Derby Comedy Venues

Derby might be best known for trains, tractors, and that time you accidentally ended up there changing at Sheffield, but it’s also quietly smashing it on the comedy front. Whether you're into intimate pub gigs where you can hear comedians testing new material and their will to live, or full-blown theatre tours with comedy royalty, Derby’s got you covered.

Derby Comedy Club at The Derby Conference Centre

Located at London Rd, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8UX.

At the Derby Conference Centre, in the suburbs but well-connected. This monthly comedy club event offers a seated theatre feel with food and drink options, making it a more structured “night out” experience.

Hosted once a month, with rotating bills of award‑winning comedians from across the UK. Tickets are budget-friendly (from about £14, or 2 for £24, with food add‑on options).

The Blessington Carriage (aka “The Bless”) – Funhouse Comedy Club

Tucked at 11–17 Chapel Street in Derby city centre, this cosy upstairs room within a friendly pub hosts up to 70 people, perfect for that intimate comedy club feel. Home to Funhouse Comedy Club, running fortnightly Monday evenings since 2003. It’s Derby’s longest-running comedy spot, regularly featuring live gong‑show competitions and craft line‑ups.

Recent shows have starred Steve Day, Vince Atta, Mike Carter, and featured up‑and‑comers like Kie Carson, Alex Egan, Jack Yallop, with MC Spiky Mike keeping things lively.

Bar One – Edinburgh Previews & Funhouse Events

Located at 1 Newland Street, Bar One is a compact city centre bar with a fabulous beer garden for summer shows and a relaxed crowd vibe.

In summer months, Funhouse Comedy runs evening “Gong Show” competitions (like June 16, July 31), and Edinburgh Festival Preview All‑Dayer events, especially on sunny Sundays in July. The Gong Show competition nights have featured many finalist acts and previous hopefuls like James Acaster, Josh Pugh, Scott Bennett, all judged live by audiences and MC’d by Spiky Mike.

One standout Festival Preview saw Hayley Ellis deliver standout sketch comedy before she became more widely known

Binary Bar & Restaurant

Located at Limes Ave, Mickleover, Derby DE3 0GR.

A friendly city centre restaurant/bar. Smaller scale than the main comedy venues, but occasionally hosts Funhouse “Comedy Night” pop‑up events in the upstairs or garden space.

Derby Rugby Club (Funhouse Comedy nights)

Located at Rugby Active at Derby Rugby Club, Haslams Ln, Derby DE22 1EB.

Based just outside the central area, this sports‑club venue hosts a big hall space suitable for lively comedy nights. More casual, community‑focused environment.

Funhouse Comedy have run several Comedy Night dates here, often on Friday evenings. For example, early May events featuring touring acts with mixed-risers line‑ups. It’s ideal when you want more room and a relaxed sporting vibe.

Derby Theatre

Located at 15 Theatre Walk in St Peter’s Quarter, right behind Derbion shopping centre, Derby Theatre (formerly Derby Playhouse) is a professional venue with a 531-seat main auditorium and a more intimate 110-seat studio space.

This full‑scale theatre brings in touring acts like The Comedy Store Live and other stand-up shows. It’s ideal for larger-scale comedy nights and national names appearing on tour.

QUAD / Cathedral Quarter

While primarily a cinema, gallery, and arts venue near the cathedral, QUAD also hosts occasional mixed‑arts and comedy events as part of their film/art festivals or special performance nights. Great for immersive or experimental comedy shows.