Friday 26 September sees smash-hit comedy night Live Next To The Apollo mark its second birthday with an anniversary special gig featuring Thor Stenhaug, Jeff Innocent, Darren Harriott, plus one more to be announced.
Since launching in 2023, Live Next To The Apollo has become one of London’s most talked-about comedy nights — selling out week after week, building a loyal local following, and generating over one million Instagram views this summer. Hosted and curated by TV producer Jonathan Stadlen, the show has already featured more than 200 of the UK’s top stand-ups, from rising stars to big-name headliners. Tickets are famously affordable — just £12 on Fridays — with all profits going directly to the comedians, a transparent profit-share model that has won the night huge respect in the industry.
To mark its second anniversary, Live Next To The Apollo has announced major expansion plans. From early 2026, the show is looking to increase its number of weekly performances at Riverside Studios to meet audience demand, while also touring to larger venues and festivals across the South East — bringing its trademark warmth, affordability and top-class comedy to new towns including Bromley, Kingston, Berkhamsted, Henley-on-Thames and Tunbridge Wells.
Since launching in 2023, Live Next To The Apollo has become one of London’s most talked-about comedy nights — selling out week after week, building a loyal local following, and generating over one million Instagram views this summer. Hosted and curated by TV producer Jonathan Stadlen, the show has already featured more than 200 of the UK’s top stand-ups, from rising stars to big-name headliners. Tickets are famously affordable — just £12 on Fridays — with all profits going directly to the comedians, a transparent profit-share model that has won the night huge respect in the industry.
To mark its second anniversary, Live Next To The Apollo has announced major expansion plans. From early 2026, the show is looking to increase its number of weekly performances at Riverside Studios to meet audience demand, while also touring to larger venues and festivals across the South East — bringing its trademark warmth, affordability and top-class comedy to new towns including Bromley, Kingston, Berkhamsted, Henley-on-Thames and Tunbridge Wells.
Alongside the anniversary special, Live Next To The Apollo brings a full month of comedy to Riverside Studios, with line-ups mixing TV favourites and rising stars. September highlights include Paul Tonkinson (Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow), Laura Smyth (Live at the Apollo, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club) and Stephen Bailey (Celebs Go Dating, Unbreakable), alongside Edinburgh buzz acts like Michelle Shaughnessy and Joe Sutherland — all leading up to the 2nd birthday celebration on Friday 26 September.
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| Jonathan Stadlen |
Ahead of the anniversary show we sat down with Jonathan Stadlen to learn more about the show.
What can you tell me about Live Next To The Apollo?
Live Next To The Apollo is basically the best thing since sliced bread. It’s an incredibly affordable, premier stand-up comedy night which I love almost as much as my first dog.
We started in September 2023 as a warm, friendly and welcoming space for comedians and audience alike, and have built up a very loyal local following in West London.
I think we also attract the best acts in the UK to our stage, with previous acts having included Sara Pascoe (Task Master, Last One Laughing) Stephen K Amos (Live AT The Apollo, Have I got News For You) Marcus Brigstocke (Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You), Jen Brister (Live AT The Apollo, Mock The Week), Ian Stone (Mock The Week, Never Mind the Buzzcocks), Laura Smyth (8 Out Of Ten Cats Does Countdown, Live AT The Apollo), Desiree Burch (Taskmaster, Live At The Apollo) and Jeff Innocent (British Comedian Of The Year). Nabil Abulrashid (Have I Got News For You, Out of Ten Cats Does Countdown).
How did you first become on board with the project?
I have worked as a television producer for over 25 years and when I started doing stand up in my late 40s (as part of my 14th mid-life crisis) I thought I could turn some of those skills to producing a comedy night as opposed to a TV Show.
I also wanted to run a night that wasn’t bullying or intimidating for audiences, that was totally transparent with the comedians about the finances and gave the stars of tomorrow a platform to grow with us.
You’ve compered the past 115 shows, how do you reflect on that time?
I was too scared to MC the first 5 shows! But then I loved the night so much I thought if I wasn’t funny as an MC at least I could explain to the audience why I was so passionate about it. Which I hope I still do. I was also VERY BAD at the beginning, and still sometimes spontaneously swear out loud whenever I think about it. I’ve learned a lot in a very short space of time, but I think we have built a really lovely community and grown together over the last two years - they started off as a very ‘theatre’ audience, and I started off like a rabbit in headlights, so I think we’ve helped each other out a lot.
