If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed or get FREE updates by e-mail. You can find over 800 events each month on our event calendar
Larry the Cable Guy. George Carlin (bless his recently dead soul). Lenny Bruce. Chris Rock. Andy Kaufman. Jeff Foxworthy. Names most people would recognize.
Somewhere deep in the psyche of the human brain is the desire to laugh, guffaw, snicker, smirk, howl, or point at some crazy guy or gal standing on stage with the express purpose of making us do just that – laugh. It seems kind of odd to pay to for it when you could just as easily go down to the local Department of Motor Vehicle License office or hospital emergency room and get it for free. Now THAT is some funny stuff.
Oh well, some things I’ll never understand.
But Philadelphia is a fun town if you know where to look, and that’s the mission for today: telling you where to go look when you feel the sudden or lingering urge to pay to laugh at someone. Here we go, people, with your comedy guide of things to do in Philadelphia when you absolutely, positively need to bust a gut.
ComedySportz (Playground, The 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia)
It’s the fastest, funniest form of comedy to ever stand on two feet! Two teams of what they call “act-letes” vie for points in a hilarious competition by playing a series of improvisational theatre games. A referee paces the stage, calling fouls and keeping the pace moving at breakneck speed. If you’re in the audience, be careful, you might wind up on stage. If you’re not in the audience, what the hell are you doing missing a great show like this. Since it’s improv, you never see the same thing twice. If you liked Drew Carey’s Whose Line Is It Anyway, I bet a washtub full of possums you’ll like ComedySportz.
Lunch Lady Doris (The Shubin Theater, 407 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia)
Founded in 1996, Lunch Lady Doris is Philadelphia’s premier long form improvisation company. Developed out of a dis-satisfaction with the short skit, actor/director/writer/teacher Del Close instead began to write long, improvised theatre pieces that draw on the genetics of the human brain to forge a “group mind” among the players and between the players and audience. Del believed the best comedy comes from truth and, truthfully, you’ll have an awful good time if you spend an evening with Doris.
Helium Comedy (2031 Sansom Street, Philadelphia)
From improv we move to the tried and true comedy staple, stand up! Helium is a stand up comedy club that offers a three-act comedy show Wednesday through Saturday. The show lasts about an hour and forty minutes and includes an opener, feature, and headliner with national tv credits. This state of the art venue houses a 240 seat tiered theater, with no seat being more than 60 feet from the stage. Feel free to scarf down any number of high quality appetizers and mouth-watering desserts while you’re there.
Comedy Cabaret (11580 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia)
For twenty-eight years Comedy Cabaret has been providing some of the biggest names in comedy. Maybe you’ve heard of a few of them: Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin James, and Ray Romano. We could name more but there’s no need – you already see they bring the top line talent to town for you. Get this, they’ve even got a Humor Workshop and Comedy Class in case you were born with an underdeveloped funny bone. This class offers a first hand look inside the world of pro stand up comedy. It ain’t as easy as it looks! To register, send a blank, signed check to Comedy Cabaret. Just kidding! Don’t do that. What are you, a moron? Check out the website instead.
Laffhouse (221 South Street, Philadelphia, PA)
The Laffhouse is Philadelphia’s “Original Comedy Club”, and is one of the top live entertainment venues in the city, featuring the funniest comedians from all over the nation. No drink minimum, no dress code, though they do encourage the men in the audience to exercise good judgment when choosing their dresses. They don’t allow no smokin’ and you must be 18 (and prove it) to get in. If you enjoy public humiliation, our weekly open mic night is Wednesday. Sign up and get 5 to 7 minutes of sheer hell.
Chuckles Comedy (Two location at 827 Trooper Road, Audubon, PA, and 107 West Ridge Pike, Conshohocken, PA)
The best professional comedy shows in Philadelphia every weekend. Chuckles headliners have been seen on Fox-TV, Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime, A&E, Letterman, The Tonight Show, MTV, and VH-1. Enjoy the smoke-free environment and laugh until your gums bleed.
Philly Improv Theater (4203 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA)
The Philly Improv Theater is a non-profit company that embraces the art of creating and producing improv, sketch, and alternate comedy shows in the grand tradition of Chicago’s Second City and New York’s Upright Citizen’s Brigade. In support of their unique philosophy, PHIT offers a full curriculum of classes for all levels taught by local talent and masters as well. If you’re funny or intend to get that way, check it out.
Rare Bird Show (various locations)
Taking one audience suggestion, this long form Philadelphia improv group creates a completely improvised half-hour of comedy scenes. Since getting their start in 2003, Rare Bird show has kept the pedal to the metal with shows all over Philly and at various colleges. When not prancing around stage for laughs, they teach classes at the Philly Improv Theater.
There. That ought to keep your funny bone exercised for a good long while. Try any or all of these funny places in Philadelphia and don’t forget to laugh. That’s what you paid for, isn’t it?
Related Post