Manchester is at the centre of an up-and-coming comedy scene surge with a strong history in its footsteps. The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club in the Northern Quarter once had Peter Kay and Johnny Vegas as regulars and now provides a space for emerging comics. Other outlets such as Group Therapy Comedy Club have only been around since 2012 but have grown into a creative space run by and created for comedy lovers, and offering fun nights of laughter and talent. Manchester’s history of classic comedy acts and opportunities for new talent lends itself to the comedy scene of today, so here’s a more detailed look at the best venues to visit in Manchester if you’re after a laugh…
Frog and Bucket
As mentioned above, the Frog and Bucket at the tail end of the Northern Quarter once called Peter Kay and Johnny Vegas regulars, with the two even appearing as a double act at one point. This is proof that Manchester can grow and nurture great comedic talent, and that the opportunities for up-and-coming comics are endless. In the Frog and Bucket’s own words, ‘Our amateur night is the most important part of the Frog calendar as it gives us chance to nurture the stars of the future’. In addition to this, the Frog and Bucket also has experienced comics on its stage, including the likes of Jason Manford and Sarah Millican, making it a great night out for comedy lovers and those interested in seeing fresh talent and material. Looking for a place to start? The venue’s weekly Beat The Frog event each Monday is cheap, cheerful and guaranteed to have you laughing.
Group Therapy
Group Therapy Comedy Club hosts events across the country in Manchester, Leeds, London, and Nottingham, displaying its success amongst British audiences. One event not to be missed by Group Therapy in Manchester is the Magnificent 7 where they select seven of their favourite up and coming comedians that audiences have never heard of to perform, all for a super cheap ticketprice. Manchester’s Group Therapy has also had well-known and experienced comics like Rob Delaney and Tim Key grace its stage, providing a night of great humour for expert and novice comedy lovers. You’ll often find Group Therapy in Gorilla bar just off Oxford Road on Whitworth Street.
XS Malarkey
XS Malarkey is an award winning not-for-profit comedy club which takes place each Tuesday at The Bread Shed on Grosvenor Street, near Manchester Metropolitan University. It is promoted and run by the comedian and actor Toby Hadoke and has been hosting comedic talent every week since 1997. XS Malarkey is definitely a strong venue for up-and-coming talents, as a number of big names in comedy began their careers there, including Jason Manford, Alan Carr, and Justin Moorhouse. The club has also featured appearances from Peter Kay, Mick Miller, Shazia Mirza, Chris Addison, Dave Spikey, and Russell Howard. Amongst XS Malarkey’s numerous awards, it has also had outlets like the Guardian sing its praises, labelling it a ‘great example of how a club should be run’ and proving the venue to be professionally managed and a wonderful space to create and enjoy some truly great comedic talents.
The Old Monkey
For a somewhat more relaxed and homely venue, The Old Monkey is a pub on Portland Street in the centre of Manchester just across from the Gay Village and minutes away from Chinatown. It’s also home to Trapdoor Comedy Presents which runs monthly comedy nights featuring acts such as Tom Wrigglesworth and Brendon Burns, and comedians from shows like Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Mock the Week. As The Old Monkey only runs monthly comedy nights, perhaps it’s a venue better suited for casual comedy fans who want to enjoy a night out in a more intimate and relaxed setting with rising and talented comedians.
Words by Abby Hilton (@AbbyHilton_)
Keep up to date on all the latest Northern entertainment news by following us on Twitter and Facebook.
