The Hump Day Punchline: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Stand Up Comedy Shows in London on a Wednesday

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Stand Up Comedy Shows in London on a Wednesday

Searching for the best stand-up comedy shows London has on a Wednesday? Our expert guide reveals the top clubs for midweek laughs, from new material nights to pro showcases. Discover why Wednesday is the new Friday for comedy lovers.

London's Wednesday Comedy at a Glance

For those who need a quick overview, this table breaks down the top Wednesday night comedy spots across the capital. It provides a scannable comparison of what each club offers, allowing for an informed decision based on price, location, and comedic style.

Club Name	Location/Area	Price Guide	Vibe/Specialty	Best For...
Comedy in Your Eye	Camden	£3 - £8	Interactive 'forbidden topics' game, TV comics & rising stars	Guaranteed laughs & unique fun on a budget.
Top Secret Comedy Club	Covent Garden	£3 + Donation	New material night, surprise celebrity drop-ins	The thrill of seeing a famous face.
Big Belly Comedy Club	Vauxhall/Southbank	From £5 (inc. drink)	New jokes from city's best comedians, lively bar	A guaranteed good value deal.
Hackney Comedy Club	Hackney	~£4	Curated new material with pro headliners	A peek behind the comedy curtain in East London.
Angel Comedy	Angel/Islington	Free / Cheap	Raw new acts and established names (e.g., James Acaster)	Unbeatable prices and spotting future stars.
Soho Comedy Factory	Soho	From £7	Pro comedians from TV in an iconic venue	A classic, reliable Central London comedy night.
The Comedy Store	West End	Varies	Improv (The Comedy Store Players)	World-famous improv specialists.

A Guide to London's Top Wednesday Comedy Clubs

London's Wednesday comedy scene is teeming with fantastic options, each offering a different flavour of humour. From legendary West End institutions to edgy East London haunts, here is a comprehensive, impartial guide to the best of the best.

Comedy in Your Eye

Located in the heart of Camden, directly opposite the tube station, Comedy in Your Eye has rapidly become a standout destination for midweek laughs. It has built a stellar reputation on a simple but powerful combination of exceptional value, high-quality acts, and a completely unique interactive format. The club has garnered significant critical acclaim, earning a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award in 2024, which places it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide, alongside a nomination for "Best Comedy Venue" from Time Out. Its defining feature is the "Comedy Eye" forfeit game, where comedians are challenged to avoid certain forbidden topics, adding a layer of spontaneous, high-stakes fun that guarantees an entertaining night, regardless of whether the new material lands perfectly.   

There are early bird offers at Comedy in Your Eye where you can get entry + A FREE DRINK for just £6. Click here to learn more!

• Location: Camden.   

  
  

• The Vibe: Critically acclaimed, award-winning pub comedy with a unique, high-energy interactive format, conveniently located opposite Camden Town station.   

  
  

• Wednesday Night Speciality: A mix of TV comics and rising stars playing a "forbidden topics" forfeit game, ensuring guaranteed laughs even with new material.   

  
  

• Price Point: Exceptionally affordable, with tickets from just £5 and Drinks Deals + Entry from just £6.   

  
  

• What Makes It Stand Out: The unique "Comedy Eye" forfeit game, which no other club offers, and its Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award placing it in the "top 10% best things to do in the world".   

  
  

• Best For: Unbeatable value, guaranteed fun, and a truly unique, interactive comedy experience.

  
  

Top Secret Comedy Club

An undisputed titan of the London scene, Top Secret Comedy Club is a classic, no-frills basement venue in Covent Garden that consistently delivers an electric atmosphere. It is widely regarded as one of the best clubs in the city, a reputation built on incredible value and one major, thrilling selling point: the very real possibility of a surprise celebrity drop-in. Comedy superstars like Jack Whitehall, Katherine Ryan, and Romesh Ranganathan are known to pop in unannounced to work on new material, making any given Wednesday a potential brush with comedic greatness.   

• Location: Covent Garden.   

  
  

• The Vibe: A classic, no-frills basement club that is consistently popular and highly rated. It's known for its electric atmosphere and intimate setting.   

  
  

• Wednesday Night Speciality: A "fresh new material night," where professional comedians try out brand new jokes.   

  
  

• Price Point: An incredibly low booking fee of around £3, with the club asking for a generous donation at the end to be shared among the performers.   

  
  

• What Makes It Stand Out: Its reputation as the go-to spot for surprise celebrity drop-ins. Huge names like Jack Whitehall, Katherine Ryan, and Romesh Ranganathan often pop in unannounced to work on new material.   

