Nobody likes Mondays. Bob Geldof will tell you that. So at the start of the working week, why not turn that frown around with a trip to a free comedy night at The Theatre Royal Stratford East?

The Venue
The Theatre Royal Stratford East is a grand old building on Gerry Raffles Square (named after the manager who oversaw the Royal’s post-war revival), located just a couple of minutes from Stratford station. Inside, a suitably majestic deep red paint job with gold trim dominates the decor, which is otherwise sparse and simple with black and white photographs documenting the theatre’s history being the only notable adornment. As well as providing liquid refreshment to its patrons, the bar hosts regular free entertainment, including music every evening from 6pm, spoken word poetry on alternate Sundays, and comedy every Monday - plus extra events at the weekend.

The Atmosphere
With the blinds drawn, lights dimmed and candles placed on every table, there’s an old fashioned boho atmosphere to the comedy night at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. With a capacity of maybe no more than 120, the tables are packed in tightly and latecomers are forced to prop up the bar; all that’s missing from the claustrophobic character of the place is the customary fog of smoke, but for those who can’t resist a puff there’s always outdoor seating available. In this confined environment, you have to sympathise with the less experienced comics who take the stage first - or maybe not, as testified by some savage heckling. No such fate awaits the headline acts, who are as funny as much of the material seen on the Edinburgh Fringe. With a range of styles and talent on show, the laugh-rate is erratic, but there’s generally something for everyone, which is handy because the assorted audience is wholly representative of Stratford’s renowned diversity.

The Food
Offering a taste of the Caribbean, the menu specialises in West Indian fare such as jerk chicken, red snapper and mutton curry, served with rice, peas and fried plantain. Alternatively, for those with more of a home-spun palate, there are burgers, sandwiches and jacket potatoes. The priciest dish is a very reasonable £7 and, judging by the number of contented diners that manage to bag a table, grabbing a pre-show meal is a popular option.

The Drink
For such a small venue, the bar at the Theatre Royal Stratford East stocks a decent range of wines, spirits, bottled beers and draught lager, with a pint costing in the region of £2.50. Best of all, table service is available during a performance so you don’t risk being the butt of a joke as you cross the comic’s eyeline to get a round in.

The Last Word
You don’t get much for nothing, they say. The quality of the Theatre Royal Stratford East Bar’s free entertainment programme would suggest otherwise.

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