The Rise of Baby-Friendly Comedy Clubs: Where Laughter Meets Cuteness Overload
A new breed of comedy clubs has taken Britain by storm, catering to an entirely different kind of audience – mothers with babies in tow. These "baby-friendly" comedy clubs are sprouting up across the UK, offering daytime shows where parents can bring their infants without fear of judgment or eviction.
The idea may sound unusual, but it's proved to be a goldmine for comedians and club owners alike. Bristol's Aftermirth gigs have become regular sellouts, with performers regularly coming off stage uncertain about how well they've been received by the mums in attendance.
"It's interesting to see big comics failing to capture the attention of distracted mothers," says Hatty Ashdown, founder of Screaming With Laughter. "New parents aren't looking for clever, enigmatic jokes with long pauses. To get them, you've got to be totally funny bones and high energy."
For many comedians, performing at these baby-friendly gigs has been a revelation. Harriet Beveridge says that the experience strips comedy back to its essence, requiring performers to let go of their arrogance and egocentric nature. "I had a joke that always went down brilliantly about a baby snack that looked like a Tampax," she recalls. "But then a toddler rushed on stage, grabbed the snack out of my hand, and ate it – best joke."
For some, the unpredictability is part of the charm. Angela Garwood, co-host of London's Every Other Mother, says that chaos is completely welcome at her gigs. The children may pelt her with Lego, but she wouldn't have it any other way.
However, not everyone is convinced that these clubs are a laughing matter. For some, the gigs can be disorienting and unfulfilling. "These are gigs where people will cry, scream, probably won't care you're there, might shit themselves and will probably get a tit out," says Nick Page, founder of Aftermirth. It's not so different from his other gigs, after all.
Despite the challenges, many comedians have found that performing at baby-friendly comedy clubs has been a liberating experience. Sally McIlhone, co-founder of Every Other Mother, says that the comedians who succeed are those who've come out of the "baby trench" themselves – those who've weathered the storm and can give new mothers hope.
As for the mums in attendance, they're loving every minute of it. They're not looking for clever jokes or sophisticated humor; they just want to laugh and have a good time with their partners. And that's exactly what these comedy clubs are providing – a safe space where parents can be themselves, sans judgment.
For now, the baby-friendly comedy club scene looks set to continue its upward trajectory. As one comedian quipped, "These gigs are like doing a gig in Portsmouth in the old days – but with more babies and less likelihood of getting arrested."
A new breed of comedy clubs has taken Britain by storm, catering to an entirely different kind of audience – mothers with babies in tow. These "baby-friendly" comedy clubs are sprouting up across the UK, offering daytime shows where parents can bring their infants without fear of judgment or eviction.
The idea may sound unusual, but it's proved to be a goldmine for comedians and club owners alike. Bristol's Aftermirth gigs have become regular sellouts, with performers regularly coming off stage uncertain about how well they've been received by the mums in attendance.
"It's interesting to see big comics failing to capture the attention of distracted mothers," says Hatty Ashdown, founder of Screaming With Laughter. "New parents aren't looking for clever, enigmatic jokes with long pauses. To get them, you've got to be totally funny bones and high energy."
For many comedians, performing at these baby-friendly gigs has been a revelation. Harriet Beveridge says that the experience strips comedy back to its essence, requiring performers to let go of their arrogance and egocentric nature. "I had a joke that always went down brilliantly about a baby snack that looked like a Tampax," she recalls. "But then a toddler rushed on stage, grabbed the snack out of my hand, and ate it – best joke."
For some, the unpredictability is part of the charm. Angela Garwood, co-host of London's Every Other Mother, says that chaos is completely welcome at her gigs. The children may pelt her with Lego, but she wouldn't have it any other way.
However, not everyone is convinced that these clubs are a laughing matter. For some, the gigs can be disorienting and unfulfilling. "These are gigs where people will cry, scream, probably won't care you're there, might shit themselves and will probably get a tit out," says Nick Page, founder of Aftermirth. It's not so different from his other gigs, after all.
Despite the challenges, many comedians have found that performing at baby-friendly comedy clubs has been a liberating experience. Sally McIlhone, co-founder of Every Other Mother, says that the comedians who succeed are those who've come out of the "baby trench" themselves – those who've weathered the storm and can give new mothers hope.
As for the mums in attendance, they're loving every minute of it. They're not looking for clever jokes or sophisticated humor; they just want to laugh and have a good time with their partners. And that's exactly what these comedy clubs are providing – a safe space where parents can be themselves, sans judgment.
For now, the baby-friendly comedy club scene looks set to continue its upward trajectory. As one comedian quipped, "These gigs are like doing a gig in Portsmouth in the old days – but with more babies and less likelihood of getting arrested."
. It's about time we prioritized family-friendly entertainment over just being 'cool' or 'edgy'. I mean, who doesn't love a good laugh after having a baby? 
These comedy clubs are not only helping mums bond with their partners but also providing a safe space for them to be themselves (or at least, feel like they're in control of the situation). It's genius really. And can you imagine being able to enjoy a gig without worrying about your toddler running off stage and causing chaos? 
I've actually been thinking of starting my own DIY comedy night for parents with little ones... who knows, maybe it'll take off! 
I mean, who needs a boring old stand-up gig when you can have a toddler interrupting your set and stealing your props? 
. The fact that these clubs are catering to new parents who just want to have a good time with their partners is really refreshing. We should be celebrating the messy, unpredictable nature of parenthood, not trying to suppress it. And honestly, if some comedians can't handle a little chaos and unpredictability, maybe they're not cut out for this gig 
I'm not sure if these baby-friendly comedy clubs are the best idea yet... on one hand, it's great that parents can bring their little ones to shows without feeling anxious or awkward. It's actually kinda cool that comedians have had to adapt and come up with new types of jokes and energy levels that work for this crowd.
I mean, who wouldn't want to watch comedians trying to be funny while tiny humans run around and poop on them? 
anywayz, i guess its kinda cool that comedians r makin it happen n stuff