One of Southsea's oldest landmarks, The Wedgewood Rooms in it's past, has served as a storage space in WW2, a Ballroom, a Jazz Cub and a Community Function Room where Arnold Schwazenegger competed in a Body Building competition in 1968.

It is as a Music and Comedy Venue however that The Wedgewood Rooms gained it's international reputation. Since launching in 1992, it has seen some of the world's biggest international touring artists take to its stage, earning a reputation as one of the UK's most prestigous independent venues. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Mercury and Brit Award Winners have been regular vistors to the venue since the early 90s. In addition, the Comedy Club has also played host to the likes of Jo Brand, Michael McIntyre, and Lee Evans, and is currently the longest running Comedy Club in Portsmouth.

Currently in its 25th year, The Wedgewood Rooms and it's small team have helped turn Portsmouth into a primary destination for many artists and comedians on the touring circuit, becoming a hub for Portsmouth's creative arts communities in the process. Today in 2017, The Wedgewood Rooms is focused more than ever on building its eclectic reputation, having recently teamed up with independent theatre companies, and gaining an artist in residence. The overall aim is to provide the community of Portsmouth with a unique, independent space in which to experience and perform alongside some of the countries most exciting and cutting edge artists. 

LIVE MUSIC

For over two decades The Wedgewood Rooms has been at the cutting edge of music. Working in partnership with independent regional promoters PVC , it has built a legendary reputation as arguably one of the best small venues in the UK, playing host to some of the biggest bands, and breaking new acts in the world; Gorillaz, Oasis, Pulp, Editors, PJ Harvey, Muse, Scissor Sisters, Paloma Faith, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Barenaked Ladies, Buzzcocks, Damon Albarn, Biffy Clyro …the list is endless and reveals the huge range and diversity of talent on display at The Wedge.

Even after bands go on to fill large capacity venues and stadiums they return to the cosy confines of The Wedge for Festival and Tour warm-ups. Portsmouth fans have been lucky enough to spend an intimate evening with Primal Scream, Kasabian, James, Feeder, Placebo, Supergrass, Razorlight, all here at the Wedge.

The venue also aims to encourage and support new talent, hosting an annual Showcase for local bands, many of which go on to secure prestigious support slots with touring acts and gaining recognition within the local music community.

With the addition of a smaller sister venue, The Edge, newer and local acts are offered a unique space to perform in and promote their own shows.

COMEDY

From Jack Dee to Jack Whitehall the biggest names in comedy all launched their careers at the Wedge: Portsmouth's original and oldest Comedy Club!

 Over the years many household names have graced the trusty boards at the venue as part of a national tour, or at the regular Wedge Comedy Club.

The impressive list of comedians who are now regulars on both the small and silver screen include Mark Thomas, Bill Bailey, Lee Evans, Dara O'Briain, Tim Minchin, Russell Howard, Jo Brand, Michael McIntyre, Rich Hall, Tim Vine, Omid Djaili, Rory Bremner, Frank Sidebottom and many, many more.  

Eddie Izzard warmed up for a world tour with two nights at the venue, Jack Dee sold out five nights on his first ever UK tour here (with support from a little known act, Lee Evans). BBC Radio Four have also recorded it's prestigious show Loose Talk live at The Wedge.

The format for a Friday night Wedge Comedy Club is simple. You, your friends and the company of three top-notch comics from the international circuit. Food is served for the first hour after doors (perfect if you are coming straight from work). Top the night off with IT'S A SIN, the retro disco which has become an institution in it's own right.

In addition to the Comedy Club, the best up-and-coming and established comedians in the world of comedy today can be seen at our Comedy On Tour shows.

TRIBUTE BANDS

Everyone has their favourite all-time band but unfortunately not everybody will be lucky enough to see them play live.

The Wedge plays host to many tribute bands that bring the music and atmosphere of the original band to the stage.

Whatever kind of music you enjoy, chances are we have a tribute act for you!

 Long gone are the days when tribute bands were seen as cheap or corny copies, cashing in on the success of the original artists. These days they are professional outfits that spend time and effort studying their chosen performer and rehearsing to get every sound as close to the original as possible.

No wonder acts such as the Silver Beatles, T-Rextasy, The Smyths, The Bog Rolling Stones, The Modfathers, Limehouse Lizzy, Oasish and Whole Lotta Led keep coming back to packed houses.

Tribute shows give you an opportunity to enjoy the music and soak up the kind of atmosphere that only good musicians can create, and to re-live the artistry of bands long gone,

THEATRE, FILM & SPOKEN WORD

Whilst The Wedge is renown for it's live music and comedy, it has a long history of staging cutting edge theatre and spoken word events.

The Wedge has become the  Portsmouth home of Townsend Productions who, over the last few years, have brought theatre shows including THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPISTS to our stage.

The Wedge was also the first venue in the City to stage THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES,

Spoken word events have featured Portsmouth debuts from Tony Benn and Howard Marks, Simon Yates, and Benjamin Zephaniah.

Look out for more cutting edge presentations in partnership with our friends at the Kings Theatre.

THE EDGE

The Edge of the Wedge is an intimate, 100 capacity mini-venue attached to the front of The Wedge.

 There is a constantly changing line-up of events from the hottest local and "next big thing" bands on the touring circuit, to regular acoustic shows and eclectic DJ sessions, stand up comedy, aftershow parties and band signings for our big brother venue.

 The Edge provides a small and well equipped venue which is accessible to new local acts as well as national and international touring artists.

 If you wish to play in the Edge, or organise your own event please email: