Fun times at the Firehouse this past Friday evening taking in a Bit Players Improv show! The Bit Players is a great evening activity, reasonably priced at $18 per ticket, BYOB and bring your own food, too. We got a box of Crab Rangoons from Ching Tao down the street, and sat in the first row nibbling away. The show is a fast paced 80 minute romp with no intermission. The troupe takes suggestions from the audience for the skits, and hilarity ensues. If you are celebrating a special occasion, they may even call you up from the audience for a personalized skit of your own! The Bit Players excel particularly in their song-prov sketches, I have been coming to these shows for years and the ability to make up verses on the fly never fails to impress. JT and Danny stole the show the night we went with their Shakespearean sketch about Chuck E Cheese.. still laughing over some of the great lines! I would recommend this night out to folks ages 14+, as the humor skews to a PG-13-ish range. That being said, if you're looking for a fun and different activity, the Bit Players is worth a visit! read more

Highly recommend this affordable and enjoyable hour+ of entertainment. Contrary to previously held belief that Improv would heighten my anxiety, I thoroughly enjoyed every second. I was literally on the edge of my seat. No two shows are alike. The building is incredible and needs to be seen. I can't wait to go back and bring friends. read more

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karaoke, improv and acapella groups. Three things that can be fun or go REALLY bad, REALLY fast. The Bit Players improv was super fun. They were all likable and quick witted. They kept the audience engaged and laughing throughout the show. Upon pre show request they call up members of audience and build an improv around them. its kind spirited and funny rather than laughs at the persons expense. far better than i expected. read more

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! Found this place back in Spring 2011 when-then my fiancé and I moved in Newport. We ate at Newport Tokyo House and wondered into this building, had no idea what it was, bought tickets and we were hooked. Came back many times until we moved out of Newport. Never thought we'd be back in Newport again but once we moved into our home we went straight back to watch the Bit Players. We'll be returning until we leave again this Summer read more

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I was in town for one night and it was Story Telling night. I feel blessed to have been invited. It was a cold evening but warm in the theatre and standing room only. I was lucky enough to pay to get in and get a seat. I make it to Newport occasionally and because of this evening I hope to make sure it is the first Thursday of the month next time I visit. Story-telling is fantastic as is the MC who had us all in stitches and interested in whatever was going to happen next. 4 stories and 3 superb stories and one was good. That is a great ratio. Just the right length to keep our attention and still learn something about each presenter. I was fascinated with the guy who got back with his old girlfriend and found out she had his child 11 years previous right after they broke up. And the one with the abusive boyfriend was riveting. Loved it all and like I stated earlier, I will somehow make it back here. Great affordable entertainment. read more

This was my 3rd time here. This place is great inexpensive night. $18 per ticket and BYOB. The performers are hilarious. Its pretty much like the show Who's Line Is It Anyways, but better. I believe Saturday nights are packed, so you may want to purchase Tix ahead of time. Will definitely be back. read more

Came here to see The Bit Players for a bachelorette party and it was the best choice. These guys are seriously funny and the whole experience was fantastic! Really loved it and can't wait to come back and see them again. If you're in Newport and like to laugh you need to see this show. read more

The Bit Players did a fantastic performance. It's BYOB, so you can enjoy your favorite drink while they entertain you. Liz was an amazing host for the evening and next time we are in town we will be sure to stop by for another show! read more

This was SO much fun! It's BYOB so we made our own drinks. The Bit Players were 100% improv! We had a great crowd and didn't stop laughing. Quick witted and funny this show was well worth the $10 price tag (2 hour show). read more

Fun time! Relaxed, welcoming and funny players! This was a off the cuff find and we are glad we found it. Whether new to improve or a regular, a must see. read more

The setting actually takes place in a firehouse. I was quite surprised. It was also BYOB!! The admission was only $15 which wasn't so bad. The people that collected the money when you first walk in could have been more polite. They weren't very friendly. It was a casual setting and the cast are very funny. The host looks like the guy from Despicable Me. The show was funny. The seating could have been more comfortable. The show was basically all impromptu with suggestions taken from the audience. I had a good time. They had a live band and they played well. My friend fell asleep so i guess its not for everyone. read more

Firehouse Theater - The seating and stage - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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Such a fun night out!! Have been 5+ times and have a great evening every time. Worth noting that it is BYOB - they provide bottle opener and plastic cups. It's open seating so get there early for better seats. This is my go-to activity for and an evening in Newport! read more

Wonderful little theatre in Newport. The bit players are awesome. Very funny, and engaging. This is a place I will definitely come back to.

