Stand-up night «Danang Stand-Up Amateur Comedy Night»

   On Thursdays in Da Nang you can catch live comedy or take the mic yourself: every week the steampunk tavern The Cog & Compass, just off Beer Street, hosts an amateur stand-up night. Local comics share the stage with first-timers, and the tavern describes its crowd as forgiving, which makes it an easy first taste of the city's comedy scene.

   Expect short sets: as the tavern itself puts it, every Thursday the stage goes to amateur and up-and-coming comedians: some test new material, others try stand-up for the first time, and the night runs as an open mic where anyone can perform. The nights are organized by Danang Stand-Up, and the tavern promises a «nerd-friendly» audience.

   At a glance:
— amateur stand-up every Thursday
— local comics and newcomers, short sets
— free entry with at least one drink
— limited seating
— karaoke takes over after the comedy

   It suits anyone in Da Nang looking for live comedy in an intimate room rather than a big hall, and anyone who has always wanted to try stand-up: first-timers are part of the format here.

   The Cog & Compass is a steampunk tavern of brass gears, warm brick and soft lamplight. The bar advertises more than 150 IBA cocktails, imported and local beers, cider and zero-proof drinks, while the kitchen does American comfort food such as sandwiches, soups and loaded fries. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, with live music, stand-up and karaoke rotating through the week, and upstairs the Cog Teahouse game room has a balcony and more than 35 board games. Guests are greeted by Persephone, an Australian Shepherd the tavern calls its hostess.

   Entry is free, but you need to order at least one drink; seating is limited, so arrive early. Stand-up runs every Thursday evening, followed by karaoke. The line-up changes from week to week, so check the latest post from the tavern or the organizers before you go.

   If you want to end your Thursday in Da Nang laughing, head to The Cog & Compass for the start of the night, with a drink in hand and maybe a first joke of your own.