Located slap bang in the middle of the NQ on Oldham Street, this is Creatures Comedy Club – an independent comedy venue where you can expect top flight comedy performances every single night of the week. This small‑team venture, led by comedian Evan Desmarais, delivers over 15 shows weekly, New York‑style, and is an inclusive, friendly space featuring a mix of international headliners, viral big hitters, TV favourites and fresh‑faced newcomers.
The club’s commitment to diversity shines through in their mixed bills, new‑act nights, and regular upcoming talent showcases, which spotlight comedians from the North West and beyond. Throw a proper bar and post‑show karaoke into the mix, and you’ve got a night that flows smoothly from punchlines to party vibes.
Evan, who both hosts and curates shows at the club (including an improvised comedy night), bills himself as Manchester’s ‘gap‑toothed Canadian comedian’ and you’ll find clips of his sets all over the club’s socials.
Since its inception, Creatures has welcomed a wide array of talent including Manchester’s own Mick Ferry, Radio 4’s Rachel Fairburn (hailed as ‘the rock’n’roll star of British comedy’) and Aussie storytelling star Allyson June Smith, who have all taken to the stage, often in intimate warm‑up sets before wider tours. Emerging voices like Tony Basnett and bold Canadian acts like Hassan Phills have also headlined, proof of Creatures’ dedication to variety and quality.
Typical nights start around 7:30 or 8:30 pm and flow through multiple sets, with late-night shows rolling until well past 11 pm on weekends – ideal for those chasing their last laugh of the night. Tickets begin at an incredibly reasonable fiver, with free seating to encourage spontaneity. Plus, front‑row fans might even get to skip the entry fee altogether.
Creatures is more than a venue, it’s a community hub. With its basement energy, rotating line-ups, and welcoming ethos, it offers something for every kind of audience: from hardcore comedy fans to those simply seeking a fun evening. Whether you’re after polished stand-up, quirky improv, or a full‑blown comedy festival (check out their annual summer Creatures Comedy Festival), this is the place to get it.
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