Experience the Best Stand Up Comedy Live: Top Venues and Upcoming Shows in the UK 2025
- comedyinyoureye
- Oct 5
- 12 min read
If you’re after a proper laugh, there’s nothing quite like seeing stand up comedy live. Across the UK, there are loads of venues hosting the best comedians in 2025 – from big names to new faces. Whether you want to see a legend like Ricky Gervais or just fancy a night out with mates, there’s a place and a show for everyone. Here’s a look at some top spots and what’s coming up next year.
Key Takeaways
Stand up comedy live is happening at loads of venues across the UK in 2025, from classic clubs to huge arenas.
Big comedians like Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Carr, and Russell Kane are touring, plus there’s plenty of new talent on the bill.
London has some of the best venues, including The Comedy Store, London Palladium, and Soho Theatre Walthamstow.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is still the biggest comedy event, with hundreds of acts and shows every summer.
Tickets range from cheap club nights to big arena experiences, so there’s something for every budget.
1. The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store is where real comedy fans go to laugh – it’s almost a rite of passage if you love stand-up. With over 40 years in the business, this legendary club has seen just about every big name perform on its stage at some point. The vibe inside is always full-on: people packed at candle-lit tables, drinks clinking, everyone waiting for the next punchline to hit. It’s not just in London either – there are shows all over the country, from Colchester to Bristol, as you can see through their many venues listed on their Comedy Clubs guide.
If you’re planning a night out in 2025, here’s what to expect at The Comedy Store:
Top comedians from TV and touring the UK every week.
Open mic nights giving fresh talent their first shot on a big stage.
A real community feel – regulars will know the best nights to go for new acts or big headliners.
Drinks and snacks served all night (don’t bank on the nachos – they go fast).
Block off your diary for the main comedy showcases – they tend to sell out, especially if a famous face is dropping in or the word gets out about a rising star. The shows here have this way of turning a rough week around – it’s one of those places where the world feels lighter for a couple of hours.
Laughter here isn’t just on the stage, it bounces around the whole room – you end up laughing at everyone else laughing too.
If you’re looking to try stand-up yourself or just want a proper night of laughs, The Comedy Store still sets the gold standard for comedy in the UK.
2. London Palladium
Ask anyone who's gone to see stand-up here: the London Palladium is not just any venue—it's where comedy feels like a proper event. In 2025, its line-up brings together international stars, homegrown legends, and newcomers all under one roof. There's something about the buzz when you walk in, and you realise you might just be witnessing the launchpad for someone's next big career move or a one-night-only appearance from your favourite comedian.
Highlights for the 2025 comedy calendar at the Palladium include:
Russell Kane lighting up the stage with his sharp takes.
TikTok sensations Bach and Arthur headlining for the first time.
Jack Dee’s "Small World" tour swinging by, which, let’s be honest, might be the only time you see him actually smile.
The Horne Section booking in a one-off show that’s bound to sell out fast.
Comedy legend Ricky Gervais doing a short October residency, so those tickets will go in a flash.
Troy Hawke and US comic Pete Davidson are dropping in for October appearances—seriously, it’s an unreal line-up!
If you’re on the lookout for more must-see stand-up tours coming to the UK, 2025 is shaping up to be packed.
Here’s a quick look at some acts appearing at the London Palladium in 2025:
Month | Main Act | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|
February | The Horne Section | One-night show |
March | Jack Dee | Small World Tour |
October | Ricky Gervais, Pete Davidson | Limited residencies |
October | Troy Hawke | The Greeters Guild Tour |
Throughout | Bach and Arthur, Russell Kane | Multiple dates in 2025 |
Every comedy night at the Palladium feels like a big occasion, and it’s a prime spot if you want to catch well-known names up close before they disappear on arena tours. There’s a good chance you’ll leave with sore cheeks from laughing—and wishing you’d booked another show straight away.
3. The O2
When it comes to massive comedy gigs, it’s hard to beat The O2. This arena is easily one of the most famous places in London for seeing stand up on a truly epic scale. You can feel the buzz the minute you arrive—people everywhere, the echoes of laughter from previous shows, and that sense that something big is about to happen.
