Comedy in Eindhoven

You might not expect it, but you can laugh in English in Eindhoven. Alongside Dutch cabaret, the city has a growing comedy scene for internationals, with stand-up nights, touring comedians and open mics. On this page you will find all upcoming comedy shows in Eindhoven, in English and in Dutch.

Comedy in English

The best-known English-language comedy night is Bell's Comedy Club at LAB-1 on the Keizersgracht. It is hosted by Stephen Bell, an Irish comedian based in the region, who invites comedians from the Netherlands and abroad. The nights are aimed at internationals living in and around Eindhoven, and they take place about twice a month. LAB-1 is a retro cinema with several rooms, a bar and a relaxed atmosphere, which makes it a good venue for stand-up.

International comedians on tour also visit Eindhoven regularly. Their shows are usually announced months in advance and often sell out, so it pays to follow the calendar.

Dutch cabaret

In the Netherlands, "cabaret" does not mean showgirls and feathers: it is the Dutch word for a theatrical comedy show, often a mix of stand-up, storytelling, songs and social commentary. The big names in Dutch cabaret play the Parktheater Eindhoven and other theatres in the region. These shows are in Dutch, and often full of wordplay and references that are hard to follow if you are still learning the language. Once your Dutch is good enough, though, it is one of the best ways to understand Dutch culture.

How to tell the language of a show

• Look at the title and description. English shows are usually announced in English, often with the words "English stand-up" or "in English".
• Check the venue website. Venues such as LAB-1 list the language on the event page.
• When in doubt, ask. Venue staff are happy to tell you whether a show is in English.

We always mention the language in our event descriptions when we know it.

Tips for a comedy night

• Book in advance. Comedy nights are usually small, and good line-ups sell out.
• Sit at the front at your own risk. As everywhere, comedians like to talk to the front row.
• Check the age rating. Some comedy is not suitable for children. LAB-1, for example, lists an age rating for Bell's Comedy Club.
• Combine with dinner. Most comedy nights start at 20:00 or later, so there is time for a meal in the city centre first.

Comedy and the Dutch sense of humour

Dutch humour is famously direct, and many newcomers find it confusing at first. A night of comedy in English is a good way to laugh about exactly that: comedians who have moved to the Netherlands themselves love to joke about Dutch directness, birthday circles, bike traffic and the weather. It's also a good way to meet other internationals who are going through the same experiences.

Organising comedy in Eindhoven?

Are you a comedian or organiser with a show in Eindhoven? Add it to the calendar for free; we check every submission and publish it in English. For more evening plans, see our guide to nightlife in Eindhoven or everything on this weekend.