Laugh Out Loud: Best Stand-Up Comedy Events in London This April
- Comedy in Your Eye
- Apr 18
- 20 min read
Your Ultimate Guide to London's April Comedy Scene
There's an undeniable buzz about London's comedy scene, a crackle of energy that feels particularly potent as spring breathes new life into the city. From intimate rooms above pubs where you might just discover the next big thing, to grand West End theatres hosting global superstars, the capital offers a staggering spectrum of stand-up. If laughter is the best medicine, then London is the world's best-stocked pharmacy.
April 2025 is shaping up to be a particularly cracking month for comedy connoisseurs. Whether your tastes run towards established household names testing out new jokes, boundary-pushing alternative acts, dazzling improv troupes, or simply a reliably hilarious night out that won’t empty your wallet, the city has something lined up. Navigating this embarrassment of riches can be daunting, but fear not – consider this your essential companion to the capital's laughter landscape this April. We've trawled the listings, peered into the back rooms, and handpicked the highlights, curating a list of the Best Stand Up Comedy Events in London This April. As dedicated comedy lovers ourselves here at www.comedyinyoureye.com, we reckon we know a thing or two about what makes for a truly brilliant night of chuckles. So, grab your diary, rally your mates, and prepare to laugh out loud.
Start Here for Guaranteed Giggles: Comedy in Your Eye
Kicking things off with a venue close to our hearts, Comedy in Your Eye is the perfect starting point for anyone seeking top-tier laughs without the hefty price tag often found elsewhere in London. Nestled right in the vibrant heart of Camden Town, it has consistently earned its reputation as one of the city's premier comedy nights, and for very good reason.
The Venue & Vibe:
You'll find this gem upstairs at The Camden Eye pub, located at 2 Kentish Town Road, NW1 9NX. Its location is incredibly convenient – literally opposite the entrance to Camden Town tube station on the Northern Line and just a brief four-minute stroll from Camden Road Overground station. Getting there couldn't be simpler.
The venue itself contributes significantly to the night's charm. Housed in one of Camden's most historic pubs (The Camden Eye has been around for over 150 years!), the upstairs room offers an intimate setting that fosters a fantastic, interactive atmosphere. This isn't a sterile theatre; it's grassroots stand-up comedy experienced up close and personal, buzzing with energy. The room is also air-conditioned, a welcome feature during packed-out shows, and the club proudly supports the Get Off Live Comedy initiative, actively working to create safe and welcoming spaces for performers and audiences alike.
Don't just rely on our enthusiasm, though. Comedy in Your Eye is an award-winning club, lauded by critics and audiences. It's been featured by the Evening Standard, who called it an "EXCELLENT COMEDY NIGHT," and recommended by DesignMyNight as potentially "ONE OF THE BEST COMEDY NIGHTS IN LONDON." It also bagged a nomination for "Best Comedy Venue" in the Time Out Love Local Awards and holds a coveted TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award from 2024, backed by over 700 five-star reviews across various ticketing platforms.
April 2025 Schedule & Timings:
Consistency is key here. You can catch fantastic shows every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout April 2025 (and indeed, running from January right through to August 2025 according to current listings).
While the downstairs pub bar opens from midday, the comedy action upstairs kicks off at 7:30 pm and runs until 9:30 pm. This includes a short interval around 8:30 pm, giving you just enough time to grab another drink before the second half starts at approximately 8:40 pm. Note: Some third-party listings occasionally mention a 7:15 pm start time , but the official website confirms 7:30 pm. It's always wise to arrive a bit early to settle in and snag a good vantage point. Remember, the venue operates a strict 18+ policy, so be sure to bring a valid form of identification.
The Comedy & Performers:
Expect a brilliantly curated mix of talent. The club showcases established comedians, often those you've seen on TV, trying out fresh material alongside the hottest rising stars making waves on the London circuit. The emphasis is on "razor-sharp wit" and delivering "utterly hilarious" nights.