  
  

• Best For: Those chasing the thrill of seeing a comedy superstar for the price of a coffee.

Big Belly Comedy Club

Situated in Vauxhall, Big Belly has carved out a niche as a modern, vibrant entertainment hub designed for a complete night out. More than just a comedy club, the venue boasts a large bar, a variety of street food vendors, and even arcade games, creating a lively, all-in-one package. Its "Midweek Madness" shows are built around an exceptional value proposition, offering a lineup of the city's best comedians trying out new material with a free drink included with every ticket, making it one of the most budget-friendly deals in London.   

• Location: Vauxhall / Southbank.   

  
  

• The Vibe: A modern and lively entertainment hub designed for a complete night out, featuring a large bar, street food vendors, and even arcade games.   

  
  

• Wednesday Night Speciality: Their "Midweek Madness" show, where the city's best comedians test out fresh jokes.   

  
  

• Price Point: Excellent value, with tickets starting from just £5, which includes a free drink with every ticket.   

  
  

• What Makes It Stand Out: The unbeatable "ticket plus free drink" deal makes it one of the best value nights in London. It's a one-stop shop for food, drinks, and laughs.   

  
  

• Best For: A full and affordable midweek night out with a guaranteed lively atmosphere.

Hackney Comedy Club

East London's favourite comedy spot, Hackney Comedy Club offers a relaxed and trendy atmosphere for true comedy connoisseurs. Hosted upstairs at The Star by Hackney Downs pub, its Wednesday show is a carefully curated new material night. This isn't a chaotic open mic; it's a hand-picked selection of professional and semi-pro comics, always capped off with a special guest headliner. For an incredibly low price, it provides a fascinating and authentic peek behind the curtain of the stand-up comedy process.   

• Location: Hackney, upstairs at The Star by Hackney Downs pub.   

  
  

• The Vibe: East London's favourite comedy spot, offering a relaxed and trendy atmosphere for comedy connoisseurs.   

  
  

• Wednesday Night Speciality: A curated new material night. This isn't a chaotic open mic; it's a hand-picked selection of pro and semi-pro comics, always topped off with a special guest headliner.   

  
  

• Price Point: A bargain at just £4 per ticket.   

  
  

• What Makes It Stand Out: It provides a fascinating and affordable "peak behind the curtain of the process of standup comedy" in a cool, local setting.   

  
  

• Best For: Comedy fans who want to see how the sausage gets made, with a guaranteed quality headliner.

Angel Comedy

A true institution, Angel Comedy is a comedian-run club celebrated for its unwavering commitment to providing free and cheap comedy seven nights a week. Operating across two beloved Islington venues, The Camden Head and The Bill Murray, it's the heart of London's grassroots scene, often with queues snaking down the street. Wednesdays feature "Angel Comedy RAW" nights for new acts, alongside ticketed work-in-progress shows where you can see comedy giants like James Acaster and Simon Amstell honing their new material in an incredibly intimate setting.   

• Location: Angel/Islington, across two venues: The Camden Head and The Bill Murray.   

  
  

• The Vibe: A legendary, comedian-run institution at the heart of the London scene. Expect queues down the street for its intimate and beloved shows.   

  
  

• Wednesday Night Speciality: A mix of "Angel Comedy RAW (Free)" nights for new acts and cheap ticketed work-in-progress shows from comedy giants like James Acaster and Simon Amstell.   

  
  

• Price Point: Either completely free or incredibly cheap.   

  
  

• What Makes It Stand Out: Its unwavering commitment to providing top-tier comedy for free (or close to it) seven nights a week. It's the best place to spot future stars or see household names in a tiny room.   

  
  

• Best For: Comedy purists on a budget and anyone who loves the raw energy of new comedy.

Soho Comedy Factory

For a polished and professional Central London experience, the Soho Comedy Factory is a highly reliable choice. Operating out of iconic Soho venues like The Blue Posts, it delivers a consistently high-quality night of stand-up true to the area's vibrant spirit. The lineups are packed with professional comedians you'll recognise from television shows like    

Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster, making it a dependable option for a date night or post-work entertainment in the heart of the West End.   

• Location: Soho, primarily at the iconic The Blue Posts pub.   

  
  

• The Vibe: A polished and professional Central London comedy experience, true to Soho's vibrant and historic spirit.   

  
  

• Wednesday Night Speciality: A showcase of top-tier professional comedians, many with credits from shows like Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster.   

  
  

• Price Point: An affordable West End option, with tickets starting from £7.   

