To bring people together through live comedy, create opportunities for new acts from the South West, and produce original work made right here in Bristol.

To be Bristol’s home of comedy, known for nurturing South West talent, platforming new acts alongside big names and creating original content.

Community

We’re building a comedy home for Bristol and the South West. Whether you're on stage, backstage, in the audience, or helping out at one of our shows, you’re part of something here. We listen, include, and make space for people to feel welcome, connected and valued.

Creativity

We’re excited about original voices and bold ideas. From our fringe theatre and stand-up comedy connections, we support people to take risks, try new things, and grow their craft — offering opportunities, commissioning work, and providing the tools to make their ideas happen.

Joy

We’re here to make people laugh. That means embracing the silliness, even alongside the hard work of running a comedy club, and not taking ourselves too seriously. The best comedy is generous, fun, and doesn’t punch down.

Respect

We respect everyone who passes through The Gaffe — on stage, off stage, in the audience, or behind the scenes. That means setting clear standards, treating each other with care, and standing firm on our zero-tolerance approach to harassment, bullying and discrimination. Respect also means making space for feedback that helps people grow, not tears them down.

Integrity

We’re transparent about how we work and honest in how we communicate. We want The Gaffe to be a place where people feel safe to try new ideas — and to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Accessibility

Everyone should be able to enjoy live comedy. We’re working to break down barriers, with affordable tickets, accessible spaces, and a commitment to fairness on and off stage.

Support

No one does this alone. We look after the people we work with — on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. That means checking in, cheering people on, and creating a space where everyone feels safe.

We treat everyone with respect for who they are and what they bring, whether they’re on stage, backstage, in the audience or just passing through. We focus on honest, constructive feedback that helps people grow, and we’re clear about the boundaries: there’s no place here for discrimination, bullying or harassment. That’s how we make sure The Gaffe stays a safe and supportive space where everyone can thrive

We also value integrity. That means transparency in our decisions and honesty in how we communicate. We want everyone who works with or visits The Gaffe to feel supported and to trust the space we’re building together.

The Gaffe Comedy Club is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all, and we will take complaints seriously.

You can read our complaints policy by clicking here. (Opens a PDF in a new window).