Where to See Comedy in Norwich

Where to See Comedy in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

When it comes to a laugh-out-loud night out of comedy, Norwich has plenty of venues to choose from. Many of them intimate and up-close. 

The city is no stranger to the national comedy circuit, with internationally recognised names filling line-ups across Norwich- some straight from the Edinburgh Fringe! Alongside, there’s loads to choose from, whether it’s Norwich-born comedians, inventive improv, creative stories or hilarious stand-up. 

This is where to see comedy in Norwich!

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Epic Studios 

Epic Studios is a pulsing live events venue known for its eclectic and exciting line-up. Their partnership with Norwich Arts Centre brings some of the biggest names in comedy to their state-of-the-art arena space. 

Accommodating up to 850 people, this repurposed TV studio boasts unrivalled lighting and sound has seen names like Maisy Adam, Daniel O’Reilly, Danny Boyle and Paul Merton grace the stage.  

Pre-Show Dining: Immerse yourself in the anticipation of a show at Epic Studio’s backstage inspired bar The Green Room. With stylish decor, big screens, instruments and studio lighting, this is a buzzing space for a bite to eat and drink.  

Norwich Arts Centre 

Nestled in the Norwich Lanes, Norwich Arts Centre is an award-winning multi-arts venue known for championing alternative and emerging creatives. They’re also known for supporting citywide events and festivals, including Norwich Comedy Garden- five nights of all-star stand-up in a big top in Chapelfield Gardens! 

Here, you can expect to see sell-out shows by the likes of Stevie Martin, cleverly written acts by Amy Matthews and witty spoken word by Henry Normal and Jan Brierton. 

Pre-Show Dining: If you’ve been waiting months for this date, why not transform it into an even more special occasion with a meal at Benedicts? Indulge in a selection of sharing plates (wild garlic and goats cheese macaroon anyone?) or opt for a main meal and delicious dessert. 

Norwich Theatre Royal and Playhouse 

Norwich Theatre Royal is home to the biggest stage in the East of England, while Norwich Playhouse, whose patrons include none other than Stephen Fry, is recognised as one of the best fringe venues in the country! So, it’s no wonder these venues welcome comedians of every calibre.  

The Playhouse’s intimate 300-seat auditorium is synonymous with supporting comedians early on, notably those who are today’s household names, including Al Murray, Ed Gamble and Russell Howard. More recently Rob Madge’s acclaimed show My Son’s a Queer made its only regional date here and Olivier-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical sold out multiple dates. 

Elsewhere, Norwich Theatre Royal isn’t unfamiliar with comedy, including Fawlty Towers, straight from the West End, Norfolk native Joe Trancini, and Nish Kumar, Phil Wang and Henning Wehn. 

Pre-Show Dining: At Prelude, your table at Norwich Theatre Royal is yours for the night, meaning after an hour of laughing out loud, you’ll feel reenergised with a crisp glass of wine or cheese selection awaiting you during the interval. 

And at the Playhouse, no matter the time of year, a drink on their leafy terrace is a popular pre-show pastime, whether it’s a local beer or exotic tea. Especially when following a moreish panzerotti or slice of pizza from Saporita! 

Maddermarket Theatre 

As Norwich’s community theatre, the Maddermarket showcases a whole host of performance, including stand-up comedy thanks to its established place on the professional touring circuit. 

It’s not unusual to see big names like Sarah Pascoe and new voices like Jacob Hawley in this special space with The Best in Comedy show, as well as Norwich’s popular and premier improv comedy troupe Intellectual Hooligans. 

Pre-Show Dining: We suggest preceding a show with fluffy fish and chips at Grosvenor Fish Bar, smothered in salt, vinegar and the condiment of your choice. And what about the ice cream? Luckily, the Maddermarket serves local brand Ronaldo- go for the strawberry! 

Norwich Puppet Theatre

As one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England, there’s so much to discover on Norwich Puppet Theatre’s magical stage, including comedy!

Here, you really feel as if you’re part of the show. See the likes of Paul Foot when Shaft of Wit brings the very best of stand-up to Norwich one night, before getting sucked into the energetic story of fast-paced comedy thriller The 39 Steps the next. 

Pre-Show Dining: Elevate your evening at the Maids Head’s stylish WinePress restaurant. With dishes using fresh and seasonal local produce, it’s easy to enjoy classics like homemade pie and mouthwatering mains like Norfolk pork belly. And when it’s warm, opt for a table alfresco in their secluded courtyard!