6 Places to see English Stand-up Comedy in Paris – Updated 2022 (with more shows!)

January 15, 2015

Paris is a cultural capital crammed full of theaters, opera houses and performance spaces. The metro is constantly papered with advertisements for upcoming shows, including the popular genre of “le one-man show” (which actually means stand-up comedy). The one snag for a tourist? They’re all in French.

Oh no they’re not!

There is actually a vibrant scene of English-speaking comedy present in Paris, you just need to know where to look. Below, we’ve listed ou s̶i̶x̶ SEVEN favorite comedy evenings to make your trip to Paris a bit funnier. And new events are popping up all the time. For an up-to-date list make sure to check out the website Comedy in Paris.

Bonus; practically every English comedy show in Paris is free! Although drink purchases are expected, or une consommation as the French would say, most shows ask for donations at the end.

Coucou Comedy

Broadway Comedy Club | 25 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle Paris 75002

Located in central Paris, this weekly Thursday evening show is a great way to kick off an early weekend! With free entrance, great drink prices and food options, you can settle in for an hour of English-speaking comedy from some of the best comedians in Paris. International stand-ups pop in from time to time, so you never know who you could see! Be sure to reserve your free seats early and arrive a bit in advance as space is limited.

Comedy Lab

Au Chat Noir | 76 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011

With low ceilings and cheap drinks, Comedy Lab feels like a real local hangout. And word on the street is that it’s a personal favorite among the comics of Paris. Hosted by Luke Charles, the show takes place every Wednesday and Friday at 8pm. The tickets for this English stand-up comedy show are free but beware, almost every show sells out! So make sure to reserve your spot a few days in advance.

Green Mic Comedy

The Frog Revolution (upstairs) | 9 Rue de la Bastille, Paris 75004

Hosted by the Algerian duo, Tarik TK and Mehdi Walker, Green Mic Comedy is a two part show. The first half is an open mic where random names are drawn from a hat and the second half consists of featured acts with longer sets. The show takes place at the Frog Revolution in Bastille, Sundays at 7pm. Don’t forget to tell the bar that you came to watch the show – in return you get reduced prices on draft beer. And always, don’t forget to reserve your free tickets in advance, the show often sells out!

Unstable Comedy

Les Écuries (all the way in the back) | 8 Rue Bachaumont, Paris 75002

Taking place at Les Écuries where the basement is a former horse stable, Unstable Comedy is as funny as it is punny. Rebecca Anne and Elspeth Graty host and have a different lineup each show. Check their website for the upcoming dates from some of the best Anglophone comics around. This is a cozy spot for English stand-up comedy!

Blast-Off Comedy

Le Kibélé | 12 Rue de l’Échiquier, Paris 75010

Held in the downstairs theater of a Turkish restaurant near metro Strasbourg Saint-Denis, Blast Off Comedy is one of the more out there (pun intended) English stand-up comedy shows in Paris. Every show features a different cast of comedians and in between the acts, host Terrence Wong launches (another pun!) all sorts of comical scenarios including cringe-inducing scenes performed by the audience, free merch give-a-ways, and more. Check the Blast Off Comedy website for upcoming shows.

Mic in Progress

Comédie Café | 31 Rue Pierre Fontaine, Paris 75009

Held at the Comédie Café in Pigalle, this weekly stand-up open mic attracts all different levels of comics. It’s where you’ll see both fresh faces having a go as well as the professionals perfecting their pieces. You can reserve your free tickets on their website.

The New York Comedy Night

Barbes Comedy Club | 39 Rue Léon, 11 Rue d’Oran, 75018

Every Sunday at 8.30pm, stand-up pro Sebastian Marx hosts The New York Comedy Night with a selection of local and international comedians. The show takes place at the legendary Barbès Comedy Club and has even had Jerry Seinfeld as a guest! Book your tickets early for this show!

Bonus!

For those of you searching for a true, one-man show in Paris, look no further than Olivier Giraud:

How to Become Parisian in an Hour

Théâtre des Nouveautés | 24, Boulevard Poissonnière, 75009

One of the most successful comedy shows in English is actually performed by a Frenchman! Olivier Giraud is the face of the extremely popular How to Become Parisian in One Hour. The Théâtre des Nouveautés is a large space, but Olivier manages to keep his audience captivated, and all nationalities amused.

Ready for even more laughs? Learn how to Segway in Paris, and find yourself gliding effortlessly around some of the major sites and monuments the ‘City of Light’ – and laughter – has to offer!