Best Stand Up Comedy Clubs In The World

BEST STAND UP COMEDY
There are so many places to choose from when it comes to quality entertainment that the choices can become overwhelming. You can go to the movies or you can catch a sporting event but for my money there is nothing like an outstanding evening of stand-up comedy. I would argue it is probably one of the toughest things in the world to do, let alone do well. Regardless of the calibre of entertainer, it will almost always be a memorable night.

If you are interested in an evening of stand-up comedy, these are without question some of the best rooms in the world. In the future I will be focusing on the best clubs in particular cities. For my money, these rooms are the best.

1. The Comedy Store in London, England. This place is without question the greatest place in the world to catch stand-up comedy. The room has been around for years and boasts some of the greatest names in stand-up appearing on its stage. They have been visited by Robin Williams, Dave Chappelle and Mike Myers as well as some of the biggest stars on the other side of the pond including Jimmy Carr, Ricky Gervais and Eddie Izzard. You get four headline performers every show. The room is set up with tiered theatre style seating that holds almost 500 with a club atmosphere. You have not experienced anything like it. Great staff, great experience and it is packed almost every night.

2. The Glee Club in Birmingham, England. This is another fantastic spot. Don't get me wrong, I'm not partial to the U.K., it is just that these venues really figured out how to put together a great show. The seating is packed in tight with enough room to maintain your personal space while simultaneously creating great energy. The mood is festive with some of the best theatrical lighting and music to welcome you upon your arrival. Once again the staff are great with fantastic service. They give you the feeling that they are really genuinely thrilled that you have chosen to spend the night with them. It has one of the most awe inspiring bars I've ever seen and if you have any energy after the show, the room converts to a disco. Everything you need in one stop.

3. Absolute Comedy in Ottawa, Canada. This is a great little room. The space has been open for a few years but already it has attracted a solid audience. The room holds just around 200 people and it sells out almost every night. The acts tend to be exclusively from Canada, the country which spawns some of the greatest comedic talent in the world, and they are super. You will usually be welcomed by a host for the evening who sets up how the show is going to go. After, you get a middle act followed by the headliner who tends to be the best act of the evening. A great show from beginning to end with staff who really know how to run a space to guarantee you a great night out.

4. The Improv in Los Angeles, California. I mention the improv but could have just as easily included The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store. These rooms are all similar in that on any given night you are bound to see some of the best acts perform. Most evenings will include several performers doing short spots with the headliners closing out the show with a more substantial set. The weekends have fewer spots. The acts will range from amateurs to seasoned pros with the weekends being predominantly pro acts. One of the main reasons these clubs make the list is that you never know who is going to drop in. You are almost always likely to be entertained with a surprise visit from a comedy legend or present-day sit com superstar. They are all great venues to catch stand up comedy.

5. Gotham Comedy Club in New York City, NY. Again, there a few other clubs in the big apple that could be mentioned alongside Gotham but as far as great, unique and diversified stand-up comedy is concerned, Gotham is great. The club is well maintained, the staff are great and fun all at the same time and every night you are guaranteed to get something different both inside and out in front on the street. A great experience with a good mix, again super solid stand up pros mixed with a healthy serving of up and coming talent. For a great night out in the big city and for a stand-up comedy experience you won't soon forget, hit Gotham.

That is the list for now. Certainly there are many others that I could name but for now this is what you get. Check back soon and I'll give you the rundown of many more clubs when I do reviews city by city.