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Each year, Time Out surveys thousands of people around the world to generate our annual ranking of the world’s greatest cities. For the first time this year, we set out to discover which locations were best rated by Gen Z by asking people under 30 what they thought about their city’s nightlife, food, culture, access to green spaces, and walkability.
The result? Edinburgh was declared the UK’s best city for Gen Z, with London coming in at a not-too-shabby second place.
To mark London’s silver-medal placement, we asked Rory Marshall, a comedian who regularly performs in London (and has just finished his sold-out character comedy show Pathetic Little Characters at the Edinburgh Fringe,) to recommend his top four comedy nights in the city where you can chortle the night away for £15 and under. Life in London is spenny enough for the city’s twenty somethings. Here’s how to laugh for less.
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1. Knock2Bag at Moth Club, Hackney
What is it? A live comedy night at the golden-hued Hackney Central trade hall, Moth Club, that plays host to packed line-ups full of big names and hot new acts.
Why Rory loves it? It’s the best comedy night in London. You might end up paying a little more for a ticket, but the standard and variety you get means it’s extremely good value. The night verges towards the ‘alternative’ side of comedy, but there’s always something for everyone, and you get to watch comedy in one of the best spaces available: The Moth Club. The energy is always class and everyone is up for it. These line-ups are full of the top comedians available to mankind.
Rory’s tip: Get a photo of the gold tassels at the back of the stage to show your Instagram followers that you’ve been spending time engaging in the arts in East London.
Address: Valette St, E9 6NU
Opening hours: 7pm, every Wednesday.
Expect to pay: £16
2. Angel Comedy at The Bill Murray, Angel
What is it? A comedian-run comedy club in a great London pub dedicated to affordability.
Why Rory loves it: This place has got so much going on every night of the week, with a number of different sittings. There are up-and-coming comedians performing their shows, mixed bill nights and also famous comedians off the actual TV (James Acaster has been doing work-in-progress shows there recently). Shows are usually an hour and tickets are cheap. Some people like to do a couple of shows back to back.
Rory’s tip: The club also run comedy most nights at The Camden Head up the road, so it’s always worth checking what’s happening there too.
Address: 39 Queens Head St, N1 8NQ
Opening hours: Shows from 6pm, 8pm and 9.30pm, every night of the week.
Expect to pay: Free entry up to £5 for bigger names.
3. Pleasance Theatre, Islington
What is it? A small fringe theatre intrinsically linked to the Edinburgh Fringe
Why Rory loves it: This is a very exciting venue showcasing comedians who often take shows to the Edinburgh Fringe. Going to the Pleasance to see a work-in-progress show is a great way to consume comedy. It’s like the theatre, but you are laughing all the way through. It’s a lovely space, with a lovely bar – people should go there.
Rory’s tip: There’s great stuff throughout the year here, but before the Edinburgh Fringe is an especially exciting time to watch things.
Address: Carpenter's Mews, North Rd, N7 9EF
Opening times: Shows usually start from 7pm, but check the programme beforehand.
Expect to pay: Ticket prices vary between shows, but expect to pay between £10-£15.
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4. Always Be Comedy, Kennington
What is it: A comedy club based in the Tommyfield pub in south east London with hand-selected bills full of big-name acts, mystery guests, silly games and new talent.
Why Rory loves it: Like the Bill Murray, this club puts on a combination of work-in-progress shows from very famous and amazing comedians, as well as mixed bill nights with top quality comedians. It’s on every night of the week, and has consistently good bills.
Rory’s tip: This autumn has some especially good line-ups coming up. I’d reccommend the nights with John Kearns and Ayoade Bamgboye.
Address: 185 Kennington Lane, SE11 4EZ
Opening times: Evening show times vary, check before you book.
Expect to pay: Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around £10.
Check out Time Out’s full round-up of the best comedy in London
After more live shows? Read all about where to see the best theatre in London