Comedy clubs: The best choice for a Friday or Saturday night
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Finding something new and exciting to do on a Friday or Saturday night isn't always easy. There may be a new bar opening in town or you could stick to something tried and tested - but where's the fun in that? Fortunately, it seems that more and more of us are discovering comedy clubs at the weekends - and the fun certainly doesn't begin and end with laughter.
Stand up comedy is undergoing something of a renaissance in the UK. Despite our shores having effectively invented the form of entertainment back in the days of the music halls in the 18th and 19th centuries, it has never really become a mainstay of a Friday or Saturday evening. Granted, there are regular tours organised by the better-known comedians, but there are very few places to regularly pop along to see the most exciting, upcoming talent.
That is until now. Step forward highlight, a new brand of comedy clubs that has risen from the ashes of Jongleurs. Recognised as the home of live comedy, highlight has established itself in ten towns and cities across Britain, with its venues accommodating a staggering 1,200 comedians every year. Not heard of highlight yet? It's only a matter of time. The venues have big plans for the UK in their quest to breathe new life into the country's stand up circuit.
Perhaps you're in the capital and searching for a Camden comedy venue? Highlight has it covered. Its Camden venue is regarded as one of its best. With a capacity of 380 people, it's intimate enough to feel a part of the action while large enough to benefit from a superb atmosphere. There's an exciting line up for August and September, with acts including Cole Parker, Smug Roberts and Stephen Grant all due to perform. Not familiar with them yet? Well, you soon will be.
A night out at a highlight venue isn't just about the comedy - far from it, in fact. As well as laughing the night away, punters can eat, drink and dance to their heart's content. Why not begin the evening with a slap up meal and finish off the night with a dance? Both can be done, sandwiching the stand up show in between, under one roof - so there's no longer a need to traipse the pavements of the town or city centre on a Friday or Saturday night.
What's more, a highlight venue is perfectly capable of hosting that special occasion. Perhaps you've been charged with organising a stag or hen party? At highlight, why not give the stag a night of belly laughs before the obligatory tying-him-to-a-lamppost trick? While he may or may not forgive you, at least he'll have some happy memories to go on before being rescued! If it's a birthday party that needs sorting, highlight may well be perfect thanks to its affordable, far-reaching forms of entertainment.
Highlight's Camden venue is especially exciting because of its location. Located slap bang in the middle of the trendy Camden Lock Market area, you can spend an afternoon shopping or people watching before heading to the venue. Who knows - you may even spot the odd celebrity walking around. Highlight Camden is licensed until 02:00 - 00:30 on Sundays - so you can really look forward to partying the night away.
Perhaps you live north of London and don't fancy travelling into the capital during a weekend evening? If this is the case, then a night of Watford comedy may well be right up your street. Think of Watford and you don't necessarily consider it a stand up comedy epicentre - but it's time to think again! The Hertfordshire town is home to the world's largest designated comedy club, which is located right in the heart of its busy pub and club district. So what's so special about highlight's Watford venue? Well, it encompasses a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, meaning it is capable of hosting all types of events - not just comedy shows. With a capacity of 550 people, it is licensed until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday, 00:30 Monday to Thursday and 23:30 on Sunday.
Upcoming shows feature the likes of Roger D, Bob Mills and Mandy Knight, and there's a packed schedule for August and September. Why not get yourself down to highlight Watford to see what all the fuss is about? Who knows, you may be lucky enough to witness the next Peter Kay or Kevin Bridges in action.
Highlight isn't limited to established and upcoming comedians. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a funny man yourself - or you're just incredibly brave - why not have a go at a routine? Certain venues run open mic nights, allowing you to test your material on a real-life crowd. Even if your jokes go down like a lead balloon, you may pick up a few tips and tricks from the more seasoned performers. It's then up to you whether you fancy making a comeback!
No routine should be performed on an empty tummy. That said, if you're planning on laughing the night away then it's a wise choice to fill your stomach before sitting down and enjoying the jokes. Highlight's menu is likely to get the mouth watering - perhaps you fancy a nice, meaty burger. If not, there's a range of Italian-themed dishes to choose from in addition to British classics like scampi and chips and a chicken and bacon salad.
After settling down with a few jokes, you'll be ready to burn your dinner off by dancing away what remains of the evening. Highlight venues attract some of the country's most exciting DJs - so whether you like strutting your stuff to party anthems or cheese classics, it's worth remembering to pack your dancing shoes.
Maybe now is the time to embrace a new type of night out. Everyone wants laughs to remember after an evening on the tiles, and while this isn't guaranteed elsewhere, it certainly is at highlight - you may even unearth the next big thing in British comedy!
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