Two Bristolian comedians have joined forces to launch a new stand-up venue in the city, which they claim will ‘take comedy to a new level’.
The Bristol Comedy Den has already hosted a number of sold out shows since opening two months ago – and Greg Winfield and Burt Williamson are now starting to put on additional shows due to high demand.
To start with the venue only hosted events on Wednesday nights, but from this week there will also be two shows every Friday for stand-up fans to enjoy.
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The comedy duo hope that by staging weekly shows at an independent venue, they will be able to build a dedicated audience that appreciates the art of comedy in its essence.
Comedian and co-creator of Bristol Comedy Den, Greg Winfield, said: “Bristol’s got a thriving and accessible comedy scene and it’s in need of regular, weekly sessions of comedy stand-up because I believe we have the best comedy scene in the country at the moment, even with the upcoming talent here.
“The quality of gigs is really high and the quality of acts is really high. That’s why we were looking for something that can bring in the top-quality pros even from outside Bristol while giving an opportunity for those in Bristol too.”
As well as giving people a chance to appreciate the finest up-and-coming and established comedians on the circuit, the Bristol Comedy Den also allows punters to order takeaway food to the venue, washed down with cocktails and craft beers served upstairs.
“What we’ve gone for in terms of the atmosphere is a New York-style of comedy and the venue that we’ve got is a late night cocktail bar with a cellar room which reflects that New York aesthetic,” added Greg.
“It’s a tight squeeze and an intimate experience but it’s great. The comedy is in your face and it’s personal in a good way for both the performers and audience. It’s about as good as it gets.”
Despite the capacity of the venue being limited to 55, the Bristol Comedy Den aims to bring the best in British comedy to showcase a level of authenticity for viewers that’s never been seen before.
“We’re bringing top quality comedians to the city on a regular basis,” said Burt Williamson.
“Locals will be able to see in person highly rated comics like Helen Bauer who recently featured on ‘Live At The Apollo’ and Joe Sutherland, who’s a regular on the Comedy Central’s ‘Roast Battle’.”
(Image: The Bristol Comedy Den)
Greg added: “We’re so lucky to have attracted such an incredible line-up of comedians and big names that we were able to bring down and it reflects the standard of comedy in Bristol and the level of comedy in the UK.”
Other highly renowned comedians, from Chloe Petts to Bristol-based Stu Goldsmith, have also shown their enthusiastic support for the venue, labelling it a ‘terrific club’ that has a ‘really welcoming atmosphere’.
“The Bristol Comedy Den is the perfect intimate comedy venue; expertly hosted by Greg and Burt,” said Chloe Petts.
“The room was packed and I had an absolute hoot. The crowd were the perfect blend of comedy savvy and really up for it. And we were all spurred on by the amazing craft beers served upstairs.”
The stand-up club is located in the basement of the Sidney & Eden bar on Gloucester Road, with shows running every Wednesday night from 8pm to 10pm priced at £7.
From December 3, there will also be shows from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and then 10pm to midnight, with tickets costing £12.50 per show.
Tickets can be bought in advance at Headfirst Bristol.
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