Glasgow’s Stand Comedy Club to Relocate After 25 Years, Taking Up Residence in Iconic Lansdowne Church
After a quarter of a century shaping Scotland’s comedy scene from its Woodlands Road basement, Glasgow’s Stand Comedy Club is preparing for a landmark move this summer.
The club, renowned for nurturing talent such as Frankie Boyle, Kevin Bridges, and Susie McCabe, will soon relocate just 100 yards away to the historic Lansdowne Church on Great Western Road-most recently known as Websters Theatre.
A New Chapter in a Storied Legacy
The move comes as the club’s lease at its current site, the basement of a former school, comes to an end. The Stand has signed a new 25-year lease at the Lansdowne, a prominent West End landmark visible from Kelvinbridge subway station. Work is already underway to transform the former church and theatre into a state-of-the-art comedy venue, with the opening expected after the summer.
Director Mike Jones described the relocation as a pivotal moment for the club:
“After 25 fantastic years in our current venue, it’s the right time for The Stand to make a new move that will allow us to grow into the future. We’re very excited to be moving to The Lansdowne Church which is such an iconic building in the city and will enable us to meet our future ambition, expand our programme into new areas and become a greater community hub in the West End of Glasgow.”
Modern Facilities, Historic Atmosphere
The new venue promises several upgrades, including increased audience capacity, full disabled access, and a permanent bar separate from the club. These improvements are designed to make the club more accessible and aim to enhance the overall experience for performers and audiences.
The move is not without emotion, however. Venue manager Fraser Milroy acknowledged the deep affection many hold for the current space:
“There is undoubtedly a lot of love for this room – there’s a lot of history here and comics and our audiences alike will tell you it has a reputation of being one of the best rooms to perform comedy – not just in Scotland and the UK but around the world. What makes it great is not the bricks and mortar but the alchemy of the staff, the acts and the audiences. We will be taking all that history, love and expertise into the new venue with us. The people of Glasgow have a strong connection with this club – we want them to have that same ownership and pride when we move.”
Community Response: Excitement and Nostalgia
Reactions from regular patrons have been mixed in reflecting excitement for improved facilities and accessibility, but also nostalgia for the intimate, storied basement. Some patrons lament the loss of the unique atmosphere, while others welcome the step-free access and increased capacity. Only time will tell.
New Digs
Upstairs, the Woodlands Road building will be repurposed as a 67-bed student residence, while the new Stand venue at Lansdowne Church will aim to build on its legacy as a cornerstone of Scottish comedy and a vital community hub.
The Stand’s move marks not just a change of address, but a bold step forward for one of Glasgow’s most cherished cultural institutions, ensuring its laughter and legacy continue for decades to come.
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