Don’t Tell Comedy is bringing a unique live comedy experience to Coastal Delaware this spring, and it flips the typical night out completely on its head.

No announcements about the lineup, no exact venue listed ahead of time, and you won't know what kind of space you'll be in until the day of the show.

What Makes Don’t Tell Comedy Different

This is not your typical comedy club setup with a predictable stage and a fixed lineup. 

Don't Tell Comedy plans its shows around the idea that comedy is more fun when you don't see it coming.

Each show keeps two important things a secret until the last minute:

• The exact place
• The comedians who are performing

You will know the general area, such as Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, or Bethany Beach, but you won't know the full details until 8 a.m. on the day of the event. 

That mystery is a big part of what makes Don't Tell Comedy different from other live shows.

Image courtesy of Don't Tell Comedy

The Kind of Venues You Can Expect

One of the most fun things about a Don't Tell Comedy show is where it takes place. 

Instead of being held in regular comedy clubs, the events take place in places you wouldn't normally think of as stand-up venues. 

Events coming up in Coastal Delaware will take place in places like:

• A performance arts space
• A hotel
• A community space
• A restaurant

In other cities, Don't Tell Comedy has put on shows in places like museums, gyms, breweries, shops, cafes, and art galleries. 

The idea is simple but works. Put comedy in a place where you wouldn't expect it to be.

In Coastal Delaware, that means that each event can be different from the last, even if you go to more than one this spring.

A Lineup You Will Not Know Until Showtime

The venue isn't the only thing that surprises. Don't Tell Comedy doesn't let you know who the comedians are until they get on stage

Each show has a carefully chosen group of four to seven comics, some of whom are from the area and some of whom are on tour across the country. 

That mix lets people meet new people and also lets someone they know show up out of the blue.

You could walk away with a new favorite comedian or end up seeing someone you have wanted to catch live for a while. 

That is part of the appeal. Nobody in the room knows exactly what is coming next.

Image courtesy of Don't Tell Comedy

What the Experience Feels Like

Don't Tell Comedy calls these shows "a little like the speakeasies of stand-up" for a reason. 

It's not only about the secret place. It's about making the night feel different as soon as you get there.

Shows last between 70 and 90 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a full night out without being too long. 

Tickets cost $27, and the format doesn't have the usual two-drink minimum that people think of when they think of comedy clubs, which makes it feel a lot more relaxed.

How It Works

Even with the mystery element, Don’t Tell Comedy keeps the process simple.

This is how it works:

• Find a show in your area
• Book your tickets
• Receive the exact location by 8 am on the day of the show
• Give your name at the door and enjoy

Note: These shows are for people 21 and older.

You can check out their FAQ here.

Image courtesy of Don't Tell Comedy

Upcoming Don’t Tell Comedy Shows in Sussex County

Don't Tell Comedy has a number of shows planned for this spring in Sussex County. 

This is what is currently on the list:

• Saturday, April 11, at 7 pm in Lewes at a performance arts space
• Saturday, April 18, at 7 pm in Rehoboth Beach at a hotel
• Saturday, April 25, at 7 pm in Rehoboth Beach at a community space
• Saturday, May 9, at 7 pm in Bethany Beach at a new restaurant venue
• Saturday, May 16, at 7 pm in Rehoboth Beach at a hotel
• Saturday, May 23, at 7 pm in Rehoboth Beach at a community space
• Saturday, May 30, at 8 pm in Rehoboth Beach at a restaurant

A Different Kind of Night Out

If you're sick of doing the same thing every day, Don't Tell Comedy has something that will stick with you. 

The secret lineups, hidden venues, and changing locations make each experience feel new.

Want more updates on local events, new openings, and things to do around Coastal Delaware? Keep following the blog for more.

Have any questions about our blog(s), the Coastal Delaware real estate market, or local life in our beautiful beach towns? Do you think there is something we should write about? Did you see an event coming up that we should know about? Shoot us an email at [email protected] or give us a call at (302) 212-0074. We would love to hear from you!