Where to watch comedy on New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is near, but if you don't have anything sorted out yet, don't panic. At this stage it's all about damage limitation. You could end up gatecrashing someone's party and losing the plot (like the poor chap pictured), having your photo posted on the internet and it becoming the top search item for the word "loser".

Maybe head to some comedy instead. Stay out of trouble. Below are London is Funny's recommended NYE gigs, but before that, a few preparatory notes:

• Be prepared to spend £25 minimum, some places charge £60+ but it doesn't necessarily mean the line-up will be much better.

• Don't get too excited about any promised "buffet". They are often best approached like a rickety rollercoaster ride – tentatively and with a handful of stomach-settlers.

• Stick to what you like. If you enjoy Leicester Square on big nights like this, then go for your life; if not, don't even think about it. There is the rest of the year for trying out new experiences and new clubs, but for NYE, best off sticking to your best mates and a venue you know you'll dig.


So without further ado:

• If you don't wanna get too ripped off
The best 'bargains' comes in the 'burbs, where Headliners in Chiswick (Jarred Christmas, Jim Tavare), the Comedy Carnival in Clapham (Andrew Lawrence, Ian Moore) and the two Comedy Trees (Wimbledon and Putney, Scott Capurro and Imran Yusuf perform at both) have good line-ups, late opening and are about £30 each.

• If money is no object
The Comedy Store has an absolute belter of a line-up including Glenn Wool, Craig Campbell and Doc Brown and costs £70. Also, Wam Bam Club will provide a little glamour with its cabaret/burlesque/comedy night that includes improv party starters Abandoman.

• If you want central, but not too rowdy
Soho Comedy Club is a friendly gaff with a solid line-up and is open till 5am, and costs £30. It's in a pub so there may not be a dancefloor (not an official one anyway). Also try the Chuckle Club at the Albany with Patrick Monahan and Simon Munnery also for £30.

• If you want central and rowdy
Well you're probably on the wrong website to be honest, but anyway try Highlight Comedy Club in Camden and the two Big Night Out clubs in Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Note that most NYE comedy gigs are fairly rowdy, really.

• If you just want the best line-up
Aside from the Comedy Store, try 99 Club Islington (Nick Doody, Matt Green, Patrick Monahan, Sol Bernstein) the Amused Moose Soho (Ben Norris, Gareth Richards and Hal Cruttenden), or Covent Garden Comedy Club (Cruttenden, Craig Campbell and Rob Deering).

For full comedy listings for NYE, visit www.londonisfunny.com.

Good luck all, and have a very happy new year.

Paul
Editor, London is Funny