Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, MI
Address	310 S. Troy Street
Location	Royal Oak, Michigan
Coordinates	42°29′16″N 83°08′31″W / 42.4877°N 83.1420°W / 42.4877; -83.1420
Owner	Mark Ridley
Type	comedy club
Capacity	400
Opened	1979

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle is a famous comedy club. It is located in Royal Oak, Michigan, which is part of the Metro Detroit area. People go there to watch comedians perform live.

A Look Back: Comedy Castle History

Mark Ridley opened the Comedy Castle on January 4, 1979. It first started in the basement of a restaurant in Bloomfield Hills. Mark Ridley helped create a new way to organize comedy shows. This included an emcee, a feature performer, and a headliner. This made sure each show was well-organized.

The club moved six times in its first 11 years. In 1990, the Comedy Castle found its permanent home. It is now in Royal Oak and can seat 400 people. It is the oldest comedy club still open in Michigan.

Helping Others: Charity Events

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle hosts many events to help charities. They often charge a small fee for these events. This allows organizations to raise money for their causes.

Every year, the Comedy Castle helps The Salvation Army. They donate the room and food for their Bed and Bread Club. They also help raise about $40,000 each year. Other groups they help include the American Cancer Society and the Royal Oak Police Officer Association. All the money raised goes directly to these charities.

On Screen: Television Appearances

The Comedy Castle has been featured on several TV shows. These include Showtime Comedy Club Network and HBO's Comic Relief. It also appeared on A&E's Comedy on the Road.

In 1991, the Comedy Castle produced a local show. It was called “Funny Side of the Street.” This show featured comedian Tim Allen and won an Emmy Award. In 2013, a comedy special by Kathleen Madigan was filmed nearby. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle helped promote this special.

Fun Events: Comedy Festivals

Mark Ridley, Kathleen Madigan, and Lewis Black at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle.

The Comedy Castle hosted the first Detroit International Comedy Festival in 2008. Mark Ridley later filmed this festival for release. In 2010, famous comedian Lewis Black performed at the festival.

The club also puts on "Laugh-a-Palooza" every year. This event features many new comedians. They come from all over the United States and Canada.

The Comedy Castle also offers a [stand-up comedy class]. Here, people can learn how to write jokes. They also learn how to perform in front of an audience. A local comedian named Bill Bushart teaches this class.

Famous Faces: Notable Performers

Tim Allen during a surprise set at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle.

The very first headliner at the Comedy Castle was Mike Binder. He was trying to become a stand-up comedian at the time. Bob Saget also performed there early in his career. He met Dave Coulier at the club. Dave Coulier is a comedian from Detroit.

In 1996, Bill Engvall recorded his first comedy album at the Comedy Castle. It was called “Here’s Your Sign.” His second album, “Dorkfish,” was recorded there in 1998. Both albums sold millions of copies.

Comedian Kathleen Madigan often performs at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. It is one of the few clubs she visits outside of her theater tours.

List of Notable Performers

Many famous comedians have performed at the club. Here are some of them: