QYPE*

I’ve always had a great night in here. It’s dark, dingy and possibly in need of a little TLC, but this is the way that I think comedy clubs really should be; Humour from grass roots level in an unpretentious environment rather than a glitzy and swanky set up.

So all that aside…yes the layout is haphazard, and the stage not easily viewable from all parts of the club itself, but, I guess when you love the Stand, you learn to live with this.

It’s essential to arrive early. You’ve got no chance of getting a seat or a table otherwise, and you’ll be standing somewhere at the back, potentially seeing nothing. And if you’re wanting food, then you really need to be getting there early too before the performances start (but you’ve got a good couple of hours from door opening time anyway before anything begins). The food is cheap, hearty, hardly gourmet…but perfect snacking material whilst drinking and watching the show. Yes, the nachos ARE highly recommended. But don’t go thinking you can get through a plate of the 'Titanic’ nachos between just two people. We tried. Potentially, I think this is impossible, but feel free to report back and let me know otherwise (this could be the start of a new challenge!).

Just make sure you keep your conversations with your mates to pre-show and interval times however. You WILL be told off if you try chatting during the performance. Even if you think you’re being very subtle about it (ahem…although after a few drinks, maybe we weren’t as subtle as we thought we were being). But I guess this isn’t such a bad thing as at least it means you’re not going to get your night ruined by those annoying drunken folk sitting chattering and heckling away right behind you!

If you intend on being a regular…you can get yourself a discount card for about £12 a year. It doesn’t discount your entry over weekends, but makes it incredibly cheap to go along on week nights. Another top tip…if you go for the 'standing order’ option of payment, you get a free bottle of wine voucher. Which, when you consider a bottle of wine costs around £12 in there anyway, means you’re getting your card for free. Almost. Well, that’s my logic anyway!

I rather like the amateur night on a Monday. It’s about £1 to get in, and even when the acts are so horrendously bad…well, that can be equally as amusing too; laughing and cringing in equal doses!