Southampton Comedy Venues

Southampton might be best known for sending the Titanic off on its ill-fated cruise, but fear not, the local comedy scene is unsinkable. From basement banter to big-stage belly laughs, this port city knows how to dock a punchline. Whether you're a student dodging deadlines or just here for the cruise ships and cocktails, Southampton's got a comedy night with your name on it. Life jackets optional, but laughing till you cry? Inevitable.

Heartbreakers

Located at Hanover Buildings, Southampton SO14 1JX.

The Heartbreakers comedy night takes place upstairs, typically held once a month on a Thursday from ~8 PM to 10:30 PM.

It brings in a mix of rising stars and seasoned names in a 16+ crowd-right-upstairs bar situation. The space is compact and buzzy: think rude stools and energy straight up from the darkened vault.

Stand Up in the Basement have also teamed up with Frevd Bar in Soho. They're hosting monthly shows with Colin compering with the same set up and vibe as the Southampton nights and these really are in the basement!

The Attic

Located at 32 Winsor Rd, Totton, Southampton SO40 9HQ.

The Attic is the heart of Southampton’s comedy community with regular Open Mic, gong nights and comedy roasts!

This loft‑style comedy bar/venue sits atop a pub and offers intimate showings every few weeks. Catch big names like Lee Hurst, Daliso Chaponda, Emmanuel Sonubi, Kae Kurd, Phil Nichol, and Josh Jones on tour, or open mic rodeos and “Hampshire Comedian of the Year” showcases.

Warm, laid-back and with low lights, expect great beer and tighter fishing jokes.

Engine Rooms

Located at West Quay Road Industrial Estate, W Quay Rd, Southampton SO15 1GZ.

Engine Rooms is south coast’s indie-giant live venue that also hosts comedy nights under the “Just the Tonic” banner. It’s roomy (about 300‑capacity), gritty-chic, and known for high-energy shows with proper seating. Recent events include touring stand‑up showcases with four headline comics on one night.

The vibe? Think iron beams, bar banter, and punchlines echoing off concrete floors.

Mayflower Theatre

Located at 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GE.

Southampton’s grand old music hall  offers large-scale seating and top-tier comedians. 

The main theatre hosts big UK tours, and it's close to the train station and art gallery!

Dara Ó Briain will be performing his Re:Creation show here, alongside upcoming appearances by John Bishop, Jamali Maddix and Stewart Lee’s “Man‑Wulf” collaboration. Expect plush seating, widened sightlines, and a dose of theatre formality.

Mayflower Studios

Featuring comedy, musicals, cabaret and more! The Mayflower Studios is constantly referred to as the cultural hub of Southampton.

Based on Above Bar Street, the Studios are only a 10 minute walk from the train station too, so very conveniently placed. Stitches Comedy Club occurs here regularly featuring comedians such as Mark Watson and Jo Caulfield of Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo fame.

The Stage Door

Located at 78 W Marlands Rd, Southampton SO14 7FW.

Tucked in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, this Fringe-style theatre-bar-cabaret venue offers a cosy 100-seat theatre space above a lively bar and café. It’s a hybrid of theatre polish and fringe atmosphere, perfect for a night of structured stand-up with Fringe edge.

One of its headline comedy offerings is Manford’s Comedy Club, a tour curated by Jason Manford that brings four top-tier comedians to the stage.

University of Southampton Student Union

Located at Building 42 University Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ.

The student union hosts frequent comedy nights. Open mic nights, student showcase evenings, and touring acts dropping by campus. It’s a classic uni vibe: cheap pints, unpredictable crowds, and comics willing to adapt to caffeinated hecklers or chilled-out audiences.

Papillon (Stand up in the Basement)

Located at 61 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GG.

Papillon hosts the monthly Stand Up in the Basement comedy club, usually on select Friday nights, with doors opening around 7:15–7:30 PM and the show running until around 10:30 PM, including intervals. The format features a host (often Colin Owens), an opening act, mid-level acts, and a headline performer, many of whom are TV-regulars seen on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, or 8 Out of 10 Cats.