Cardiff Comedy Guide
Finding any evening activity to tick the tastes of everyone in your group is hard, and when comedy is concerned, the range is enormous. Lucky for you, Cardiff is packed to the rafters with arts and culture and the city’s comedy scene is no exception.
So, are you game for a giggle? We hope so. We’ve searched the city to find you the best venues, events and talent that the Cardiff comedy scene has to offer.
What is Welsh Games?
Welsh Games embraces all the stereotypes of South Wales in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.
If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?
Cardiff Stand-Up Comedy
Cardiff comedy venues are some of the most exciting around. Here’s where you should be heading to find your favourite stand-ups...
Glee Club
The Glee Club has been a firm favourite of Cardiff comedy lovers for over 20 years. It’s established itself as the go to venue for fans of all things funny.
The Glee Club holds a unique position in Cardiff as the city's only dedicated comedy club, setting it apart as a specialist venue in the realm of humour and entertainment.
This exclusivity allows the Glee Club to focus solely on comedy, curating a specialised experience that resonates with both comedy aficionados and casual fans.
Over the years, The Glee’s audiences have been treated to shows from up-and-comers who you might now have heard of including Michael McIntyre, Russell Howard and Sarah Millican.
So, if you want to say you saw the next big thing in comedy before anybody else, this is the place to be.
Utilita Arena
The Utilita Arena Cardiff has emerged as a distinguished venue in the comedy circuit, captivating audiences with its expansive seating capacity and modern facilities.
Its flexible space adapts seamlessly to various event sizes, ensuring an intimate experience even in large-scale shows.
The arena's state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems enhance performances, making every joke and punchline resonate with clarity.
Its central location in Cardiff, coupled with excellent transport links, makes it accessible for comedy enthusiasts from all over.
The venue has hosted a plethora of renowned comedians, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for top-tier comedy acts, offering unforgettable experiences filled with laughter and entertainment.
New Theatre Cardiff
The New Theatre in Cardiff, renowned for its rich history, has also established itself as a prominent comedy venue. With its elegant Edwardian architecture, it creates an intimate atmosphere, ideal for comedy shows.
The theatre's size, accommodating around 1,100 spectators, strikes a perfect balance, offering a cosy yet vibrant setting for both performers and audience.
The New Theatre has hosted a diverse range of comedy acts, ranging from local stand-up comedians to internationally acclaimed artists. This variety not only showcases its versatility but also appeals to a broad audience.
The theatre's central location in Cardiff makes it easily accessible, adding to its allure as a prime spot for an evening of laughter and entertainment.
Its contribution to the city's cultural scene is significant, as it continually brings joy and laughter, reinforcing Cardiff's reputation as a hub for the arts and entertainment.
Small Comedy Venues Cardiff
It’s not just big names making people laugh in this small city. There’s a whole host of local comedy nights too...
Dolly Chicken Comedy
Dolly Chicken Comedy hosts a variety of comedians as eclectic as the name suggests. Held on the third Thursday of the month in The Flute and Tankard, a traditional pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The evening is a popular platform for local unsigned talent and Dolly Chicken’s stage has previously hosted BBC New Comedy Award winners too.
You never know, you might be watching the next big name in comedy take their first steps to stardom!
Cardiff Comics - Home-grown Comedy
Ok, so now you know where to find them, who should you look out for on the Cardiff comedy scene?
Ignacio Lopez
In his own words, Ignacio Lopez is, ‘half Welsh, half Spanish, all funny’ and he’s one of the most exciting comedians to have come out of Cardiff in recent years.
He’s a frequent headliner at top comedy clubs around the country, has sold out audiences for festival performances across the UK and is also one third of Comedy Sheep, a touring pop-up comedy club.
He still performs at various nights in and around Cardiff and is definitely one to watch over next few years.
Mike Bubbins
With a natural sense of humour and talent for storytelling, Mike Bubbins has become a Cardiff comedy legend.
Since bursting onto the scene in all his paisley glory in the early 2000s, he’s supported Rich Hall on tour, written and starred in three BBC radio shows and entertained audiences up and down the country as a headline act.
If you want to catch him live, keep an eye on his incredibly groovy website or follow him on Twitter for information on upcoming gigs.
Leroy Brito
Hailing from Butetown in the south of the city, Leroy Brito made his comedy debut in 2011 and quickly gained the attention of the Cardiff comedy scene.
One of the most prominent stars of the local circuit, he was the runner up in the 2014 Welsh Unsigned Comedy Awards.
A regular performer in his hometown, he’s also completed a successful run of shows in New York and was recently commissioned by the BBC for his own comedy radio show.
Look out for him across various comedy nights and at The Glee Club.
Cardiff Comedy Gigs
When it comes to comedy in Cardiff for an evening activity, the city certainly doesn’t fall short. The local stand-up circuit is full of home grown talent waiting to be discovered and the city’s larger venues attract some of the most exciting names from the world of comedy.
So, if you do find yourself with a spare evening don’t sit at home bored to tears; find something funny, pack the Kleenex and be ready to laugh until you cry.
