Komedia

We had an absolutely amazing night here at Komedia. We were attending the Krater comedy club night but I am told they they have a vast array of entertainment throughout the year, not just comedy shows.
We were a large group of 20 so booked well in advance and from the moment we arrived we were easily accommodated and looked after. A few people arrived late after the main group but this was no problem at all.
The place itself isn’t massive but it really adds to the feel and acoustics. The cover of darkness didn’t help at all in the end and a few of the group took a verbal stripdown for their terrible dress sense.
We all had some food whilst we were there and it was exactly as you would expect, nothing to write home about but served a purpose and was perfect for us. Beer prices weren’t too bad as we were buying plenty of the 5 pint pitchers and sharing them around.
I hadn’t heard of any of the comedians on stage before and was very impressed by the standard, they all had me laughing all night long and each one was totally different to the last. I’m not an easy-​please when it comes to comedy either.
Like I said, we all had a quality night and it didn’t break the bank.

Don’t let the name of this venue confuse you, they don’t just do comedy here. I’ve been to see and hear all sorts of acts here in the various bars here. The main area is pretty big with a bar off to one side. It can get very busy at the bar between performances, but that’s all part of the fun.
I have been to one stand-​up comedy event here (and they host plenty of them). This was for a works Christmas party and everyone really enjoyed the night. The mixed comedy/​music/​cabaret events are my favourite though. The Belated David Bowie Birthday Tribute nights were a classic.
The studio bar is a much more intimate setting, I remember seeing the lovely Nell Bryden here, before she got really big and supporting the likes of Gary Barlow (from Take That).

Komedia is a sure-​thing great evening out. I’ve been to many a comedy show here and each one has been a great night. I tend to opt for their Krater Comedy Club nights, where a few different comedians go on, to limit the changes of watching a terrible comedian all night long. I’ve never really researched the comedians before hand and I’m had consistently hilarious people, so I think this place keeps their standards nice and high!
You pretty much always need to book in advance for this place, especially if there’s more than just a few of you. If you’re going along as a group, make sure you put a shared name on each individual booking and they’ll save you a table, which is always handy.
The set-​up is nice and simple. There’s a stage, with table and chairs spread out for guests. There are tables in the middle of the space and then just seating areas around the edges. As with any venue there are better spots than others! Beware of the front row if you’re not a fan of being picked on. You will be, and it will be harsh!
The drinks prices are ok — not cheap! The food varies. Ive had amazing nachos here, which came out in the most massive portion and then I’ve had the chicken wings which came out on a plate with 3 of them and were rather tasteless! I’d like to try their burgers and see what they’re like though as these always look super when I see others eating them.
The cost of a ticket here also varies depending on whether you’re eligible for a discount (NUS, for example). I usually pay around £9, without any discount, which I think is great for a night’s great entertainment in the city centre.
They also show music and theatre (I believe) here, which is supposedly great! I haven’t been to anything other than comedy shows here, though, but I wholeheartedly recommend Komedia for these!

Great Brighton establishment there’s now one in Bath I believe. The addition of the cinema is great it’s nice to have one in the centre of town. The food isn’t at cinema prices either, so you can enjoy yourself without blowing the bank.

Was here for an event a few years back and for the life of me I can’t remember what it was.
I do know I was dressed in in a military jump suit from the 40’s and lace-​up stiletto boots.
I’m pretty sure I had a good time, and I have a few pics somewhere to prove it.

Fabulous night out. A particularly good show is The Space who have such a variety and diverse mix of interviews. Covers all sorts of fields in the Arts world.
Definitely go for the meal deal!

Komedia is a fantastically small-​ish venue & the perfect place to see JULIAN COPE
Downstairs in the dark, full-​of-​atmosphere space, you’ll see tv monitors, tables w/​tall stools, & bars to meet all your event enjoyment needs
Sound was crisp & clear, views from the back were still okay & given we had the tv monitors to help us out, it was even better
With the stage so close to the floor, we were treated to Julian’s interaction with the crowd, lots of friendly banter & appreciation. He was witty, quirky, & this intimate venue made the show all the more enjoyable
Beers are large & delish — prices are reasonable & bartenders are nice as can be
Only downer was the curfew — wished Julian had played longer!

Komedia is a slightly misleading name for this Brighton institution that hosts several venues. And comedy isn’t Komedia’s stock in trade. It’s the home of live music, club nights, drama, talks and all manner of events, as well as stand up.
Downstairs you’ll find the big ‘club’ venue with a bar and stage. Very much a basement space in the best sense, it has a sense of intimacy despite its reasonable size. I go there regularly on a Sunday for the excellent Krater Comedy night. There you get three acts and a good compere (often the likeable Stephen Grant). Krater is a cracking night out and also good value if you book in advance and online (£8!). It’s always rammed. On a Sunday.
I also like the smaller studio bar. An intimate venue, it’s great for solo musicians, acoustic sets and even parties. Upstairs is the big music venue and it’s a great place to see bands.
It’s pleasant because it has a high ceiling, good acoustics, it’s big and airy… almost luxurious by Brighton gig venue standards. Often it’s standing only but at a Duke Special gig they had tables and seats and the place had a great bierkellar vibe. He led a music hall singalong too.
Komedia is something of a cultural hub and long may it last. If you spend much time inn Brighton and like a bit of cultcha, you’ll doubtless end up here.

