The best comedy clubs on the GWR network

Laughs galore with our guide to the top venues for catching stand-up.

Sometimes only a good laugh will do – the kind of mirth that has you helpless with giggles and clutching your sides. If you want to be guaranteed a dose of ‘the best medicine’, then head to your nearest comedy club and let the guffaws begin.

The Glee Club

Oxford

Every weekend this one-stop joke shop in the heart of Oxford attracts the best as-seen-on-TV talent, as well as up-and-coming comics. Although small, The Glee Club has hosted some of the biggest names in the business, including Sarah Millican and Jack Whitehall.

Up The Creek

London

The late, great Malcolm Hardee established this Greenwich comedy venue in the early 90s after the closure of his notorious Tunnel Club. His anarchic presence can still be felt in an eclectic mix of big names, open-mic nights and comedy classes at Up The Creek.

Komedia

Bath

Komedia is Bath’s leading live entertainment venue and is jam-packed with more than 400 events a year. Saturday night is comedy night in the beautifully restored cinema as the Krater Comedy Club opens for business, however, you’ll be laughing too hard to notice the architecture.

The Boat Show

London

Step aboard this ship of fools, moored on the Embankment, for an impressive line-up of circuit stars.The venue is the Tattershall Castle paddle steamer, originally launched in 1934 to ferry folk across the Humber estuary, now the fabulous The Boat Show.

Hen & Chicken

Bristol

Some of the nation’s favourite stand-up comedians mingle with some stand-out local ales when the Comedy Box comes to this popular pub. Saturday nights here will make you chuckle.

Kick Back Comedy Club

Guildford

A highly rated night out with some of the comedy circuit’s top performers and shows on once a month. Don’t be surprised to find famous faces from the TV on the stage at Kick Back. Recently voted Surrey’s favourite comedy club.

Howlers Comedy Club

Cheltenham

Once a month, the Pillar Room at Cheltenham Town Hall is transformed into Howlers for an evening of comedy cabaret. The quality of the acts is top-notch and you are guaranteed an evening of mirth.