A unique selling point is the element of surprise. The lineups are kept "top secret" and change for every single show. This means each visit offers a completely fresh and exciting experience. This approach fosters an air of anticipation and intrigue, encouraging comedy fans to return time and again, trusting the club's curation to deliver laughs regardless of who is specifically billed. It’s a testament to the club's reputation, built on those awards and glowing reviews, that they can pack the room without needing to reveal big names weeks in advance.
The calibre of performers who've graced the stage is seriously impressive. The club has hosted comedians with specials on Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as acts featured on prestigious shows like Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Taskmaster, Britain's Got Talent, Conan, The Joe Rogan Experience, and Kill Tony. Past performers include acclaimed names such as Felicity Ward, Lou Sanders, Sam Campbell, and Viggo Venn – you genuinely never know which comedy hero might pop in for a set.
Tickets & Booking:
Here’s where Comedy in Your Eye truly stands out: the value. Standard tickets are priced at an almost unbelievable £3. While some ticketing partners might list slightly different prices, like £4 , the £3 price is readily available via the club's website and partners like DesignMyNight. This pricing strategy deliberately positions the club as an affordable alternative to more expensive venues in central London, which might charge £10-£20 or more for tickets.
Even better value is the drinks deal: if you pre-order a drink when booking your ticket online, your entry to the comedy show is essentially free. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for a cheap date night or an affordable evening out with friends without compromising on the quality of the comedy. This combination of high-calibre talent, often seen at pricier venues, and rock-bottom prices is a core part of the club's appeal, catering perfectly to those seeking fantastic entertainment on a budget.
Booking is straightforward. Head to the official Comedy in Your Eye website (www.comedyinyoureye.com) and use the booking calendar. If you encounter any issues, alternative booking links via partners like DesignMyNight are also provided on their site. Direct link:(https://www.comedyinyoureye.com/tickets).
London's Comedy Cornerstones: The Unmissable Club Nights
While Comedy in Your Eye offers exceptional value and quality in Camden, London is blessed with several other legendary comedy clubs – venues that have shaped the UK comedy scene and remain essential destinations for anyone serious about stand-up. If you're looking for that quintessential London comedy club experience this April, these institutions should be high on your list.
The Comedy Store (Piccadilly Circus)
Often hailed as the original and most famous comedy club in the UK, The Comedy Store is a benchmark for quality. Located just off Piccadilly Circus at 1a Oxendon Street, SW1Y 4EE, it boasts an iconic status and a professional atmosphere. It's the place where countless stars cut their teeth, and it continues to feature a mix of the biggest names on the circuit alongside promising new talent showcased in open spots.
April 2025 Shows:
The Best In Stand Up: This is the Store's flagship show, presenting a stellar lineup of five top comedians. It runs every Thursday (8pm), Friday (8pm), and Saturday (with shows at both 6:30pm and 9:30pm) throughout April.
Confirmed April Lineups:
Friday 18th (8pm): MC Laura Lexx, Charlie Baker, Alistair Barrie, Thomas Green, Bethany Black.
Saturday 19th (6:30pm): MC Laura Lexx, Charlie Baker, Alistair Barrie, Thomas Green, Bethany Black.
Saturday 19th (9:30pm): MC Thomas Green, Charlie Baker, Alistair Barrie, Laura Lexx, Bethany Black.
Thursday 24th (8pm): MC Ian Coppinger, Hal Cruttenden, Allyson June Smith, Stephen Grant, Dimitri Bakanov.
Friday 25th (8pm): MC Ian Coppinger, Hal Cruttenden, Allyson June Smith, Omar Badawy, Helen Bauer.
Saturday 26th (6:30pm & 9:30pm): MC Ian Coppinger, Hal Cruttenden, Allyson June Smith, Omar Badawy, Javier Jarquin. (Note: Specific lineups for April 3rd-17th were not available in the source material , but the show runs throughout the month ).
The Comedy Store Players: On Sundays, the stage belongs to the legendary improv troupe, The Comedy Store Players. Watch masters of the craft create hilarious scenes entirely from audience suggestions. Shows start at 7:30pm.
April Dates: Sunday 20th and Sunday 27th. The lineup rotates but features improv giants like Josie Lawrence, Neil Mullarkey, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson, Ruth Bratt, Ian Coppinger, and musical maestros Kirsty Newton or Steve Edis.
