From tiny backrooms in pubs to the massive Hammersmith Apollo, London is packed with fantastic comedy venues. It can be difficult to find an activity that keeps everyone happy during the summer months, but an evening of laughter makes for a great night out – and with so many shows to choose from in one of the comedy capitals of the world, you’re sure to find the right show for you. So get the giggles going by booking a stay in one of our London hotels for a great weekend away. We’ve picked out a side-splitting selection of shows for you to choose from:
Phoenix Fringe
You don’t need to go all the way to Edinburgh to enjoy a brilliant Fringe festival, because at the beginning of August, The Phoenix will be hosting its own. With each show just £10, or £8 if you book in advance, you can see some of the biggest names, including megastar Russell Howard, at the lowest prices. If you buy a day ticket, you get to see three shows, from the likes of Alan Davies, Mark Watson, Ben Target, and Robin Ince, for just £20.
Nina Conti: Dolly Mixtures
Not only is ventriloquism a hilarious act, it also involves some considerable talent. Watch one of Nina Conti’s shows at the Soho Theatre up until 10th August and you’ll almost forget that her companions on stage are under her own control. Watch on as this skilled performer interacts with a host of puppet characters including her Gran, a handyman, a stray dog, and many others.
Camden Fringe
Another of London’s comedy Fringes is happening in Camden throughout the whole of August. Tony Cowards’ Bespoke Joke Show promises to get plenty of groans from its audience, as he makes up pun-based jokes on their suggestions, but it will also have the whole audience in hysterics, with each show offering an entirely unique experience. Some of the tickets only cost £5 at the Camden Fringe, so you could head along and bag a couple in one evening without breaking the bank.
Janeane Garofalo
Garofalo has made appearances in Seinfeld, 24, The West Wing and The Larry Sanders Show, so she’s well known for her TV work. But it’s her comedy skills that will be on display this month. She’s known for being shambolic, but her incredible spontaneous rants are absolutely worth the trip to the Soho Theatre between 25th and 27th August.
Eddie Griffin and Tony Rock
You don’t want to be anywhere except the O2 Academy Brixton on 24th August, because two big American comedy names will be joining forces for a one-off special show. Eddie Griffin was voted among the top 100 stand-up comedians of all time, and Tony Rock has his own TV sketch series, as well as appearing on his brother’s show Everybody Hates Chris.
