Entertainment in London is ever popular, especially with the growing trend for Comedy Clubs. As the credit- crunch hit, the number of people spending their evenings and cash in nightclubs and bars declined, however London’s comedy clubs saw more people attracted to their evenings of fun and frolics.

It seems that city workers, models, tourists and just about everybody living and visiting London are heading to the city’s comedy clubs to discover why laughter really is the best medicine.

I caught up with comedian Joel Dommett to chat about the laughs, the life and the leads of the comedy circuit.

Hi Joel, how did you first start in comedy?

I was living in LA and I kinda hated it, so I just went to see comedy every night and decided to try it myself. Then when I returned to London I started gigging every night!

How do you find your material for your work?

All over the place really. Sometimes its things that happen to you or things you see happening to others, or sometimes things people say in conversation. I write them all down then go to a local club and see if people laugh. If not I throw it away but if they do I make it bigger and better until I am a happy comedian.

Who are your comedy heroes?

An Irish comedian called Jason Byrne is one of my favourites and, I love Eddie Izzard and Frank Skinner. In terms of slightly newer faces in America, I love Kyle Cease and Daniel Tosh.

Why do you think that comedy clubs are increasingly popular?

It was amazing in London during the credit crunch; everything was falling apart around us with the exception of the comedy scene. It really flourished. It really showed that the more miserable people were becoming they just wanted to have a fun night out and have a laugh (to forget that they will probably not have a job in the morning and their wife is leaving them for another man). It is generally a cheap night out in London compared a West End play and you get to feel a little more involved.

What should I expect from a Comedy Night?

It depends on the venue and the comedians! At a good one you can expect laughter; although bad ones can be quite fun to watch too. Sometimes the weirdest comedy club above a pub can be so much better then a big club like the Comedy Store because it’s more intimate and you feel like you have been part of the evenings entertainment-instead of just a spectator.

Which are the best comedy clubs in London and why?

I love the ‘Comedy Café’ and ‘Up the Creek’. They are both good sized venues and you get a real mix of people in the audience who not too rough but rowdy enough to to play with!

What’s next for you, Joel?

I gig every night in and around London. I honestly love it and if I can carry on doing that then I will be a happy man. I have some TV stuff coming out this year too but its all pretty boring compared to talking to a bunch of people you have never met before about nakedness. ~

After an evening of uncontrollable laughter at the buzzing Comedy Cafe, I know why these nights have become so popular. So ditch that night club and have a laugh- its good for facial toning too!

Joel Dommett is a British comedian working in London. He has recently been announced as a new cast member on Channel 4’s popular comedy drama Skins. Follow Joel on Twitter @joeldommett

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: KATY

Katy is a commercial model and writer living in London, UK. She is a University of London graduate, now furthering her journalism career. Like every 20-something, Katy loves fashion and beauty, and her guilty pleasure is rock music (played loud!). Katy is also an official presenter of the Miss England competition. As a modern vegetarian, she enjoys living an ethical lifestyle whilst remaining fashion-forward. More…