  
  

• What Makes It Stand Out: Its consistency and quality. It's a reliable choice for a classic, high-calibre stand-up show in an iconic London location.   

  
  

• Best For: A dependable, high-quality date night or post-work outing in the heart of the city.

The Comedy Store

An undisputed legend of the global comedy scene, The Comedy Store in the West End is a world-famous institution. For over 40 years, it has been a benchmark for quality and a must-visit for any serious comedy fan. However, it is crucial for those seeking traditional stand-up to know that the club's flagship Wednesday show is dedicated to the art of improvisation. The night features the world-famous "Comedy Store Players," a troupe of the UK's best improvisers who create a hilarious show entirely from audience suggestions.   

• Location: West End, near Piccadilly Circus.   

  
  

• The Vibe: An undisputed legend and institution of the London comedy scene. It's a world-famous, premium venue.   

  
  

• Wednesday Night Speciality: Improv, not stand-up. The flagship Wednesday show features the world-famous "Comedy Store Players" creating comedy on the spot.   

  
  

• Price Point: Varies, but generally in a more premium bracket reflecting its legendary status.   

  
  

• What Makes It Stand Out: It is arguably the most famous comedy club in the UK and the home of the country's best improvisers.   

  
  

• Best For: Fans of improvisational comedy who want to see the best in the business.

Your Insider's Guide to a London Comedy Night: FAQs

Navigating the London comedy scene for the first time can feel like being the only one not in on the joke. To ensure a smooth and hilarious night out, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time audience members.

How early should I arrive for a comedy show?

The golden rule for most London comedy clubs is that earlier is always better. The vast majority of venues, including Top Secret, Big Belly, and Backyard, operate a "first come, first served" seating policy, even for ticket holders. Arriving 30 to 60 minutes before the advertised show start time is the recommended strategy. This allows you to bypass queues, get a drink from the bar, and, most importantly, have your pick of the best seats. It is vital to distinguish between the "door time" and the "show time." The time on your ticket is when the first comedian is due on stage; the doors will almost always open earlier. For Comedy in Your Eye, arriving before 7:15 PM is advised to guarantee your pre-booked seat. Arriving late is not only disruptive but can also result in being denied entry without a refund.   

Is it necessary to book comedy tickets in advance in London?

Absolutely. While some clubs may have tickets available on the door, the overwhelming advice is to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Popular clubs frequently sell out, especially for their well-regarded midweek shows. Big Belly and Top Secret both warn that they often sell out and recommend pre-booking. This is particularly true for Comedy in Your Eye, which has seen a surge in demand and sells out regularly, especially since receiving its nomination for "Best Comedy Venue" from Time Out. Booking online is a quick and simple process that secures your spot for a night of laughter.   

What is the appropriate dress code for a London comedy club?

There is no strict, universal dress code for London's comedy clubs; the vibe is generally relaxed. The best approach is to match your attire to the venue. For shows in casual pub settings, such as Comedy in Your Eye, Top Secret, or a night at the Camden Head, a comfortable outfit like jeans and a nice top or shirt is perfectly appropriate. For more formal, theatre-style venues like the Soho Theatre or Leicester Square Theatre, upgrading to smart casual is a good idea. The most important factor is comfort, as you will be seated for a couple of hours. It's also wise to avoid overly flashy or attention-grabbing outfits, as they can sometimes become an unintentional target for a comedian's crowd work.   

What is the unwritten etiquette? (Heckling, phone use, etc.)

Observing proper comedy club etiquette is crucial for ensuring everyone, including the performers, has a good night. The rules are simple but important :   

• Do Not Heckle: Despite what you might see in movies, heckling is not welcome. It disrupts the comedian's rhythm and ruins the show for everyone else. If a comedian wants to interact, they will initiate it.   

  
  

• Phones Away and Silent: Your phone should be turned completely off, not just on silent. The light from a screen is incredibly distracting to both the performer and nearby audience members. Recording the show is strictly prohibited.   

  
  

• Keep Conversations for the Interval: Even whispering can be heard in an intimate comedy venue. Save your commentary on the jokes for the breaks or after the show.   

  
  

• Do Laugh and Applaud: Laughter is the fuel of a comedy show. Showing your appreciation with laughs and applause creates a positive energy in the room that elevates the entire performance.   

  
  

• Support the Venue: Most smaller clubs rely on bar sales to stay in business, so buying a drink or two is a great way to support live comedy. Many clubs, including Comedy in Your Eye, are part of initiatives like "Get Off Live Comedy," which are dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces for both performers and audiences.   

  
  

What is the difference between a 'new material' night and a 'pro' night?

