Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 19/06/2026 20:29:00

The Glee Club is a celebrated live comedy and music venue in Birmingham, situated within the Arcadian leisure development just off Hurst Street in the city's Southside theatre district. Opened by Mark Tughan on 10 September 1994, it holds a notable place in British entertainment history as the first dedicated comedy club to open in the United Kingdom outside London, and it remains the original home of what has since grown into a small chain of venues. At its core, the Glee is the home of stand-up comedy, presenting regular mixed-bill weekend shows that bring together several acts on one programme, alongside big-name comedians on tour with their solo productions. The venue is known for an audience-friendly no-talking-during-performances policy, which fosters an attentive atmosphere and has helped it earn a strong reputation among performers and comedy fans alike. Comedy is only part of the story. Since 2001 the Glee has also hosted live music, and over the years its stage has welcomed artists who went on to considerable fame, including Adele and Mumford and Sons. Today its programme blends stand-up with intimate music gigs, cabaret and burlesque, and spoken word and talks events, giving the venue a genuinely eclectic identity across the calendar. The space itself is configured for performance, with a small raised stage and two distinct rooms, a larger main room and a more intimate studio, allowing it to host events of varying scale. Alongside the entertainment, the venue offers food and drink, making it a popular choice for birthdays, work nights out and Christmas parties as well as casual midweek visits. By pairing pioneering comedy heritage with a broad live entertainment programme in the heart of Birmingham, the Glee Club has remained a cornerstone of the city's nightlife for three decades. Its mix of laughter, music and special events, served up in a sociable bar setting, continues to draw audiences seeking a lively and varied night out.