Here's what you get if you book a comedy night at The O2:
Room for thousands of fans, so you’re right in the action no matter where you sit
The biggest names in stand up always drop by—think tours you can’t see anywhere else
Convenient food stalls, bars, and lively crowds that make each event feel like a festival
The O2 isn’t just about comedy, obviously, but the atmosphere on a comedy night is different to any gig or sports match. It feels more immediate, more electric. If you want that sharp belly laugh, this is the spot. You don’t even have to travel far—it’s a quick tube ride away, and you’re good to go for a night of laughter.
Here's a simple look at what’s coming up comedy-wise at The O2 in 2025:
Date | Show/Event | Notable Names |
|---|---|---|
3rd October | 25 Years of Stand Up |
Everyone deserves a night where they forget everything else and just laugh until they can’t breathe—The O2 gives you exactly that.
4. OVO Arena Wembley
OVO Arena Wembley has a very different vibe to the smaller city clubs. It’s massive, with a real buzz when the place fills up. For anyone who loves comedy on a grand scale, this is the spot to see big names doing their thing. Some comedians just suit that arena energy, and when you’re in a packed house, the laughs feel infectious – it’s impossible not to get caught up in it.
Here’s what makes Wembley stand out for comedy fans:
Reliable for huge tours – if Ricky Gervais or Jimmy Carr are doing arena shows, Wembley is always a top pick.
Great location – easy to reach by Tube or train, so you can get there from pretty much anywhere in London.
Everything’s organised – the staff know how to handle big crowds, queues move quickly and the bars usually don’t run dry.
For 2025, there are some stellar comedy shows in the diary. Notably, upcoming events include crowd-pleasers like Jimmy Carr and Druski. You’ll also find Ricky Gervais taking the stage for some unfiltered stand-up. You can see the full schedule by checking the OVO Arena event announcements.
Date | Comedian |
|---|---|
September 2025 | Druski |
2025 | Jimmy Carr |
2025 | Ricky Gervais |
There’s nothing quite like hearing a punchline roll around a huge arena and everyone cracking up at once. Wembley isn’t just a venue, it’s a whole experience for anyone who wants to see comedy without compromise.
5. Union Chapel London
Union Chapel might not be the first venue that jumps to mind if you’re thinking of stand-up comedy, but honestly, it’s one of London’s more interesting spots for a laugh. You walk through those old doors expecting a church service, but what you get is a night packed with jokes echoing off the stained glass and wooden rafters. It’s pretty unique – the place somehow turns stand-up gigs into something that almost feels magical.
Here’s what keeps folks coming back for those comedy nights at Union Chapel:
Incredible acoustics (every punchline lands, even in the back row)
An atmosphere that’s chilled out but never boring
A mix of big comedy names and new voices
2025 is already stacked, with Live At The Chapel dates lined up for 6th September and 6th December. That recurring show is where you’ll catch comics you’ve seen on TV as well as a few you’ll end up bragging you saw first.
Show | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
Live At The Chapel | 6 Sep, 6 Dec 2025 | Stand-up |
For anyone craving something different from the classic pub stand-up vibe, Union Chapel is perfect. The whole thing – from the seats to the sound – changes how a night of comedy feels.
If you love comedy in all sorts of settings, check out some top comedians doing longer sets every Wednesday at The Camden Eye pub in Camden Town. It’s a different style but just as much fun.
6. Soho Theatre Walthamstow
Soho Theatre Walthamstow has a fresh energy about it—almost like it knows it’s the place for those who want comedy with a bit of edge. The shows aren’t just your standard Saturday night sets. You’ll find a mix of well-known circuit comedians and rising stars, delivering material that feels close to the bone and instantly relatable. If your idea of a great night out is laughing till your side aches and maybe discovering the next big name before everyone else does, this is the spot.
