei Sayle, Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Ben Elton, Keith Allen, Pat Condell and John Sparkes. Anyone taking in a show today in London’s comedy store has the thrill of knowing that they are possibly sharing in the rise of the stars of tomorrow and seeing them at their most raw and vulnerable best.

While Londoners have a reputation for being reserved and polite in everyday life when it comes to Comedy London has led the world in its uniquely outrageous and irreverent wit.

The range of work at the Comedy Theatre in Panton Street has been far reaching, from musical comedies to revival and experimental theatre and includes hugely successful shows such as Savages starring Paul Scofield in 1973 and The Rocky Horror Show making its West End debut in 1979. Alan Bennett has appeared with Patricia Routledge in his Talking Heads.

Today shows such as Sister Act and Calendar Girls are enjoying great success in Theatreland. London has never played host to a musical pitched on a higher level of camp comedy than the ingenious adaptation of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

We may no longer see the Dickensian London snow but “Look behind you”! Yes, it’s that time of year again, when outrageous costumes, dodgy celebrities and time honoured audience participation come together in the unique form of art that is the panto. Cynicism aside, Christmas pantomimes in London and other London theatres remain a great way of getting into the swing of things during the festive season.

Of course, it is important to mention that children love to laugh more than any of us. London is a wonderful place to introduce your kids to comedy.

Comedy Club 4 Kids is a unique comedy event targeted at children and family audiences. Led by the acclaimed children’s comedian James Campbell, the comedy club offers all the energy of traditional stand up without any adult content. Based at Seymour Brothers in Camberwell, family audiences can expect a fun day out in South London.

London’s Covent Garden provides a daily helping of street theatre and comedy acts, free of charge for all. Covent Garden provides a uniquely charming back drop for a dolly mixture of street performers of all levels and background with audience participation always on the cards.