Our open-air arena is fully seated. Please check your tickets for information about the gate opening and show start times.
We ask that you bring no more than one A4 sized bag or smaller per person to the event, as this will greatly assist our security checks which includes full bag searches and wanding. Pat down searches may be requested. Please do not bring rucksacks, suitcases or other large bags (A3 size/35cm x 40cm and above) as they are not permitted and we do not have cloakroom facilities at the event.
The event is outdoors and the audience area is not covered, please check the weather forecast before you arrive and dress accordingly!
Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions. Be aware that these may be updated. If you have a question that is not answered below, feel free to contact us.
We hope you have a memorable and enjoyable time at Laughterama. Please consider our neighbours and leave Somerset House quietly in a safe and orderly manner.
We recommend you check travel details regularly as London Transport can be subject to changes at late notice. For more information go to tfl.gov.uk
- I haven’t received my tickets! First, check your spam! If you have no luck there, contact your ticket provider directly (SEE Tickets is our primary provider). Have all of your booking information ready, and they will be able to send you your tickets.
- Are chairs provided? Yes! Leave yours at home; our fully seated arena awaits.
- Is the event outdoors? The event is totally outdoors - please dress accordingly! Umbrellas will not be permitted for use from the seating area so as not to obstruct anyone’s view.
- It’s outdoors, can I smoke? Smoking and vaping is permitted in the Courtyard but the seated arena is a no-smoking (or vaping!) zone. We ask that you are considerate of other guests to the event.
- Is there an age limit? Our shows carry an age limit of 16+. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult; please bring ID. You may be refused entry to the arena if our staff think you are under 16. Please note that this policy also applies to babies.
- You’re sold out! Where can I apply for returns? Check SEE tickets fan-to-fan resale and Twickets. Ticket touting is illegal. Any tickets resold by anyone other than an authorised agent, or at greater than the face value of the ticket, will be void and you will be refused entry to the venue. Tickets bought from unauthorised sources are not valid.
- I need to organise the babysitter - what exact time is my favourite comedian performing? We do not give out specific timings of comedians: we estimate that our multi-bill shows last approximately 2.5 hours.
- Can I bring my dog/cat/parrot? Unfortunately not. Assistance animals are welcome, but please contact our access team so we can help you select the best seats.
- I have booked for more than one show in a day - do I have to queue again? Nope! You’ll need to vacate the arena whilst we prepare it, but you can stay in the festival ready for your next show. Please make sure our staff scan your ticket for your next show! Please note that there will be no seating outside of the arena area.
- I want to pop out during the intervals, can I come back in? You’ll need to stay with us until your show ends - there is strictly no re-admission!
- I’m running late. Is this a problem? Latecomers may have to wait until the next interval to take their seats. Our gates close at 9.30 pm. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to allow you to pass through our enhanced security checks, and share this information with all members of your party.
- Are there toilets? Of course! We have many gender-neutral cubicle toilets behind the stage. These are accessed via a flight of steep stairs which have a hand-rail. There are also multiple accessible loos - speak to staff who can point you in the right direction.
- Can I bring my own water into the event? Refillable bottles sized 1000ml or less are allowed on site. Glass bottles are not permitted. These must be empty on entrance but there are a number of water refill stations available in the courtyard and tap water is available for free at the bars.
- Can I bring a picnic? Afraid not. We ask you not to bring food or drink into the event; if you do, you will be asked to leave it outside. Please contact our access team if you need to bring in your own food or drink and wish to request an exemption to our policy. Somerset House operates Challenge 25. If you appear to be under 25 you will be asked for proof of age when purchasing alcohol and may be refused if you do not have the appropriate photographic ID to hand.
- What about a bag? Please do not bring rucksacks, suitcases or other large bags (A3 size/ 35cm x 40cm and above) as these are not permitted. Bags must be kept in your possession at all times, and we do not have a cloakroom.
- The show is GREAT! Can I film it to show to my family later? We ask that you do not take video or flash photography, but a quick snap for the mems is no problem. The unauthorised use of professional equipment for photographing, filming, recording or transmitting (by digital or other means) any audio, visual or audio-visual material within the Venue is strictly forbidden.
