The desire for a good laugh unites people all over the world, and in Liverpool, people are huge fans of quality humour. Our city has also produced talented stand-ups like Paul Smith. It’s no surprise that many are eager to catch a comedy show or film, but not everyone (especially tourists) knows where to go. So, let’s dive into it at liverpoolski.com.
Liverpool’s Comedy Traditions: What’s the Story?
Scouse humour is incredible; it’s impossible to resist. So say the eyewitnesses, the local guides, and the comedians themselves… But is it true? And what can be said about Liverpool’s comedy traditions?
Comedians here perform in almost every bar, restaurant, and museum—practically at every major stop on popular tourist routes. On one forum, users discussed the topic “Why do people from Liverpool have a good sense of humour?” Here are some of the conclusions that can be drawn:
- Firstly, it’s a way of self-expression when overcoming difficulties or stereotypes. There was a time when the city’s high crime rate was a common topic, and some comedians, notably Harry Enfield, loved to play on this stereotype. But then, a different trend emerged among comedians – to disprove such myths.
- Secondly, there are local traditions and customs that you can’t help but laugh at in a good-natured way. For example, the ritual of buying drinks in “rounds” among friends in a pub, the obligatory “thank you” to the bus driver, or the peculiarities of the local cuisine. Sometimes, people laugh at a sense of forced generosity or politeness. The simple joys of life, certain small details of everyday existence – all these things unite local residents and, at the same time, provide something to laugh about that everyone knows and is familiar with. The listener feels that they are “in on the joke,” that they belong to this community where things are just so. And that brings a sense of joy.
- Thirdly, the people of Liverpool have a strong sense of self-deprecation. As this is one of the most left-leaning cities in Great Britain, it’s not surprising that Scousers joke about their own uniqueness, seeing themselves as separate from the national narrative. Some joke that the locals are the “chosen people” because God himself played for their football team. Self-deprecation seems to help relieve tension, serving as a response to offensive stereotypes about the city.
- Fourthly, the city has a deeply ingrained irony regarding national politics and the Conservative party. Criticism of the central government and the British establishment is considered a highlight of any comedy show in Liverpool. Moreover, it helps the city’s residents express their views without excessive drama.
To sum up, Liverpool’s humour is one of the ways to emphasise local identity. It also provides a more optimistic way to look at life’s difficulties.
A Guide to Popular Venues
But let’s get down to business. Where can you go to see a comedy show? There are several main locations. These are primarily Laughterhouse and the Hot Water Comedy Club in the Blackstock Market area. There are also various fun events, such as a comedy festival, held in Victoria Park in Southport.
The Slaughter House, the flagship venue of the Laughterhouse Comedy chain, offers a cosy space for comedy shows. The location is noted for its compact size and an atmosphere that allows the audience to be fully engaged with the events on stage (interactivity, as it’s fashionably called these days). Only experienced stand-up comedians perform at the club, ensuring the evenings are of a high standard. The venue has the highest rating among Liverpool’s comedy clubs on TripAdvisor – 5 out of 5 stars.
Blackstock Market is a prime spot for entertainment and dining in Liverpool, the city’s largest food market offering a variety of culinary masterpieces. It is in this area that the famous Hot Water Comedy Club is located, which offers fantastic acts in a friendly, family-like atmosphere.
The Hot Water Comedy Club holds a great reputation among Brits. The club’s two specially equipped stages are the main arenas where comedians perform seven days a week, usually to a full house. The club was founded in 2010 by brothers Paul and Binty Blair. Initially, they held shows at various venues in Liverpool and across the North West of England.
The club’s resident comedian, Paul Smith, mentioned in the introduction, is one of the most popular comics in the country. Hot Water Comedy has been a launchpad for many famous comedians who started out at the club’s Sunday evening shows and went on to achieve national fame. Many of them have become award-winners and have appeared on television.
Show Formats
Hot Water Comedy offers one of the most interesting formats – Sunday shows for newcomers. These have long been a great tradition, allowing beginners to prove themselves. New talents gain necessary experience and learn to read an audience.
It is also worth mentioning the ‘As Seen on TV’ shows, where experienced comedians test out new material. These shows are closed by star stand-ups who effortlessly give the audience an unforgettable experience.
For fans of more intimate formats, evenings are also held in smaller rooms, creating a close-knit atmosphere, much like at the aforementioned Slaughter House. Here, the audience is physically closer to the stage, making it easier for them to feel the energy of the performances and appreciate the humour in its true Liverpool style.