Tickets & Booking: Expect to pay around £20-£24 for 'The Best In Stand Up' and £22 for The Players, with concessions sometimes available (booking fees apply). Bookings should be made via the official website: https://london.thecomedystore.co.uk/. The venue is strictly for those aged 18 and over. For access bookings, contact the box office directly. The Store cleverly maintains its status by offering these two distinct, high-quality experiences – curated stand-up and world-class improv – appealing to different comedic tastes under one revered roof.
Top Secret Comedy Club (Covent Garden/Holborn)
For a more energetic, bustling, and often surprisingly affordable experience, head to the Top Secret Comedy Club. Located near Covent Garden/Holborn (main address 170 Drury Lane, WC2B 5PD, with a second venue mentioned at 23 Kingsway ), this club is renowned for its frequent shows, lively atmosphere, and the regular possibility of seeing huge comedy names drop in unannounced.
April 2025 Shows: Top Secret runs an incredibly packed schedule, with multiple shows happening almost every single night of the week, often across different time slots (afternoon, early evening, main show, late show, even late-late shows on weekends). This high-volume approach means there's almost always something on, catering to various schedules and budgets.
April Highlights:
Stand-Up Showcases: These form the backbone of the schedule, running daily at times like 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. They often boast "Top Secret Celebrity Guests," adding to the excitement.
Work-In-Progress (WIP) Shows: Top Secret is a major hub for comedians developing new material. Catch established acts honing their hour-long shows, usually in earlier 6pm slots. April's WIP lineup includes Katie Green & Evaldas Karosas (Apr 21), Katie Green (Apr 22), Stuart Goldsmith & Hasan Al Habib (Apr 23), Simon Brodkin (Apr 23), Eric Rushton & Ania Magliano (Apr 24), Lily Phillips (Apr 28), Rajiv Karia (Apr 28), Seann Walsh (Apr 29), Ivo Graham & Luke McQueen (Apr 30). This offers audiences a unique and often cheaper way to see well-known comics work through new ideas.
Special Nights: Look out for themed or curated nights like Kojo & Friends (Apr 15), Andrew Mensah & Friends (Apr 16), "We Saw That" Show with Andrew Mensah & Gbemi Oladipo (Apr 17, Apr 29), Top Secret Kingsway's 1st Birthday show (Apr 24), The Sunday Sesh With Thomas Green (Apr 27), and Shrinkwrapped: A Psychologist Analyses Comedians Live On Stage (Apr 29).
(A full, detailed daily schedule is available on their website ).
Tickets & Booking: Ticket prices at Top Secret vary considerably. While some sources mention historical prices as low as £1 , current listings suggest prices generally range from around £11-£15 for standard/early shows up to £16-£20+ for peak weekend slots or shows featuring secret celebrity guests. Concessions are usually available. Booking is essential via the official website: https://thetopsecretcomedyclub.co.uk/ or their ticketing portal. Most shows are 18+.
Angel Comedy (Islington)
A true cornerstone of the London comedy community, Angel Comedy is beloved for its accessible approach and supportive atmosphere. It operates across two distinct Islington venues: The Bill Murray (39 Queen's Head St, N1 8NQ), a dedicated comedy pub established via a Kickstarter campaign, and the original intimate room upstairs at The Camden Head pub (2 Camden Walk, N1 8DY).
April 2025 Shows: Angel offers a fantastic mix of free new material nights and affordable ticketed shows featuring pros and WIPs, ensuring there's comedy happening every night of the week.
The Bill Murray (Paid/Ticketed & some Free): This venue hosts multiple shows nightly, often featuring established comedians working on new material alongside curated professional showcases.
April Highlights: Look out for WIPs from James Acaster (multiple dates including Apr 18, 20, 21, 25, 30), Bella Hull (Apr 21), Amy Mason (Apr 22), Sindhu Vee (Apr 22), Louise Young (Apr 23), Mark Silcox (Apr 24), Josh Widdicombe & Suzi Ruffell (Apr 28), Pierre Novellie (Apr 28, 29), Jessica Fostekew (Apr 27), Rob Auton (Apr 20). Plus regular curated nights like Angel Comedy Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and special events like Material Girls Comedy (Apr 21), Roast Battle UK (Apr 25), and the Angel Comedy Social Club (Apr 30 feat. Spencer Jones). .
