The West End Comedy Club has shut down after holding its final show on Thursday, 19 December, 2024. Its venue, the Covent Garden Social Club, has closed due to the landlord's plans to redevelop the site.

Based at the venue next to Leicester Square, The West End Comedy Club was founded as Covid restrictions lifted in August 2021 as a mid-sized, mid-week comedy club hosting a mix of mixed-bill pro shows, Edinburgh Fringe previews, and alternative and themed nights 4-5 times a week.

The club was born out of frustration with poor pay, lack of transparency and underrepresentation of women and minority groups in the industry.

Comedy Producer Liam Pape commented: "A huge thank you to everyone who’s supported us over the past three and a half years! When we launched in July 2021, we set out to tackle some of the comedy circuit’s biggest challenges in central London—like pay transparency and progression—and we’re proud to say those values have been at our core since day one.

"It’s been an absolute joy bringing audiences incredible nights like our monthly Alternative Comedy Night, showcasing fresh talent with Comedy Youngers, hosting Edinburgh Fringe previews, and being part of the Camden Fringe.

"A special shoutout to the amazing West End Comedy Club team, past and present: Joy, Maddie, Nayonica, Laura, and Megan — you’ve been the heart and soul of this journey. A huge thank you to the Covent Garden Social Club too for being such a fantastic home.

"To everyone who’s cheered us on — audiences, comedians, agents, producers — thank you for supporting a new, independent comedy venue."

In June 2023, the club launched a £500 bursary aimed at working class comedians debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe. Alexandra Haddow won the grant and four other finalists who performed in the showcase received £100 each.

The club has hosted the likes of Romesh Ranganathan, Rich Hall, Maisie Adam, Harry Hill, Zoe Lyons, Ria Lina, Nick Helm, Munya Chawawa, Jamali Maddix, Lloyd Griffith, Sam Campbell and Jessica Fostekew.