Comedian Mal Hall performs at The Tipsy Crow (left); funny duo Creepy Caress.
Laughing Stock The comedy scene in San Diego has seen an influx within the past couple years. Tickets are sold out at the city’s most popular venues, new comedy venues are opening up, and both big and underground artists are coming to the city. Stand-up comedy from such big names as Chelsea Handler, Key and Peele and Will Ferrell were the talk of the town last summer. And up-and-coming artists are coming here to gain notoriety and expand their fan base; a case in point is the comedy duo Creepy Caress. These female comedians from Los Angeles routinely travel to San Diego to perform standup. “The crowds in San Diego always come ready to laugh, and it’s a much more laidback environment compared
to the larger cities we perform in,” admits Candice Thompson, Creepy Caress comedian. “When we perform in San Diego it feels like a vacation.” One of those places that Thompson has performed stand-up is The Mad House Comedy Club, located at the former Napa Valley Grille inside Horton Plaza. During the 2013 Comic-Con, comics performed at almost every venue in town, including this one with such names as Brian Posehn and Brody Stevens. Bring a date and share a meal—their portions are large. Just down the block from Horton Plaza is The Tipsy Crow, San Diego’s longeststanding bar. One may not realize that this venue is the location of one of the best underground comedy
showcases in San Diego. It’s reminiscent of East Coast comedy clubs with its brick walls and dark, intimate atmosphere. San Diego native, comedian Mal Hall, produces the Gaslamp Comedy Show to sold-out crowds; it’s a mix of local comics and up-andcoming comedians. Completing the comedic trifecta downtown is The American Comedy Co., where folks can catch well-known national touring acts. Shawn Wayans, Mick Foley (yes, the former WWE wrestler also known as Mankind), Joey Diaz and more have done stand-up at this venue. Comics have also done live podcasting during their shows. What do Gallagher, Robin Williams, David Letterman and Michael Keaton all have
in common? They’ve all performed—on the same bill—at The Comedy Store, which opened its doors in 1977. San Diego’s longest-running and historic comedy venue houses 200 seats and is frequented by some of today’s largest names. Its sister location is in Hollywood, and with a connection like that, it’s a mustsee for San Diego visitors, and a favorite among locals. There’s never a repeat show at the National Comedy Theater. Audiences of all ages will love the Whose Line Is It Anyway-style show where pro comedians perform skits based on audience suggestions. The theater also offers comedy classes for people who want to master their improv skills. Comedy is serious business. —Nicole Quiroz
DETAILS The Mad House Comedy Club 502 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.702.6666 The Tipsy Crow 770 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.338.9300 The American Comedy Co. 818 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.795.3858 The Comedy Store 916 Pearl St., La Jolla, 858.454.9176 National Comedy Theater 3717 India St., Mission Hills, 619.295.4999
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