The Camden Head (Mostly FREE): This is the home of Angel Comedy's legendary "RAW" nights, running Sunday to Thursday at 8pm, where comedians try out brand new jokes for free. Weekends feature free pro shows: Angel Comedy Fridays @ Camden Head and Angel Comedy Saturdays @ Camden Head, both with 7:30pm and 9:30pm performances.
April Schedule: RAW nights run Apr 20-24 and 27-30. Free Friday shows on Apr 18 & 25 (7:30pm & 9:30pm). Free Saturday shows on Apr 19 & 26 (7:30pm & 9:30pm). .
Tickets & Booking: The RAW nights and weekend shows at The Camden Head are famously FREE, but arriving early (30-60 mins beforehand) is highly recommended, especially on weekends, as space is limited. Note that parties larger than four are not permitted at the free Friday/Saturday shows due to the venue's intimacy. Shows at The Bill Murray have varied pricing – some are free, while ticketed shows likely range from £5 to £15 or more, depending on the act. Book all shows (including reserving free spots where possible) via the Angel Comedy website: https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/. This dual-venue setup allows Angel Comedy to maintain its grassroots, free-comedy ethos at The Camden Head while offering a platform for more established, ticketed shows at The Bill Murray, thereby serving the entire comedy ecosystem.
99 Club (Leicester Square & Covent Garden)
A serial award-winner, having been voted "Best London Comedy Club" for ten consecutive years by audiences, the 99 Club is synonymous with high-quality, mainstream stand-up in the heart of the West End. They often feature comedians familiar from television panel shows and stand-up specials. The club operates across several central London venues, ensuring widespread availability. Key locations include the Arboretum (2A Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HF, near Leicester Square), another Leicester Square venue (potentially Storm Nightclub), and the Strand Palace Hotel in Covent Garden.
April 2025 Shows: You can catch 99 Club shows most nights of the week (typically Tuesday to Sunday) across their various locations, usually starting around 8:30 pm, with additional earlier and later shows on Saturdays at Arboretum. This multi-venue strategy under a strong, award-winning brand allows them to maximise capacity and attract audiences across different central London hotspots.
Specific April Schedule:
Arboretum (Leicester Square): Shows run Tuesday to Saturday at 8:30pm throughout April (e.g., Apr 15-19, 22-26, 29-30). Additional Saturday shows run at 7:00pm and 9:00pm (Apr 19, 26). Sunday April 20th also has an 8:30pm show listed.
Leicester Square (Main Venue/Storm?): Shows listed Tuesday to Sunday at 8:30pm. Specific listings mention Sunday April 13th , a Bank Holiday special on Sunday April 20th featuring Sara Barron, Darren Harriott, Spring Day, and Bobby Mair , and Tuesday April 22nd featuring Sara Barron and Darren Harriott.
Strand Palace Hotel (Covent Garden): Hosts Sunday shows at 8:30pm. Specifically listed for Sunday, April 27th.
Performers: As mentioned, April features acts like Sara Barron, Darren Harriott, Spring Day, and Bobby Mair. Past lineups confirm the calibre, including names like Ivo Graham, Glenn Moore, Tiff Stevenson, Nathan Caton, Desiree Burch, Dane J Baptiste, and Robert White.
Tickets & Booking: Prices are generally very reasonable for the quality and location, often starting around £8-£9.95 (especially for midweek or early bookings) and rising towards £20 or slightly more for peak weekend slots. Book tickets directly through the 99 Club website: https://tickets.99clubcomedy.com/. Shows are strictly 18+ with valid ID required.
Backyard Comedy Club (Bethnal Green)
A stalwart of the East London comedy scene, Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green (231 Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 0EL) offers a fantastic night out, complete with food and drink options. It's well-regarded for its weekend shows but also provides a platform for new acts and hosts various other comedy events throughout the week.
April 2025 Shows: Backyard offers a diverse programme beyond standard weekend stand-up, utilising the venue effectively throughout the week.
