A very fun time whether your a local or a tourist this is a great night of entertainment in the heart of the North End. Always a different performance so lends itself to going back for more. Drinks available at a full bar and a show intermission a little more than halfway through allows for a mid show refill if you are so inclined. The theatre is set up in a small intimate setting and right now is distanced for COVID social distancing. You might even get to sit next to a life sized Kermit the Frog! Masks are required even when seated, you can pull down to take a drink then put back on. The small space makes it an intimate experience and that much more immersive. Always time for audience participation so think of some witty remarks in advance. The right crowd and responses can make the show even funnier but don't be that drunk guy or gal who doesn't know when to stop yelling out suggestions at the performers. So glad to have live performances back. Go out and support our local performers - and you can probably use a night of laughing by right about now. read more

While we were traveling through the streets of Boston via Uber, our driver was actually an actress who had a tremendous amount of experience with different styles of theater and film. While we drove back to our hotel, the topic of shows came up in conversation. Our Uber driver INSISTED that we go to this place if we wanted to have a good laugh. And did we have a good laugh...actually, a great laugh. I enjoy improv very much, and constantly marvel at how certain people do it so effortlessly. The entrance looks a tad sketchy, until you realize that it makes perfect sense...improv isn't supposed to be glitzy and glorious, it's supposed to be a hipster, underground, and raw thing. You are required to go through a door and immediately walk down a flight of stairs. When you arrive, there is the front desk, and immediately to the right of it is a bar (classic). The atmosphere and audience were everything I expected, young adults galore, and a sitting arrangement that allowed people to see from different vantage points. As for the comedy, it was gold. Granted, if you go in with the mindset that it's SNL, you will feel empty. But going in with the mindset that it is a bunch of people who love improv and effortlessly make people laugh, then you are good. This place was wonderful! Highly recommend for a first date (if your date does not laugh, I cannot see a second date happening). read more

Improv Asylum - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I've been here a few times while living in Boston. A friend had a show so we went to see him perform a few comedy skits, it was pretty awesome. The second time was for a main stage show and these comedians are pretty great at what they do. It's a bit steep for pricing when you're not even sure how good the comedians are, usually. However, I guess we've always picked the right shows, because we've enjoyed it every time. read more

Just speaking about the class part of it, not the shows. Took a beginner's improv class a while back with Dan H. and it was alright. His attitude was sometimes snarky and he it was really uncomfortable when he made us sing in front of the class, but overall he's a nice guy. Would probably look elsewhere for classes but good experience overall. read more

I'm huge fan of improv. I like watching it, I like performing it, I like the people who perform it, I like laughing, and I always feel like a million bucks after a good comedy show. Improv Asylum does not disappoint. Improv Asylum was not on my radar when I planned a long weekend in Boston. My friend surprised me with tickets to a Saturday Mainstage "Happy Hour" show, and I was ecstatic! Sometimes seeing an improv show can be risky - I've seen some bad shows before, and you leave wondering why you wasted your money. But good improvers can take anything and turn it into hilarity. The Improv Asylum Mainstage cast is brilliant! They were incredibly funny, quick on their feet, and were able to work with some odd audience suggestions to make scenes that transitioned flawlessly, as if scripted. I laughed through the entire show. The show is PG13; mostly just some language. There was a 9-year-old in the audience, and I kind of cringed with every curse word (There weren't many). Not at the cast, but at the parents who thought it'd be appropriate to bring the kid. Improv can be kid friendly, but just be sure you're bringing them to an appropriate show. I didn't mind, but I could tell that other show goers were annoyed with the kid's endless babbling during the audience suggestions. There is another raunchier show, appropriately called Raunch, that plays on weekends at midnight, and your show ticket gets you in for free! I would have definitely come back had we not had plans to be up early the next morning. The best part of the happy hour show, minus the few bucks you save in comparison to the later show, was the ability to still go out in the North End after and enjoy the rest of our evening. There's a bar at the comedy club, but I can't comment on the pricing or selection. I just stuck to water. Parking in the area is tricky. I'd suggest taking a ride share or public transport to a nearby stop (Haymarket and Govt Center stops are both close). There's lots of places to get your drinking/eating fix around the comedy club, making a for a great night out. Come to the show with an open mind and a willingness to laugh. I guess humor can be subjective, but I loved it. read more

