Laugh Factory Hollywood

09/19/09

great comedy but ...

by macklen421

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

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

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

04/20/09

The Best Comedy Club LA has to offer!

by vivaciousdivah

I absolutely love the experience! From the close-knit, small, family-oriented spot to the great service and VIP treatment...you are destined to feel right at home. Even the guest celebs look forward to the block party encounter. The comedy especially on Chocolate Sundays are Hilarious!!!!!

04/13/09

The Josh and Myo Show is the best

by aditi16

If you haven’t been to the Laugh Factory for the Josh and Myo Show, then that is definitely something to put on your bucket list. Five years and still going strong, I haven’t missed a single show since the first time I stepped foot in their set, 4 years ago.

I make it a point to come back from trips in time to make their gate. Hell, I almost got divorced for these guys but I guarantee this that life will not be the same once you taste the Josh and Myo Show. I am totally hooked and there are no two ways about it.

I would come to see you guys in hell, as long as you still had your free VIP passes on JoshuaEscandondotcom for me to grab.

• Pros: Unbeatable comedy
• Cons: not for the easily offended

02/17/09

Great Performances

by lgch

I went there with a group of people last Sunday because we heard that was the best night to go. Be prepared for very tight seating and if you're short, be very hopeful that you don't sit behind a tall person because the seating is level and it can be difficult to see the comedians when you're not in the front. My boyfriend was extremely happy about all the comedians we got to see and that completely made up for the uncomfortable seating for him. Me on the other hand, I think I would have liked to have the option to pay a little more for premium seating so that I could actually see everything that was going on.

• Pros: Great Comedians
• Cons: There is a 2 drink minimum

01/13/09

BEST COMEDY CLUB IN LA!

by chairmanmeow

The Laugh Factory is definitely one of the best places to go to in L.A.! I went on a Friday night with VIP tickets and even though I thought it was a little bit pricey at first, it was totally worth it. I got to sit in the first row and my sister was lucky enough to be picked on by one of the comics (she LOVED it). And we got to see Paul Rodriguez!! I did not even know he was performing, but when the emcee called him up I just couldn't believe it! Customer service was great; we had no troubles at all in getting our tickets and our seats. The valet parking took a while, but it was really cool to stand outside and watch the comedians talk to some of the guests. My sister and I were too shy to approach them, but we were definitely starstruck.

• Pros: Comedians galore!

09/18/08

Willy Wonka had his chocolate factory and the Sunset Strip has this place.

by Contributor

In Short
Seems like there's always a line outside this crazy castle no matter what night it is. Comedy connoisseurs queue up early for the best seats to see both up-and-coming and big-name acts. Arrive late or without a reservation and you may be banished to upstairs Siberia. Like the Comedy Store, its rival just down the Strip, this place is legendary--and knows it. Be prepared for a bit of attitude from the staff. Infamous owner Jamie Masada runs a tight ship. You'll see white-hot TV comics, fresh from sitcoms and "Tonight Show" tapings--along with hungry young upstarts managed by Masada himself. He handpicks these stars-to-be and usually puts on quality shows. Tuesday night is open mic, which showcases "raw" talent. Laugh-out-loud revelry is not guaranteed that night, but Wednesday evening's stint with Jon Lovitz is usually a hoot.

08/23/08

No Laughing Matter

by lais4me

The biggest joke about the Laugh Factory is expecting customer service. The cashier will say anything to sell you a ticket (promising a certain comedian will perform). Then she will give you an attitude explaining that line ups can change. I did not know that line-ups could change in a matter of seconds. I mean I understand that everybody wants to make some money but don't say that someone is going to perform if you know that they are not. Even the manager seemed like she was in on it. Their attitude is: "You paid to see comedians and you did ". Actually, I paid to see a certain comedian (Dane Cook) and I did not. You guys blatantly lied to my face and gave me the cold shoulder. It was awesome how you scammed all of us for VIP tickets. You knew that you would not sell as many tickets if you told people that Dane Cook would not be performing so you decided to lie to everybody to make that sale. Also, I have never experienced such a rude staff- It is one thing to be misleading but to be misleading with such a horrible attitude is too much. Patrons beware!

• Pros: comedians
• Cons: unfriendly staff, will say anything to sell a ticket

07/29/08

Depends on the act, but overall good place

by kiercemartin

The Laugh Factory is fairly famous in the LA line of stand-up venues, and for good reason. The place has a great atmosphere and a great wait staff. I've never had a problem here, but it does definitely depend on the act. If the act falls flat so does the place it seems like, but if the energy and mood are up it's a great place.