Thursdays at Backyard: Catch new material from established acts or competition showcases like "So You Think You're Funny?". Shows run 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Apr 17, Apr 24 listed).
Fridays & Saturdays at Backyard: These are the club's main professional stand-up nights, considered among the best weekend comedy nights in London. Shows run 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Fridays Apr 18, 25; Saturdays Apr 19, 26 listed).
Special & Other Events: April also features a Radio Recording (Apr 15, 7pm, Free), the secular gathering Sunday Assembly (Apr 20, 11am, Free), a City Academy Stand Up Comedy student showcase (Apr 22, 8pm, Free), a unique Comedy Hypnosis & Mind Reading Mentalism Show with Daniel Sinclair (Apr 27, 7:30pm), and Backyard's New Act Night (Apr 29, 8pm, Free/£5). A show featuring Richard Blackwood & Slim was listed for April 6th. This variety demonstrates the club's role beyond just weekend entertainment, catering to different audiences and needs within the comedy community.
Tickets & Booking: Prices reflect the diverse programming. New act nights, recordings, and showcases are often Free or just £5. Thursdays typically cost £7.50-£10. Friday nights range from £12.50-£20 , and Saturday nights from £16-£24. Special events like the Hypnosis show are around £18. Book via the Backyard Comedy Club website: https://backyardcomedyclub.co.uk/ or through partners like DesignMyNight. Evening shows are generally 18+.
London's Top Comedy Clubs: April 2025 Snapshot
For a quick comparison, here’s a look at these key London comedy clubs:
Club | Location(s) | Key April 2025 Shows/Frequency | Typical Price | Vibe | Booking Link Example (Use official site) |
Comedy in Your Eye | Camden (The Camden Eye) | Tue/Wed/Thu 7:30pm | £3 / Free | Intimate, Value, Secret | |
The Comedy Store | Piccadilly Circus | Best In Stand Up (Thu-Sat), Players (Sun) | £20 - £24 | Legendary, Pro, Iconic | |
Top Secret Comedy Club | Covent Garden/Holborn | Daily, Multiple Shows, WIPs, Guests | £ Cheap - £20+ | Buzzing, Affordable, Busy | |
Angel Comedy | Islington (Bill Murray/Camden Head) | Daily Free RAW, Paid WIPs/Pro Shows | £0 - £15+ | Community, New Material | |
99 Club | Leicester Sq/Covent Garden | Tue-Sun (multiple venues) | £8 - £20+ | Mainstream, Award-Winner | |
Backyard Comedy Club | Bethnal Green | Thu-Sat Pro, Specials, New Acts | £0 - £24 | East London Staple, Varied |
Catch the Stars: Headline Acts & Big Shows in Town This April
Beyond the regular club circuit, April 2025 sees some truly massive names in comedy gracing London's larger stages. If you're looking to catch a household name or an international superstar, these shows offer guaranteed star power, albeit often in bigger venues and with higher ticket prices. This tiering of experiences – from intimate clubs to large arenas – reflects the diverse market for comedy in London, catering both to those seeking discovery and value, and those wanting the big-event feel of seeing a major touring act.
Paul Chowdhry: Englandia
The multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Paul Chowdhry brings his highly anticipated new UK tour, 'Englandia', to London. This follows his record-breaking 'Live Innit' tour, which saw him sell out London's Wembley Arena – a first for a British-Asian stand-up. Described by The Eastern Eye as “the greatest British Asian comedian of all time,” his impact is undeniable.
Venue: The O2 arena, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX.
Date & Time: Thursday, 3rd April 2025, 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm).
Tickets: Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from around £25 - £30.80 and increasing based on seating location and package type. A Meet & Greet Experience was offered at £118.80 but may now be sold out. Booking is primarily through The O2's official ticketing partner, AXS.com, or other major vendors like SeeTickets. Note that mobile tickets displayed via The O2 or AXS app are required for entry.