What stands out is the way the venue draws acts who want a proper challenge—comedians come here to test clever new jokes and ideas on a crowd that’s not afraid to react honestly. That makes every night feel a little different, like you're part of something genuinely new. Take, for example, Fern Brady’s set at Walthamstow’s auditorium: recommended for ages 16-plus, it runs a full 125 minutes, with ticket prices starting from just £20.50. You can check out more about Fern Brady performs stand-up comedy and see what else is coming up in the next few months.
When you’re heading to Soho Theatre Walthamstow, here are a few tips that definitely help:
Get your tickets as early as you can; popular nights and top acts sell out fast
Keep an eye on surprise gigs—sometimes you’ll catch TV names turning up unannounced
It’s easy to make a night of it as there’s plenty around for a post-show drink or meal
The best thing about Soho Theatre Walthamstow is its unpredictability—one night you’re laughing with a new act, the next you’re watching someone who’ll be huge in a year. That raw, anything-could-happen feeling makes this venue stand out from the crowd.
7. Up The Creek
If you’ve poked around Greenwich on a Friday night, you’ve probably seen the long queue outside Up The Creek. There’s a reason for that. Up The Creek is one of London’s best spots for up-close, quick-witted stand-up that sometimes tiptoes over the line. The club feels raw and unpolished—in a good way. There’s none of that stiff ‘sit quietly and clap’ vibe. Here, the audience is part of the fun whether they like it or not, and even the regulars admit, you never really know what’s going to happen.
Some things that make Up The Creek stand out:
Crowd work is part of the show—be ready to get picked on, especially if you sit near the front.
A bunch of top comedians got their start here, and even big names drop in for surprise sets.
The weekend shows, like Saturday Night Comedy, sell out fast, so it’s smart to book early.
Upcoming 2025 Shows | Date |
|---|---|
Saturday Night Comedy | 4 Oct 2025 |
The Sunday Night Show | 5 Oct 2025 |
The Blackout w/ Maureen Younger | 9 Oct 2025 |
You can catch a whole spectrum of performers—one night, you’re watching a familiar face from TV; next, someone brand new absolutely nails it. That mix is why people keep coming back. If you’re after a no-fuss night out packed with jokes (and the odd surprise), Up The Creek sorts you out.
8. Bloomsbury Theatre
The Bloomsbury Theatre has a bit of a reputation for shaking up expectations. With its welcoming vibe and a layout that means nobody is more than a stone’s throw from the stage, comedy always feels intimate here. Whether you’re sitting up close or a few rows back, you really do feel in the thick of it.
Some things you should know about Bloomsbury Theatre comedy nights:
They welcome everyone, from sharp new acts on the scene to the sort of big names you’ll spot on TV panel shows.
There’s often a real mix on a single line-up, so you never get the same night twice.
Younger audiences and the nearby student crowd give the place real energy, making even quieter midweek gigs feel lively.
Upcoming Comedy Shows (2025) | Date | Ticket Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
Laughs in the City | 24 February | 22.00 |
New Voices Stand Up | 13 March | 14.00 |
Big Night Out | 18 May | 29.50 |
If you’re looking for more regular stand-up, there’s always something fun happening around London, like the affordable shows at The Camden Eye pub in Camden Town.
I always found that a night at Bloomsbury isn’t just about comedy—it’s about the weird conversations in the bar afterwards, that slightly giddy feeling from laughing too long, and the odd celebrity sighting. You might come for the comedy, but you’ll stick around to see what happens next.
9. Live At The Chapel
Live At The Chapel is one of those nights that really stands out in the London comedy scene. Set in the stunning Union Chapel, each show just feels close and honest; you’re watching some of the best comics spill their funniest stuff in a space that’s both historic and surprisingly chill. This year’s line-up for Saturday, 4 October 2025 has a hand-picked selection: Nish Kumar, Tim Key, Ele McKenzie, Bridget Christie, and Esther Manito.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect if you grab tickets to the next event:
Date | Line-up | Venue |
|---|---|---|
4 October 2025 | Nish Kumar, Tim Key, Ele McKenzie, Bridget Christie, Esther Manito | Union Chapel, London |
Some things people love about Live At The Chapel:
There’s always a proper atmosphere, thanks to the venue’s design and acoustics.
