The London Comedy Tour
Probably London’s Funniest Tour!
Guided by a comedian, this is a unique walk through London's vibrant Soho and West End as you are taken on a fun and laughter-filled journey through the history of comedy and its many genres and performers.
You will see venues such as The London Palladium, The Hippodrome as well as modern-day comedy clubs. You will be regaled by stories about, and jokes of, the many world-famous comedians that have performed there.
"If I was still alive and in London, I would absolutely love this Tour. Toodle Pip." Robin Williams.
"It’s true that Monty Python used to plan our films in Neals Yard. However, we cannot endorse The London Comedy Tour in any way and will sue if anyone says anything funny at all." Michael Palin.
"For the last time, I am not one of the Marx Brothers. I am the Father of Marxism." Karl Marx.
Book you place at one of our upcoming London Comedy Tours!
We have plenty of dates available for you to pick from and would love to see you there. We know you will love it!
Why choose us?
The Tour is the brainchild of JJ Hazan, who is an experienced Comic, both on-line and live. He has teamed up with the expert London Premier Walking Tours (http://www.londonpremierwalkingtours.co.uk/) to ensure the best possible experience for all. This combination is just like Morecombe & Wise or Laurel & Hardy but not nearly as funny. See - self-deprecating humour already!
Many famous comedy performers and writers are covered: such as Bob Hope, Mr Bean, Joe Lycett, Ken Dodd, Jimmy Carr, Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Peter Cook, Ricky Gervais, Joan Rivers, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and even William Shakespeare.
Whether it's Slapstick, Music Hall, Observational, Satirical, Alternative, TV Sitcom or Stand Up comedy that makes you laugh, there is sure to be something that tickles your fancy.
Your expert guide will also run a Comedy Quiz, plus a chance, if you wish, for you to tell your own joke at the end of the tour. There may even be a prize or 2!
What's included in the Comedy Tour?
A 2 hour walk through the history of comedy, covering its many genres
Guided by a stand-up comedian who will impart their knowledge of comedy and make you laugh and learn at the same time
Learn about many genres of comedy and ‘meet ‘ many great comedic performers and writers who have performed in London
See famous historical and current comedy sites, plus statues and commemorative plaques of comedy performers
What happens on the day?
On the day of your tour, you will meet your Comedy Tour Guide outside Oxford Circus underground station in Argyll Street. You’ll be able to spot them by the London Comedy Tour sign that they’ll be holding – and then set out on your tour which lasts approximately 2 hours.
As you move through Argyll Street, Carnaby Street, Soho and Leicester Square you’ll learn all about the history of comedy and its many genres whilst being entertained by your comedian host. The tour finishes in Leicester Square, close to Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus Embankment and Charing Cross stations.
Availability
This experience launches on Saturday March 5th 2023 from 3 pm until 5 pm and takes place on selected Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout 2023.
We recommend you book at least one week in advance to ensure that dates are available.
Some dates will be available at short notice. Booking is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-london-comedy-tour-tickets-551744882797
Please allow approximately 2 hours for the whole experience. Above all, Bring a Smile!
The best thing about London Comedy is we love to laugh at ourselves!
Embarrassing moments, awkward encounters and clumsiness are all considered funny.
In London (and then UK) you can’t take yourself too seriously. We love to laugh at our own flaws and make light of our failures. It’s this self-deprecating humour that makes us seem more approachable, humble and relatable.
Participant guidelines
Minimum age: 12 (under 16s need to be accompanied by a paying adult, parent or guardian) The tour is unfortunately not suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
The experience content may vary from tour to tour.
Book you place at one of our upcoming London Comedy Tours!
We have plenty of dates available for you to pick from and would love to see you there. We know you will love it!
You’ll get more than just a laugh!
There's whole city to explore!
With so many sites and attractions to pass as we make our way through the tour, there will be plenty of London’s eye-catching scenery to see on the tour too. So whilst filling your boots with plenty of laughter, don’t forget to take out your phones and take pictures of your friends and family members in front of some amazing picturesque backgrounds.
If you want more information or to discuss a group booking, please email us at Info@londoncomedytour.com
Why did we decide to launch London’s History of Comedy Walk & Tour?
Basically, because there isn't one (!) and Soho offers such a rich history and depth of Comedy. We will also strive to make the Tour as interactive as possible and include you, the group (or audience!) as much as possible. WSell even hello you make your best joke funnier!
History of London comedy
British comedy has had its own query identity and charm for centuries. Shakespeare incorporated many chase scenes and beatings into his comedies, such as in his play The Comedy of Errors.
The quarrelsome couple Punch and Judy made their first recorded appearance in Britain in 1662, when Samuel Pepys noted a “pretty” puppet play being performed in Covent Garden, London. The various episodes of Punch and Judy are performed in the spirit of outrageous comedy — often provoking shocked laughter — and are dominated by the anarchic clowning of Mr. Punch.
In early 19th century England, pantomime acquired its present form, which includes slapstick comedy and featured the first mainstream clown - Joseph Grimaldi.
Comedians who honed their skills at pantomime and music halls across London include Bob Hope, Mr Bean, Joe Lycett, Ken Dodd, Jimmy Carr, Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Peter Cook, Charlie Chaplin, Ricky Gervais, Joan Rivers, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and even William Shakespeare.
The UK is primarily known for satire and has had many fine examples on both TV and stage. From the 1960’s to Spitting Image and modern day comics, satire is used to criticise those in power, especially Governments and Fat cats. Freedom of speech is used to an extreme within Comedy and in dark times, may be the only form of protest that actually has any effect.
Interestingly, in Poland, the saying "British humour" means "not funny." But us Brits are proud of our humour. Its unique mixture of surrealism, satire and just plain silliness is one of things that define the British character.
Most cities have a particular sense of humour, finding some things much funnier than their neighbours and that is certainly the case with London. We love a sense of irony and enjoyment of sarcasm – often known as ‘banter’ and is a common and often hard-to-interpret trait.
With London having their own unique stamp on comedy that is simply hilarious, and with us being the only London Comedy Tour in town, surely that makes us London’s Funniest Tour!
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