The team behind Harringay’s comedy showcase Scramble! explains what makes the area a hub for humour

Haringey is a wonderful place for comedy. We have Jacksons Lane in Highgate, which is such a beautiful venue for circus, theatre, and comedy. Downstairs at The King’s Head in Crouch End is home to one of the oldest comedy clubs in London, and Alexandra Palace in Wood Green hosts big comedy productions – oh, and most importantly, we have Scramble! in Harringay!

We’re the dynamic duo behind it: Kieran wanted to get more involved in comedy; Léonie wanted to produce events; and we both wanted to create a fun and inclusive space for wild comedy. Most comedy nights focus on stand up, but there are some amazing alternative performers. Clowning, musical, drag… there are so many types of comedy. Scramble! gives a home to everyone wanting to perform. We’ve been going since last August when our first show was exclusively drag, and have sold out every time. There’s been so much joy shared in our venue. We’re really proud of it and pleased that so many have enjoyed their time with us – we’ve made some great friends along the journey.

We’ve curated the space and lineup to be inclusive with a community feel, so that the performers and audience alike
are welcomed. In an attempt to celebrate everyone, we promote the act’s other shows and give beautiful prizes to the audience (amongst our offerings, a trophy, bouquet of roses, and pottery we brought back from Morocco). Haringey is diverse and creative, making it a perfect home for a comedy variety show.

We’ve been told it’s one of the best nights in London and had a shout-out in journalist Zoë Paskett’s comedy newsletter LMAOnaise: “If you like your comedy served with a bit of chaos in comfy and good vibes environs, Scramble! is the one.” We think that’s a good summary of what makes us unique – chaotic, comfy, and with great vibes.

We’re based in the Warehouse District, where creativity is really central to a lot of people’s lives. There’s already a rich history of music here and across Haringey, and we think it’s important to broaden people’s access to other arts. It’s incredibly beautiful being able to connect with people after a show and hear how they might’ve had a rough day but now their cheeks hurt from laughing.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, or one-off donation.