3 Minutes Of Fame

3 Minutes Of Fame is back at Blackstock Market on Thursday 29 October, part of a weekly run that goes on until 26 November. It's put on by Hot Water Comedy, who've made Blackstock Market their new home, and they describe it as Liverpool's wildest comedy night.

The whole thing is built on a simple, democratic premise: anyone can step up to the mic. That means brand-new comedians, daring first-timers, or just an audience member fancying their shot. Sign-ups happen on the night from 4pm until 8:30pm, so you can decide to have a go while you're already there. The room is policed by three audience judges armed with buzzers; if all three go, the performer has to survive the full three minutes to earn a place in the rapid-fire final, which is decided by applause. Every act leaves with a free drinks voucher, regardless of how the buzzers go.

It's a bit of a lottery, which is half the point. You'll get the polished sets from people who do this every week alongside the genuine first-timers who've just decided to jump in on a whim. The buzzers keep things moving, and the final brings back the survivors for one last run. It's as much about the room as it is about the acts on stage.

Hot Water Comedy is widely regarded as the UK's best comedy promoter, and this is one of the nights they're running from their new base at Blackstock Market, 17 Blackstock Street, L3 6ER. Entry is free, and the night starts at 7pm.