I had a team event last week to the Improv Asylum and had a great time! The actors are seriously talented and whitty to be able to come up with skits just based upon a few questions they ask the audience. I went with a group of people and everyone really enjoyed the show and was cracking up the whole night. What I like about this place is that you can do it with anyone: it can be a date, a night out with friends, maybe even your family. There is also a bar so you can grab a drink before the show or during intermission. read more

First and foremost - the shows are hilarious. Great quick show to go to when you want to do something different on the weekend. The bucket of beers are awesome to share with your partner and keep you from getting up at intermission to get another drink. The reason I took some stars away is because of a new policy change that kind of ruins it for me. I purchased 8 tickets online for a show and I noticed that they didn't give me the option of choosing a seat. Last show I went to (about 6 months ago) I was able to pick seats right when I purchased the tickets. I called them just to say "hey my family is coming into town, I want to make sure I can reserve a row, didn't see the option to pick seats, don't know why", etc. The guy on the other line told me that there are no longer assigned seats, and it's general admission and first come first serve. Ughhhhhhh $@&!? whyyyyy. Now instead of being rest assured that my family will be fine and have seats, I have to arrive a half hour before the show to make sure I'm near the front of the line so that I can get seats together. Why why whyyyyy The reason this ruins it for me is because I buy tickets last minute to this show A LOT. I loved being able to just go downtown and have a few drinks, and buy assigned seats, and get to the venue right before the show started and sit down. Now it's like I'm always going to have to arrive early, and make it more of an ordeal. Just disappointing is all. Improv Asylum, you guys are great! Whyyyy must you do this :/ read more

Went to the 5 pm unscripted show. Only downfall is that the floors in the bar area are sticky, drinks are overpriced and the bathrooms smell like cat piss. Other than that, the show itself is great! read more

Going to this was my favorite memory during my visit to Boston. Don't hesitate - book it. The improv actors are fantastic, they're responsive and engaging, and they make the night fun for everybody. read more

Great show! They do a great job of including the audience but not forcing you to do anything if you don't want to. The scenes and sketches were all different from each other and funny in their own way. Highly recommend if you are a fan of improv or laughing. read more

What a fun night! The improv team did a great job with weird request from the audience. Slightly expensive for an hour and a half but it was a great way to start our trip. read more

This is a local comedy show in the heart of the North End. Is improve so expect some funny jokes, and some that aren't too funny. The cast interacts with the audience a lot so it makes the jokes more personal and unique to that individual person. The most important thing about this place is that is 18+ which is very convenient for people that want to do something fun, in the evening, with an underage person. The prices for the tickets are very inexpensive. About $14-30 per person, depending on the show you go to. read more

We went as a family outing for Christmas and had a wonderful time. It was a holiday special. The improvisation was great. They ask the audience for ideas and then put it together. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to have a nice outing in the city. The weather was great the night we went so we were able to walk around afterwards and go to a bakery down the street. read more

My friends and I decided to come here during a huge storm a few days after New Years. We were sick of being stuck inside our apartment for two nights a row, so we ventured out to the North End to Improv Asylum. We did not know what we were getting ourselves into......was it going to be a great show like everybody said in the reviews or was it going to be a mediocre show? Whatever it was, we were willing to brave through the storm to get here! Let me tell you.......IT'S SO WORTH IT. So next time you wonder if it's worth it to come here in the midst of a blizzard.....yes! Yes it is worth it. If a 4'11" girl like me can brave through the storm to get here, you can too....rain or shine. But yes, you get my point. Onto the actual review..... This place is great. If you are a student, you can get a discount. Tickets are originally $25. But even if you pay $25 for the ticket, it's still worth it because there are shows afterwards, and you can stay for free. You're basically paying $25 for two-three shows. Depending on how long you want to stay. My friends and I went for the main stage crew at 7:30. We were planning to leave after that, but the next show was the Cards Against Humanity show so of course we were gonna stay! Both shows got us DYING of laughter. I just don't understand how they could improvise right on the spot and think of something so ridiculous and funny like that. If there was an extra star, I would give this comedy club another one for Matt Catanzano. He is part of the main stage cast and boy is he handsome! Great actor too so that is a plus. My friends and I had the privilege of taking a picture with him during the break between shows. Don't get me wrong....other actors and actresses are just as equally amazing as him! They all work so well together and you can see it in the comedy shows. I think that's what makes this comedy club so successful. Keep up the good work! read more