Came with a group of 9 last Friday night. Great way to kickoff a wedding weekend, which is what we were doing. There were two Bachelorette parties, who both got brought up to the stage. I was a little worried they were going to randomly roast people in the crowd, but this wasn't the case. The people who were brought up on stage knew it was going to happen and all seemed very willing to be part of the show. Bring your own booze and cash for tipping at the end. read more

So great! We can't wait to go back. The group is so talented. Best hidden gem around! They are all so talented and it's BYOB!! If you need a fun night out and want to laugh your a$$ off, this is the place to go! read more

Saw the bit players tonight. So hilarious. If you're looking for something to do while in Newport please check them out! $18 for a couple hours for laughs and jokes. read more

I whispered to my wife, "I hope they don't say who's ready to laugh," right as the light went down. That's the first thing the host for the evening said. Improv shows can be hit or miss, but this one worked well for the audience in attendance on Saturday night. Our audience included 1 birthday girl and 4 bachelorette parties. Despite constant whispering from the bachelorettes behind us and the drunken audience participate who constantly yelled Diarrhea, it was a great show. The bit players incorporated the brides to be into the show throughout this two hours performance (with short intermission). The comedy was hysterical - the performers perfectly in synch, and my favorite part - live music. Don't forget to bring your own booze and some money to tip the performers! And for the non-drinkers, Tea and water are available for a small donation. Highly recommended for a night out! read more

I went alone Saturday in a wheelchair they were very wheelchair accessible. The night was well worth the small price. There were not one but two Batchlorette (however it is spelled) parties that night, the Dad of the host was sitting next to me. And boy did I get an earful of how Frank was as a teen lol. j/k were both to intense into watching the show. If he saw you blink he would repeat what you missed. there honestly wasnt enough time to repeat anything so dont blink or you will miss something that made the rest of the crowd laugh. Now there was one comedian that scared me; not really but dont make her angry lol It is great place to go with friends. This review is written by the one and only "The Traveling Poet" I was at the 8 O'clock show Saturday. I didnt know they opened at 7:30 oops read more

The Bit Players - http://thebitplayers.blogspot.com/ put on such a great show. For our show we had Anna, Clayton, Brittany and Jim with Vlad hosting. The venue is small but for an improv show, small is good so you have a chance of participating as well as being able to hear and see well. They have a cooler of water and canned soda for beverages as needed with a donation jar on the side inside of the theater room. Its BYOB .. yes bring whatever and however much you want, just not a keg ;) If you forget cups, its okay because they had solo cups to supply us for our mixed drinks. Every show is recorded so if your friend ends up on stage you have the opportunity to request a copy. Hilarious. Pretty awesome show, great crew... good way to start a night out. read more

Disappointed. Wanted to bring a group of high school girls from church. The other leader called to find out if it would be appropriate, she was told that children are often in the audience...I don't know what kind of parent would bring a child to such a show. She also asked the woman at the door if it was age-appropriate. Not only was the woman impolite, she lied. The bit players went for the predictable 'jokes'...religion, sex, and profanity. Not only is it NOT funny, it's been done before. What's worse...the set up made it impossible to leave the show early. In order to leave, you need to walk up on the stage! Waste of $15. People probably only think it's funny because it's BYOB. I saw several people stumbling out of the place. read more

10/10 would recommend!! Best $18 I've ever spent. My husband and I saw The Bit Players Saturday night. We bought the tickets on a whim that morning and I am SO GLAD we did. It's improv like Who's Line Is It Anyway and they get the crowd involved. We were laughing the whole time! It was someone's birthday and they brought him up on stage and sang to him. GREAT idea for a birthday or Bachelorette party!! GET THERE EARLY! I got there right around 8:00 and we almost didn't have seats to sit in! It's a small place and seating is first come first serve. Doors open at 7:30, get there then! read more

I really couldn't think of a better way to ring in the new year but to celebrate with lots of laughs! My boyfriend and I were looking for things to do in Newport for NYE and decided on watching the Bit Players. $20 (and it looks like it's cheaper for tickets on a normal night), BYOB and lots of fun... we were sold. The theater was very intimate. There is the pit area that's maybe ten rows deep directly under the stage. This seemed like an ideal spot to sit if you want to be heard on suggestions! We sat at the back of the room, but since it is a very small theater, anywhere you choose to sit is a good spot. In regards to the BYOB: as soon as you walk in at check in, you are offered solo cups to use or corkscrews to borrow which is great. They also offer non-alcoholic drinks like soda and water, tea, apple cider, and coffee with a little donation jar. I thought this was really nice. I truthfully didn't know too much about the Bit Players coming in to the show. They're an improv group. I loved it, and loved that it was for the most part, a show that all ages could enjoy! (I say for the most part because towards the end, people were getting vulgar and shouting out adult suggestions, haha!) I liked the games format of the show, and my favorite skit was the wedding dance game. Can't wait to go to another show soon, thanks for the laughs!! read more

