On Monday nights, tucked away in the basement room of O’Regans, you can find Punch Drunk Comedy club showcasing a variety of Dublin based comedy talent for free. This club was founded in August of 2025, but already they are drawing a crowd of regulars. Jane, one of the founders alongside Taya and Tom, spoke to University Times before a show.
“When we first started it, we weren’t sure it was going to do that well, and it’s wound up being pretty successful. Danny Pudi, who was in Community, has come twice now which is really cool. We’ve had some really good nights, just packed nights,” said Jane. It was certainly full during the interview, and buzzing with excitement as people found their seats around the barrels they have for tables in the basement room.
The three founders organize the ten act shows and take turns hosting. Each half of the show presents five up and coming comedians who do a short set to introduce the crowd to their work. In choosing the ten acts for each show, the founders are committed to gender equality.
“We have a gender equality rule. So fifty percent women, fifty percent men. There is a gap, and that’s why we started it. Too many comedy nights will be almost all men and one woman and claim gender diversity. We don’t think that’s fair, and there are enough women in comedy that you don’t need to do that,” said Jane.
Their instagram is @punchdrunkcomedydub, and each week they post their line up. In addition to equality in gender, the selection of comedians vary in age and background, making for a more interesting show. Some comedians bring props, some invent songs, some have a more classic approach, and the variety is unique to Punch Drunk Comedy Club. It’s a chance for new comedians to find fans in an audience composed of students, O’Regans’ patrons, and other Dubliners.
Going forward into the new year, the club is looking to expand. “I think we’re working on getting more donations, and maybe getting a consistently full audience,” said Jane. At the beginning, during the halves, and at the end of the show, there is an opportunity to donate so that they can continue to give comedians an opportunity to perform.
“They are lovely. There are the nicest people at O’Regans,” said Jane when asked about how they were able to get the space for their club, which was reportedly easy. The pub is seemingly very committed to presenting opportunities to foster community in the center of Dublin. O’Regans is already popular for its Jazz nights on Tuesdays, but now there is another staple to add to their week night events.
Bring your friends. Make new friends. Take the opportunity to have a bit of fun, have a laugh, it’s free and it’s different. You might even be inspired to try stand-up yourself. It could be the beginning of a new hobby. You can find out at their next show on Monday, February 16th.
