It’s always impressive to see someone stand up on stage and talk to a vast expanse of strangers, even more so with the aim of making them laugh. Stand-up comedy is perhaps one of the most thrilling and high-risk activities for the person holding the mic to undergo, a rite of passage for many comedians all over the world, it requires quick wit, an ability to command a stage, and a tenacity for adapting to their wider environment. The Comedy Club at Komedia gives the people of Brighton a chance to see first-hand some of the best acts in the country’s comedy scene.
The Komedia Venue
Komedia has won the Chortle Award for Best Comedy Venue in the South, a staggering, 17 times so you can be sure that you’ll have one of the best nights. With each line-up running for two days, every Friday and Saturday, the show begins at 8 pm with doors opening at 7 pm, giving guests ample time to put their food order in if they hadn’t already.
Queueing outside Komedia, I was unsure what to expect but keen to experience this well-raved event. Welcomed by an intimate and relaxed cabaret seating set up on the basement floor of the Komedia, there was a fervent buzz as guest piled in, shrugged their coats off, ordered a drink and some food, and settled in for the night.
Komedia Comedy Club – Friday 3rd November 2023
The acts shone in their own individual right, with all of them captivating the crowd of around 200 people in front of them. Hosted by the enigmatic Katie Green who acted as the show’s MC, the night featured the performances of the entertainingly erratic Paul Pirie, the quietly hilarious Sunil Patel, and the charmingly quick-witted Darren Harriott.
Pirie, the first act burst onto the stage. Following a rhythm that was his and his alone, his bit was manic, sometimes a lot to follow for anyone not expecting his style, and the audience was glued to his outrageous segment as he delivered punchline after punchline.
Next up was Patel. Perhaps the antithesis in aura to the previous performance, Patel took to the stage with a quiet confidence that demonstrated his propensity for being on stage as he made the audience cackle throughout.
Closing the show was Harriott, starting his bit by continuing a joke made by Green in her intro, his ability to adapt his comedy to a situation and improvise stood out and as he delivered his punchlines he left the audience in stitches.
Special praise has to be given to Green, who took on the daunting task of starting and steering the show throughout, something that she was clearly a natural at, making the audience laugh from the minute she stepped out onto the stage.
The verdict
The Comedy Club at Komedia can’t be recommended enough. With its vibrant atmosphere, welcoming staff, and great acts, the night is perhaps one of the best things to do in the city, especially with the less-than-ideal weather, regardless of Storm Ciaran.
Whether it’s a date, a chance to hang out with a friend, or something to pass the time, get your hands on some tickets quickly, they sell out almost every night. It seems the set is even a good way to start a stag, as there were two that night, and both didn’t know what they were doing after. If you ever get a chance to see any of the acts mentioned, take it!
Address: 44 Gardener St, Brighton BN1 1UN
Book tickets to Komedia Comedy Club in Brighton