Has there been any major stand out moments during the 2 years since the show began?
Well I have fallen off the bar laughing three times. I think that’s a good sign. Some of the comedians have delivered sets that are still talked about in hallowed terms - and I often hear the audience saying to each other ‘were you here when X did X?’ What a lovely legacy to leave an audience with as a comic.
There was also one truly terrible night (thank God it was only one) that has, weirdly, gone down in folklore as a night you should have been at… because it was so comically bad. But we learned some good lessons… (like don’t mention the dead body you found in the Thames earlier that day).
What can you tell me about the celebrations for the second anniversary and the exciting expansion plans?
Our 100th show party was pretty epic, but for our two year anniversary we have four of our favourite comedians on the same bill, plus we have teamed up with our friends and neighbours at Sam’s Riverside to run a birthday competition, where the prizes are:
Our 100th show party was pretty epic, but for our two year anniversary we have four of our favourite comedians on the same bill, plus we have teamed up with our friends and neighbours at Sam’s Riverside to run a birthday competition, where the prizes are:
🥇 First Prize:
A three-course seasonal dinner for two at Sam’s Riverside – plus a pair of tickets to the show.
🥈 Second Prize:
Dinner for two at Sam’s Kitchen – choose any burger, fries, and a drink before heading to the show – plus a pair of tickets.
🥉 Third Prize:
A hamper from Sam’s Larder Hammersmith, filled with artisan treats and gourmet delights – plus a pair of tickets to the show.
What is your preparation like ahead of a gig?
Aside from shitting myself, I actually spend about two hours setting up the room, which can sometimes be stressful if we don’t get it until 5pm!
I try to see what’s happened in the news, and make a joke about that, but really the funniest things always come from what members of the audience say when I talk to them - they surprise me every single week.
What I find most helpful is just to stay in neutral, say what you see in the room, and let people be funny. Human lives are extraordinary, and if you create a space for people to talk about that, it’s basically a very heart warming thing to all celebrate how ridiculously similar silly sausages we are underneath it all.
How do you approach the material you are going to use each show?
I actually try very hard not to do material, partly because we have so many of the same people in every week, but mainly because what they tell me about their lives is so much better than anything I could write. I find it endlessly fascinating and hilarious.
When did you decide to become a comedian?
I honestly wouldn’t describe myself as a comedian. I have seen so many extraordinary comics grace our stage and I will never be like them.
I’d describe myself more as a host at a party, who wants everyone to have a good time, but is a bit nosy, and has license to ask some questions others might be thinking, but might not ask until they were a few pints in.
How did you approach a career in comedy?
I would not class it as a career - that would have to involve making a living from it, which I don’t. I run the nights for the love of it, and because we give all the profits to the acts on stage, it’s not intended to be a massive money spinner. I want it to be an affordable, accessible night that anyone can come to and enjoy stand up, and I think we have achieved that in spades.
What would be your advice for someone looking to get in to comedy?
Keep going! The people I have seen do well aren’t necessarily funny when they start out - but they keep going. They take the time to find their voice, and don’t take the knock backs personally. There are lots of wonderful, well-run open mic nights which are very warm and supportive - Comedy Virgins, Bignose Comedy, G&B - where anyone can give it a go.
What keeps you inspired?
What I love about hosting the shows as opposed to doing a set, is that while a set is largely similar every time, talking to a new audience every night is different every single time, and you’re never sure who you’re going to encounter, and that keeps it very fresh.
Two weeks ago we had a couple where one of them was blind, and when I asked how that had affected their relationship he said, ‘well, we don’t send too many nudes’. You can’t write that stuff. And I find it endlessly fascinating.
Why should anyone book to see Live Next To The Apollo?
Because I honestly think it’s the warmest, friendliest and best comedy night in London. Plus on a Tuesday it’s £6.50, so it’s basically £1 an act, and on a Friday you’re seeing TV comedians for £12, which is a total bargain. And I think we have the best audience ever. It’s a wonderful group that have got to know each other, and many of them come every week. I think you should come and join us and see for yourself.
Where and when can people catch the show?
We are at Riverside Studios every Friday and every other Tuesday, and on tour in big theatres around the country, plus have some very exciting expansion plans at Riverside to reveal in the new year.
All dates can be found on our website www.livenexttotheapollo.co.uk
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