Comedy clubs & open mic nights in Shanghai

Shanghai will make you a star, baby! Well okay, maybe not a star, but it sure is a great city for those who wish the spotlight would shine just a little bit brighter. Whether comedy is your shtick or you prefer something more along the lines of a backing band, open mic nights in Shanghai are a great way to see what you're made of – and a boozed up crowd doesn't hurt, either…

1) Kungfu Komedy at Masse

The reigning comedy club in Shanghai, Kungfu Komedy, brings their unique talent to Masse every Wednesday night and lets you get in on the action as well! To reserve a spot on the performance list, just email them at nihao@kungfukomedy.com at least a day or two before the show. Make sure you book in advance, though, because there are a limited number of slots for guests (the rest of the performers are Kungfu Komedy members). Admission is free for both participants and audience members, and there are rotating drinks specials on offer throughout the show. Shows are slotted to begin at 20:30, but you know how those comedians are…

Add: 5/F, 219 Jinxian Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu, Shanghai 

地址：上海市进贤路219号5楼, 近陕西南路

Tel: 021 5212 5971

Show times: Wednesdays, 20:30-late

Opening hours: Wednesdays, 20:30; Saturdays, 21:00; occasional Friday show. 

2) Yuyintang

Everyone's favorite local music venue opens its doors to aspiring musicians everywhere on Monday nights. Head down to Yuyintang at 21:00 with all your sound equipment and instruments in tow to jam out with your band. Don't have a band? Rock out with other local musicians in what can only be described as a musical improve mash up. This is a unique opportunity to play live at one of Shanghai's oldest underground music spots, so take advantage of this chance to be a rock star – if only for a night.

Add: 851 Kaixuan Lu, by Yan'an Xi Lu, Shanghai 

地址：上海市凯旋路851号, 近延安西路口

Tel: 021 5237 8662

Show times: Mondays, 21:00-late

Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 21:00-late; Mon, 21:00-late when special events are on 

3) Bloc

This surprise Eastern European hit, located right on the coveted corner of Changle Lu and Ruijin Lu, is throwing their hat in the comedy ring with an open mic night every Tuesday. This one takes pretty much no planning on your part, as you can show up by 20:15 the night of to sign yourself up for a five minute slot. Admission is free for both participants and audience members, and beers begin at 20 RMB per glass so there's plenty of motivation. As far as comedy clubs in Shanghai go, this is one of the classier places in town, so if you've been hunting for a unique date activity, here you go.

Add: 2/F, 139-19 Changle Lu, near Ruijin Lu, Shanghai 

地址：上海市长乐路139-19号2楼, 近瑞金路

Telephone: 021 6404 6685 

Show times: Tuesdays, 20:15-late

Opening hours: Daily, 11:30-14:30; 17:00-late (kitchen closes at 22:00) 

4) Judy's

Oh, Judy's. That bastion of bad decisions and even worse hangovers… Anyway, if you're in the mood for an early evening pick-me-up to start your week off right, head over to Judy's between 17:00 and 22:00. There, you can enjoy good old fashioned karaoke, Western style. You know, the kind where you're forced to sing in front of a room that is not filled only with friends or people you kind of know? To provide you some liquid courage, Judy's offers a 100 RMB all-you-can-drink deal (along with some free snacks) during open mic hours. So you officially have no excuse.

Add: 142-146 Tongren Lu, near Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 

地址：上海市铜仁路142-146号, 近南京西路

Tel: 021 6289 3715

Show times: Tuesdays, 17:00-22:00

Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-late