WE British are famous for three things, our football, our weather and our sense of humour.

We started to develop a sense of humour in the 50s, as our empire crumbled alongside our decaying cities. Well what could you do but laugh? In the 60s Monty Python showed the world that we could joke for a living too, and quite well actually.

Now many an artist comes to London to make the big time. Catch these aspiring funsters at the following purveyors of fine comedy...

Comedy Clubs

To have your comedy club or event added to Londonnet please contact Helenka@londonnet.co.uk

The Comedy Store

Long established, yet still with a reputation for original and anarchic acts. Nearly two decades ago "The Store's" players practically invented alternative comedy here. Those were heady post-punk days, now "The Store" is a mainstream institution. Many fine young comedians get their first big break here, playing in front of a rowdy and "interactive" audience.

Comedy Store regulars (or 'players') include: Jim Sweeney Richard Vranch, Andy Smart, Neil Mullarkey, Josie Lawrence, Stephen Frost, Lee Simpson
Tickets: £14.25 (approx, varies nightly)
1A Oxendon Street, London W1
(Please contact the Comedy Store directly for bookings)
Tube: Piccadilly Tube
Website: www.thecomedystore.co.uk

 

Jongleurs Camden, Battersea & Bow Wharf

Three of the leading London comedy clubs. Bow Wharf recently joining Jongleurs's established venues at Camden Lock and Battersea.

Tickets: £10-12 (approx, varies nightly).
Three venues:
Camden Lock, Dingwalls Building, Middle Yard, Chalk Farm Road, Camden Lock, London NW1 (020 7924 2766 12am~4pm Mon~Sat) Camden Town Tube
Battersea, The Cornet, 49 Lavender Gardens, London SW11 (020 7924 2766 12am~4pm Mon~Sat) Clapham Junction Railtrack
Bow Wharf, 221 Grove Road, London E3 (020 7924 2766 12am~4pm Mon~Sat) Mile End Tube
Website: www.jongleurs.com
 

Comedy Cafe

Another leading London comedy club. Lots of rising stars from the fringe. Weekly Try-Out-Night on Wednesdays.
Tickets: £1 - 10 (approx, varies nightly)
66 Rivington Street Street, London EC2 (020 7739 5706) Old St Tube

Bound & Gagged

With two North London venues and Friday & Saturday night shows; you'll be left gagging for more.
Tickets: £6 full price | £4 concessions
2 Venues:
Palmers Green, The Fox, 413 Green Lane, London N13 (020 7483 3456) Palmers Green Railtrack
Tufnell Park, Tufnell Park Tavern, Tufnell Park Road, London N7 (020 7483 3456) Tufnell Park Tube

Laughing Cows

The Venue as always is the Vespa Lounge, ( 15 Saint Giles High Street, London WC2H nearest tube. Tott.court Rd)

The show starts at 8.30pm, lasting approx 2 hours. Performing this month are Ilona Colquhoun, Sabrina George, Jen Bristow, Rachael Clinton, Ria, Julia Morris amd Karen Cockfield (MC)

Tickets are available from the Vespa Lounge in advance or via 07967 419199, prices 4 members, 6 otherwise and 5 concessions.
 

The Watershed

The Watershed is just opposite the Polka theatre on Wimbledon Broadway, (267 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SD)
Nearest tube: South Wimbledon
Train: Wimbledon

The show starts at 8.00pm every Friday, lasting approx 2 hours. Resident MC Kevin McCarron hosts the comedy slot, with new acts every week.

Tickets are available from the venue's website:
www.the-watershed.com