Fancy splitting your sides? Leeds is a hotbed of comedy and here’s where to see the best stand-ups.
A night out at the comedy in Leeds is a wonderful thing, whether it’s a stop-off for a household name on tour, an improv troupe making it up on the spot or stand-up newcomers showcasing fresh material. Leeds has brilliant venues to catch comedians in, from small rooms to grand arenas – so get yourself out there for a rib-tickling night out.
The Glee Club
Leeds’ newest comedy club, Glee wasted no time in bringing the laughs. The stunning venue hosts comedy nights on Friday and Saturday, with prices starting from £14, where four superb stand-ups are sure to get you chuckling. All that laughter can be hungry work, which is why there’s a satisfying menu of classics – from burgers to pizzas and nachos – on offer. Pick a food-inclusive ticket and the grub will be bought to you so you don’t have to risk missing a punchline.
The Glee Club, Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8ER.
Leeds Grand Theatre
Credit: Anthony Robling
It’s not just travelling West End shows, opera and large-scale theatre productions at Leeds Grand – it’s long been a superb place to catch comedy too. Legends such as Leigh Francis, Romesh Ranganathan, Dawn French and Nish Kumar have graced the stage, and the atmosphere gets raucous when the comedian is on top form. Make sure you bag yourself a prime seat for comedy nights in the incredible surroundings of the Grand.
Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NZ.
City Varieties Music Hall
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The longest running music hall in Britain has, as you might expect, hosted some legendary comedy nights. Giants of the stature of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin have trod the boards here, and every new generation of comedian has had a chance to shine in this wonderful, atmospheric room. Recent years have seen appearances from Maisie Adam, Nish Kumar and Viggo Ven, while Paul Merton’s improv ensemble are regular visitors.
City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LW.
The HiFi Club
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A reliably brilliant night out, The Comedy Club at The HiFi has been packing them in on Saturdays for over 20 years. The two sessions take place at 2pm and 5:30pm and are one of the best places to watch comedy in Leeds. Tickets start from £14 and you’ll get to see four stand-ups, with a mix of familiar names and up-and-comers. It’s an approach that has seen the likes of Chris Ramsey, John Bishop and Sarah Millican perform to packed rooms here.
The HiFi Club, 2 Central Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DE.
Carriageworks Theatre
One of the great pleasures of catching comedy shows at the Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds is how intimate it is. As one of the smaller venues serving up laughs in the city, performers can foster a real bond with the audience – whether that’s through interaction or just charging up the atmosphere. It’s a popular venue with improvisers, who make the most of the room’s intimacy, but stand-ups like Troy Hawke have done their thing here too.
Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD.
first direct arena
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As you might imagine, first direct arena hosts some of the biggest musical acts around, as well as some of the biggest names on the comedy circuit as they come through Leeds. Since it opened in 2013, it’s the place in Leeds where the stars go to shine, with fan favourites such as Steve Coogan, John Bishop, Peter Kay, Michael McIntyre and others selling out the 13,500 capacity venue.
first direct arena, Arena Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BY.
Really Funny Comedy
Really Funny Comedy put on some – ahem – really funny comedy. All acts have been hand-chosen by established comedian and BGT finalist Micky P Kerr, so you know they’re the real deal. Whether you’re an experienced gig-goer or are just looking to dip your toes into the world of comedy, it’s pretty much a guarantee you’ll laugh your socks off at some of the funniest comedians in the country, like Josh Pugh and Brennan Reece. They put on shows across Leeds, at venues like The Myrtle Tavern, Springwell and more.
Really Funny Comedy host shows all around Leeds and Yorkshire.
Otley Courthouse
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The Otley Courthouse is a gem of a place, with an eclectic range of programming that means there’s always something intriguing coming up. That usually includes music, theatre, film and, of course, comedy. In the past they’ve had venerable chuckle generators like Robin Ince, Jon Richardson and Paul Sinha performing, but they’re also a base for up-and-coming comedians to try out new material with an audience.
Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AN.
The Wardrobe
Credit: The Wardrobe
The Wardrobe had long been a friend to the comedy scene in Leeds, and it hosts one of the longest-running nights out in the city – the House of Fun Comedy Club. The alumni of this ever-popular night include Stewart Lee, Reginald D Hunter and Russell Howard, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Tickets go fast, but book early and you might enjoy Guz Khan polishing a work in progress or a podcast star taking to the stage. Watch out for Leeds Comedy Festival too.
The Wardrobe, 6 St Peter’s Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH.
Leeds Playhouse
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Leeds Playhouse has always been committed to comedy, with stars like Harry Hill popping by even when it was still called the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Recent years have seen Frank Skinner, Stewart Lee and Richard Stott delighting local crowds, whether it’s in the Bramall Rock Void or the larger Quarry Theatre. Comedy doesn’t come that often to the Playhouse these days, but when it does, it’s usually a hot ticket.
Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7UP.
Hyde Park Book Club
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A brilliantly relaxed environment in which to watch comedy, Hyde Park Book Club manages to attract some great and irreverent stand-ups to Leeds. It also gives space to some fringe nights with fierce followings. The room is on the small side, so act fast when they announce shows from award winners and TV stars, but you should know this is the place to see the next big thing and viral sensations.
Hyde Park Book Club, 27-29 Headingley Lane, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1BL.
The Old Woollen
The Old Woollen is a fab Farsley events space tucked away at the historic Sunny Bank Mills. It has striking decor, its own beers (as well as guest ales) and regular comedy gigs. Comedy at The Old Woollen takes place monthly on Saturday evenings, with £15.90 getting you three comics drawn from the likes of Live at the Apollo and popular TV shows. In early summer, expect Edinburgh comedy previews as comics hone their material.
The Old Woollen, Farsley Constitutional Club, Sunny Bank Mills, 83-85 Town Street, Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ.
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