Chicken Box Comedy at Bennigans Bar

Chicken Box Comedy is Derry’s regular stand-up night, running out of Bennigans Bar on John Street most Thursdays of the year. It bills itself as “top stand-up comedy from Derry and beyond”, and the format is built around short, punchy sets rather than one headline act, so a night here usually means five or six different comedians across the evening rather than a single long set.

What to expect

Each comedian performs a five to seven minute set, with MC Rory McSwiggan hosting and keeping the evening moving between acts. The line-up mixes established Northern Irish comics with newer names working on new material, so no two Thursdays are quite the same. The show has built a loyal following - it is rated 4.6 stars on Google and well reviewed on TripAdvisor - and the room has the kind of close, slightly rowdy energy that suits a comedy club rather than a theatre. The organisers also stream some nights online and run a Patreon for supporters who want to back local comedy directly, on top of the door price.

Good to know

• Cadence: every Thursday at 8:30pm, except the first Thursday of the month when there is no show
• Next date: Thursday 13 August 2026
• Venue: Bennigans Bar, 13 John Street, Derry BT48 6JY, in the city centre
• Price: tickets typically run £10-20 depending on the night and line-up
• Booking: through Eventbrite or at the door, subject to availability

Getting there

Bennigans Bar sits on John Street in Derry city centre, within easy walking distance of the Guildhall, the Craft Village and the city’s historic walls, so it is easy to combine with an evening in town beforehand. The bar is well served by the city centre’s usual car parks and by Foyle Street Bus Station, which is about a 10 to 15 minute walk away. There is more to see in Derry and across Co. Derry.