Categories > Other Services

The 5 Best Comedy Clubs in Manchester

The 5 Best Comedy Clubs in Manchester

  • Lineup Quality - We evaluated the calibre of comedians regularly featured at each comedy club by surveying. Here, we assessed the reputation of each comedian by surveying their previous audience.
  • Atmosphere - We assessed the overall atmosphere of the comedy clubs, taking into account factors such as seating comfort, sound quality, and the general ambience that contributes to an enhanced comedy experience.
  • Accessibility - We considered how easy it would be for the audience to come to each show -- taking into account their location, number of shows, and other factors.
  • Pricing - We analysed the pricing structure of tickets and any additional costs associated with attending comedy shows. We also compared their rates to other shows in the area.
  • Customer Service - we also checked the attitude and responsiveness of the staff members as this affects the overall experience as well.

Prepare for laughter that echoes through the night! Manchester’s comedy scene is alive and kicking, with a plethora of comedy clubs ready to tickle your funny bone. 

Join us as we navigate through the city’s laughter hubs – uncovering the best comedy clubs where jokes, anecdotes, and infectious laughter take centre stage.

1. The Comedy Store

1. The Comedy Store

Services: Live shows, Food, Drinks

Website: https://manchester.thecomedystore.co.uk/

Address: 3 and 4 Arches Deansgate Locks, Whitworth St W, Manchester M1 5LH, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Thursday: 6:00 PM–11:30 PM

Friday to Saturday: 5:00 PM–11:30 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.6/5
Total Reviews5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Lineup Quality5/5
Atmosphere 4/5
Accessibility 4.5/5
  Location5/5
  Show Frequency4/5
Pricing (A higher rating means better value)4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Showcases both award-winning and rising comedians
  • Accessible location
  • Fast customer service

Cons

  • Limited shows
  • Expensive tickets
  • Issues about excessive noise from adjacent bars and distracting audience members

We adore The Comedy Store for their charming compères who skillfully set the stage for a night of laughter. If you ask us, this creates the perfect atmosphere for each performance. 

We’re also impressed that they showcase renowned comedians like Freddy Quinne. According to our research, he is an award-winning talent known for blending clever, well-placed gags with a vulnerable persona that delivers a real tour de force performance.

On top of this, we noted the inclusion of new comedians in their lineup provides an excellent platform for discovering rising talents — so we give them plus points for that.

Despite the clean and comfortable surroundings, we’re a bit iffy about excessive noise from the adjacent bar. We’re also a bit concerned that some attendees are seemingly more focused on drinking than enjoying the comedy.

On a more positive note, we like that their central Deansgate location makes it accessible for guests to drop by. Just keep in mind that they only host two to three shows per week.

Ticket prices start at a reasonable £18. For us, this is on the pricier side, but it’s justified considering the prime location and the calibre of performers they provide.

Lastly, we give them a thumbs up for the food and drinks served during shows. We’re also delighted with the fast and accommodating customer service provided by the crew — enhancing the overall experience.

2. Frog and Bucket Comedy Club

Company logo here

2. Frog and Bucket Comedy Club

Services: Live shows, Food, Drinks

Website: https://frogandbucket.com/

Address: 102 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LJ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 236 9805

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.5/5
Facebook Reviews Score 3.9/5
Total Reviews4.9/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Lineup Quality5/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Accessibility 5/5
  Location5/5
  Show Frequency5/5
Pricing (A higher rating means better value)4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Has a convenient location
  • Hosts shows every night
  • Has a roster of popular comedians
  • Has good audio-visual system and lighting
  • Has friendly bouncers and staff members

Cons

  • Tickets are on the pricier side

First and foremost, we’re impressed to find that The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club is one of the first entertainment hubs in the area. This is why it’s not surprising that they are loved by locals and offer tourists an ideal introduction to the city.

We also like that they are located in the Northern Quarter – making them easily accessible whether guests will take private or public transportation. 

Additionally, we learned that they host shows almost every night, and we like how this selection provides ample opportunities for patrons to enjoy the lively comedy scene.

Sadly, we think that their ticket price is on the pricier side at £20. However, we do appreciate their consideration with student and NHS discounts.

Furthermore, according to our research, they keep their audience entertained with a lineup of popular comedians. One notable performer we love is Tommy Sandhu, a well-known TV personality and stand-up performer.

We also learned that Richard Blackwood also graces their stage, and we just can’t get enough of his witty punchlines and engaging anecdotes. Of course, with his decades of experience, we weren’t surprised!

Another plus for us is their The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club’s comfortable venue, which boasts a decent audiovisual system and well-lit stages.

Furthermore, we were glad to find that they have friendly and organised bouncers that also contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, their courteous and quick bar staff members also made the evening enjoyable for us!

3. Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

3. Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

Services: Live shows, Food, Drinks

Website: https://www.creaturescomedy.com/

Address: under corner boy, 21 Hilton St, Manchester M1 1JJ, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Sunday: 4:30 PM–11:00 PM

Monday to Tuesday: 8:00 PM–11:00 PM

Wednesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM–11:30 PM

Friday: 8:00 PM–2:00 AM

Saturday: 5:30 PM–2:00 AM

Google Reviews Score 4.9/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Lineup Quality5/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Accessibility 5/5
  Location5/5
  Show Frequency5/5
Pricing (A higher rating means better value)5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Full menu of food and drinks
  • Hosts shows every night
  • Features popular and rising comedians
  • Aaffordable tickets
  • Comfortable atmosphere

Cons

  • Issues with seat reservations

Creatures of the Night Comedy Club is one of the newer establishments in the area. Despite this, they caught our attention with their unique offering—a full menu of delicious dishes and drinks.

For us, this sets them apart from other clubs that often limit their choices to snacks and alcoholic beverages. So, we think they’re an excellent choice for those seeking a combined dinner and entertainment plan.

We’re also impressed that they host shows seven days a week, providing their audience some variety. Here, they showcase both up-and-coming comedians and established favourites.

Previous acts include Mick Ferry from BBC1’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Sky1’s John Bishop’s Only Joking — which are all well-loved by their regulars according to our surveys.

Affordability is a strong point we found at Creatures of the Night Comedy Club, as their tickets start at a pocket-friendly £5. However, we think that it’s worth noting that costs will increase depending on the popularity of the featured comedian.

We’re just a bit iffy about some points in their customer service. For instance, one of our friends encountered miscommunication in their seat reservations despite their advanced booking.

On a more positive note, we like that the lively atmosphere and comfortable seating create a welcoming environment. We also give them props for their commendable sound and lighting that contributes to an enjoyable comedy experience.

4. Laughienda

4. Laughienda

Services: Live shows, Food, Drinks

Website: https://laughienda.com/

Address: Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Thursday: 7:30 PM–10:30 PM

Google Reviews Score 5/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.7/5
Total Reviews4.1/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Lineup Quality5/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Accessibility 4.5/5
  Location5/5
  Show Frequency4/5
Pricing (A higher rating means better value)5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Award-winning comedy club
  • Features popular comedians
  • Free shows
  • Clean premises
  • Accessible location

Cons

  • Limited shows

Laughienda is an award-winning comedy club at Deansgate. In fact, we were impressed to learn that they were hailed winner of the North West Comedy Awards in 2022.

We believe that this commendation is thanks to their exciting lineup of seasoned comedians. One performer that caught our attention is Paul McCaffrey, an accomplished radio presenter and guest, aside from his comedic gigs.

The highlight of Laughienda for us – and this is also what makes them unique in our books – is that their shows come free of charge. 

All interested audiences simply need to book their reservations in advance to secure entry, and we love how the setup makes comedy accessible to a broader audience!

We’d also like to mention how impressed we were about the overall atmosphere and customer service here. Plus, we think the venue’s commitment to cleanliness is commendable, with the availability of hand sanitisers throughout the premises.

On top of this, we appreciate the attentive and quick table service staff who enhanced the overall enjoyment of the experience of our stay.

We’re just a bit let down when we learned that their shows are limited to every Thursday and the first Wednesday of the month. Despite this, we believe that the calibre of their acts and free admission make them worth the visit.

5. XS Malarkey

5. XS Malarkey

Services: Live shows

Website: https://www.xsmalarkey.com/

Address: Arch 19 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Tuesday: 7:30 PM–10:30 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.8/5
Total Reviews4.3/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Lineup Quality5/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Accessibility 4.5/5
  Location5/5
  Show Frequency4/5
Pricing (A higher rating means better value)5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Affordable tickets
  • Features rising comedians
  • Accessible location
  • Comfortable seating and friendly customer service

Cons

  • Limited shows

XS Malarkey stood out to us for being a not-for-profit comedy club that’s promoted and compèred by comedian and actor Toby Hadoke.

That’s not the only reason why they’re popular, though! Many students visit XS Malarkey for their affordability, with tickets starting as low as £6. 

As for regulars, the option of a Lifetime Membership offers the chance to secure tickets for an even more budget-friendly £3—ain’t that a steal?

We also appreciate that XS Malarkey features rising comedians. One notable performer is Jonny Pelham who boasts appearances on shows such as Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, and Alan Davies As Yet Untitled.

But, we believe that what truly sets them apart is the lively and friendly crowd that contributes to the special atmosphere. For us, this makes them an ideal choice for those who enjoy socialising while enjoying a good laugh.

Furthermore, since they are situated near the city centre, it’s easy for audiences to come and enjoy the show. 

Speaking of enjoying the show, we’d like to commend their customer service for their friendly demeanour, making our visit even more fun!

Our one gripe with XS Malarkey, though, is that performances are limited to once a week. We hope they can consider adding more shows so more people can experience the fun we had!


Related topics