Understanding this distinction is key to managing your expectations for a midweek show. A "new material" night is where professional and semi-professional comedians test out new jokes and ideas in front of a live audience. The atmosphere is often more experimental and relaxed, offering a fascinating glimpse into the creative process. A "pro" night, typically found on a Friday or Saturday, features comedians performing their most polished, tried-and-tested material—the jokes they know are guaranteed to get big laughs. The choice comes down to personal preference: do you want the raw, unpredictable excitement of seeing comedy being developed, or the reliable, slick performance of a fully-formed set?   

What can I expect to pay for a good comedy show on a Wednesday?

One of the best things about Wednesday comedy in London is its affordability. Prices can range significantly, but there is exceptional value to be found. At the lowest end, clubs like Angel Comedy and Backyard Comedy Club offer free-entry shows, though a donation is often encouraged. For a guaranteed, high-quality ticketed show, prices typically start at the remarkably low price point of £3-£4 at clubs like Comedy in Your Eye and Hackney Comedy Club. Some clubs, like Big Belly, offer deals from £5 that include a drink. More established central London venues like Soho Comedy Factory start at around £7, while weekend shows at major clubs can cost upwards of £15-£22. Broader industry data confirms that live comedy is significantly more accessible than other forms of live entertainment, with the average ticket being considerably cheaper than a trip to the theatre.   

Why Wednesday is London's Best-Kept Comedy Secret

Wednesday. The middle of the week, the peak of the weekly grind, universally known as "Hump Day." It’s that point where the energy of the previous weekend has long since faded, and the next one still feels a lifetime away. For many Londoners and visitors alike, it’s a night for an early bedtime. But for those in the know, Wednesday is the city’s best-kept secret for live entertainment, particularly for world-class stand-up comedy.

Across the capital, Wednesday has emerged as the connoisseur's choice for a night of laughter. Clubs like Big Belly and City Comedy Club explicitly market their midweek shows as the perfect antidote to the "hump day" slump, offering a much-needed release of tension and a jolt of pure joy. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; it's a reflection of a fundamental truth about London's vibrant comedy ecosystem. The UK's live comedy industry is a powerhouse, valued at over £1 billion, with an incredible concentration of its 3,000-strong workforce of comedians, promoters, and venue managers based in London. This density of talent means that even on a Wednesday, the quality on offer is exceptionally high.   

What truly sets Wednesday apart is the type of comedy you're likely to see. Many of the city's top venues, from the legendary Top Secret Comedy Club to the trendy Hackney Comedy Club, designate Wednesdays as "new material" nights. While this might sound like a risk, it's actually the night's greatest strength. This isn't an amateur open mic; it's where seasoned professionals and rising stars workshop the jokes that will eventually feature in their weekend sets, national tours, and television specials. Attending a Wednesday show offers a rare and authentic "peak behind the curtain of the process of standup comedy," a chance to witness the creative act in its rawest, most unfiltered form. The experience is fundamentally different from a polished Saturday night performance; it's more intimate, more unpredictable, and it makes the audience feel less like passive consumers and more like vital participants in the birth of a great joke.   

London presents a dazzling array of choices for your midweek mirth, from free gigs in the back of pubs to showcases of TV's biggest names. This guide will walk you through the best options the city has to offer, helping you find the perfect Hump Day punchline.

Conclusion: Make Wednesday Your New Favourite Night Out

Wednesday in London no longer needs to be a midweek lull. It has firmly established itself as the best night of the week for those seeking authentic, affordable, and high-quality stand-up comedy. The city's thriving scene offers a spectacular range of options, from the raw energy of new material nights in East London to the polished professionalism of Soho's top venues, ensuring there is a perfect show for every taste and budget. The unique opportunity to see top-tier comedians workshopping their craft provides an intimate and engaging experience that a polished weekend show simply cannot replicate.

While the sheer number of choices is a testament to the city's comedic health, one club has managed to create a Wednesday night experience that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Comedy in Your Eye has crafted the perfect formula: it combines the world-class comedy of TV-credited professionals with an unbeatable price point, a vibrant and accessible Camden location, and a uniquely interactive format that guarantees a hilarious and memorable night for every single audience member. Its collection of prestigious awards and hundreds of five-star reviews are not an accident; they are the result of a club that understands exactly how to turn Hump Day into the highlight of the week.

For a Wednesday night of stand-up comedy in London that you'll be talking about for weeks, the choice is clear. Join the award-winning, critically acclaimed, and audience-loved experience at Comedy in Your Eye.

Book your tickets for Comedy in Your Eye here.