David Cross: The End of the Beginning of the End
American comedy legend David Cross, known to many for his iconic roles in Mr Show and Arrested Development, brings his stand-up tour, 'The End of the Beginning of the End', to the UK. Expect gifted, bombastic, and potentially unsubtle political satire from this Gen X icon. The presence of major US comedians like Cross touring London highlights the city's status as a key destination on the international comedy circuit, offering audiences access to global talent.
Venue: Islington Town Hall.
Date & Time: Friday, 18th April 2025. Specific time was not listed in source material; check ticketing sites.
Tickets: Noted as being on the pricier side, around £60. Tickets likely available through major vendors such as Ticketmaster.
Kumail Nanjiani: Doing This Again
Star of the critically acclaimed film The Big Sick and Marvel's Eternals, Kumail Nanjiani makes a much-anticipated return to his stand-up comedy roots with his first live tour in a decade, aptly titled 'Doing This Again'. His return marks a significant shift from cult actor to global star, making this a hot ticket.
Venue: Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX.
Date & Time: Friday, 18th April 2025, offering two separate performances at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm. The show runs for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including an interval.
Tickets: Prices start from £38 or £39.50, depending on the vendor. An age advisory of 14+ applies. Tickets can be booked via the Leicester Square Theatre's official website or through Ticketmaster.
Sarah Silverman: Postmortem
The iconic and often provocative American comedian Sarah Silverman returns to the UK stage for the first time since 2013. Her show, 'Postmortem', reportedly delves into themes of loss and grief with her signature dark, amusing perspective.
Venue: The London Palladium, Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF.
Date & Time: Monday, 28th April 2025, at 8:00 pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm).
Tickets: A range of ticket prices are available, starting from approximately £42.20 for seats in the Grand Circle, £53.65-£65.20 for mid-range Grand Circle or Royal Circle seats, and up to £76.20-£97.75 for premium Stalls or Aisle seats (prices include booking fees/levies). Booking is available through the official venue website (LW Theatres), Ticketmaster, Gigantic, and StubHub. An age restriction applies (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+), and there's a maximum purchase limit of 8 tickets per person. Be aware that Yondr phone-locking pouches may be in use at this event.
Nina Conti: Whose Face is it Anyway?
Master ventriloquist, BAFTA nominee, and British Comedy Award winner Nina Conti brings her unique brand of improvised comedy to the West End for a special week-long run. Using her trademark face masks on unsuspecting audience members, Conti creates an "unparalleled, unscripted new show that delves deep into who we are, hijacking faces to spark a bold, hysterical reality warp".
Venue: Duke of York's Theatre, 104 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4BG.
Date & Time: Tuesday, 29th April to Saturday, 3rd May 2025. Performances are Tuesday to Friday at 7:30 pm, and Saturday at 9:00 pm. The show runs for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an interval.
Tickets: Prices start from £24.50 or £27.50, rising through various price bands (£32.50, £40.29, £44.18) up to around £62.45 or more for premium seats. The age guidance for the show is 14+. Tickets can be booked through the official venue partner ATG Tickets, or other platforms like Ents24 and WestEndTheatre.com.
Beyond the Mic: Unique Comedy Adventures
If your appetite for amusement extends beyond traditional stand-up, London's April comedy calendar offers a delightful array of alternative and unique experiences. From theatrical farces to raw new material nights and edge-of-your-seat improv, there are plenty of ways to get your giggle fix in a different format.
Theatrical Laughs: The Comedy About Spies
From the hilariously chaotic minds of Mischief Theatre, the creators of the global smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong, comes a brand new West End farce: The Comedy About Spies. Set in 1960s London, this spy thriller caper involves a rogue British agent, stolen plans for a secret weapon, colliding CIA and KGB agents, and a group of amateur actors auditioning for the first James Bond film who get mistaken for key players. Expect Mischief's signature blend of slapstick, mistaken identity, and meticulously choreographed mayhem, performed by original company members.
Venue: Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4AU.
Date & Time: The show opens in April (listings vary between April 14th and April 23rd – check specific date when booking) and runs until September 5th, 2025. Performances are scheduled Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm, plus a Sunday evening show at 7:00 pm. The running time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including an interval.
