The best weekly comedy open mic nights in Shanghai
Photograph: courtesy Norah Yang
Shanghai's stand-up comedy scene is absolutely booming and has established itself as one of the best in Asia. Attracting heaps of international talent such as Russell Howard, Bill Bailey and Mark Normand and more recently the likes of Theo Von and Dean Edwards, performing in Shanghai is as popular with professional comics as ever.
As well as shows with the pros, there is also a hotbed of local amateur talent, plying their trade on a weekly basis at open mics all across the city.
Now, remember, open mics are free for a reason – you have no idea who is going to turn up, how good they are, or what they're going to say. You may see a comic at the top of their game or a complete novice bombing. You'll probably end up sitting through a lot of squat toilet and 'China is different to America, huh?' jokes, but, at the end of the day, you're going to get your money's worth.
Here are the best places to get laughs for free and watch local up-and-coming comics work on their acts and, if you're lucky, there might be the occasional bigger name dropping in.
The Shanghai Comedy Club
Photograph: Courtesy SCC
Tucked away inside Cages Bar & Sports, The Shanghai Comedy Club is a popular Shanghai stand-up venue, attracting international headliners (this year they've had Doug Stanhope) and putting on weekly showcases as well as free open mics. Follow 'ShanghaiComedyClub' on WeChat for more details.
When? Tuesdays at 9pm; Sundays at 8pm.
📍Shanghai Comedy Club, Third Floor, Jingan Sports Centre, 428 Jiangning Lu, near Wuding Lu.
Comedy UN
Photograph: courtesy Comedy UN
A relatively new club, putting on shows in English and Mandarin with the odd international headliner thrown in for good measure, Comedy UN's weekly English-language open mic is another popular spot for Shanghai's local comedic talent. Add WeChat ID 'comedyUN1' for details.
When? Wednesdays at 7.30pm.
📍Comedy UN, 549 Yanan Zhong Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu.
Kung Fu Komedy
Photograph: courtesy Kung Fu Komedy
Shanghai's staple comedy club Kung Fu Komedy hosts shows in both English and Mandarin, with two free weekly English-language open mics. Catch local comics such as Mohammed Magdi and Norah Yang as well as various cast members from Mamahuhu. Follow 'kungfukomedy' on WeChat for more info.
When? Wednesdays at 8.30pm; Sundays at 7pm.
📍Kung Fu Komedy, Fourth Floor, 1 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Julu Lu.
Monday Night Comedy
Photograph: Erica Switzer
A popular new open mic at Real Shanghai Bar & Cafe, see comedians ranging from China International Comedy Festival finalists to complete beginners working on their material in a fun environment. Follow 'RealShanghaiBar' on WeChat for more info.
When? Mondays at 8.30pm.
📍Real Shanghai, 429 Yanan Xi Lu, near Zhenning Lu.
RoadHouse Comedy Open Mic
Photograph: courtesy RoadHouse Comedy Open Mic
The new Thursday open mic at RoadHouse, run by Apriel Powell, offers food and drinks deals to help lighten the mood even more, including 30 percent off quesadillas and nachos during the show, as well as 25RMB house wine, house pours and Carlsberg draft.
When? Thursdays at 7.30pm.
📍RoadHouse, 1124-2 Beijing Xi Lu, near Shaanxi Bei Lu.
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