Manchester Comedy Venues
Manchester is a city that doesn't take itself too seriously, which is lucky, because its comedy scene is everywhere. Whether you're in the mood for pint-fuelled pub jokes, underground open mics or pro-level acts at proper clubs, there's something here for everyone.
This is a place where comedians come to test, tour, and tear up their notes halfway through a set. You might catch a big name on a Wednesday, and someone making their first-ever joke on a Thursday. Either way, you're probably leaving with your face aching.
Creatures Comedy Club (Creatures of the Night)
Located at 42-44 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE.
Seven nights a week. Let that sink in. Seven. Creatures is a proper basement comedy club in the Northern Quarter, with moody lighting, brick walls, and a line-up that changes faster than the Northern weather.
They host themed nights like "Saturday Showcase" and late-night gigs that sometimes roll into unexpected karaoke sessions.
Also, they do a full-on Creatures Comedy Festival in the summer.
Check out Comedy Gigs at the Creatures Comedy Club
Blind Tyger
Located at City Centre, 2 Old Bank St, Manchester M2 7PF.
Tucked beneath Sandinista, Blind Tyger is one of those blink and you'll miss it venues, but once you're in, you'll want to keep it to yourself. Low ceilings, moody lighting, and the kind of atmosphere that makes even a bad joke sound deep.
They host nights like Club 9 Comedy, where nine comedians take the mic and try not to crumble under the spotlight. The room is tiny, so there is nowhere to hide, for them or you. But that's half the fun.
Check out Comedy Gigs at Blind Tyger
The Railway Inn
Located at 3 Lapwing Ln, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2NT.
The Railway Inn is the kind of pub where the locals know the bartender’s middle name, and the comedy nights feel like a happy accident. One minute you're sipping a pint, the next you're watching someone tell jokes three feet from the fruit machine.
No bells, no whistles. Just proper pints, friendly faces, and the kind of comedy night that sneaks up on you in the best way.
Check out Comedy Gigs at The Railway Inn
The Britons Protection
Located at 50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE.
While it’s better known for its epic whisky selection and old-school charm, it occasionally hosts comedy nights upstairs. Think: candlelit vibes, close-knit crowds, and the kind of night where you’ll end up laughing with a stranger over a shared packet of crisps.
It's not a regular gig spot, but when it does dabble in comedy, it does it in style. All oak beams, belly laughs, and a whisky chaser if you're brave.
Check out Comedy Gigs at The Britons Protection
Frog and Bucket
Located at 102 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LJ.
This place is legendary. We're talking about one of the UK's oldest comedy clubs. The vibe? Cosy, no-frills, but with massive energy. It got a proper club feel. Round tables, drinks service, and a real "this is where it all begins" atmosphere.
Check out Beat the Frog on Mondays if you want to see brave newbies get roasted by the audience. It's surprisingly addictive.
Check out Comedy Gigs at The Frog
Comedy Unleashed Manchester
Located at 22 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5WA.
Comedy Unleashed is like that one mate who always turns up with a hot take. Sometimes controversial, always entertaining. They’re known for booking comedians who colour outside the lines, so expect bold opinions, no filter, and plenty of “did-they-just-say-that?” moments.
Shows pop up in places like hotels, halls, or tucked-away venues, and the vibe leans more “comedy with an edge” than “safe and fluffy.” It’s a good pick if you like your laughs a little sharper and don’t mind being slightly offended on the way to a punchline.
Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely for the free-thinkers. Or just anyone who likes jokes that make the room go quiet for a second before the laughter kicks in.
Manchester Comedy Store
Located at 3 and 4 Arches Deansgate Locks, Whitworth St W, Manchester M1 5LH.
The Comedy Store is where you go when you want the full “night out” package. Fancy venue, pro comedians, and a bar that knows what it’s doing.
This is the place for polished, professional line-ups. Think Mock The Week guests, Live at the Apollo regulars, and seasoned pros who’ve done a thousand gigs and still love it.
Perfect for date night, group outings, or treating your mum to a laugh (but maybe not the front row).
XS Malarkey Comedy Club
Located at Arch 19 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP.
This is your classic “local hero” of the Manchester scene. XS Malarkey has been running for over 25 years, and it’s still just a fiver to get in (yep, really).
Run by actual comedians and volunteers who love comedy more than rent money, it’s a Tuesday night staple. You get a mix of up-and-comers, TV names trying new stuff, and the occasional total wildcard.
It’s warm, friendly, and one of the best nights out you can have for a bluey.
Manchester Comedy Club
Located at 50 Sackville St, Manchester M1 3WF.
The name’s simple, but the nights are solid. Manchester Comedy Club brings in big laughs every Friday and Saturday in central venues with a bar, snacks, and the occasional bottomless option if you’re feeling reckless.
Line-ups change weekly, and while it’s a bit more “pop-up” than permanent, the vibes are good and the laughs are consistent.
OverDraught
Located at 855 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3PW.
The shows are well-run, the acts are solid, and the vibe is usually fun and easygoing. It’s the kind of night where you go in thinking “sure, I’ll give it a go”, and leave wondering why you haven’t been going every month.
Perfect for casual nights out with mates, a few drinks, and no pressure to dress fancy. Just bring your laugh face and maybe a backup drink voucher.
New Century Hall
Located at 34 Hanover St, Manchester M4 4AH.
New Century Hall is where comedy goes when it wants to dress up a bit. It’s a stunning retro venue with a massive stage, big sound, and a roof that feels like it’s seen some wild nights (because it has).
More of a “big event” spot. When comedy festivals roll into town, this place sees the big names hit the stage. Not weekly, but worth keeping on your radar.
The Rock House
Located at 40 Peel Green Rd, Barton upon Irwell, Eccles, Manchester M30 7AY.
It’s mostly known for live music and strong drinks, but every now and then, it flips the script and lets comedy take the stage.
It’s one of those places where anything can happen, and usually does. Come with an open mind, leave with a story.
The Old Monkey
Located at 90 Portland St, Manchester M1 4GX.
The Old Monkey is one of those pubs you end up in by accident and leave thinking, “That was class.” It’s central, it’s friendly, and the prices don’t make you wince, which is already a win.
Upstairs, they host proper comedy nights. Small room, decent crowd, and acts who genuinely want to be there. It’s nothing flashy, but that’s the point. Just solid comedy in a no-nonsense setting.
If you’re after a chilled night with a few pints and some decent laughs, this is a good shout. No booking stress, no velvet ropes. Just turn up and enjoy.