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A laughing matter
Stand-up for everybody with Next in Line Comedy
Kiran Pandey
Next in Line Comedy, a Philadelphia-based stand-up comedy collective, has spent the last few years carving out a distinct niche in the ecosystem of Philly comedy. In between the high-profile headliners of Helium Comedy Club and the open-mic–style performances found in many a local bar, Next in Line aims for another kind of experience: affordable showcases that feature the best in up-and-coming comics from Philly and across the country.
All jokes aside
“We’re doing something different,” said Manny Brown, co-founder of Next in Line. “And a lot of people seem to be taking to it.”
Founded in 2021 by Brown and Tyler Wolf, Next in Line has snowballed into something bigger than they had once imagined. Originally a monthly showcase, the collective now offers 15-20 shows a month and hosts pop-ups around the city, appearing at venues such as Franky Bradley’s, Second District Brewing, and Tattooed Mom. In addition to its regular showcases, the group has hosted a slew of touring comics, including Todd Glass, Usama Siddiquee, and Devon Walker.
“What we do pride ourselves in is spotting people who are on the rise,” said Brown. “It’s just like, let’s try to get them before they’re going to be too big in five months. We’ve got to grab them now because they’re on fire.”
This year has seen the collective’s biggest expansion yet: the opening of the Next in Line Comedy Club at The Coop, an intimate venue in Callowhill next to Love City Brewery with shows every weekend. True to its mission, the club strives to offer quality stand-up with the charm of an independent setting—no drink minimum and a consistent ensemble of Philly comics. “We’re able to build community faster,” said Brown. “We’re able to be somewhere that people can remember.”
Next in Line Comedy Club currently presents its Pro Club Showcases on Fridays and Saturdays, in addition to free new material shows and open mic nights. It also continues to host comics on tour at its new location, with upcoming names including Luis J. Gomez, Alex Pearlman, and Niles Abston.
As the collective continues to grow, Brown has high hopes for the future of Philadelphia comedy. With Next in Line’s success in creating new spaces, the local scene seems ripe with possibility, attracting audiences who are hungry for a greater variety of stand-up comedy.
“I want people to experience good comedy,” said Brown. “I’m always of the opinion that the more good comedy there is in Philly, the more good shows there are in Philly, the better it is for everybody.”
What, When, Where
Next in Line Comedy. $9-$20. Showcases every Friday and Saturday at The Coop, 1025 Hamilton Street, Philadelphia. nextinlinecomedy.com.
Accessibility
The Coop is not wheelchair-accessible.
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