Hot Water, Britain’s largest comedy club, debuts its impressive new 590-seat auditorium in Liverpool’s Blackstock Market, following a £7 million transformation of a disused warehouse. The grand opening drew over 2,000 attendees, treated to a night of comedy headlined by Paul Smith and an appearance by boxer Ricky Hatton.
Grand Is An Understatement
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The club’s expansive new space, now the second-largest comedy club venue globally, with a whopping 590-seater state of the art comedy auditorium, second only to Laugh Factory in California, that can house 650 seats.
That’s not the only thing that occupies the 60,000sq ft. venue as they also have a 50-seat studio space, podcast studios, a rooftop terrace, a bustling food market, a cocktail bar, parlour, a Prohibition era-style bar, theatre spaces, a literal big screen for sporting events, a self-service beer wall, and other various spaces for hire.
If somehow that isn’t enough, then they also have hidden walls, a breathtaking waterfall, and a gorgeous steel tree smack-dab in the middle of the main area.
Serving The Community
The enormous new venue would see to more or less 100 new staff all from the local area. Employment aside, they also strive to highlight some of Liverpool’s local commodities, like their local street food vendors, the self-service beer wall showcasing local craft beers, and their menu of hot drinks are all sourced locally.
The entire area also supports high-speed Wi-Fi, along with free on-street parking and free live music daily. Oh, and to really cement themselves as a pillar of the city’s entertainment and cultural scene, they are entirely dog-friendly! They are also ready to support events such as weddings, corporate events, art exhibits, and even music fests.
As a community hub of Liverpool, Blackstock Market is designed to be an inclusive space for everyone, and doesn’t need a ticket for entry into the main hall, allowing everyone in the area to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Beating Covid-19 Restrictions
Blackstock Market came to fruition because of the two brothers who run Hot Water Comedy Club, Paul and Binty Blair. Who were initially looking for a smaller venue when they were scouting for a new base to settle in, that could maybe house a comedy venue and maybe a restaurant.
However, Covid-19 restrictions were enforced which sparked a more ambitious idea between the two. Basically if they were asked to accommodate only half of their max occupancy, a bigger venue means a bigger half.
They stumbled into a 60,000 sqft disused warehouse and then sprung into action. It wasn’t easy though as the building was previously an MOT garage and a glass bottle making factory, so almost everything about it needed to be remade.
More Space More Options
We wanted a way to naturally complement what we already do rather than trying to crowbar the comedy club into the market, so we had plenty of space for the comedy element, the food, live music, a whisky bar, cocktail bar, and rooftop terrace.
The space for the comedy element is certainly no joke, as their dedicated four theatre spaces could have varying seating capacities ranging from a whopping 600 to just 50 people, giving them lots of flexibility to accommodate comedy tours alongside their own regular programming.
At their old venue, they only had a 224-seater main room and a 70-seater studio so they had trouble accommodating some shows but now the space allows them to run 4 shows simultaneously. Plus, they weren’t able to capitalize on any pre or post-show customers before – when a show finished customers used to go out into the street, so they wanted something more exciting.
Doors Open For Liverpool
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Paul Blair expressed delight at the venue’s opening, remarking on the overwhelming response from attendees – the food market was busy and the comedians who were set to perform absolutely loved the place!
April promises a diverse array of comedic talent at the venue, including Tony Carroll, Rory O’Hanlon, Paul Tonkinson, Jamie Hutchinson, and Keith Farnan. Additionally, special ‘audience with’ sessions will feature football legend John Barnes and renowned comedians Paul Smith and Stan Boardman.
They also hinted with more shows with special guests who are yet to be announced for Hot Water Comedy Club’s 14th birthday this Sunday, April 14 so stay tuned! Blackstock Market opens it’s doors every day and night with live music going towards the evening. Blackstock Market itself is free to enter but tickets are required to visit Hot Water Comedy Club inside.
With all the amazing things Blackstock Market has to offer Blair brothers are still looking forward to more ideas to do with the venue! Liverpool isn’t the only place you’ll get to scratch that comedy and entertainment itch, because here at Big Belly Comedy Club, we take our title as one of the best comedy clubs in London seriously, so we’ve got a bunch of amazing food and drinks, hilarious comedy shows, and award-winning comedians ready 7 nights a week so come on down!