Hard not to love this place, though I would rate it second to the Concorde II in terms of favourite gig venues in Brighton. I always seem to end up in the foyer bar or the large basement though I’m sure it has a labyrinth of places beyond this…
Seen the Krater comedy club — great acts — and seen live music shows too (Julian Cope last night, drudes!) and it is a chilled, friendly, decent-​sized-​but-​intimate club. It’s in the middle of North Laine & is clearly brilliantly located for pre & post gig chow & drinkies…
Given the basement is below ground level & the area is full of closed shops at night, why did the council put an 11 pm curfew on the gig. Who did that help???
Pop in for a drink & check out what’s coming up soon. Great place.
Oh yeah… I forgot to say that they do a good food service on comedy nights. Limited choice & high turnover = food delivered quick n’fresh!!!

Komedia is one of Brighton’s most famous comedy venues, and for good reason: after the Dome, Komedia is the best place to catch great comedy, from new acts to old favourites. The schedule is nicely varied, with club nights and variety acts as well as the comedy, and a variety of different venues to accommodate most different types of act means that no-​one looks or feels too out of place. The signature night here is Krater Komedy Club, a weekend show featuring up-​and-​coming acts: I’ve seen some true greats here, now big stars, for a fraction of the price they charge now!
Still, it’s not all roses… For a venue this size, Komedia still charge a fortune for most of their nights: often well over a tenner, and out of most of Brighton’s student and young professional price range. Still, the quality is so high that you still go, you just don’t experiment: I go to what I like and don’t splash out on possible new experiences. This leads to an even bigger problem: cliques. Komedia’s different nights have some very select cliques, and just turning up for a night where you may not have gone before does get you some very mystified looks. Not always pleasant, to say the least.
This isn’t the only problem Komedia has with some of the crowds that turn up there: people often stumble out of here far worse for wear than they should be, and the street outside is a bit of a bomb site after 11 most nights: not very pleasant. Also, the lager-​swilling hordes have discovered Krater, and the last time I went, I had trouble hearing the act from all the guffawing and hollering. I think it might be going downhill quickly here.
I wish Komedia the best of luck: it is a pretty good venue, with a nice variation in nights and some big names seeing it as a place to go in the South East over the Dome. It’s just got some serious clientele and price issues that need rectifying before I go back anytime soon.

Komedia is a bit of a bit of a Brighton institution with its central position in the Lanes and quirky line of up various comedians, musicians and miscellaneous performers. As a venue for dancing, for me, it’s a bit hit and miss. Whilst I have enjoyed hopping round to doo wop lady noises at Da Doo Ron Ron, on other nights, notably Stick it On, I haven’t had so much fun. Saying that, its not all about me and many people at the night seemed pretty ecstatic. I felt that the venue needs a bit more dressing up occasionally, not necessarily swanky over the top chrome seating etc but some cool and sexy props dotted around wouldn’t go amiss. Sometimes it can feel a bit like a social club that has been painted black. Sometimes I am in good spirits, the tunes are good and I don’t really mind.

Without a single shadow of a doubt, Komedia is my favourite venue in Brighton. The entertainment they offer is consistently brilliant, whether it’s a club night, a comedy show or a gig. I’ve seen several bands here, been to their famous Krater Comedy Club, their ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ club night and most recently (last night, in fact) to see Showstopper: The Improvised Musical. All were superb either great fun, immensely clever, absolutely hilarious or all of the above.
They’ve got several rooms within the building, which is far bigger inside than it looks on the outside. My favourite bit is (strangely) the basement, which is where their Krater nights are held. I don’t know why, it just always seems to have a fabulous atmosphere. Probably because from the second the you walk in, everyone knows what a great night they’re in for.
My only complaint is that the drinks prices are pretty extortionate, even for central Brighton. Last night cost me £10 for two drinks. On their club nights though, they do tend to have drinks offers (usually a lager along with a spirit and mixer). I don’t really mind the alcohol prices too much though, as their entertainment is always such excellent value. In five years of going here, I’ve never walked out feeling like I haven’t got my money’s worth.

