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Comedy Balloon

Sadie Pearson

Comedy Balloon at Ape & Apple, City Centre Until 13 August 2025 Entrance is free — Visit now

Doing great things to nurture and develop comedy talent, Comedy Balloon is all about giving new acts their start, while also offering old hands a chance to road-test fresh material. The night takes place every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, which prides itself on being “Manchester’s official underground comedy club”, and the oldest free comedy venue in the city.

There are typically 11 acts in a night, six doing 10-minute spots, plus 5×5-minute spots, each introduced by a different weekly compere. All of the acts will be trying out new material, so you’re guaranteed a unique experience and jokes you haven’t heard before. The show starts at 8.30pm, with Comedy Balloon FM beginning at 7.30pm — allowing a generous hour of drinking time, which, you know, is very much encouraged in these circles.

No need to book in advance, just rock up ready to laugh.

Looking for more laughs in Manchester? Explore our comedy guide.

Comedy Balloon at Ape & Apple, City Centre Until 13 August 2025 Entrance is free Visit now

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Comedy Nights in Manchester

Looking for a laugh? Here are Manchester’s very best comedy nights.

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What's on: Comedy

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Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

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XS Malarkey

Providing award-winning Comedy since 1997, XS Malarkey is a not-for-profit comedy club, hosted every week by Toby Hadoke.

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