Down the Hatch Comedy Club - Queer & Alternative Comedy

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality comedy night in Brighton, you should know about Down the Hatch Comedy Club. This event focuses specifically on Queer & Alternative Comedy and runs on the first Sunday of every month, making it a staple in the city’s cultural calendar. The next date we have circled is Sunday, September 6, 2026, but if you can’t wait that long, they also have dates lined up for March 1, April 5, June 7, July 5, October 4, and November 1.

The show takes place in the intimate setting of the Komedia Basement (44-47 Gardner Street, BN1 1UN), which offers cabaret seating. The format is clearly working, as Down the Hatch secured the 'BEST COMEDY FORMAT' award at the Chortle Awards 2024. The aim here is to provide a platform for queer and alternative artists, featuring everything from stand-ups and character comedians to drag kings, queens, and ventriloquists. While the focus is on the queer community, allies are definitely welcome, provided they are 18 or older.

For the September 6th date, doors open at 6:00 PM, with the show kicking off at 7:00 PM. The resident MC is the comedian and presenter Lee Peart, who keeps the evening moving. One of the most appealing aspects is the price: tickets are just £6, which is quite a deal for a full night of comedy. If you get hungry, there is a snack menu available, and you can even pre-order loaded fries to save a bit of money.

Beyond the laughs, the club is committed to supporting local causes. For 2026, their charity partner is the Allsorts Youth Project, a local organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ children and young people under 26 in Sussex. It’s a great way to catch some top-tier alternative comedy—past performers have included names like James Acaster, Suzi Ruffell, and Zoe Lyons—while supporting a vital local charity.