There’s nothing quite like a night of live comedy to lift your spirits and create great memories. The Thameslink network connects several towns and cities with brilliant comedy venues, so your next night out is only a train ride away.
Whether you’re hopping off at Brighton to see icons in action, or heading to Bedford to see a rising star, these comedy venues promise belly-aching laughs and memorable nights out. Here’s your guide to some of the best comedy venues in London and beyond.
Comedy venues on the Thameslink network
1. Komedia Brighton
Nearest Thameslink station: Brighton
Komedia Brighton dazzles night after night as one of the UK’s most celebrated independent entertainment venues. Since 1994, it’s been a magnet for stand-up, music, cabaret and family shows right in Brighton’s North Laine, hosting more than 700 performances a year.
It’s famed for the Komedia Comedy Club and resident nights like Comic Boom, and has won the Chortle Best Venue in the South award more times than any other. The venue’s buzz, variety, and sharp line-ups make it a must-visit for anyone who loves live entertainment in the city.
44-47 Gardner St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1UN
2. The Forge Comedy Club, Brighton
Nearest Thameslink station: Brighton
The Forge Comedy Club is one of Brighton’s brightest spots for stand-up and has quickly become a top destination for comedy lovers. Founded by multi-award-winning compere Stephen Grant and based at Ironworks Studios, the club has been voted Chortle’s Best Comedy Venue in the South and earned a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award.
This comedy venue hosts hand-picked line-ups from big names like Romesh Ranganathan, Russell Kane, Sara Pascoe, Stephen K Amos, Zoe Lyons, Marcus Brigstocke, Alan Carr, Maisie Adam, Suzi Ruffell, John Bishop and Mo Gilligan, plus rising stars and regular showcases of the funniest voices on the UK circuit. Every night brings sharp wit, bold jokes and a lively atmosphere that keeps audiences returning.
30 Cheapside, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GD
3. Cambridge Junction
Nearest Thameslink station: Cambridge
Head to Cambridge by train and you’ll find this comedy venue right next to the station. Cambridge Junction is a heavyweight on the UK comedy circuit, regularly hosting touring stand-up, sharp panel-show favourites and established comedy brands like The Comedy Store. Its intimate theatre spaces make even big names feel close to the action, with laughs landing hard and fast.
From nationally recognised comics testing new material to polished headline tours, the comedy programme is confident, varied and consistently strong. If you want smart, live comedy without the London crowds, this is one of Cambridge’s best seats in the house.
Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX
4. Bedford Corn Exchange
Nearest Thameslink station: Bedford
Bedford Corn Exchange is a historic performance space in the heart of Bedford with a rich and varied events programme that regularly includes stand-up comedy and touring comedy shows. The venue’s main auditorium and Harpur Suite host big names and curated line-ups, from TV favourites to acclaimed stand-up acts.
Recent and upcoming comedy highlights include Dara O’Briain’s stand-up tour, Chris McCausland’s “Yonks!” show, and headline performances by Jason Manford and Kerry Godliman. It also stages multi-comedian bills such as The Anglia Comedy Allstars, featuring performers like Russell Kane, Josh Pugh, Nick Helm and Thanyia Moore. Comedy sits alongside music and theatre as a cornerstone of the Corn Exchange’s live-performance mix.
Corn Exchange, 13 St Paul's Square, Bedford MK40 1SL
5. Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Nearest Thameslink station: Luton
Luton’s go-to arts hub doubles as a comedy destination, hosting regular stand-up nights and alternative comedy shows. Expect surprises and a friendly, artsy atmosphere. Its Basement Bar regularly hosts Comedy Bar with local and rising comics hosted by MC Jake Pickford, offering affordable stand-up in an intimate setting.
Across the year the venue presents bigger comedy shows too. National names like Stephen K Amos and Andy Zaltzman appear as part of Upfront Comedy nights, and touring packages such as Ladies Of Laughter and Desi Central Comedy Show bring diverse acts including Shazia Mirza, Nabil Abdulrashid, Kyrah Gray and Tez Ilyas to Luton audiences.
65-67 Bute St, Luton LU1 2EY
6. Comedy Freaks, King’s Cross
Nearest Thameslink station: London St Pancras International
Comedy Freaks is a lively comedy club just a short walk from London St Pancras International, making it super easy to reach by train. It brings together a mix of hilarious acts from the UK stand-up circuit in a welcoming room that’s full of laughs.
Comics include both talented rising performers and seasoned pros testing new material, and the club has hundreds of excellent reviews from London comedy fans. The vibe is informal and fun, with a strong community feel that keeps audiences coming back for more live comedy nights.
28 Harrison St, London WC1H 8JF
7. Up the Creek, Greenwich
Nearest Thameslink station: Greenwich
Up the Creek in Greenwich is one of London’s most celebrated live comedy clubs, founded in 1991 by legendary comic Malcolm Hardee and still going strong with energetic stand‑up shows.
It’s welcomed a host of UK comedy stars over the years, including Jimmy Carr, Dara O’Briain, Jo Brand and Andy Parsons, alongside brilliantly funny nights like The Blackout and Sunday Special that mix big names and rising talent alike. The venue won the first ever Chortle Award for Best Large Venue and pairs sharp jokes with craft beers, street food and a lively late‑night vibe that turns a few hours of comedy into a full night out.
302 Creek Rd, London SE10 9SW
8. Park Theatre, Finsbury Park
Nearest Thameslink station: Finsbury Park
Park Theatre in Finsbury Park has become a lively off‑West End stage for stand‑up and stand‑up‑adjacent comedy events, adding dedicated comedy nights to its programme of theatre and live performances.
The venue has welcomed household names and rising stars alike, with line‑ups featuring Harry Hill, Ivo Graham, and Jenny Eclair. Bigger acts like James Acaster have also tested new material there, while mixed bills bring fresh voices alongside established comics. Just a short walk from Finsbury Park station, sharp sets and crowd‑pleasing laughs are part of the regular calendar.
13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP
9. Camden Comedy Club, Kentish Town
Nearest Thameslink station: Kentish Town
Camden Comedy Club sits above The Camden Head pub and has become one of London’s most vibrant small‑room comedy destinations since it opened in 2014. It’s known for mixing big‑name performers with brilliant new voices in tight, laugh‑packed shows.
Over the years the club has welcomed comedy favourites like Harry Hill, Stephen Merchant, Alan Carr, Russell Howard, Bridget Christie, Sara Pascoe, Joe Lycett, Nick Helm, Mark Watson, Desiree Burch and many more. The vibe is electric, the room full, and every night feels like you’re part of a special comedy moment in the heart of Camden.
100 Camden High St, London NW1 0LU
10. Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans
Nearest Thameslink station:St Albans City
Maltings Arts Theatre in St Albans is an intimate fringe performance space with a busy programme that includes touring stand‑up comedy among its mix of theatre, music and spoken‑word events. The venue regularly hosts professional comedians under broader live‑performance seasons, with recent comedy nights featuring acts like Norman Lovett, Rosie Holt, Angelos Epithemiou and David Ephgrave.
It has also presented shows with big‑name stand‑ups such as Reginald D Hunter and Bobby Davro in past mixed bills. The venue’s small‑room vibe makes for close‑up laughs and a lively local audience.
The Maltings Theatre, Level 2, Maltings Shopping Centre, 28 Victoria St, St Albans AL1 3HL