Are you a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine? Apart from studies finding that a sense of humour lowers mortality rates, numerous others show that laughing also helps destress and rejig the circadian cycle. Can we say, “Hello, better sleep!” And since having a good laugh is proven to be medically beneficial, get your chuckles on at one of these comedy clubs around town!
Whether you’re thinking of injecting the LOLs into date nights, spicing up ladies’ nights, or just looking to chuckle a lousy day away, we’ve compiled a list of comedy venues for your consideration. So, hang on to your hair and pen yourself in to be blown away by some serious wisecracks.
The Joke Factory, Publika
Opened by one of Malaysia’s most famous comics, Harith Iskandar, The Joke Factory (TJF) is a comedy club that hosts a regular line-up of shows featuring local and international comedians.
Curious about a good local laugh or even if you’ve got what it takes to make it on stage telling your own jokes? TJF’s schedule is packed with shows featuring local and international comedians, workshops, and amateur nights for newbies to practise stand-up skills, improv sessions, themed nights, free shows, and more!
TJF also has a little cafe called Joke & Lok that offers burgers, hot dogs, and a range of snacks alongside desserts and drinks, including cocktails, mocktails, coffee, tea, and juices. So, if you’re looking for an all-inclusive gag of a night, this is probably high up on the list.
Address: No 27 Block C5, Level G3, Jalan Dutamas, Publika Shopping Gallery, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6011 2952 6768
Hush The Theatre, Glomac Damansara
A creative space that aims to redefine performance through diversity, the affordable 16m x 6m event and theatre space strategically located between Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur is fairly young. Want to know them better?
Well, in their own words, “Hush is our response to society whenever it has anything negative to say about who we are and how we choose to express ourselves.” In other words, Hush is where guests, performers, and everyone in between are invited to be whoever they want to be without the fear of being silenced.
Address: A-1-9 Glomac Damansara, Jalan Damansara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 906 4874
I Laugh KL
The thing about I Laugh KL is that they’re not really a location. They are a spark, a mood, a feeling, a belly-aching laugh that bubbles up from somewhere deep within that you simply cannot stop. Founded by Juliana Heng, an autistic and non-binary stand-up comedian from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I Laugh KL is strictly a place of inclusion, and jokes too, of course.
While I Laugh KL doesn’t have a home base, the collective often performs around town, from the more renowned comedy clubs listed here such as Joke Factory and Hush Theatre to the more discreet spaces in Kuala Lumpur like nose:Nest and Marookha. Expect a whole lot of funny on an I Laugh KL excursion (with a heaping side of compassion).
Contact: +6018 201 2986
KLPac, Sentul
Possibly the heart of the city’s performing arts community, KLPac almost always has something on — be it a play, musical, dance, musical showcase, or even a comedy show. It houses many studios and theatres, an academy that runs workshops and seminars, cafes and restaurants, and a small performing arts library.
So if you’re looking for a good chuckle, perhaps glance through their rotating list of shows and see if a comic or two has something lined up.
Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 4047 9000
PJPac, Petaling Jaya
A dedicated arts precinct situated inside of the shopping mall, 1-Utama, PJPAC comprises a 686-seater, fully-equipped proscenium theatre (Stage 1), a black box (Nero Event Space), as well as a talent and creative incubator space (1ncubator).
With all its offerings and a mission to provide a dedicated performing arts space for creative, dynamic, and inspirational programming, you can bet that comedy is at the forefront of its offerings. Be sure to keep yourself updated on the upcoming shows available for your laugh-out-loud night out!
Address: S611, Second Floor, 1 Utama E, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya
Contact: +603 7732 4788
