Join Laugh-Able at Wanstead Library: A Heartwarming LGBT+ History Month Comedy Night to Remember
As London dives into the vibrant commemorations of LGBT+ History Month this February, Wanstead Library becomes a nucleus for laughter, empowerment, and inclusivity. On Wednesday, 18 February, from 19:30 to 21:30, the city’s residents and visitors are invited to a special comedy night hosted by Laugh-Able – a community-inspired comedy platform that breaks down barriers, challenges stereotypes, and centres on performers with lived experiences of disability, queerness, and neurodivergence.
This special edition of Laugh-Able promises not just punchlines, but purpose, offering a raucously enjoyable night that celebrates diverse identities through the unique lens of stand-up comedy. The line-up is curated with an emphasis on inclusivity, featuring some of the UK’s most engaging acts known for blending comedy with cultural and personal commentary.
Let’s take a deep dive into this extraordinary event, examining its creators, performers, mission, and why it’s gaining recognition as one of London’s most anticipated community-based comedy events.
What is Laugh-Able?
Laugh-Able is not your average comedy night. It’s a refreshing, purpose-built live comedy experience spotlighting disabled and neurodiverse comedians, while opening the stage to a broader roster of LGBTQ+ performers, allies, and those from underrepresented communities.
Founded by neurodiverse comedian and writer Mark Nicholas, the vision for Laugh-Able was seeded in lived experience – namely, the experience of being excluded. Mark structured the event to defy the stale hierarchies dominating UK comedy clubs, instead offering a professional platform where accessibility, understanding, and acceptance are non-negotiable pillars.
A regular fixture in East London’s arts calendar, Laugh-Able has grown steadily, highlighted for its community-orientated programming and generous spirit. It prides itself on being audience-friendly (particularly for people who might feel intimidated by traditional comedy venues) and artist-supportive, providing comedians with a warm environment to perform, connect, and grow.
For those looking to immerse themselves in London’s wider cultural offerings, this event stands among the best events in London that blend celebration with advocacy.
How the Night Will Unfold
Scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February, during the heart of LGBT+ History Month, Laugh-Able will transform Wanstead Library into a welcoming venue filled with charisma, wit and heartfelt storytelling. The event promises two hours of top-tier entertainment, skillfully weaving humour and humanity into tales of identity, resilience, and pride.
The venue itself, Wanstead Library, is a community cornerstone in Redbridge, offering barrier-free access and a relaxed environment that aligns perfectly with Laugh-Able’s ethos. Organisers have taken special care to ensure the event setup accommodates people with a spectrum of physical, sensory, and cognitive needs – including relaxed room layouts, accessible toilets, and minimal sensory overload.
Amidst all the diverse happenings across the city, this comedy night adds another layer to the rich London lifestyle and urban trends explored throughout the month.
To better understand the gravity of this event in terms of structure and appeal, here’s a breakdown of what audiences can expect:
Key Features of the LGBT+ History Month Event by Laugh-Able
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Laugh-Able – LGBT+ History Month Special |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, 18 February | 19:30 – 21:30 |
| Venue | Wanstead Library, London Borough of Redbridge |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair Accessible, Low-Stimulus Setup, Relaxed Environment |
| Host | Mark Nicholas – Neurodiverse Comedian, Writer, Advocate |
| Featured Artists | TBA – Expected to include LGBTQ+ and disabled comedians from the UK circuit |
| Entry Fee | Affordable / Pay What You Can (PWYC) format |
Artists – Past, Present and Performance Style
While the exact performer line-up for the February event is still to be confirmed, previous editions of Laugh-Able have featured notable LGBTQ+ and disabled comedians who are carving important paths in the stand-up circuit:
1. Juliette Burton – Award-winning performer with lived experience of mental health conditions, known for combining comedy with storytelling theatre.
2. Cerys Bradley – Queer, non-binary comic and podcaster, known for blending data science and personal anecdotes into stand-up sets.
3. Don Biswas – A political comic with Asperger’s syndrome and dyspraxia, frequently seen performing on BBC Radio 4 and in disability rights circles.
4. Chelsea Birkby – A staple on inclusive festival circuits like Edinburgh Fringe, Chelsea’s witty deconstructions of social norms have been widely praised.
With performers of this calibre, it’s no surprise that Laugh-Able might one day share the spotlight with major London stand-up events like Russell Howard’s tour – albeit from a radically different and more inclusive vantage point.
Style-wise, the performers at Laugh-Able events lean into observational, confessional, and absurdist comedy, often built on authentic lived experiences. Topics explore the intersectionality of queer identity, disability justice, mental health, minority narratives, feminism, and social awkwardness – all served with a thick slice of levity.
