Open mic stand-up comedy links

Over the last 12 months, I have performed at a few venues across London that host open mic stand-up comedy nights, so I have put these useful links together for anyone who is interested in giving stand-up comedy a go.




The Comedy Bin
The Comedy Bin arrange several open mic comedy nights at different venues right across London. It is certainly worth getting in contact with Comedybin Jay on Facebook or following on Twitter for more information on how to get on the mailing list and how to book spots.
- Venues include: The Carnivale, The Alchemist, The Retro Pub, T-Bird, The Bowery, The Old School Yard, Dr Inks, and The Railway.

The Cavendish Arms
Every Monday and Tuesday, the Cavendish Arms host Comedy Virgins. This is where I did my first ever stand-up gig and it is one of the best open mic venues on the circuit. The crowd is really supportive and get behind all of the acts. For more information you can follow on Twitter at @CavendishArms or check out the Facebook group.

The Railway
I have a soft spot for the Open Mic nights at The Railway. This is a fairly new night on the circuit, promoting new comedy and music acts. I was there on the first night and I keep going back. One of the few venues where you'll get more than five minutes as a new comedian. Send Openmic Matt a message on Facebook for more information. UPDATE: This is now part of Comedy Bin.

Dirty Dicks
Open mic comedy in the city every Wednesday night called Toyching Cloth. Check out the Dead Comedian's Sock group on Facebook for more information, or email frank.cassidy@gmail.com with the words "Touching Cloth" in the subject title, your name, the date you would like a spot, and if you would like to be filmed (costs £5).

5 Minutes of Fame
These guys host open mic comedy nights at two venues: Rudy's Revenge in Holborn on Wednesday nights, and the Camden Head in Islington on Thursday nights. To book a spot email 5minutesofcomedy@gmail.com with either Wednesday or Thursday in the subject line.

TNT
Tuesday and Thursday nights of comedy at The Torriano in Kentish Arms. If you want to book a gig then email tntgigs@googlemail.com.

The Laughter Lung
A weekly comedy night at The Kings Head in Clapham. Check out the Facebook group for details of how to book slots.

East Meets Jest
Covent Garden open mic comedy at Belushi's. New acts looking for open mic spots can email eastmeetsjest@googlemail.com.

West End Comedy
Open mic night in Leicester Square, not a stones throw from the legendary Comedy Store. Check out details on Facebook by contacting Paul Laight.

Great Comedy Nights
Organisers of the Golden Jester new comedy competition across the South East.

Lions Den Comedy Club
Open mic comedy in the West End at Bar Rumba every Tuesday.

Comedy Cafe
Now into its 20th year of promoting comedy. Every Wednesday they have a New Act Night.

Hoopla
Hoopla hold open mic nights for people who want to try stand-up for the very first time. Check out Steve Roe on Twitter to find out more.

This is why we do comedy!

Diary of a stand-up comedian Entry #26
What a cracking night! Just got in from my gig down in North London at the Camden Head in Islington and I am still buzzing! I have said it once and I will say it again - there is nothing like having a room full of people just up for a good time! I take my hats off to the guys at Five Minutes of Fame for such a fantastic venue.

The gig could not have gone better, including an absolute belter of an audience member called Dean, who was wearing the shiniest pair of shoes you have ever seen in your life! Imagine a cross between Pete Doherty and Donny Tourette, and then you have the boy Dean - the self-confessed biggest Beatles fan in the world.

To start with Dean decided to have a chat with anyone who was up on stage, which made him pure gold to every stand-up, and by the end of it Dean was practically sobbing into his girlfriends chest asking why everyone was picking on him!

Dean - I salute you, we all salute you!

Nick Sun is crazy part 2!

Recognise anyone? Back wall at Rudy's
Revenge - does the character on the
right look familiar?

Diary of a stand-up comedian Entry #22
After seeing Nick at Laughter Lung last month, I wasn't too sure he would be able to top his craziness... But he did! This time it was at Rudy's Revenge in Holborn, promoted by Five Minutes of Fame.

During his set, he was attempting to read someones mind by placing his hand on top of an audience members head. But his attention switched to a lady sitting in the audience who he had overheard whisper to her friend that she was bored.

What followed was nothing short of outrageous! Nick decided he would read her mind by bascially shoving his hands down his trousers and rubbing his genitals. Oh, and then he rubbed his hand on her face!

To say there was an element of shock in the room would be an understatement, and it wasn't really a surprise when Nick left shortly after his set! However, it gave me a bit of material...

On the back wall of Rudy's Revenge, behind where the comedians perform, are a series of cartoon characters that have been painted on to the wall. One character happens to look a little Oriental with big black hair, and his hand shoved into his pocket.

I think you can probably guess how I opened my set this evening... Thanks Nick!