Comedy & Magic in Bristol

Bristol is the breeding ground for many of the UK’s greatest comedians, from Stephen Merchant and Russell Howard to Mark Watson and Lee Evans. Therefore it should come as no surprise that there is a fantastic comedy scene here, where you can get the giggles most nights of the week.

From huge touring comedians appearing at Colston Hall, Bristol Hippodrome and Tobacco Factory Theatres, to our annual comedy festivals including the fantastic Bristol Comedy Garden, where big name comedians take part in an epic three or four day festival in the beautiful Georgian Queen Square. There’s also the Bristol Slapstick Comedy Festival, which celebrates silent and classic comedy and provides the largest assembly of living comic talent and the greatest comedy stars of the past.

There’s also comedy clubs and bars, which have regular nights for up and coming stand ups as well as the occasional secret gigs with bigger names. Just keep your ear to the ground to find out more.

As well as comedy, there is also an emerging magic scene with dedicated magic bars Illusions and Smoke and Mirrors, where you can go along and watch live magicians entertain from the comfort of your seat. After all, Derren Brown, the illusionist, mentalist and hypnotist started his early career in Bristol, proving, yet again, how much Bristol encourages new talent.

So go on, have a laugh, pull a rabbit out of the hat and visit Bristol.