The Ultimate Guide to Comedy Shows for Beginners in London

London’s comedy scene isn’t just a collection of clubs-it’s a living, breathing part of the city’s soul. From tiny basement venues in Camden to packed theatres in the West End, there’s a show for every kind of beginner, no matter if you’ve never laughed at a punchline or just want to escape the rain without spending a fortune. The truth? You don’t need to be a comedy expert to enjoy it. In fact, the best way to start is by walking into a place where the crowd is just as new as you are.

Where to Find Your First Comedy Show in London

Start simple. Don’t go straight for the big names like Dave Chappelle or Hannah Gadsby unless you’re ready for £40 tickets and a two-hour wait. Instead, head to Comedy Café in Leicester Square. It’s the go-to spot for newcomers because the lineups are mixed: a mix of up-and-coming comics, student performers from RADA, and occasional guest stars testing new material. Tickets start at £8, and you can grab a pint before the show-something you’ll find at nearly every London comedy venue.

Another solid pick is The Stand Comedy Club in the North End, near King’s Cross. Their ‘New Act Night’ on Tuesdays is perfect for beginners. You’ll see five comics, each doing five minutes. Some are brilliant. Some are awkward. All of them are real. That’s the magic: you’re not watching polished TV stars. You’re watching people who just got off the Tube and are trying to make strangers laugh. It’s human. It’s relatable. And honestly? It’s funnier than you think.

Don’t overlook The Comedy Store in Soho. It’s been around since 1979, and while it’s known for headliners, they also run ‘Open Mic Wednesday’ where you can watch raw talent-sometimes even future stars like John Bishop or Russell Howard, who started there. The vibe is gritty, loud, and full of locals who’ve been coming for years. You’ll feel like you’ve slipped into a secret club.

What to Expect (And What Not to Expect)

Comedy in London doesn’t always mean clean, safe, family-friendly jokes. You’ll hear stuff about Brexit, the Tube delays, the cost of coffee, and why the weather is always rubbish. That’s not random-it’s London’s humour. The best comics here turn everyday frustrations into art. If you’re expecting slick, American-style stand-up with punchlines every 10 seconds, you might be surprised. London comedy is slower, smarter, and often self-deprecating. A comic might spend five minutes talking about how hard it is to find a decent sandwich in Canary Wharf-and make you cry-laugh.

Don’t expect silence. London audiences are vocal. You’ll hear shouts, cheers, and sometimes groans. That’s normal. If someone says something you disagree with, you’re allowed to laugh at it-even if you think it’s wrong. Comedy here isn’t about being politically correct. It’s about being honest. And sometimes, that means uncomfortable truths wrapped in a joke about your neighbour’s dodgy garden shed.

Also, don’t worry if you don’t get every joke. You won’t. Even locals miss references to local politics, regional accents, or obscure British TV shows from the 90s. That’s okay. You’ll catch more next time. The goal isn’t to understand everything-it’s to feel the energy. You’ll leave smiling, even if you can’t explain why.

How to Pick Your First Show

Here’s how to pick your first show without getting overwhelmed:

1. Start with ‘New Act’ nights-they’re cheap, short, and low-pressure. Look for ‘New Act Tuesday’ at The Stand or ‘Fresh Meat’ at the Udderbelly on the South Bank.
2. Avoid themed nights at first-like ‘Women in Comedy’ or ‘LGBTQ+ Spotlight’-unless you’re specifically interested. They’re great, but they’re better appreciated after you’ve got the basics down.
3. Check the lineup-if you see a name you’ve heard before on BBC Radio 4 or podcasts like The Now Show, you’re safe. If it’s five unknowns, that’s even better. You’re here to discover.
4. Go on a weekday-Tuesdays and Wednesdays are quieter, cheaper, and more relaxed. Weekends are packed, loud, and sometimes rowdy.
5. Arrive early-most venues have standing room only. Get there 20 minutes before showtime to grab a good spot near the front. You’ll see the comic’s face, hear every pause, and feel the room shift when the laughter hits.

Where to Find Tickets and Deals

You don’t need to pay £25 for your first show. Here’s how to save:

• Time Out London has weekly comedy listings and often offers £5 tickets for ‘first-time comedy goer’ nights.
• Comedy Central UK runs pop-up shows in unexpected places-like a pub in Peckham or a bookshop in Brixton. These are usually £10 or less.
• Student discounts-many venues offer £5 tickets with a valid NUS card. Even if you’re not a student, ask. Some places give discounts if you mention you’re new to comedy.
• Free shows-yes, they exist. The Camden Comedy Club sometimes runs ‘Pay What You Can’ nights on the last Thursday of the month. Bring cash, arrive early, and don’t expect luxury seating. You’ll be sitting on beanbags in a basement with 30 other people, all laughing at the same terrible joke about the London Underground. It’s perfect.

What to Wear and How to Behave

You don’t need to dress up. Seriously. No one cares. Jeans, a hoodie, a coat-whatever you wore to work or to the supermarket is fine. The only rule? Don’t wear a suit unless you’re trying to be ironic. Most comics will make fun of you anyway.

As for behaviour: no phones during the show. Not even for photos. It’s rude. It’s distracting. And you’ll miss the best bits. The best comedy isn’t in the punchline-it’s in the silence right before it. That’s when you see the comic’s eyes flicker. That’s when you know they’re about to land it.

And if you laugh too loud? Good. Laugh louder. If you don’t laugh? That’s okay too. Not every joke works. But if you leave thinking, ‘I’d go again,’ you’ve already won.

After Your First Show: What to Do Next

After your first night, you’ll probably want more. Here’s how to keep going:

• Follow local comedians on Instagram. Many post clips from their sets. You’ll start recognising faces and voices.
• Try improv. The Comedy Store Players do live improv every Friday at 8pm. No script. No safety net. Just five comedians making up a story based on audience suggestions. It’s chaotic, brilliant, and unlike anything you’ve seen on TV.
• Join a comedy club. The London Comedy Club offers beginner workshops for £15. You’ll learn how to write a joke, how to hold a mic, and how to survive a heckler.
• Go to festivals. If you’re in London in August, don’t miss the Edinburgh Fringe Festival pop-up shows in Shoreditch. Dozens of acts from Scotland come down for a week. It’s the best way to see the future of British comedy before it hits TV.

Why London’s Comedy Scene Is Different

London isn’t just another city with comedy clubs. It’s the birthplace of modern British satire. Think Monty Python, The Office, Little Britain. The humour here is dry, observational, and rooted in class, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of daily life. A joke about a missed bus isn’t just funny-it’s a shared experience. Everyone here has waited for a train that never came.

That’s why comedy in London feels personal. It’s not about being outrageous. It’s about being real. And when you sit in a dimly lit room in Dalston, surrounded by strangers who all know exactly what you mean when someone says, ‘I just wanted a decent cup of tea,’ you realise-you’re not alone.

That’s the secret. Comedy in London isn’t about the jokes. It’s about connection. And for a beginner? That’s the best kind of introduction.

Final Tip: Just Go

You don’t need to know the difference between a one-liner and a bit. You don’t need to have seen Blackadder or Only Fools and Horses. You just need to show up. Walk into a basement in Shoreditch, order a £4 pint, sit in the back, and let the laughter surprise you. That’s how it starts. And once you do? You’ll be back next week.