Audiences leave the event having not only laughed heartily but also having encountered ideas that challenge preconceptions, gently expanding social empathy.
Why Events Like Laugh-Able Matter
With rising interest in inclusive spaces for socialisation and culture, Laugh-Able fills a critical gap in the arts scene: accessible, affordable comedy made by and for marginalised people, without sacrificing quality or entertainment.
While mainstream comedy continues to commercialise and sometimes alienate through inaccessible venues or insensitive material, Laugh-Able reminds us how performance art can be an empowering tool for social connection and representation.
This echoes other inclusive trends found in the capital’s wider tapestry, reflecting stories and movements spotlighted in broader news about culture and urban life in London.
From the UK Equality Act 2010 to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, cultural access and equity are increasingly formalised through policy. Still, genuine inclusion often begins with grassroots efforts – like those led by Laugh-Able – that create space beyond tokenism. The event is an example of cultural citizenship in action, inviting people not only to attend but to participate.
Who Should Attend?
While originally created with disabled and neurodiverse folks in mind, Laugh-Able’s ethos is radically hospitable. This event is ideal for:
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community looking to celebrate LGBT+ History Month in a joyful way
- Disabled, neurodiverse, and mental health-affected individuals seeking safe cultural environments
- Local comedy fans who want something truly different from the usual club fare
- Allies supportive of minority-led creative spaces
- People attending their first-ever comedy night – especially those made nervous by traditional settings
The event is also family-friendly by design (though content may be adult-oriented based on performers), with many attendees describing it as “a safer space” that never compromises on excitement or energy.
For more ideas on where to wander before or after the show, you might explore some hidden gems and local walking routes across London to complement the night.
Tips for Attending at Wanstead Library
To get the most out of Laugh-Able’s LGBT+ History Month comedy night, a bit of planning helps. Here are some practical recommendations:
- Arrive early: Doors may open early to accommodate accessible seating and introductions
- Check for performer announcements: Follow Laugh-Able’s social media channels for artist reveal closer to the date
- Prepare for intimate vibes: Unlike big clubs, expect cosier seating, maybe even beanbags or open floor areas
- No flashing lights or loud bang effects: This is a low-sensory show perfect for those who need reduced stimulation
- Respect the space: Openly inclusive events often encourage dialogue – but also require audiences to respect boundaries and comfort levels
Recent Highlights and Changes to the Platform
Laugh-Able has recently undergone a period of growth and diversification, with several new developments enriching its delivery and reach:
- Virtual Events: Post-COVID, a robust infrastructure for online comedy was adopted, making their shows accessible UK-wide
- Workshops: The team behind Laugh-Able now offers storytelling and comedy workshops for disabled youths and aspiring comedians
- Partnerships: Collaborations with venues like Rich Mix, Camden People’s Theatre, and local libraries have allowed the event to scale beyond Hackney and East London origins
- Festival Participation: In 2023, Laugh-Able hosted its own mini-festival during Disability History Month, drawing attention from the British Council for Disabled Artists and gaining features in outlets such as Disability Arts Online
Much like other immersive events in the city, such as the Tokyo Nights London experience, Laugh-Able brings culture alive through interaction and authenticity.
These changes have only cemented Laugh-Able’s position at the junction of entertainment and activism.
Interesting Facts and Notes for Followers
- Laugh-Able was formed in protest: After being told by a mainstream promoter to “hide disability references” for better crowd appeal, founder Mark Nicholas committed instead to celebrating difference
- Grassroots-funded: Much of the event’s early financial sustaining came through volunteer hours, small grants, and direct community support, including local councils
- Adapted comedy sets: Many performers use visual prompts, subtitles, or breaks in their sets on request, depending on the needs of the audience
- Mentoring pipeline: Several comedians on the UK autism and mental health awareness circuit got their early gigs and exposure at Laugh-Able
- Data-friendly ticket pricing: A pilot scheme in 2022 tested sliding-scale tickets based on employment status; they noted an increased attendance by over 33 percent from those receiving disability benefits
As LGBT+ History Month continues to unfold across the United Kingdom, events like the Laugh-Able comedy night offer more than just entertainment – they offer community reconnection and collective joy through the mirror of comedy. Held at the heart of East London in a space as accessible as Wanstead Library, this is not just another date in the diary. It’s a cultural need answered with warmth and wit.
Events like these underscore how art matters more when it includes, shaping narratives that do not just accept people for who they are – but cherish them for it. For those looking to laugh while learning, to connect while reflecting, and to show up in celebration of visibility, this night is a glowing example of how local culture thrives at the intersection of identity and freedom.
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