Husband and wife team establish comedy club on Liverpool’s waterfront

The husband and wife team behind Southport Comedy Festival have revealed plans to bring their latest venture to Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.

Partners Brendan Riley and Val Brady are setting up a permanent home for their Liverpool Comedy Club business at The Bentley Basement on Brunswick Street.

The enterprise started out as Liverpool Comedy Cellar, when it was hosted at The Magnet bar on Hardman Street. A growing presence in the city saw it eventually move, 18 months ago, from The Magnet to Camp & Furnace and rebrand to Liverpool Comedy Club.

Brendan has worked as a stand-up comedian for over 25 years, performing all over the world alongside Peter Kay, Michael McIntyre, Harry Hill and other comedians.

Val, meanwhile, has worked off stage as a comedy booker for Rawhide Comedy Club and other brands, and both as a promoter and assistant producer for sell-out comedy plays at The Royal Court Liverpool.

Known professionally as Big Comedy UK, the couple have produced Southport Comedy Festival for the last eight years.

Liverpool Comedy Club director Brendan said: “We’ll be booking the absolute cream of the international comedy circuit for Liverpool Comedy Club, every Saturday night from the beginning of February.

“By moving into our new home at The Bentley, we’re now able to offer our audience a better package than ever before as well, with live music, dinner, comedy and a drink all included in the ticket price.”

He added: “Of course, our audiences will get an authentically Liverpudlian experience too. Bookings will include the best of local talent on a regular basis and, well, the direct view of The Liver Buildings from our front door definitely adds to the ambience!”

Liverpool Comedy Club will launch at The Bentley Basement on Saturday, February 3.