Great Escape: Comedy

Don’t lie. You’ve been standing in front of your bathroom mirror practicing your punch line for months. You pine for your college improve team, and you are known for cracking jokes at any and all occasions, (regardless of how appropriate the timing may be). You only watch Comedy Central and you DVR all the stand-up you miss while you’re at work.

It’s time. Get out there and show your stuff at a comedy club tonight. Or, if you’re not quite there yet, grab your friends and check out some great comedians for tips and a gut-busting good time. And here are a few places you can go to get it.

1. Mad River Manayunk – Every so often, Mad River hosts  a comedy night or a stand-up performance that brings the locals out in droves.  This past month the bar hosted heavy hitters from the Laff House, Center City Comedy, Helium and more, and included Jon Delcollo, who won the March Madness Comedy Competition and the chance to perform. And Mad River has great drink specials on comedy nights. So, what’s keeping you?
Address: 4100 Main Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, 19127

2. Helium Comedy Club – Speaking of Helium, there is really no better venue for a night of laughs. Come check out Philly’s Phunniest 2011 as these comedians joke for the title position, see local and national up and coming comedians take a stand, and try your own luck on the stage at the open mic nights.
Address: 2031 Sansom Street, Philadelphia 19103

3. Laff House – If you’re looking for similar caliber in a different location, check out the Laff House Comedy Club on South Street has exactly what you’re looking for. With both the big names in stand-up and a crowd of eager, hilarious newcomers, Laff House is ready to play. And the tickets, no matter why you are heading to the Laff House, are really affordable.
Address: 221 South Street, Philadelphia 19147

4.The Tower Theatre – If you’re looking for a trip just outside the city, head to Upper Darby for a night of comedy and fun at the Tower Theatre. Here is where you can get a real taste of the national headliners – if you didn’t have a chance to get to the Chelsea Handler tour, make sure you keep your eyes peeled on Live Nation for the next big name to come through town.
Address: 69th & Ludlow, Upper Darby, 19082

5. The N Crowd – But if you’re looking for a night that’s a little more spur of the moment, check out Improve Comedy: The N Crowd. Every Friday night at 8 p.m. the Actors Center houses an incredible display of improv comedy from a solid Philly act. Get a dose of laughs with this 80 minute session once a week.  
Address: 257 N. Third St. Philadelphia, 19106