When the Hyena Lounge shut up shop with the demise of the Duchess, it looked like York might be laughing a little less.
But the city didn’t look down in the mouth for too long. Within weeks we were able to put together a list of ten comedy hotspots to try.
And now we have news of another three laugh-ins about to start in the city…
1. Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
To start with the biggest venue, York Barbican is launching the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. This new regular night will “the best live stand-up to York”.
Hosted by Damion Larkin the organisers promise famous names saying: “Wherever possible we’ll be bringing you comedians off the telly from such shows as BBC2’s Mock The Week, Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, BBC1’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Have I Got News For You.”
No one is confirmed as yet, but given that the Barbican was rocking with laughter thanks to Sarah Millican’s stint last week, we should expect a good pedigree.
The first night is on Friday, November 11, with the club returning in December and February.
2. Love Comedy Live
Philip Smith is a relative newcomer to the comedy world. The York stand-up has been gigging for two years after completing a course called Laugh at Leeds.
The demise of the Hyena Lounge prompted him to launch the Love Comedy Live night based at Haxby Sports Bar. The first one takes place on Thursday, September 29 and features the stand-up who ran Laugh at Leeds, Silky.
Also on the bill are comics Philip’s met and admired on the circuit, including Lauren Pattison – “she’s going to be a big star,” predicts Phil – Dan Nightingale, and headliner Mick Ferry.
“Hyena always booked acts who I have seen on the TV or have seen live and admired, and these are people I want to keep seeing live,” said Phil.
“But I wanted to give the opportunity for newer acts like me to experience being on the same bill as these professional comedians.”
He is delighted with his first line-up, with Mick Ferry at the top of the bill. “Having seen him on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, the film Looking for Eric and getting great feedback from friends who have seen him live I really wanted him to be part of the launch night.”
Not On A School Night
York comedy veterans will know Steve Shooter well as the MC of previous nights of stand-up, as well as being one of YorkMix’s comedy and theatre reviewers.
Steve’s been out of the live scene for a while but is coming back with a bang. He is bringing back his Knock Knock Comedy Club with a brand new show, Not On A School Night.
Steve told us:
We have moved to a new venue, and are running from Millthorpe School’s enormous and beautiful main hall.
The tiered seating and large stage make for a perfect venue for comedy, especially considering it is only a ten minute walk to the station and has loads of free parking.
His opening bill is topped by the first appearance in York of “excellent comedian Jen Brister. We saw her in Edinburgh a couple of years ago and had to sign her up.”
She is supported by former York St John student Richard Massara, impressionist Steff Todd, Isma Almas and MC Al McWilliam.