Laugh Factory Hollywood

09/19/09

great comedy but ...

by macklen421 at Citysearch

We had a great time overall, but our evening got off to a bad start when we arrived around 7:15 for an 8pm show. Doors to the box office were closed and we had no choice but to stand in line, waiting for somebody to open up and collect our money. Because the line wrapped around the corner of the building, we couldn't always see what was happening at the door and nobody who worked there bothered to help us out.

When we finally realized they had opened the doors (well after 7:30) I asked one of the women working there how we can buy tickets. She told me to just wait in line. I went back and waited for over twenty minutes. It was about ten minutes 'til show time and the line wasn't moving, they were only allowing VIP guests into the theater, and we still had no tickets. I decided to go ask somebody for further instructions, only to find out that the bouncer had been letting people in, a few at a time to buy their tickets! Nobody had told us that we could go inside to buy tickets! So by the time I got in line to buy tickets, there were ten or twelve people ahead of us!

Now, everything turned out okay.. I'm not trying to write a sob story here. We got our tickets, we got our seats, and had an overall EXCELLENT evening of comedy. I just wanted to warn people going for the first time that you need to keep on top of things when you're there and DON'T expect any help from anybody working there.

Also, the drinks were a little more expensive than I had expected. There's upscale comedy club prices, and then there's the Laugh Factory's prices. Pack your wallet and speak up for yourself and you'll have a great time.

• Pros: very funny comics
• Cons: confusing and expensive

08/07/09

It was hot, and so was he....

by JustJackie at Citysearch

Close friends of mine, crazy Los Angelinos, knowing how much I love comedy, took me to Hollywood Laugh Factory two weeks ago – telling me it was “the hottest” comedy joint in town, and, although it was mid-week (a Thursday night) I was certainly not disappointed.

The club was clean, spacious, and well organised but, for the life of me, I still can’t understand the two drink minimum. What is that all about?????? In Scotland this would never happen (as two drinks only just warm us up!!!!! It should be a four drink minimum if you ask me, hee hee!!!!!!). The atmosphere, even as we queued up beforehand, was very cool and friendly (helped by the delicious weather of course).

The show was grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat, and definitely had an ‘anything goes’ vibe about it -- which is always my favourite!! I loved it. I haven’t laughed so hard in ages!!!! Being a wee Scottish lassie, I’d never heard of any of the acts before, but I can assure you that they were all top drawer.

And as a single girl, of course, the first thing I found myself uttering, after ordering a few bevvies, was: “WHO’S THAT GUY?!” The object of my affection was Bill Dawes – he’s my new crush, he was totally fit and, not only that, he was simply hilarious!!!!!!!

I particularly enjoyed the way he interacted with the audience. Seeing performers doing ‘off the cuff’ stuff like that isn’t something you see very often -- so when it happens, it’s truly quite intoxicating. He’d pitched it quite perfectly. Plus I always find comics who can do that sort of thing well are the truly great performers. It was clear to see he enjoyed his job, and that, in itself, was infectious.

This lad could easily hold his own in any UK Comedy club. He’s definitely one to watch. If he ever comes to one of our comedy festivals, he’d definitely wipe the floor with most of the comics over here. Although I was far too embarrassed (and drunk) to approach any of the comics after his set I regretted not letting Bill know how much I had enjoyed the show. Regardless, I’m back again at Christmas when I fully intend to correct that little mistake. When I will definitely be visiting the Laugh Factory again but also to carry out my plan to kidnap Bill Dawes and bring him back to the Scotland with me!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone at the Hollywood Laugh Factory for making it such a great night, I’ll DEFINITELY DEFINITELY DEFINITELY see you all again nearer Christmas time!!!!!!!!!!! <3

• Pros: value for money, sidesplittingly hilarious comedy!!!!!!!!!
• Cons: couldn't fault it, a great night!!!!!

06/22/09

BILL DAWES college night -- best comics in town!

by suehearns at Citysearch

I am probably not the most unbiased reviewer because I now officially have an unabated crush on the host of this show, BUT let me say i've been to BILL DAWES COLLEGE NIGHT twice now and was amazed at how diverse the and talented the lineup was.

Every comic, including Bill, is a headliner in the own right. This show was miles above any of the shows I've seen at the Comedy Store or the Improv. Plus, the ambience of the Laugh Factory, with its warm wood and amber glow, is perfect. Some clubs make me want to mainline black tar heroin - the LAUGH FACTORY makes me want to... laugh.

Also, Bill Dawes does a lot of crowd work so you get the feeling every show is unique to THAT crowd, even if some of the material is repeated. He ripped on my friend and his AFFLICTION tee shirt perfectly while still making the humor light and charming.

I have a feeling he might be the next big thing so catch him while he's cheap! And definitely go to the LAUGH FACTORY if you haven't, it's probably the best comedy club I've ever been to.

• Pros: great list of comics; hot, hilarious host!
• Cons: service a little slow