Tucked deep in the heart of the North Laines, the Komedia is one of Brighton’s premier venues, hosting everything from comedy to burlesque, cabaret and live music to club nights.
There’s two rooms, with the comedy usually downstairs and other stuff upstairs. The Friday and Saturday Krater Comedy nights are the main attraction, with a plethora of top notch comedians, you’ll be jostled through the night by one of the hilarious comperes.
For just £26 you get to munch, drink and laugh as the price bags you a meal, drink and entry. If you fancy just enjoying the comedy you can buy normal tickets from £6, and when you get the beer munchies there’s a three for £10 bar snack menu so you can chomp on a variety of treats.
Upstairs plays host to an excellent line up of events, we recently went to a Ministry of Burlesque night at the Komedia and left dazzled. Not only were the luscious dancers and other cabaret acts fabulous, the compere himself was one of the highlights, singing and dancing between acts.
The only downside to the Komedia is it’s such a popular venue with regularly sold-​out nights, and they like to cram you in like sardines so every time you go to the loo you have to literally fight your way out of your row.

The heart of Komedia is the Krater so named because when the club opened here ten years ago it was literally a hole in ground. These days it’s an atmospheric venue for comedy and music. This is where Stephen Grant hosts the Tag nights — improv performances based on topics from the audience, and where, on the last Thursday of every month, the Comic Boom comedy club gives up-​and-​coming acts the chance to show what they are made of. Coming soon are Sarah Millican, Hal Cruttenden, Pappy’s Fun Club, Simon Evans, Zoe Lyons, Pete Firman, and Ginger and Black.
The intimate studio bar holds around 80 people seated and this is where you can catch jazz acts such as the Stan Tracey Trio, the Chris Biscoe/​Tony Kofi Quartet and the Dick Pearce Quartet.
The largest auditorium holds 500 people and features club nights (‘Gulity Pleasures’ coming soon) and live entertainment from established acts. Duffy played here last year and this month sees a visit from and Stornoway and Beth Jeans Houghton.
Next month, live theatre makes a welcome return to Komedia in the shape of the award-​winning two-​hander ‘Meeting Joe Strummer’.
There are bars on all floors of Komedia.

This is one of the best comedy venues in the South and possibly the UK, Krater comedy club on a Friday and Sunday is especially good for a laugh. With a collection of the latest comedy talent hosted in the basement room of the building, it’s a lovely mess hall styled space. Although beers here are quite expensive, food is also available and quite reasonably priced. As with most comedy shows, save yourself some embarrassment and avoid the front row seating.

Primarily a comedy venue (as the name suggests!), occasionally a club venue, Komedia is a great place to find something different to do.
The black frontage and huge lighted sign at the front immediately make the passing observer want to see what’s inside.
The Krater comedy club is the main attraction. The formula is to put on four different comics, plus a compere, and this rarely fails. Most of the comedians are lesser known but stil very talented, and there always seems to be a mix of styles to keep the audience’s interest. The comperes are often the best of the lot though!
Prices vary depending on the night you go — with Friday and Saturday more expensive than the quieter Sunday nights, although most performances do sell out in advance. As well as a full bar they also have a food menu, so if you want to make a night of it, all the ingredients are here…

Well, everyone has said all that needs to be said about this amazing arts centre and music venue… so I though I would write a little about the café bar. Not only is the venue excellent, but the café serves Red Roaster coffee… could it get any better. Actually the inside space could do with some softening– it seems a little dark and stark but that may just be in contrast to the huge space of sun lit tables out front. The coffee is great, the carrot cake is great and the people who hang out here read, write on their laptops and chat about all things creative and inspirational… I may be embellishing but I like the feeling of supporting this place– even with a just a few pounds for coffee.

Ever wanted to go to a club night where they play nothing but girl groups and girl singers? A night where the DJs spin everyone from The Supremes, The Ronettes and The Shangri-​Las to Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse? Sounds great, doesn’t it?
That night is called Da Doo Ron Ron and it takes place once a month at Brighton’s coolest arts centre /​gig venue /​club — Komedia. There’s cute girls in cute dresses, handsome boys in cool threads and it’s only £4 -£5 to get in. The doors open at 11pm and you’re kicked out at 3am. You can check the website for the next date.
I’ll save you a space on the dancefloor…

Probably the best live venue in Brighton.
There is a smaller downstairs venue and a large room upstairs. I’ve seen shows in both places and always enjoyed it. The sound is great and though it is usually busy it never gets to the point of being shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of sweaty people.

From its origins as a comedy venue, Komedia has expanded both its space and reportoire to become Brighton’s main live entertainment establishment, with over 700 performances a year from an award-​winning range of stand-​up comedy, music, caberet and theatre, as well as an active children’s programme.
The Komedia is a little scruffy around the edges, but that’s Brighton for you. The building has two performance venues, an independently-​run café bar and foyer bar (and feels much larger inside than its modest façade implies). They also provide food during some performances with a caberet-​style setting. But it’s the entertainment you come here for, not the surroundings. The staff seem friendly enough, although not always fantastically efficient — on-​line booking isn’t always available, for example.
Arrive with plenty of time for comedy performances, as the best seating gets taken early on. (You can always have a drink while you wait.) If, like me, you have a large, illuminated, ‘pick on me’ sign on your head which only the performer can see, you’ll need to tuck yourself away somewhere inconspicuous…