Brighton’s beloved Komedia venue marks its 30th anniversary this May, tracing its journey from a modest spot on Manchester Street to its current iconic location on Gardner Street in the North Laine.
A Look Back at Komedia’s Journey
Since its inception in 1994, Komedia has navigated the challenges of an evolving entertainment landscape, emerging as a stalwart in Brighton’s cultural scene. Over the years, the venue has earned 25 prestigious Chortle awards, a testament to its commitment to excellence.
To commemorate its three-decade milestone, Komedia has planned an array of special events from May 4th to May 12th. Additionally, the venue will launch exclusive merchandise featuring custom illustrations by a local artist.
A Brief History of Komedia
Founded by a team of visionary directors, Komedia drew inspiration from European cabaret theatres, aiming to provide a unique platform for emerging talent. From its humble beginnings, Komedia soon flourished, hosting renowned performers from various artistic disciplines.
In 1998, Komedia relocated to a new venue, where the Krater Comedy Club was established. The large venue quickly became a well-known starting point for comedians who later went on to became large figures in the comedy industry.
Small Venues Bring Big Comedians
Komedia has hosted a stellar lineup of comedians, including Michael McIntyre, Johnny Vegas, Lee Mack, and Stewart Lee. From Catherine Tate to Alan Carr, Jimmy Carr to Eddie Izzard, the venue has showcased top talent like Flight of the Conchords, Ross Noble, and Bridget Christie.
With Sarah Millican, Zoe Lyons, and Jack Whitehall also gracing its stage, Komedia remains a hub for comedy excellence. Other notable acts include the Mighty Boosh, Dave Gorman, and Micky Flanagan, alongside Angela Barnes, Maisie Adam, and Rob Delaney, each leaving an indelible mark on the venue’s comedic legacy.
Through Adversity
In 2012, the upstairs performance space became difficult to sustain for owners because of the arts funding cuts, and thus they had to give-up the space to Duke of York’s Picturehouse, converting it into a two screen cinema/cafe/bar that operates independently from Komedia.
That’s not the only thing they had to give up but this time it’s a bit more wholesome, In 2017 they decided to surrender their second venue in Beau Nash Cinema in Bath to the local community, which became one of the first community owned venues in the entire country. This led to Komedia Bath becoming the Community Benefit Society.
In 2020, when COVID struck the venue closed and didn’t re-open until May 22, 2021. The virus aside, they had to go through three floods, moving the shows online, two new floors, and a few emergency funding bids.
Community Contributions
Komedia also dabbles in charity with ‘Komedia Productions’ and ‘Komedia Kids’. The goal? For a community to bring about a affordable and meaningful opportunities in arts.
Children, young people, and basically everyone even those outside Brighton have benefitted from this charity. They have made a name for themselves by promoting local artists and collaborating with other organizations for a wider reach with their shows, workshops, and events.
It has been an incredible journey these past 30 years. The venue we created in Brighton in May 1994 was inspired by European Café Theatre venues and was something entirely new for Brighton and the rest of the UK; and it is thanks to all the brilliant staff and performers who have worked and still work for us, that we remain an independent, self-supporting venue which offers a wide choice of live entertainment, good service and welcomes people of all ages and from all walks of life. We look forward to seeing Komedia develop and thrive in the future.
Komedia is hosting a full week of special programmes to commemorate their 30th birthday so check them out HERE! Before you take part in the festivities at Brighton you could warm your funny bones at London’s best venue, Big Belly Comedy Club! We’ve got great comedy shows lined-up for you every night so join in on the fun!
