A new monthly comedy club for Hitchin!

We're delighted to launch Absolutely Belting Comedy at Woodside Hall, bringing you a carefully curated monthly night of brilliant live stand-up, featuring established favourites and exciting rising stars.

For the opening night of ABC, we've got a belting line-up: Paul Sinha, Olaf Falafel and two rising stars, all expertly held together by your host, Ben Van der Velde.

Headlining: Paul Sinha

You'll know him as the white-suited quizmaster on ITV's The Chase, but Paul Sinha has enjoyed an even longer career as an acclaimed, award-winning stand-up comedian. An accomplished headliner at the UK's major comedy clubs, Paul has taken critically acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Fringe and performed around the world, from Tokyo to Johannesburg and Mumbai. Add countless BBC radio appearances and a memorable run on Taskmaster, and it's fair to say he's far more than the quiz man in the white suit.

"This is what a good stand-up should be. Hilariously funny, passionate and articulate." — Chortle

"Full of insight and delight." — The Times

Opening: Olaf Falafel

Riotously silly and very, very funny, Olaf Falafel combines sharp one-liners, surreal stories and beautifully crafted nonsense.The self-proclaimed "Sweden's eighth funniest comedian" won Dave's Best Joke of the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 and has created a succession of gloriously daft shows, including Olaf Falafel and the Cheese of Truth. Alongside his stand-up, Olaf writes and illustrates children's books, including Blobfish and the Trixie Pickle Art Avenger series. Tonight, however, it's the grown-ups' turn to enjoy the silliness.

"A magical ride into the ridiculous." — The List

"Absurdity so well-crafted that silly doesn't do it justice." — Evening Standard

Your host: Ben Van der Velde

Quick-witted, warm and brilliantly inventive, Ben Van der Velde is a comedian and host with a historian's brain and a talent for finding comedy in everything from the catastrophic to the quietly absurd.A regular performer and host at clubs including The Comedy Store, The Glee, The Stand and Komedia, Ben has spread joy and nonsense across the UK and beyond. His sharp improvisation and playful audience interaction make him the perfect person to bring our opening night together.

"Wonderfully improvised riffs showcasing his impressive spontaneity and sharp tongue." — Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

"Perfect: a master of audience interaction. The audience were hysterical." — Huffington Post

Plus two rising stars!

Alongside Paul and Olaf, we'll be introducing two exciting rising stars making waves on the comedy circuit. Names will be announced soon—but trust us when we say this is going to be an absolutely belting line-up!

As easy as ABC! Four fantastic acts, one brilliant host and a brand-new night out on your doorstep. Book your tickets and join us for the first of many absolutely belting nights!

Warning: This night contains guaranteed hilarity, strong language and mature themes. STRICTLY OVER 18's ONLY

Great comedy. Great value. No booking fees.

We cover the booking fees, so the price you see is the price you pay. No added charges at checkout. EVER.

YOU ARE WELCOME!