How Big is The Comedy Store London? (Big Enough to Fit Your Massive Ego, Probably)
Alright, comedy connoisseurs, laugh-a-holics, and people who accidentally stumbled onto this website while Googling "pictures of cats wearing tiny hats" (no judgment, we've all been there), gather 'round! Today, we're tackling a question of monumental proportions. A question that keeps philosophers up at night. A question that has baffled scientists for... well, at least a few minutes:
How big is The Comedy Store London, really?
I mean, we know it's legendary. We know it's the birthplace of some of the biggest names in comedy. We know it's the place where your uncle Barry once tried stand-up and bombed so hard he moved to a remote island and now communicates exclusively through interpretive dance. (Sorry, Uncle Barry. Love you.)
But what about its physical dimensions? Is it a majestic comedy cathedral? A laugh-inducing labyrinth? Or just, y'know, a room with a stage and some chairs? Let's dive in, shall we? Because at "Comedy In Your Eye," we're not afraid to ask the really important questions. (And also because our editor threatened to replace all our jokes with puns if we didn't.)
First, Some History (Don't Worry, It's Funny-ish)
Before we get to square footage and seating charts, let's take a quick, hilarious trip down memory lane. The Comedy Store London, for those of you who've been living under a rock (or, perhaps, under Uncle Barry's interpretive dance studio), opened its doors in 1979. That's right, it's older than most of the people reading this blog, and probably funnier than your dad's "pull my finger" joke.
It was founded by Don Ward and Peter Rosengard, two visionaries who probably looked at the London comedy scene and thought, "You know what this city needs? More people yelling into microphones!" And thank goodness they did, because The Comedy Store became the place to see and be seen in the alternative comedy boom of the 80s.
Think of it: Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, French & Saunders, Alexei Sayle... they all cut their teeth on that hallowed stage. Imagine the sheer volume of comedic energy that's seeped into the walls. If you put your ear to the brickwork, you can probably still hear the faint echoes of a thousand punchlines. (And possibly the faint smell of stale beer. It is a comedy club, after all.)
The Location: Leicester Square's Beating (and Slightly Tipsy) Heart
The Comedy Store is smack-bang in the middle of Leicester Square, which is basically London's equivalent of Times Square, only with more pigeons and fewer people dressed as Elmo. It's a prime location, perfectly situated for pre-show dinners, post-show drinks, and mid-show existential crises about the meaning of life and whether that joke about your mother-in-law was really worth it.
Being in Leicester Square also means it's ridiculously easy to get to. Tube stations galore, bus routes aplenty, and even a rickshaw or two if you're feeling particularly adventurous (and have a strong disregard for your personal safety). Just follow the sound of laughter, and you'll find it. Or, you know, use Google Maps. Whatever works.
Okay, Okay, Get to the Size Already!
Alright, alright, I hear you. You're not here for a history lesson or a travel guide. You want the cold, hard facts. You want to know exactly how many slightly-tipsy comedy fans The Comedy Store can cram into its hallowed halls.
Well, here it is:
The Comedy Store London has a capacity of roughly 400 people.
There, I said it. 400! That's a lot of chuckles. A lot of guffaws. A lot of those awkward "I'm-not-sure-if-I-should-laugh-at-that" titters.
It's not a stadium, obviously. You're not going to see Beyoncé doing stand-up there anytime soon (although, imagine the material!). But it's big enough to feel like a proper event, a real happening, while still maintaining that intimate, club-like atmosphere that's so crucial for comedy.
The seating is arranged in a tiered format, so even if you're stuck in the back row, you'll still have a decent view of the stage. (Unless you're behind a particularly tall person with a voluminous hairdo. In that case, good luck.)
Breaking Down the Space: From Stage to Bar (and Everything in Between)
Let's get granular, shall we? The Comedy Store isn't just one big room. It's a complex ecosystem of laughter, featuring:
The Main Stage: This is where the magic happens. This is where comedians pour their hearts out, tell their darkest secrets, and occasionally trip over the microphone stand. It's a raised platform, bathed in bright lights, and surrounded by an aura of comedic potential.
The Audience Area: This is where you come in. Rows upon rows of seats, strategically angled to maximize sightlines and minimize accidental elbow-jabbing. It's a sea of faces, a collective consciousness of comedic appreciation (and, let's be honest, a few people checking their phones).
The Bar: Ah, the lifeblood of any good comedy club. This is where pre-show nerves are calmed, post-show triumphs are celebrated, and questionable decisions are made. The Comedy Store bar is well-stocked, reasonably priced (for central London, anyway), and staffed by bartenders who've seen it all. They've heard every joke, witnessed every heckle, and probably poured a pint for a future comedy legend or two.
The Green Room: This is the mythical, behind-the-scenes area where comedians gather before and after their sets. It's a place of hushed whispers, nervous pacing, and the occasional desperate plea for a last-minute joke idea. We're not allowed in there, obviously, but we can imagine it's filled with half-eaten sandwiches, empty coffee cups, and the lingering scent of fear and ambition.
The Bathrooms: Hey, even comedy legends have to pee. The bathrooms at The Comedy Store are... well, they're bathrooms. They're clean, functional, and probably have some pretty interesting graffiti on the walls.
Why the Size Matters (and Why It Doesn't)
So, why all this fuss about the size of The Comedy Store? Does it really matter if it's 350 people or 450 people?
Well, yes and no.
On the one hand, the size contributes to the overall atmosphere. A packed house creates a buzz, an energy that can elevate a good performance to a great one. Laughter is contagious, and a larger audience means more potential for those glorious, rolling waves of hilarity.
On the other hand, the quality of the comedy is ultimately more important than the quantity of the audience. You could have a thousand people in a stadium, but if the jokes are terrible, it's going to be a long, painful night. The Comedy Store's reputation is built on consistently delivering top-notch talent, regardless of the size of the crowd.
How to Get Tickets (Because You're Going to Want to Go)
Okay, I've convinced you. You're ready to experience the magic of The Comedy Store London for yourself. You're ready to laugh until your sides ache, your cheeks hurt, and you accidentally snort your drink out of your nose.
So, how do you get tickets?
It's actually pretty straightforward. You can book online through their website (why are you here and not there...). They have shows most nights of the week, featuring a mix of established headliners, up-and-coming talent, and the legendary "Cutting Edge" topical show on Tuesdays.
Pro Tip: Book in advance, especially for weekend shows. The Comedy Store is popular, and tickets tend to sell out quickly.
Pro Tip #2: Arrive early to get a good seat. It's first-come, first-served, and you don't want to be stuck behind that guy with the giant hat.
Pro Tip #3: Be prepared to laugh. A lot. Seriously, you might want to do some facial stretches beforehand.
Pro Tip #4: Shows can be quite expensive! Working on a budget? Check out our article on free things to do!
The Final Verdict: Big Enough for Greatness
So, how big is The Comedy Store London? Big enough to launch careers, big enough to create legends, and big enough to house 400 people who are ready to have a damn good time. It's a comedy institution, a London landmark, and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the art of making people laugh.
And if you happen to see Uncle Barry there, doing his interpretive dance in the corner on the New Act show King Gong... well, just pretend you don't know him, he'll be gonged off in a second. Don't feel bad, it's for his sake, and for yours!
Now go forth and get your comedy on! And remember, if you see a cat wearing a tiny hat, send us a picture. We have priorities.
If you think the Comedy Store is too big or too expensive then why not check us out. We host a modest audience of 40-50 people, which makes us a more intimate sort of a vibe and we charge only £3 for a ticket!
If we've piqued your interest, then check out our tickets page!