What you need for a comedy show

A comedy show needs more than chairs and a microphone. Plan drinks and tableware for the full guest count, plus serving equipment, registration supplies, lighting and reliable audio gear. Food and drinks should be ready before doors open, while the microphone, mixer and speakers need testing before the comedian arrives. Use the checklist below to buy or bring everything in time, including the small items that are easy to overlook on show day.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Cocktail tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Water glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Forksqty 60

Kitchen

Serving boardsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Bottle openersqty 3

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Microphone standsqty 2
Audio cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 8

Decorations

Balloonsqty 50
Balloon pump
Buntingqty 6
Table décorqty 6
Name stickersqty 60

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Trash bag holdersqty 6
Cleaning bucketqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilo
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Brie - 3 cheeses
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Count tableware against your final guest list, then add 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 glasses, plates and sets of cutlery where each item is needed.
Buy or bring serving boards, platters and tongs before the catering arrives. Food can be ready on time and still be difficult to serve if the buffet equipment is missing.
Allow at least 30 minutes before doors open to test the mixer, active speakers, wireless microphones, stands and audio cables. Pack extension cords and power strips rather than assuming the venue has enough outlets.
Prepare registration supplies and name stickers for every expected guest, plus 10% spare. Keep waste bins near the buffet and seating area so rubbish does not collect around the stage.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a comedy show?: Plan two to three drinks per guest during the first hour, followed by about one drink per guest per additional hour. Add extra water for a warm room or a show lasting more than two hours.
How much tableware should I buy for a comedy show?: Use the final guest count and add 10% extra to glasses, plates, forks and coffee cups. For 50 guests, prepare at least 55 of each item that will be used by everyone.
When should I test the sound equipment?: Test the speakers, mixer and microphones at least 30 minutes before guests arrive. Check the wireless microphones with the comedian present and keep spare cables, extension cords and power strips ready.
How many name stickers and registration supplies are needed?: Prepare one name sticker per expected guest and add 10% spare. For 50 registered guests, print or bring at least 55 stickers and set up the registration desk before doors open.

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