Intimate club aims to offer gigs six nights a week

Sheffield has got its first full-time comedy venue.

The intimate Steel City Comedy Club – which seats just 38 people – has just opened, with the aim of offering comedy six nights a week.

It is beneath the new the newly opened city centre cocktail bar The Beaten Track, near to the Cathedral, and is the brainchild of Paul Wrench, landlord of the nearby Three Tuns pub.

He said: ‘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’ – but he added: ‘There was a need to have a dedicated space…  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.’

Comedian Vix Leyton, above. 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 open mic circuit. Comedy is a great value night out.’

The venue, which has a proper sound and lighting rig and recording capabilities, will start by offering comedy three or four nights a week. Its first full week of events kicks off tomorrow with musical comedian Friz Frizzle followed by an alternative comedy showcase on Thursday and a mixed bill on Friday. 

Rich Wilson becomes the first pro comedian to bring his hour to the venue on Saturday, perfuming his show The Train, The Story and The Bump at 5pm  before going on to perform at the well-established The Last Laugh club at Sheffield City Hall. 

Published: 22 Oct 2024