
Everyone needs a good laugh right now. Looking about, it’s difficult to know where that burst of spontaneous joy will come from. Somewhere we can guarantee a good joke to crack you up is one of Birmingham’s comedy clubs and/or nights. We can’t say you’ll always find Michael McIntyre levels of funny (some of you might even be happy about that), but we can always promise you at least a little chortle. And sometimes that’s all you need, a good laugh at the best comedy clubs in Birmingham.
1. Closeup Comedy
It’s where we eat, where we drink, and where we catch up with mates. Hockley Social Club has everything. It even has its own Birmingham comedy club (you can also catch Closeup Comedy at another Digbeth Dining Club-run venue, Herbert’s Yard). At £8 a ticket, it’s a pretty cheap way to treat yourself to an evening of award-winning comedy with this irregular residency.
Closeup Comedy features a selection of stand-up comedians on the circuit, plus the very funny and down-to-earth host, Freddy Quinne. Previous performances from comedians like Darren Harriott, Lost Voice Guy, Felicity Ward and Scott Bennett, have set the standard high. Meanwhile, all three bars at Hockley Social Club will continue serving throughout the show.
Hockley Social Club, 60 Hampton St, Birmingham B19 3LU
2. The Glee Club
The Glee Club boasts several comedy venues throughout the UK, but the original still stands in Birmingham. It became the first dedicated comedy club in the UK outside of London when it opened in 1994. Over the years, many local stars have graced its stage – from Jasper Carrott and Lenny Henry to Joe Lycett and Guz Khan – and we expect many more to do so in the future.
If you’d like to catch the Birmingham comedy stars of tomorrow (and today) you’ll find comedy nights almost every night here from Wednesday to Sunday. These range from one-off specials from the country’s top performers to regular nights showcasing local talent. You’ll also find live music, cabaret and spoken word performances if you want something a little more… serious.
The Arcadian, 70 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TD
3. Just The Tonic
You just need to head down to Rosies on Broad Street any Saturday night to have a little laugh. It’s a pretty simple format too. Just the Tonic sees four comedians – often a mix of up-and-coming stars and incredible headliners – take to the stage every week. A standard ticket will cost £16, but if you can plan ahead, you can book them for as cheap as a tenner with early bird tickets.
Crowned ‘The Best MC in the Midlands’ in 2022, Jon Pearson is a regular at Just The Tonic shows – which also has clubs in Nottingham, Reading, Leicester and Edinburgh. Other recent performers of the comedy event include the likes of Danny McLoughlin, Lindsey Santoro and Dane Baptiste. To learn more about Just The Tonic head here.
Rosies, 259-262 Broad St, Birmingham B1 2HF
4. Hare of the Dog
It’s Sunday evening, you’re hungover and dreading work tomorrow. What’s the solution? Hare of the Dog. No, we’re not talking about getting dunk again, although you’d be in the perfect spot for it. You’ll find this monthly, diverse comedy show often supporting female comedians. Hosted by Barbara Nice and Lindsey Santoro at the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath, previous shows have seen Fiona Allen and Rachel Fairburn perform. To find out more head here.
Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath, High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7JZ
5. Egan’s Comedy Club
Sommar is best known for making craft beer at its canalside brewery, but did you know it also throws one of the best comedy clubs in Birmingham? Head down to its Victoria Square bar on a Monday, where from 7.30pm, you’ll find some of the country’s best up-and-coming comedians. Egan’s Comedy Club is completely free too! If that wasn’t enough to convince you, you can also enjoy two cocktails for £14 during the comedy show.
Sommar, 20 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5TB
6. Fat Penguin Comedy Club
This weekly, volunteer-run and free-to-enter (although donations between £5 and £10 are encouraged) comedy night describes itself as “the UK’s only 100% non-profit crowd-funded comedy club”. Taking place every Wednesday, any donations go back into booking future acts for Fat Penguin Comedy Club. It’s been running since 2011 and now attracts some of the country’s top comics. Hosted by resident MC, Jay Handley, the likes of Tony Law, Larry Dean, Shazia Mirza, Glenn Wool, Paul Sinha, Adam Bloom and Ian Cognito have all taken to the stage in recent years.
The Patrick Kavanagh, 142 Trafalgar Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8BX
7. Take Me To Stirch Comedy Club
Everybody wants to be seen in Stirchley these days. At least since it was named the best place to live in the Midlands. One of its hippest venues has to be Stir Stores for cocktails and craft beers, live music, and gut-busting comedy! The monthly, pay-what-you-want comedy club features a refreshing roster of up-and-coming talent. Take Me To Stirch is pretty new, but already among the best comedy clubs in Birmingham. Head down on the third Thursday of every month to learn why.
Stir Stores, 1469 Pershore Road, Stirchley, Birmingham, B30 2JL