- Cash or card? We are operating a cashless event. All walk-up ticket bookings must be made online via our website, and our bars only accept cards.
- Oh no! I dropped my hat! Do you have a Lost and Found? We certainly do; we’ll keep any items found until Monday 3rd August at Somerset House. Please email us to find out if we have your lost item.
The lineup of my show has changed - can I get a refund? We make every endeavour to deliver the original bill, and thankfully, most of the time we do! Unfortunately, there are times when an act simply cannot fulfil their booking. On these rare occasions, we guarantee to replace them with another amazing act. No refunds will be given for lineup changes.
If you still have a query, please contact us.
Weds-Fri
Gates open at 6 pm. Show ends 10.15 pm (approx)
Sat-Sun
Early show, Gates open 1.30 pm. Show ends 5.30 pm (approx)
Late show, Gates open 6.15 pm. Show ends 10.15 pm (approx)
If you would like to attend the comedy festival in a large group, in order to ensure you are seated together, please contact us.
Laughterama strives to be accessible and inclusive. Our accessible seating is available to book via our booking page. These seats are at the ends of the aisles. We are aware these may not suit everyone, so please do reach out to our access team, who will be happy to advise.
- We offer a limited number of complimentary essential companion tickets for those who cannot attend the event on their own.
- If needed, you can avoid the queue system. Please notify a member of staff if this is required and they will assist.
- The access toilet does not require a RADAR key and is approximately 20m from the access seating. The closest Changing Places toilet is at Victoria Embankment.
- We have a number of accessible toilets on site. These will be clearly signposted and included on site maps. Please ask a member of staff if you need assistance locating the toilets.
- Assistance animals are permitted: please contact us in advance if you will be bringing an assistance animal so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
- Blue Badge holders can park for free without a time limit in residents' parking areas. For more information, visit the City of Westminster or bluebadgeparking.com. Please note that this parking is not affiliated with the event.
- The courtyard is fully accessible for wheelchair users and disabled ticket holders. Please note that the courtyard has an uneven, cobbled surface.
- There are flashing lights but no strobe effects. Haze is used throughout the performance.
- If you have a medical reason to bring your own food or drink to the event, please get in touch to let us know so that we can facilitate this.
- If you need a quiet space away from the arena during your time at the event, please speak to any member of staff who will be happy to assist you.
- Our chairs are Samsonite chairs with dimensions: 0.5m x 0.5m, without armrests.
If you require any more information, please email our access team, who will be happy to help, or contact SEE Customer Services.
Somerset House events are fully inclusive safe spaces for any person to participate and enjoy without fear of feeling marginalised, unrepresented, or unwelcome. By entering these spaces, you agree to respect any body, attire, gender, sexual orientation, race, belief and experience that are not your own. We also expect the same courtesy to be afforded to you. We reserve the right to refuse entry to and/or eject from the event in reasonable circumstances, including without limitation for health and safety or licensing reasons, if you behave in a manner which has or is likely to affect the enjoyment of other persons at the event; if you use threatening, abusive or insulting words or mannerisms; if, in our reasonable opinion, you are acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs; if you fail, when required, to produce proof of identity or age; if you refuse to comply with the security searches; if you breach these terms; or if your ticket is void.
Your safety at Somerset House is paramount and we continually liaise with the appropriate authorities to ensure robust security measures are in place. Please comply with all instructions given to you by the staff onsite.
You cannot bring food, alcohol, cans, glass, aerosols or any item that could be used as a weapon (including sharp or pointed objects). If you bring such items with you, they will be confiscated by a member of our team or you may be refused entry.
By attending an Event, you give your express consent to your actual or simulated likeness to be included within any film, photograph, audio and/or audio-visual recording to be exploited in any and all media for any purpose at any time throughout the world. This includes filming by the police or security staff which may be carried out for the security of customers. For more information on how we handle personal data our Privacy Policy can be found here.
We’re looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our Front of House and Bar teams. If you’re interested in finding out more pop us an email, along with your CV, and we’ll be in touch soon!