Improv Asylum - With Matt Catanzano! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This show was pretty hilarious and I'm so happy I had the chance to go. Unfortunate that I wasn't able to stay until the very end due to a late dinner reservation at L'Espalier but it was just hysterical as someone had mentioned. This is basically like comedy sportz, they play a lot of improv games and ask the audience for suggestions for the improv they are doing. The cast is very passionate about what they do and are very lively hence putting on a great show. The bar outside is not bad and it's not too crowded on a night basis so you won't find yourself waiting in enormous lines for the bathroom or the bar. The seating is VERY intimate which I love and they have a lot of audience involvement which makes it more fun than if you were to just stalely sit there and watch someone else have all the fun. This is totally worth your money! read more

Advance tickets to the Improv Asylum were a must for a bachelor party that took us all over Boston - and in general, I would say advance tickets are generally a good idea no matter what the occasion. Our group was mediumly-drunk by the time we made our way to the North End, so we were a fairly optimal combination of neither insanely rowdy nor insanely quiet. Our seats ended up being in row D, which is only 4 rows up from the front -- but for a show that, for the most part, doesn't use mics, the closer you can get the better. We also had a fan blowing on us the whole time, which was nice (basement, cramped, breathing, people, hot) but was a second deterrent from optimal volume. I've been to a show before with my girlfriend and we both had a great time, so I had high expectations for hilarity once again. The people were just about all the same, and they are an excellent cast. The pre-written material was different and relevant (Apple jokes galore), and they did a great job with the improv part - they rolled with everything the audience suggested, even the really random things that were blurted out by the guy in the front row whose girlfriend/wife obviously dragged him there against his will that was determined to show her that improv isn't as fun as she thinks it is. Comedy perception fail. We all drank buckets of fairly priced Sam Light, and were invited to the midnight Raunch show for free as a thank you for attending the 10:00 show. We would have stayed, but we had other plans -- very much bar related. read more

From the moment we walked in to the show we felt very taken care of. Bar has reasonable prices and the stage/crowd set up is great. Show was awesome and all the comedians were fantastic. Very fun show and venue. We will be coming back in the coming months. read more

What? Comedy in Boston that's actually funny? Toto, I don't think we're in Boston anymore... $25 sounds pricey, but you get what you pay for here. The entertainment is nonstop, the wit is endless, and this incredible show is pretty appropriate for most ages. It's easy to miss a few nuances if you blink, and there are a few too many f-bombs for the younger members of your family, but our bachelorette party was waving our glowstick bracelets in nothing short of genuine enthusiasm. I don't think my laugh-meter ever went below a giggle, and I sure as heck couldn't believe that two whole hours had gone by in this small dark basement beneath the start of Hanover. Much of North End feels like a gimmick, but Improv Asylum is the real deal. Fair warning: Just make sure to get there on time - there's a special song just for latecomers, which is just "Sit the F down" on repeat so don't be THAT guy... read more

I was here on a Sunday night seeing the NXT show. Very energetic and fun group. It was my first time seeing and improv and I had a lot of fun. I would definitely return, also for the main stage show. You can avoid the service fee by buying your ticket at the venue. Week day and Sunday show was priced at 10 dollar which is very reasonable. There is a bar inside the venue and u can bring your drinks in. The seats facing the stage seem to have the best view. read more

Walked past it while exploring and decided to check it out. We ordered our tickets online but the people next to us were able to purchase the tickets at the door! It was a hilarious show. It's so fun how they can just come up with stuff based on random audience ideas. They were amazing and everyone was laughing!! The drinks were expensive but it's fun anyway. Would recommend checking them out if you're around the city! read more

Can't figure out how to respond so I will update my review instead. EVERYTHING about how your staff handled the situation was unprofessional. I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to get cut off in the first place. Also, I should also note that no one on your staff even told me I was cut off. Instead, I was embarrassed in front of the entire club while I was disrespected and treated like complete crap. Someone could've pulled me aside and talked to me nicely. For someone who spent plenty of money at your place, a little respect would've gone a long way. I was not argumentative or combative in any way. I am scarred from this experience. It replays in my head over and over since the night this happened. I am still trying to figure out what I did to be treated this way. I have lost sleep over it. I am and never will be over this and this experience ruined my entire night. Again, this has nothing to do with the show or the comedians themselves, but all about the staff and how I was treated. Disrespect is unforgivable. I keep trying to figure out how to get over this, but I just can't. read more

If you go to an Improve Asylum show and don't laugh, you must not have a pulse. I've enjoyed every show I've attended, including their awesome No Rest for the Wicked Funny 24 hour comedy show to benefit Globe Santa. If you go to a show with a group you can pre-arrange to have you group mentioned in a sketch. This was fun during a college alumni trip to Improv Asylum. read more

