Containing the Audience: The 'Room' in Stand-up Comedy

When selecting a venue for a stand-up comedy performance, promoters rarely think in terms of a room’s personality. Venues tend to be selected and managed on the basis of profitability, ease of access and other practicalities. The relationship between comedian and audience is rightly stressed as the key factor responsible for ensuring the success of the event. Yet this emphasis neglects another important factor: the relationship between the audience and the room.

Although an audience is unlikely to be conscious of the room and its furnishings, the layout and décor of a room can influence their emotions and attitudes, and even dictate their behaviour. This article examines what makes a ‘good room’ for stand-up performance, arguing that the nature and layout of a performance space can itself be important in shaping the character, behaviour and reactions of the audience.