Comics often test new material, so you’re seeing exclusive stuff.
You might spot TV names but also get introduced to rising stars.
There’s something about sitting in a pew watching live stand-up, especially at Union Chapel, that just makes the laughs echo in a different way. You can almost forget you’re in the middle of Islington once the show gets going.
For tickets and the most up-to-date line-up details, check out the listings for Live At The Chapel. Get in quick—they do tend to sell out fast!
10. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is like nothing else you'll find in the UK comedy scene. Every August, thousands of shows take over Edinburgh—from basements to massive halls. It’s a wild, lively mix where you can see both household names and complete newcomers, all rubbing shoulders and trying out fresh material. Chances are, you’ll spot comics doing work-in-progress gigs, testing what might become next year’s best jokes before their tours kick off.
Some top acts already rumoured for 2025:
Emmanuel Sonubi is back with his show "Life After Near Death
Foil Arms and Hog will perform a new set of sketches and improv
Garth Marenghi brings his cult horror-comedy new show to the stage
Geoff Norcott tours his latest hour on modern life and culture
Georgie Carroll returns with her crowd-pleasing storytelling style
Here’s why people keep coming back to the Fringe:
Comedy everywhere – literally hundreds of gigs each day
The chance to catch tomorrow’s stars in tiny, casual venues
Whole city buzzes: pubs and courtyards become stages and laughing spills into the streets
Year | Estimated Shows | Estimated Venues | Total Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|
2023 | 3,500+ | 300+ | 2,000,000+ |
2024 | 3,700+ | 320+ | 2,300,000+ |
2025* | 4,000+ (expected) | 350+ (expected) | 2,500,000+ (est) |
I always tell anyone visiting in August: expect the unexpected. You might wander into a tiny cellar and see the next big thing, or find yourself laughing under a church roof at midnight. It’s messy, loud, welcoming, and above all—fun.
Wrapping Up: Why Live Stand-Up Comedy is Worth Your Night Out
So, there you have it – loads of reasons to get out and catch some live stand-up comedy in the UK next year. Whether you’re after a big night at a famous venue or just want to see someone new at your local club, there’s something for everyone. The line-ups are packed, the tickets come in all price ranges, and you never really know what’s going to happen once the lights go down. Honestly, nothing beats the buzz of a live crowd and a comedian who’s on a roll. If you’re stuck for plans or just need a laugh, check out what’s on near you. Who knows, you might end up discovering your new favourite act or just have a cracking night out with your mates. Either way, it’s a win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do stand-up comedy tickets cost in the UK?
Ticket prices for stand-up comedy in the UK can be different depending on the show and the venue. Some tickets are quite cheap, while others for big names or special experiences can cost more. You can usually find a range of prices to fit your budget.
Which comedians are touring the UK in 2025?
In 2025, many famous and new comedians are performing all over the UK. Some of the big names include Ricky Gervais, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard, and Pete Davidson. There are also lots of up-and-coming comedians to check out.
How can I find live comedy shows near me?
You can find local comedy shows by checking out online guides or ticket websites. Many cities and towns have regular comedy nights at clubs and theatres. Just search for 'comedy shows near me' or look on popular ticket sites to see what’s coming up.
Are there any American comedians performing in the UK soon?
Yes, some American comedians are visiting the UK as part of their world tours. For example, Pete Davidson is doing a show at the London Palladium, and Sam Morril has a few UK dates as well. Keep an eye on event listings for more international acts.
Can I buy comedy show tickets as a gift for someone?
Yes, you can buy tickets for comedy shows as a gift. Many ticket websites offer gift cards, so the person you give it to can choose which show they want to see.
What is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a huge arts festival held every summer in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s famous for its stand-up comedy, but you can also see theatre, music, and dance. Lots of comedians start their careers at the Fringe, and it’s a great place to see new and famous acts.