Our Story
On Sunday 18th December 2018 the first Alcohol-Free Comedy event was held in Chelmsford Essex to an audience of 30 people, with the show hailed as a great success. The comedians started to talk, and the word spread that playing a Sober IS Fun gig is actually brilliant fun, no heckling , no people constantly going to the toilet…just an attentive comedy loving audience that hangs on every word.
Welcome to Sober IS Fun !
Founded back in 2018 by Martyn Davies, with the aim to provide high quality entertainment for those who choose not to drink alcohol or wish to simply take a break from the booze .
During his drinking days Martyn struggled to find anywhere to go for a fun time, without it revolving around drinking alcohol. Having gone sober in early 2018 whilst working in the professional comedy industry, he set out to host the first Alcohol-Free Comedy Club of its kind.
Many people laughed at the idea from the comedy industry, but this did not deter Davies from setting out on the mission.
The customers experienced something very special too… Top Professional Comedians playing to a completely sober audience, something that has rarely ever been done before. Having many contacts within the professional comedy industry stood Martyn in good stead, with the next couple of Alcohol- Free Comedy Club shows going down a storm in Essex.
The Alcohol-Free Comedy Club went on to be featured on ITV , BBC Radio, Talk Radio and in numerous national publications.
Early 2019 saw a move to a new venue in Chelmsford The County Hotel. More space was required and the launch show in September saw 100 people Sober Laughing Out Loud. Two more shows were held at the hotel to great acclaim.
Not settling for anything less, Davies headed to London to find a venue to host London’s first Alcohol-Free Comedy Club. The choice was made to host the shows at The Fugitive Motel in Bethnal Green. With a great range of AF drinks, and easerly accessible it was an obvious choice. In March 2019 The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club launched to 35 people , and once again was greatly received . The next show saw numbers grow , which made seating space extremely tight.
Then the pandemic struck…
Martyn Says:-
‘ Everyone needs to experience The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club ! Come witness the amazing feel-good atmosphere the fills the show room., with pure non boozed belly laughter! All the comedians are hand-picked guaranteeing you an extremely funny afternoon out. It doesn’t matter to us how or why you are alcohol-free for the afternoon, just come & Sober Laugh Out Loud with us!
*** London’s Best Dry Nights*** The London Evening Standard
*** The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club Recommended as the BEST Alcohol-Free Event in London by London X London ***
With time on his hands and the challenge of re building the Alcohol-Free Comedy Club shows again , Martyn decided to go all out and look at a larger show space. The choice was made to approach The BackYard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green, London’s largest purpose-built Comedy Club. Working with the BackYard and close friend Tom the owner of The Alcohol-Free Co, a great AF drinks menu was put in place.
The first show took place at The NEW London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club in September 2021 which was a huge success . January 2024 saw 150 people Sober Laughing Out Loud at the Dry January Special at The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club.
The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club is fast becoming London’s Biggest Regular Alcohol-Free Event. Come & experience the amazing atmosphere that comes with Sober Laughing Out Loud! * Please be aware of imitation amateur sober shows now in London ! Remember , we only use the Best Professional Comedians , which guarantees you the UK’s BEST Alcohol-Free Stand-Up Comedy Experience !