LISTINGS

COMEDY

Comedy:
Small is beautiful

Where the country’s top comedy acts refine

their routines is London’s best-kept secret.

Pat Riddell checks out the Hen and Chickens

It might not quite be same as saying you saw Oasis or the Arctic Monkeys before they were famous, but for the lucky few who saw The Mighty Boosh honing their comedy act prior to hitting the big time, the Hen and Chickens has a certain resonance.

Big name acts such as Jimmy Carr (pictured), Frankie Boyle and Daniel Kitson can all be found performing at this Islington comedy club in front of just 54 people. Upstairs in a Victorian pub near Highbury & Islington Tube station is where Vince Noir and Howard Moon built up a cult following in 1999.

There’s no guarantee you’ll fi nd
tomorrow’s comedy success, but the
Hen and Chickens’ reputation over the past 25 years means you’re sure to have a good night — with tickets rarely coming in over �10. Whether it’s straight stand-up, improvisation, character acting, comedy, theatre or, for the more established acts about to head on tour, ‘work in progress’, it’s done for love rather than money.

And what’s really distinctive, given the intimate nature of the venue, is the special relationship the audience has with the performers. Just avoid sitting on the front row if you can. www.henandchickens.com

COMEDY

AMUSED MOOSE – SOHO

Moonlighting, 17 Greek Street, W1D 4DR.
Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road

T: 020 7287 3727. www.amusedmoose.com See the hottest acts on the comedy circuit and the best of breaking talent, including some Edinburgh Festival Fringe previews.

ARTS DEPOT

5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA.

West Finchley/Woodside Park

T: 020 8369 5454. www.artsdepot.co.uk Touring shows and comedians are often found on the programme. The Depot also offers theatre, dance, music and children’s shows.

BANANA CABARET

The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HD.
/ Balham

T: 020 8682 8940
www.bananacabaret.co.uk
This friendly pub-cum-theatre in south London provides a fantastic line-up on Fridays and Saturdays. It also has a late licence and resident DJs.

BATH HOUSE COMEDY CLUB

96 Dean Street, W1D 3TD.

Tottenham Court Road

T: 020 7437 3805.

Keep an eye open for top comedians performing on Friday and Saturday nights at this popular club in the heart of London’s West End.

BIG NIGHT OUT
– COVENT GARDEN

Sway Bar, 61-65 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5BZ.

Covent Garden/Holborn

T: 07092 095401. www.bignightout.info There are shows every Saturday, with top comedians on stage and an after-show party until 3am.

BIG NIGHT OUT
– LEICESTER SQUARE

Tiger Tiger, 28-29 Haymarket, SW1Y 4SP. Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus

T: 07092 095401. www.bignightout.info Some of the top names on the circuit perform here every Saturday. Arrive early to take advantage of happy hour, or enjoy a meal in the superb Fusion restaurant, serving Cajun, Thai and Mexican cuisine.

COMEDY BREWHOUSE

2 Camden Walk, N1 8DY. Angel

T: 020 8969 6694.

Legendary comedy club where all the big names have performed. The action takes place every Friday.

COMEDY CAF�

66/68 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY.
Old Street

T: 020 7739 5706.
www.comedycafe.co.uk
One of the few purpose-built comedy clubs in London. Shows are staged Wednesday to Saturday, with a disco on Saturday nights until 1am. The venue also has a late bar and serves home-cooked food.

COMEDY STORE

1a Oxendon Street, SW1Y 4EE.
Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square

T: 0870 060 2340.
www.thecomedystore.co.uk
London’s most famous venue has been going since 1979 and continues to pack a punch. Book ahead or be prepared to queue.

COVENT GARDEN COMEDY CLUB

The Arches, off Villiers Street, WC2N 6NG.
/ Charing Cross

T: 07960 071340.
www.coventgardencomedy.com
One of the fastest-growing comedy clubs in London. Shows are staged every Friday and Saturday with comedians from the international circuit.

52 W2L SUMMER 2009