As part of their mission to become the ‘digital home of live comedy’, NextUp have been utilising an Innovate UK Grant to work on live streaming , interactive features and live captioning so that shows from all of the best clubs in the UK can be available live. 

Mark Watson, a huge advocate for online comedy and the access it provides, will be hosting a monthly  ‘Impatient at Monkey Barrel’ night, a riotous selection of local and imported talent in one of Edinburgh’s favourite venues; a night where audiences can expect surprises both in the room and on the live stream. The first stream, on the 27th February will feature Mark Watson (MC), Jin Hao Li, William Stone, Lauren Pattison and a ‘special guest’ - yet to be announced!

Iain Campbell at Monkey Barrel says “Monkey Barrel Comedy is beyond delighted to be working with some of the most entertaining and vibrant characters in the comedy community to bring our shows to a broader audience. Online streaming brings performances out of comedy clubs and into the homes of those who might not be able to attend otherwise. Accessibility is at the heart of the Monkey Barrel ethos and online streaming is a fundamental part of that journey. We are excited to be doing this show with Impatient Productions and Mark Watson and can’t wait to see what these innovative events will bring to the circuit and beyond.”

Angel Comedy (an award winning London venue run by comedians) will be streaming their ‘Angel Comedy Thursdays’, a fortnightly mixed bill night featuring circuit comedians about to break big. 

Barry Ferns, one of the founding comics at Angel says “Angel Comedy is just a perfectly small room, in a perfectly small venue, and while only about 100 people can fit into every show, we love the idea of working with NextUp to find a way to to let everyone enjoy the shows that only performances in small intimate venues can create.”

Backyard,  the largest purpose built comedy club in London are streaming their infamous monthly  ‘Comedy Knockout’.  Daniel Dearlove who runs the club says ‘Live-streaming The Comedy Knockout helps showcase a dozen of the best newer acts to a much wider audience with this entertaining quick fire competition show.’

NextUp will be onboarding 10 venues as part of this project, as well as testing an interactivity module which allows viewers at home to interact with the comedian live in the venue. 

Tom Brandt, NextUp’s Head of Content says “We want our members to be able to watch the amazing shows the UK circuit has to offer and enjoy the ‘live experience’ regardless of ticket availability, location, price and venue accessibility.  We  also want acts and venues to be able to share their work with a global audience of comedy fans, helping them grow their fanbase and increase their income. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, streaming the Edinburgh Fringe etc., but there’s a way to go - particularly with the development of interactivity tech and live captioning. We’re delighted to be announcing these first three venues and can’t wait to hear what the fans have to say as we move through the project.”

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