A FEW weeks ago, I was walking through Soho and spotted a familiar face through a window. It was Michael McIntyre, trying out material in front of a tiny full house at 21Soho before announcing his new world tour, Macnificent. Not bad value for £15. The next time he plays London it will be at the 02 Arena in April 2024, where prices will be significantly higher and only binoculars will get you such a good view. It's happy news that the London comedy scene has never been so exciting or busy. High and low, there's something for everyone - from Live at the Apollo mainstream to the most surreal of stand-up, to no lack of LGBTQ+ talent. And don't we all need a laugh right now? Below are my top tips for comedy in the capital, including where to head, and the names and dates to look out for. May it give you the best kind of belly-ache.
Soho is the centre of the stand-up universe...
The old saying used to be that Londoners were never more than a few metres from a rat, but stand in Soho Square and it becomes top comedy clubs that are always impossibly close. There's the new young upstart 21Soho on Sutton Row (W1, 21-soho.com) and the well established Soho Theatre on Dean Street (W1, sohotheatre.com). 21Soho is better for club-style bills, while Soho Theatre has three spaces - cabaret bar downstairs, main theatre upstairs and studio at the top. Top tips? Foodie comic Ed Gamble & Acquaintances on March 21 at 21Soho, absurdist Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Sam Campbell, February 27 until March 4, Soho Theatre.
...but east is edgier
This story is from the February 22, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the February 22, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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