Having been to many improv shows at Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC and Improv Asylum in Boston, I didn't expect to be blown away by the Bit Players, in a tiny theater on a side street in Newport. I figured it would be a fun evening and all...but they were AWESOME! Really hilarious. Diverse talents in the cast, and they all played well off each other. One thing I LOVED was that the show I saw was 100% improv: no prerehearsed skits at all like they mix in at some other improv shows. The price is right, and the BYOB element is mindblowingly smart. There can be long lines for the bathroom at intermission, so definitely jump up if you want to avoid waiting. Also, if you really love the show, you may be able to see a later show at a reduced price if there are still tickets available. The theater is small and extremely casual, so no need to dress fancier than sneakers if you don't feel like it (can't decide if the BYO or the lack of dress code is the #1 perk). There is also a liquor store around the corner in case you want to pick up your beverages on the way. If the Bit Players have a show when you are in town, definitely include it in your Newport itinerary. TIP: CASH AND CHECKS ONLY :) read more

Hysterical.. This is a must see! Every show is completely different (cast, bits, prompts) and each show has been hysterical.. I do suggest to arrive a half hour early, to pick your seat. It's a small theatre and all the seats are good (I have sat in the 4th row from the stage, first row on the second half, and the last row on the second half) however, I prefer to sit closer so that way I can get a full view and a chance to be heard. Make sure to call and make a reservation because it may be sold out.. You will not be disappointed.. The cast is wonderful.. Enjoy and BYOB :) read more

We've been going to see the Bit Players at the Firehouse for almost two years now and the shows are so much fun. I'm always surprised how by funny they are. I always try to think of a few funny "call outs" before going to a show. The most common things they ask for are occupation, relationship, and non-geographical location. The more unusual, the more likely they are to take your suggestion! This improv show is NOT like standup comedy where you might get picked on, though you may be invited on stage (you never have to go on stage if you don't want to). Plus, it's $10-15 and BYOB. Can't beat that price! read more

The Firehouse Theater is the best place for Comedy in Southern RI, and the best place for Improv in all of Rhode Island Every Friday and Saturday night The Bit Players perform Improv Comedy at 8PM, and in the summer there are different groups or variations of the Bit Players performing every night. The Bit Players shows are very interactive with the audience, feature singing, mime, and frankly some very weird (but funny!) bits and scenes. One of their staple games is Bartender, which is probably my favorite and they do it very well making up songs to complain about their problems and then find solutions! Really a great place for a night out, and best of all its BYOB read more

Absolutely hysterical. We went to a comedy show on Saturday night- but players improv show...We had an amazing time! We will definitely going back!!!! read more

Saw a show tonight, super funny. We didn't know it was BYOB so I hope people look here first. There was a disruptive drunk girl in the audience and they performed great despite her. read more

Dearest yelp, I shouldn't be writing this review. I'm in the hospital getting a funny bone transplant

Came here with a bachelorette party. Cliche. The comedy itself was pretty good. The lead comic was great, and Vlad's physical comedy was incredible, but the rest of the players were so-so. It's very possible that we just came on an off day. It was still fun and they do a very good job of incorporating anybody celebrating an occasion. They lose a star for the reservation system. I'd called and left a voicemail asking whether they had tickets available for our group. The lady that does the seating called me back and quite rudely said that I should have spoken more clearly in my voicemail (not a complaint that I've heard before, but ok...) and that she would be turning other people away after accommodating us, so we had better show up on time. It was the same person manning the door, and I got scolded for not telling her it was a bachelorette party and she would not accept that I omitted the detail because my friend didn't have any interest in being pulled onto the stage. So, yeah. Weird experience! read more

If you're in town please catch a show! Was in town for the weekend, Didn't know what to expect coming in. Had the time of my life. Hilarious acts, wonderful cast, great vibes. Will surely be visiting again. read more

