The Steel City Comedy Club, Sheffield's only full-time comedy venue, has launched. Located beneath the newly reopened Wig and Pen cocktail bar on Campo Lane in the town centre, the venture promises to be a great addition to Sheffield’s nightlife for both seasoned comedy fans and those new to the scene as well as a grassroots hub for local acts to progress.
The creation of Paul Wrench, the licensee of the Three Tuns Pub, just across Paradise Square, Steel City Comedy Club was born out of a passion for nurturing local talent and a desire to give Sheffield’s comedy scene a permanent home. Paul shares his vision for the club:
“I’ve been involved in the local comedy scene for a number of years and more recently I’ve had the opportunity to develop new comedy nights and ideas at the Three Tuns, I felt there was a need to have a dedicated space. There is still plenty of room on the Sheffield scene for comedy in the pub, but this space provides the best of both worlds with a great bar just a staircase away from a dedicated venue.”
“Steel City Comedy held its first comedy competition in the summer won by the popular Sheffield comedian Stan Skinny and we’re thrilled to now be in a position to develop it further. The club is the next step, offering a space where comedy can truly thrive. We hope it’ll become a key step on the ladder for newer local comics as well as a great spot for established acts looking for the perfect work in progress room.”
The club is an intimate space with seating for up to 38 people, or 25-30 in a more casual cabaret style. Fully equipped with stage, sound, lighting, and recording capabilities, along with a separate "green room" for performers.
Steel City Comedy Club will host a wide variety of events, from free stand-up comedy training sessions and open mic nights to ticketed performances featuring local and national talent. The emphasis will be on nurturing Sheffield’s vibrant comedy scene while also bringing in fresh acts and ideas from across the country.
Vix Leyton, comedian and podcaster who moved to Sheffield last year, said: “Paul has a great vision for Steel City to support an already vibrant circuit. There is a lot to be excited about in Sheffield at the moment in terms of talent coming up the ranks, and stage time is essential to creating future stars. Having a dedicated space where audiences can find comedy on a weekly basis will hopefully tempt more people to give stand up outside of the big arenas a try and hopefully that will then extend into the vibrant open mic circuit. Comedy is a great value night out.”
Steel City Comedy Club will be available six nights a week, with events initially planned for 3-4 nights weekly. The venue also welcomes promoters and groups interested in using the space for comedy-related activities and shows, ensuring there’s always something happening for fans of every comedy style.
The first full week of events starts with Edinburgh smash musical comedian Friz Frizzle & Friends on Wednesday 23rd October. On 24th, We Digress takes the space for a free entry alternative comedy show. Gag N Bone Man kicks off the weekend with Friday Night Live, a handpicked pro night before award winning Rich Wilson becomes the first pro comedian to bring his hour ‘The Train, The Story and The Bump’ to Steel City Comedy Club at a 5pm early show before going on to The Last Laugh at Sheffield City Hall.
More info here: www.steelcitycomedy.co.uk
