UK-Gay Cabaret
On this page we are pleased to publish features, news and details of live entertainment venues which may be of particularly interest to LGBT+ live entertainment fans. This month we look at a London venue where something called Queer Comedy is being showcased and presented on a commercial basis.

When a venue is named The Queer Comedy Club, no-one can be left in any doubt exactly what is being presented. Along with many people of a certain age, I remember when the term ‘queer’ was used in a disparaging and discriminatory way against gay people. The term seems to have been reclaimed by the gay community in recent times.
Billed as Britain’s first LGBT+ Comedy Club, The Queer Comedy Club is situated close to Tufnell Park and Archway tube stations.
In the words, or at least similar to the words of the great Tom Robinson, you don’t have to be Gay (to attend this club) but it helps! This club markets itself in a way that Gay audiences are targeted but what they describe as ‘allies’ are more than welcome to attend and enjoy the diverse line-ups.
Patrons in this North London venue are offered bar and cocktail hospitality, although unfortunately there is no disabled access, due to venue being situated in a cellar.
Regarding the shows patrons can select from, there are nights such as The Queer Comedy Club Raw and The Not Totally Queer Comedy Night, as well as ‘work in progress’ kinds of gigs.
Some of the recent headliners have included Hannah Byczkowski, Spring Day, Priya Hall and Chris Hall, who I’m informed are all well-known to comedy club crowds.
Hopefully the organisers or management at The Queer Comedy Club may invite us along to one or more of their comedy events, so we can visit the venue ourselves?
In the meantime, I am pretty sure that all comedy fans who happen to be Gay will appreciate the existence of this type of venue. As for Gay performers, I am equally sure that by providing a platform for Gay comedy performers to work in a Gay and Gay friendly venue, the operators of The Queer Comedy Club are providing a great service to the entertainment industry.
MR




We are still on the lookout for those in and around the live entertainment scene who may be able to contribute articles for this page. If you require more information, just e-mail mark.ritchie@ukcabaret.com