Tickets: Prices start from a very reasonable £24.00. The age recommendation is 10+. Bookings can be made via the official venue site (Delfont Mackintosh), SeatPlan, VisitLondon, and other theatre ticket agents. Note that the production includes strobe lighting, infrequent mild language, haze, and gunshot effects.
Work-in-Progress Wonders
For a fascinating peek behind the comedy curtain, seek out a Work-in-Progress (WIP) show. This is where comedians, from rising stars to household names, test out new jokes and routines, often for upcoming tours or festival shows like the Edinburgh Fringe. It's raw, unpredictable, and often incredibly funny, offering a unique chance to see material in development, usually at bargain prices. The prevalence of WIP shows across London clubs points to a healthy, symbiotic relationship: comedians get vital stage time to refine their craft in a low-stakes environment, while venues attract audiences with cheap access to big names and the allure of seeing the creative process unfold.
Where to Find Them in April:
Top Secret Comedy Club: A major hub for WIPs, hosting numerous shows throughout April. Look out for Stuart Goldsmith, Simon Brodkin, Ania Magliano, Ivo Graham, Seann Walsh, and many more.
Angel Comedy (The Bill Murray): Boasts a packed WIP schedule featuring James Acaster, Bella Hull, Sindhu Vee, Louise Young, Josh Widdicombe & Suzi Ruffell, Pierre Novellie, and others.
Happy Mondays Comedy (Amersham Arms): Their Easter Monday Special on April 21st is entirely dedicated to WIPs and previews from Ali Woods, Mark Thomas, Carwyn Blayney, Katie Norris, and Tadiwa Mahlunge.
Backyard Comedy Club: Thursday nights often feature acts trying new material.
Festival Flavours & Previews
Get a taste of the comedy festival circuit without leaving the capital. April offers several opportunities to see shows being prepped for bigger stages later in the year.
Happy Mondays Easter Special (Apr 21): As mentioned above, this all-day event at the Amersham Arms features five separate Fringe/Tour Warm-up shows. Tickets £5-£12.50.
Four in a Bed - Comedy Festival Preview Show (Apr 17): This event, scheduled at Southey Brewing in Penge (SE20 7JD), promised previews from four comedians hosted by Jack Scullion. While the specific listing found may be outdated or sold out , it exemplifies the type of festival preview nights available. Keep an eye out for similar events.
So You Think You're Funny? Heats/Showcases: This prestigious competition for new comedians is a breeding ground for future stars, many of whom go on to success at the Edinburgh Fringe. Catch heats or showcases at Angel Comedy (The Camden Head) and Backyard Comedy Club during April and May.
Improv Excellence: The Comedy Store Players
For comedy created entirely in the moment, nothing beats the legendary Comedy Store Players. This troupe of improv veterans takes audience suggestions and spins them into comedy gold right before your eyes. It's a different show every single time, showcasing incredible wit and spontaneity.
Venue: The Comedy Store, Piccadilly Circus.
Date & Time: Catch them on Sunday, April 20th and Sunday, April 27th at 7:30 pm.
Tickets: £22 (concessions £17 / Students £10).
Other Unique Nights
Comedy Hypnosis & Mind Reading (Apr 27): Experience a different kind of entertainment with Daniel Sinclair at Backyard Comedy Club. Tickets £18.
Roast Battle UK (Apr 25 & recurring): Watch comedians trade hilarious insults in this popular competitive format at The Bill Murray (Angel Comedy). Check listings for ticket prices.
Brain Science Comedy (Date TBC in Apr): Keep an eye out for this unique event hosted by UCL's Brain Sciences department at the Bloomsbury Theatre, blending cognitive neuroscience insights with stand-up comedy featuring Abigoliah Schamaun and UCL staff/students.
More Top Spots for Your Comedy Fix
The choices don't end there! London's comedy scene is incredibly rich and diverse. Here are a few more reliable venues and nights worth investigating for your April laughter fix:
Good Ship Comedy: Known as London's friendliest stand-up club, often hosted by the excellent Ben Van der Velde. They feature top headliners and rising stars. April sees shows with political heavyweight Mark Thomas (Thursday, Apr 10th at The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms, N7 6AR) and improv hip-hop maestros Abandoman (Friday, Apr 11th at The Birds, Leytonstone E11 3AA). Sam Campbell was also listed for April 11th at The Birds. Tickets typically range from £12 to £18.