Fun place to go to for a few laughs! This isn't your typical comedy club with a stand-up comedian going solo doing their usual routine. This is 4 people doing some of their own sketches as well as taking feedback from the audience and acting it out. As the website states, it is kind of like "Who's line is it anyway?" if you have seen that show back in the day. Seating is arranged in four separate sections all facing the center area. Be prepared to be called on. You won't have to act anything out, but may have to respond to some questions at random. They asked several people what their occupation is, what they do for fun, etc. as part of their act. The main show was 1 hour and 30 minutes with a intermission halfway through. They have a bar area when you first walk in for those that want drinks. Tickets are a little steeper ($32) than some other venues I have been to, but nevertheless, it was a fun night. read more

Went on a Saturday night to the Main Stage Show at 10:00 with a friend. Easily the highlight of the weekend. Although tickets are a bit steep ($28+fees), it was worth every penny. When we got there around 9:45, the place was busy and there was a short line for drinks. I'd recommend arriving about 20 minutes prior to the show so you can use the bathroom or grab a drink. Our seats were in the second row on the back side. Some have complained that it's annoying that the actors are faced away for most of the show, but we found this to not be a problem at all. Additionally, we had a pole that blocked a small section of the stage which wasn't a big deal, either. The place is small enough that sound carries well, so you can hear everything. The comedy itself was fantastic. There were sketches and improv, and both were hysterical. The actors interact with the audience well, and use audience suggestions (and even audience members themselves) as part of the show, which means every show is unique. Fantastic way to spend 90 minutes. They even offered free tickets to the midnight show, but we didn't stick around. Highly recommend. read more

It was a fun show. The improv had a good flow to it. With plenty of crowd participation. First half I'd say was a little stronger than the second half. It took a dive at the end when they got a little political. Although I did agree with their Message, you could feel the room got heavy when talking about 43. Yuk! Just a tough subject to maneuver around and recover. I'd scratch that part out and keep it nice and light. Just my humble opinion. I had a lot of fun and I'd go again. read more

Improv Asylum - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Can I give zero stars? Been to improv's all over the country. What a joke...literally. The venue was fine. The first half was so painful that me and my buddy walked out. Here's why: 1. The material was awful. I guess when you've got nothing funny, just start swearing and you'll get a few giggles if you're material is lame enough. 2. Actors couldn't come up with anything funny, so just start being crude. Seriously? You made a skit for 5 minutes about peeing in the mouth's of children? Really? Really? 3. Painfully awkward moments that lingered all through the show. It simply wasn't even close to being funny unless you're in the 4th grade. Most people in the audience just sat in awkward silence. My biggest mistake was not asking for my money back. Perhaps it was an "off" night for everyone. Here's a thought: being vulgar can be funny if it's set up right, but, there was no set-up, just comedic desperation. This show was WAY below par for the money. read more

Hilarious! Such a FUN night with a very talented Highly recommend this show for a night of laughter!

If you're looking for a laugh this is it! They put on a great show and involve the audience. The seats are set up so that the entire audience is close and can participate. I emailed ahead because my husband is sick, and not only did they make sure to call on him, they gave us gifts. They made his night special. Great group of people, great show! read more

I read good reviews and decided to take my sister to the show when I visited for her birthday. We both love comedy and I feel have great sense of humors. I did not laugh once. It was truly a disappointment. read more

How is this not 5 stars? I've been to Improv Asylum the last two times I've visited Boston and both times I was very pleased. First time we did the 730 Holiday Show and the second time we did the 10pm show (which was so good we stayed for the essentially free midnight show). Yes, you heard that. We stayed for another show at midnight that we had tentative free "standby" tickets for. Anyways, the comics are hilarious. I have a hard time going to comedy shows (especially standup), because I don't find them to be funny honestly. This place has me laughing the whole time. Never been more entertained. With a mix of skits and improv, you'll be LOLing all night. read more

So much fun!!! Such a great show and atmosphere. Stage is set up so everyone has a great view. Bar area is extremely nice. The sound effects were amazing! And so was the lighting, and whole experience. Very funny and would recommend this to anyone! read more

