The Museum of Comedy was founded by Leicester Square Theatre director Martin Witts in 2014, opening rather fittingly on April Fool’s Day. Based in the repurposed crypt of the Grade I listed St George’s Church, the Museum blends its venerable architecture and historical artefacts with thoroughly modern performance spaces and a well stocked bar that caters to a range of tastes. 

The Museum is fast gaining a reputation as a space for up and coming comedians making their way in the comedy industry. Regular shows such as the Monday Club provide comedians with an opportunity to try out fresh jokes in a relaxed atmosphere, while the Museum plays host to the New Comedian of the Year and Sketch Off competitions on an annual basis. Winners and finalists include Rob Beckett, Rachel Parris and Bilal Zafar, to name just a few! There’s even a Not So New Comedian of the Year competition for those who’ve been in the comedy game for a while but haven’t had that big break yet! As well as these events, the Museum is an increasingly popular venue for artists to perform new material in an intimate setting, with acts such as Frankie Boyle, Stewart Lee and Bridget Christie performing work in progress shows in recent years. 

Adding an extra touch of character to our venue are the numerous comedy artefacts that adorn the Museum. While enjoying a pre-show drink, patrons will be greeted by Steve Ullathorne’s ‘The Comic Collection’, a display of portraits of Britain’s best loved current comedy stars, and are invited to peruse items ranging from Bill Bailey’s iconic 6-neck guitar to the back door of the Trotter's Reliant Regent! Other props of interest include original Spitting Image heads, Little Tich’s shoes and many more! Lovingly assembled by Martin, the Museum boasts one of the most extensive collections of comedy memorabilia found in one place.

Facilities

Facilities at the Museum include The Comedy Crypt, a state of the art traditional performance space hosting all kinds of comedy performances, from stand up and theatre to cabaret and podcast and radio recordings.

Donations

If you have an object or artefact that you would like to donate or lend to the Museum for display please contact us at enquiries@museumofcomedy.com