Could comedy work without booze?

Live comedy usually goes hand-in-hand with drinking – but one new club is challenging that by going booze-free.

A new non-alcoholic pop-up bar, Redemption, is hosting weekly ‘dry’ comedy nights starting this weekend. And the health kick even extends to food, with the traditional ‘chicken-in-a-basked’ of rowdier clubs replaced with ‘plant-based, “high-raw” food perfect for vegans.’

The club’s compere, Rob Thomas, said: ‘Acts have been falling over themselves – albeit soberly! – to take on the challenge.’

Redemption’s new bar is in Holborn, Central London, following earlier pop-ups in Hackney and Notting Hill. The gigs start this Sunday and will feature newer acts such as Tommy Rowson, Jenny Collier, Matt Rees and Tez Ilyas.

Redemption founder Catherine Salway, a former Virgin brand director, said: ‘These acts really prove that you can have a night off without having a night in.’

But not drinking doesn’t come cheap – admission to the club is £25, including a meal.

Published: 14 Jan 2015