Was only a few minutes late and was asked to wait until the lights darken, only to be seated on the side of the last row, literally 5 steps away. But when other people came back from bathroom break, nope, just let them pass right by me. I don't understand why I needed to wait at all. There were some funny parts but most were so-so. I didn't laugh during the first act. They like to repeat the same jokes from earlier and add it for effect, but they do it so often that it feels too scripted. It's like a running joke that ran for too long and yet doesn't know how to stop. Why is everything about dating??! read more

Had a great time at Improv Asylum. Even though there are no shows cause of COVID-19, they have set up an outdoor patio area with buckets of ice cold beer and small foods from the local restaurants. Had a great time and would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick bite. The server was funny too. read more

I'm a regular at IB in Cambridge, so I can't help but feel like a bit of a traitor at IA. That said, I can't help but love that: --it's in the heart of the North End, making it a good candidate for the "show" portion of "dinner and a show", OR you can eat a cannoli after (Bova's is 24 hrs, people) --there is a bar --stadium-style seats give you a unique improv experience --house teams (teams of current students or IA alums) are currently on Monday nights and general admission is only $7! Most of the shows are on the pricier end for Boston comedy ($20-30) and IA generally has a more touristy vibe than its more experimental cousin, ImprovBoston, in Cambridge. Regardless: you will laugh! read more

I went to a show at the Improv Asylum on 9/3 (Sunday night). I planned this as part of my boyfriends 30th birthday weekend festivities. I originally bought 15 tickets on 8/22. I bought them over the phone and the guy I spoke to was very nice and answered all my questions. He told me there would be no service fee and my whole group would be seated together. Then more people decided to join so I bought an additional 5 on 8/29. I called and spoke to the manager (Norm) who told me the service fee wouldn't be waived and I explained how the guy I had spoken to originally said it would be waived if I had to purchase additional tickets. The manager spoke to me as if he blatantly could careless as to what I was saying and didn't want to correct the issue. It was only a service fee for 5 tickets so it wasn't a huge difference money wise, but it was just his tone, disrespect, and disregard for admitting the bad management skills on his teams part. The actual show was great! Again though when we got there I guess Norm never mention to his team I had purchased 20 tickets and that we had discussed us all sitting together (I confirmed with 3 different people we would all be seated together). Some of the party was seated together some were spread around the theatre. Although some of my party did come a few minutes late. We should of all been sat together end of story. I wouldn't have paid that much to have people sit alone or separated from the group. Just bad management and it didn't appear to be the staff's fault the night of the show (they were apologetic!). They seemed to be just as annoyed as me. It seemed to be there higher management who should be keeping track of things like this. read more

Went to go see Raunch the other night for a bachelorette. They had our tickets and made sure we were all seated together. They have a bar area right before you walk in so you can chill and grab some drinks before and then 10 minutes prior to the show starting they let people in. You can bring your drink into the show as well. The performers were hilarious and had us laughing the whole time. It went by so fast We wish it was longer. Overall, I definitely recommend for a quick show and a great laugh read more

A fun experience with some caveats! Improv Asylum is a proud little theater located in the heart of Little Italy on Hanover street. I've been to many Improv theaters all over and they're pretty much always a good time. Why not four or five stars? I was shocked at the $28 ticket cost and then the fact that they have a "theater in the round" setting so that the actors backs were often to us. Even at the venerable UCB and iO theaters they have a traditional theater where the players play to the audience (woah -- slow down turbo. Killer concept?) and the tickets aren't $28. What's worse than seeing things from behind? OBSTRUCTED VIEW SEATS ::sad trombone song:: Seriously, why even sell those seats? Why not reserve them for students who are taking classes or just not sell them? Either way I think you guys are a little bit too proud of yourselves but have managed to throw up a very decent theater. I guess shaders gotta throw that shade. The "main stage show" was fun though. Half improv and half scripted. The scripted part was sadly less funny than the improv. Don't worry, the Lorne Michaels didn't come with me this time. read more

Great shows. Excellent staff make it a truly magical night. I keep going back for the charming bartender "lightning" who never forgets a drink order, face or name. read more

The show made me giggle, but I'm surprised that it offered theater in the round seating, because 75 percent of the time, the actors have their backs to you 100 percent of the time. Bad value for $28, but since we were on vacation, we were glad we went. read more

I've been here 3 times and I've seen 3 really funny shows... that's the most important thing when evaluating a comedy venue. The reason I took off 1 star is because of their online "website sale" processing fee. $7.50? C'mon. We just spent ~$60 for 2 tickets, the least you could do is not make us feel ripped off by charging an unreasonable fee. Despite that... I think it's a fun time and enjoy myself whenever I go. read more