Comedy Carnival: Offering unfiltered, unapologetic stand-up in central London locations, Comedy Carnival runs shows in Covent Garden (at the Freemasons Arms, 42 Earlham St, WC2H 9LA) on Fridays and Saturdays. The lineup for Friday, April 25th includes Larry Dean, Michael Shafar, Allyson June Smith, and Pete Gionis. They also have nights in Camden (at The Camden, Friday Apr 18th) and Leicester Square (61-63 Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6LQ, Saturday Apr 26th). Show & Dinner packages are often available. Standard tickets range from £11 to £22+.
City Comedy Club (Shoreditch): Located at the Trapeze Bar (89 Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HX), this club features mystery TV guests alongside up-and-coming talent. Shows run Thursday to Saturday, with dates listed from Friday, April 18th onwards. Tickets are typically £10-£20, and they also offer late shows.
The Boat Show Comedy Club: For a unique setting, try London's finest floating comedy club aboard the Tattershall Castle boat, moored at Embankment (Victoria Embankment, SW1A 2HR). They host shows on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, featuring top acts. Dates are available from Friday, April 18th. Tickets range from £5-£18 for standard entry, with dinner packages pushing towards £43.
Soho Comedy Factory: Delivering stand-up right in the heart of Soho, this club operates six days a week across two venues (The Blue Posts and 30 Dean Street, W1D 3SA). Recommended by the Evening Standard, they feature new lineups weekly, including TV names. Shows run from Tuesday to Sunday, with dates listed from Friday, April 18th. Tickets are very affordable, typically £7-£12.
Bangers & Nash (The Albany, Deptford): This excellent monthly night, hosted by rising star Chantel Nash, takes place at The Albany theatre (Douglas Way, SE8 4AG). The April 3rd show features Jack Skipper, Louise Young, Louise Atkinson, and Andy Fox. Tickets are £11-£13.
Crack Comedy (Kingston): A long-standing club operating since 2002, Crack Comedy runs shows every Friday at The Grey Horse pub in Kingston (46 Richmond Road, KT2 5EE). Dates include Friday, April 18th. Tickets cost £13.20-£20.45.
Other Noteworthy Mentions: Keep an eye out for listings at Fitzrovia Comedy Club ; Three Graces Comedy at The Boleyn Tavern (Upton Park, E6 1PW) featuring pro acts and emerging talent on Friday, April 25th ; regular Monday nights at Happy Mondays Comedy (Amersham Arms, New Cross) in addition to their Easter special ; and Laugh Train Home at The Four Thieves (Battersea, SW11 1DJ), which featured Hal Cruttenden on Wednesday, April 16th.
Conclusion: Go Forth and Laugh!
London in April 2025 is undeniably brimming with comedic talent and diverse entertainment options. From the exceptional value and secret star power offered at Camden's own Comedy in Your Eye, to the hallowed halls of The Comedy Store, the non-stop buzz of Top Secret, the community spirit of Angel Comedy, the award-winning reliability of 99 Club, and the big-name theatre tours gracing the West End – there is genuinely a comedy night to suit every preference, budget, and location.
The sheer volume and variety underscore London's position as a global hub for comedy, attracting international stars while nurturing homegrown talent through its vibrant club and WIP scene. Whether you seek the thrill of discovering a new favourite in an intimate pub room, the polished perfection of a theatre show, the spontaneous chaos of improv, or the unique perspective of a themed comedy night, the city delivers.
So, don't just scroll through the listings – dive in! Check the links provided, secure your tickets (especially for the headline acts and popular weekend club nights, which often sell out), gather your friends, and prepare yourself for some unforgettable nights filled with laughter.
And, of course, for consistently brilliant, award-winning stand-up comedy at a price that’s hard to beat, make sure Comedy in Your Eye (www.comedyinyoureye.com) is firmly on your radar this April. We promise a warm welcome and a hilarious night out in the heart of Camden. We look forward to sharing some laughs with you soon!
