Leon Clowes speaks to Martyn Davies, founder of the UK’s only regular alcohol-free comedy club, about laughter, recovery, and making sober spaces fun and sustainable.
Martyn Davies, founder of Sober IS Fun
Leon Clowes: What led you to set up Sober IS Fun, Martyn?
Martyn Davies: In my early days of recovery, after about 27 years in active addiction, I was really struck by how much fun I was actually having. I wanted to show that to others. I had over two decades of experience working in professional comedy, so it just made sense. I was buzzing in early recovery, about four months in, and I could really see the potential of an alcohol-free comedy club.
I had heard of alcohol support charities doing one off comedy fundraisers, but nothing regular. So, I went back to the promoter I had worked with before I went into treatment and told him my idea. He said, “No one laughs without a drink.” That response actually fired me up more. I thought, “Wow, you really do not get it.” I realised I could not stay in that environment because it was too dangerous for my sobriety. So, I left and started working on Sober IS Fun properly.
In 2018, I found Abstinence, an alcohol-free bar in Chelmsford, Essex. I did my first show there that December. We had 40 to 50 people and could not get any more chairs in. From the comedians’ perspective, performing to a sober audience was unusual, but I asked them to just do their usual club set. We love laughing at ourselves.
We quickly outgrew Abstinence and moved to the County Hotel in Chelmsford. Then I looked to London. The Fugitive Motel in Bethnal Green gave us space for three shows. That was just before the pandemic.
Leon Clowes: And then lockdown?
Martyn Davies: Lockdown blew everything apart. But during it, I reached out to Backyard Comedy Club, a major venue just down the road from where we had been. They had already heard about us and supported the idea. The club’s owner, Lee Hurst, does not drink anymore, and I think that helped. In September 2021, we did our first show there. By January 2022, our dry January special, we had 150 people in.
That show made me realise I had to broaden the audience beyond recovery. People come for many reasons – lifestyle, faith, or just curiosity. So Sober IS Fun morphed into The London Alcohol-free Comedy Club. I realised we needed to welcome the sober curious, not just the sober. That diversity in the room is what keeps it going.
Leon Clowes: When I have attended, I have noticed that some comedians are also in recovery. Is that intentional?
Martyn Davies: Sometimes. Some comedians in recovery reach out to me. Others I have known from before. It is lovely when those in recovery are on stage. It creates a powerful energy in the room. But it is not a requirement. I do get approached by lots of acts, even those who are not in recovery, because it is known as a good gig.
Leon Clowes: So, it is respected on the circuit?
Martyn Davies: Very much so. At first, people took the piss. A sober comedy club? But now, word has got around in green rooms. Comedians say, “You have got to play this night.” They love it because the audience is there for the comedy, not just to drink. At traditional comedy clubs, half the crowd might just be there for a stag do. Here, people are attentive. They are present. It makes for a much better experience for everyone.
Leon Clowes: And you have built up a loyal following.
Martyn Davies: Yes, and I really need them. Since 2021, we have had nearly one thousand people come through the doors. But the alcohol-free events market is hard. It is not the same as the booming alcohol-free drinks market. Some huge Instagram accounts struggle to get 20 people to their events. I have realised that I need to treat Sober IS Fun as a special event, not a regular one, to make it sustainable.
Leon Clowes: Do you have plans to take it elsewhere?
Martyn Davies: There are future plans, as I have recently partnered with The Forward Trust , to take the shows on the road, and to help promote the Taking Action on Addiction Campaign. We are going to Liverpool this month, and will be venturing to other parts of the UK soon.
I would also love to do Edinburgh Fringe, just for the PR buzz. But the truth is, right now, it is just me. My friend Ben, who co ran Sober IS Fun with me, sadly passed away a couple of years ago. I also work full time for an addiction charity and run mental health comedy nights under my production company, Lost Sock Productions.
Leon Clowes: Finally, what would you say to someone thinking of coming to Sober IS Fun, whether they are in recovery or not?
Martyn Davies: The energy in the room is unique. It is not something you get at a standard comedy night. It is pure, belly laughter. The acts are all experienced professionals. There is no padding the line up with open spots. There is also a huge range of alcohol-free drinks if that is your thing.
And for those in recovery, I would say come early, we have a lovely pre show social. There is a buzz, people meeting and chatting. It is a beautiful vibe. If you are going through something, come and lose yourself. Comedy can be a real tonic.
NEXT SHOWS
Sober IS Fun presents Sober Comedy in partnership with The Forward Trust supporting the Taking Action on Addiction Campaign at The London Alcohol-free Comedy Club
The Brink Cafe, 15-21 Parr Street, Liverpool: Sunday 28 September at 7.30pm.
Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green, London: Sunday 9 November & Sunday 25th January 2026 at 3.30pm.
For tickets and updates, visit:
www.soberisfun.co.uk
