County Down Outlook - Features - Laughing Around the Country

Features

Laughing Around the Country

Friday, 18 March 2011

If you are looking for somewhere to spend an evening, from a family outing to a hen or stag do, from a work social to a birthday party; no matter where you are in the country you are never too far from a great Comedy Club.

British comedy on the big screen, radio and television, is notorious for its consistently quirky characters, plots and settings and has produced some of the most well-known and unforgettable comic actors and characters of all time. The British stand up comedy scene is also famous across the world, and has a similarly long and rich heritage.

Therefore, if a night of comic entertainment is what you are after, the choice of where to go is endless; but before you book your comedy tickets make sure you check out where you can find some of the best venues the UK has to offer.

Down South

Whether its newcomers to the comedy circuit trying to make a name for themselves or the already established comics on the scene, rest assured you're in for a good laugh down south.

For comedy, Portsmouth is a good place to start for it attracts big names such as Al Murray The Pub Landlord, John Bishop, Michael Ball and many more. Accompanied by the sea views, first-rate eating and drinking establishments, together with a night of laughter it is definitely a comedy hotspot to be checked out.

Continuing in the south for comedy, Reading is another hotspot for live stand up gigs. Hot on the heels of the Edinburgh Festival is the Reading Comedy Festival. Held between the months of September and October, venues throughout Reading play host to this annual festival of laughs which see many of the stars turn out to present their award-winning material to new audiences.

Reading also brags highlight's Comedy Club with its live stand up entertainment every Friday and Saturday. It provides its customers with some of the best comedians on the comedy circuit, including table service for food and drinks and a great atmosphere to be cherished.

The Capital

If you're looking for your next laugh in London, fear not, the capital city is host to some of the most prestigious stand up venues around and continues to grow in stature through the many comedians that have come out of London itself.

One of whom is the late, great Mike Reid, born in London's East End and remembered for playing the role of Frank Butcher in EastEnders. He started out as a stand up comedian and through his own success on the circuit inspired many others to follow. Other success stories to come out of London include Jim Davidson and more recently Micky Flanagan, who has been described as "an intellectual cockney" in his acts.

Producing some of the most famed comedians of the past and present and notorious for offering something different every night of the week, from the biggest stars in comedy to open mic talent search nights, the capital is a city that provides a comedy scene not to be missed.

Up North

Searching for a comedy show in the north should not prove difficult as the region has a wealth of Comedy Clubs to choose from, none more so than Manchester. This is a city that plays host to some of the longest-running comedy clubs outside of London and so has been a showcase for many of the city's leading comedians.

Fancy a laugh in Leeds? It won't take you long to find. An area that is famed for its northern welcome and humour, including many nightclubs and quality live music venues to choose from, you are sure to be spoilt for choice. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the friendly, welcoming and ever popular nights out. It is no wonder that it attracts comedians from around the world every week. It really is comedy Leeds.

In the Midlands

If you're in the Midlands looking for some laughs, the Birmingham comedy scene now boasts some of the best comedy acts in Britain, and what better place to head than highlight. Born from the highly reputable Jongleurs, highlight has recently teamed up with Comedy Central to offer customers the perfect entertainment package.

Visitors to the venue will be treated to a fantastic selection of the UK's best stand up acts, and with an abundance of good food and drink, not to mention the after-show parties, you really will experience a night to remember.

If Birmingham is too far to venture, fear not. As one of the leading comedy night venues, highlight clubs can be accessed from around the country including another club in the Midlands by way of Leicester. So, when visiting any of the UK's premier cities, you need not miss out on this experience.

Bonnie Scotland

Each year Scotland plays host to the Edinburgh festival, which sees more than 300 comedy acts perform during its four week period, making it the largest comedy festival of its kind. Taking place each year between August and September, you can guarantee yourself a good time with a whole host of comedy acts from around the globe, and with Billy Connolly flying the flag for Scottish humour, would you dare to miss it?

Courtesy of the brave men and women of the stand up world, who spend their lives travelling the length and breadth of the country to make us laugh, the UK has become the home of live comedy. So if you are yet to plan your night out, no matter where you are in the country you are never too far from a night of guaranteed laughs; so make sure you do not miss the opportunity to witness some of the finest acts on the scene.