Last Updated on 21 May 2026 by Dave King
| Venue | Location | Night | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komedia Comedy Club | 44-47 Gardner Street, BN1 1UN | Fridays and Saturdays | Prices vary by show |
| The Forge Comedy Club | Ironworks Studios, 30 Cheapside, BN1 4GD | Fridays and Saturdays (plus touring shows) | Prices vary by show |
| The Secret Comedy Club | Artista, 42 Brighton Square, BN1 1HD | Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | £5.50 to £22 online |
| Down the Hatch (queer and alternative comedy) | Komedia | First Sunday of the month | £8 |
| Caroline of Brunswick | 39 Ditchling Road, BN1 4SB | Wednesdays (Cool Aid Comedy) | Free |
Brighton has three proper comedy clubs running regular shows, plus a handful of free open mic nights in pubs. Between them, there is live comedy in Brighton on most nights of the week. If you are looking for Brighton comedy clubs with real venue details, ticket prices and practical booking advice, this guide covers all of it. For other things to do in Brighton on your own in the evening, comedy is one of the easiest solo nights out.
Table of Contents
Komedia Comedy Club
Komedia on Gardner Street in North Laine has been part of Brighton’s comedy scene since 1994. It won Best Comedy Venue in the South at the 2026 Chortle Awards, described by Komedia as its 18th win in that category.
The main comedy night, Komedia Comedy Club (formerly known as Krater Comedy Club), runs every Friday and Saturday. The format is three acts and a compere, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. The line-up changes weekly. Komedia also offers food from its kitchen, and you can save by booking a meal deal ticket in advance.
Beyond the regular Friday/Saturday shows, Komedia programmes touring comedians, cabaret, kids’ comedy (Comedy Club 4 Kids) and several other resident nights. Down the Hatch is a monthly queer and alternative comedy night at Komedia, running on the first Sunday of the month. Bent Double ended its regular monthly residency in 2023, although special editions may appear.
The venue has two performance spaces under one roof with lift access to both. It is a short walk from Brighton station.
The Forge Comedy Club
The Forge runs out of Ironworks Studios on Cheapside, also close to Brighton station. It launched in 2022 and has picked up awards quickly, including Chortle Best Pro Comedy Night (South) in 2023, Chortle Best Comedy Venue (South and East) in 2024, and a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
The regular show runs on Fridays and Saturdays, with shows usually starting at 8pm. Ticket prices vary by date and seating type. Tickets must be bought in advance through the Forge or Ironworks websites.
The venue was purpose-built for comedy and cabaret, so sightlines and sound are better than most pub back rooms. Pizzas from Pizzaface are available to order at the bar. The space is wheelchair accessible with a pre-bookable viewing position. The age restriction is 18+ for most shows.
The Forge also programmes touring solo shows and Edinburgh previews on weeknights through the Ironworks Studios listings.
The Secret Comedy Club
The Secret Comedy Club runs at Artista Cafe and Gallery on Brighton Square in The Lanes. It is small and intimate, which is the whole point. It runs regular comedy several nights a week.
Friday and Saturday are the headline nights, with a new MC, support acts and headliner each week. Past acts include Zoe Lyons, Phil Kay, Fin Taylor and Colin Hoult. Doors open at 7pm with a happy hour until 7:30pm, show at 8pm, finishing around 10:30pm. Online tickets are £11 to £22. Door tickets are £25, but the venue often sells out in advance, so booking ahead is worth it.
Wednesday is a new-material night where professional comedians try out fresh sets alongside up-and-coming acts. Tuesday is the open mic night, “See You Next Tuesday”, which has been running longer than any other comedy open mic in Brighton. Both cost £5.50 to £11.
The club has a strict no-heckling policy. It won the Audience Choice Award for Best Fringe Venue in 2021.
Free Comedy Nights
Not all Brighton comedy clubs charge admission. Two pub venues run free regular nights:
Cool Aid Comedy at the Caroline of Brunswick on Ditchling Road runs on Wednesday evenings. It is Brighton’s longest-running new-material comedy night, featuring a mix of professional, semi-professional and newer comedians. Free entry.
The Caxton Arms on North Gardens hosts free Friday comedy nights roughly monthly, with dates varying by month. It also hosts “The Branding Needs Work” on Thursdays, a new-material night.
These are good options if you want to see live comedy in Brighton without committing to a ticket price, and they tend to attract a more local crowd than the ticketed venues.
Brighton Fringe and Festivals
Brighton Fringe runs through May each year and brings a surge of comedy across dozens of venues. Komedia, The Forge and The Secret Comedy Club all programme Fringe shows alongside their regular nights. The Secret Comedy Club also runs its own Brighton Independent Fringe Festival during May as an alternative to the main Fringe programme.
Outside of Fringe, Komedia hosts Edinburgh previews in the summer, giving you a chance to see full-length shows before they go to Edinburgh. These are usually cheaper than the finished festival versions and often more interesting because the material is still being shaped.
How to Choose the Right Night
The three main venues suit different moods. Komedia is an established multi-space venue with food service. The Forge is purpose-built for comedy and cabaret. The Secret Comedy Club is smaller and more intimate, where you are close to the performers.
For a first visit, Komedia Comedy Club on a Friday or Saturday is the safest bet. For something more personal, The Secret Comedy Club’s Friday or Saturday headline shows are hard to beat. For a purpose-built comedy venue, The Forge on a Friday or Saturday is a strong option.
If you want to try performing, The Secret Comedy Club’s Tuesday open mic is the most established route in. Sets are five minutes, but performance spots must be booked with the club beforehand. Expect a fast-paced evening with up to 15 acts.
FAQs
Do I need to book Brighton comedy clubs in advance?
The Forge requires advance booking. The Secret Comedy Club regularly sells out, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. Komedia usually has availability but popular shows can sell out, especially during Brighton Fringe.
Which Brighton comedy club is best for a date night?
The Secret Comedy Club at Artista is the most atmospheric, with a small, candlelit feel and a bar to sit at before the show. The Forge’s premium table option also works well for couples. Komedia is the most practical if you want to combine dinner and a show.
Are there any free comedy nights in Brighton?
Yes. Cool Aid Comedy at the Caroline of Brunswick on Wednesdays and the Caxton Arms free Friday comedy nights (roughly monthly) are both free entry.
What time do Brighton comedy shows start?
Most shows start at 8pm with doors opening at 7pm. The Forge opens doors at 6:30pm. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the show starts, especially at The Secret Comedy Club where seating is limited.
Final Thoughts
Brighton comedy clubs cover a wider range than most cities this size. Three dedicated venues running regular nights, two free pub comedy evenings, and a month-long Fringe festival every May means there is live comedy available most nights of the week. The quality is high enough that established TV comedians regularly appear at all three main venues, either on tour or trying out new material.
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