I moved to Newport back in November and have slowly(ish) been getting around town. So tonight I wanted originally to do something fun with this girl I whose number I got a few days ago at a bar. Well low and behold I did not hear back from her, shucks oh well still going to a comedy show even if it is alone was my thought. Well can I just say that this show was great!! The crew was so out there and diverse that even if they were not completely amazing I would pay to go again, and probably again after that. The show only hit the wallet a little less than two beers anywhere in Newport and it is BYOB so what more can you ask for. I hate that I had to sign up for this site to write this but, you have to put credit where credit is due! read more

We were here for the Wasted Talent show. This is a small theatre, good location. The stage seemed to be decorated for a play of some sort, mostly in flower type decorations. Out of the 5 comics, I really liked 3 of them. BYOB shows will attract a lot of drunk people, fyi. This was somewhat amusing at times. At least 3 drunk girls caused a major distraction, 2 of them leaving obnoxiously in the middle of the show. They provide free coffee. They don't take credit cards so that is a pain. read more

We were in Newport for the last week in April and the improv show here was great! Everyone was very funny. We came with four friends at the 10pm show and they really loved it. Overall, I would suggest this because we had a great time. They had a live band backing them up and they have a BYOB policy. The payment, greeting and entrance were confusing. It was our first time here and I didn't know who was an employee and who was a guest. I tried to pay for four people and the woman at the door didn't seem to understand. Anyway we all paid and got in. Then we were walked through an office into the back of the theatre to be seated. The theatre was really basic. read more

Wow! These guys were amazing! We had the best time. They are so much fun. While the experience is interactive, it is not embarrassing in any way. In fact, three soon to be brides took part when we were there, and it was terrific. They are all hysterical, but Vlad, with his strong Russian accent, takes the cake. It's incredible how they can think on their feet so quickly. Think "Who's Line is it Anyway?" And you have the idea. Drew Carey watch out!! read more

Went here on a bachelorette party (for me) and saw the 8 pm show. It was fun, there were a lot of other brides-to-be there so thankfully I didn't get pulled up on stage. They do special bits for anyone who has a special event and some are funnier than others. The comedy part is decent, but the singing parts are not. Did not know that it was BYOB, but others were bringing in coolers. The comedy place does supply water for donations, which is very nice. Many of the people there were obviously regulars and were quite vocal. :) Parking is a bear, so be prepared. read more

I should give The Firehouse five stars just because we pulled up and there was an on-street parking place right at the front door! That's a rarity for Newport...I wanted to leave the car there all weekend just because. Anyway, the place is quite small, and pretty dingy, like hanging out in someone's garage. Because it is actually a garage. But that is perfect, as it provides an intimate feel, and it is easy to see and hear everything going on. It's byob, which tends to make the crowd, uh...shall we say "animated"...as the show progresses. While a couple of the routines fell flat, most of it was very funny. Surprisingly so. It was well-produced and each of the performers had their own special talents, which were incorporated into the improv routines brilliantly. As for the "improv" part, yes, it is obviously unscripted, but not purely improvisational. The Bit Players have set routines they do at each show -- complete with overhead graphics displayed on a big-screen TV over the stage -- such as a fake game show or a song. The changes with each show are the result of lots of audience participation, whether it is calling out for keywords to riff of off, or dragging a guest up on stage for some good-natured abuse. It all works very well, and for the price it is probably the best night out in Newport (unless you can get invited to a party on one of those 150' yachts). The Firehouse is within walking distance of the strip, so anywhere you can park will put you close enough. Finally, I just have to ask...what's with the popularity of this place for bridal showers? Look at all the reviews here talking about bridal showers and girls night out. There were two bridal parties there the night we went. I guess it is good mostly-wholesome fun if you're not looking for a Chippendale's review (be prepared for an f-bomb or two, but it rarely gets too raunchy for mixed company). All in all, bridal shower or just a fun night out with friends, The Firehouse and The Bit Players are a real treat. read more

I really wanted to "love" the bit player act. Maybe it's because I've been spoiled by New York comedy? Regardless, the show was mediocre at best. The actors were corny and my laughter rose to a chuckle. Perhaps the funniest act was from Vlad who performed great impersonations. The price of the show is definitely cheap, we payed $15 dollar a ticket. I wouldn't necessarily recommended the show, but if you have nothing to do in the area, grab a beer and head to the firehouse theater. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed the Bit Players show I went to while on vacation. They are really talented improv actors, and the audience participation was fun! The Friday show I went to was two hours with a short intermission. It was a sell out, so we were thankful we got our tickets in advance. read more

Great night of entertainment and inexpensive. The group is hilarious. We will definately be going again.