BOOM CHICAGO FAQ

What is Boom Chicago?
Boom Chicago is a creative ensemble that has been making comedy shows in Amsterdam since 1993. Many people also refer to the show and the venue as Boom Chicago.

What time should we arrive?
It is smart to arrive 30-60 minutes before showtime. Then you can have a drink in the bar, and get seated in plenty of time. Arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime. If you arrive late, we will seat you in (probably) worse seats.

How long is the show?
Usually shows are about two hours with an intermission. Shot of Improv and Sunday Night Live is shorter and usually one act (no intermission). Find more info on each show page.

We have two separate reservations and someone is coming late. Can we sit together?
Sure. Tell our host when you go in the theater. We all have that friend who is late.

Do we sit at a table?
Sort of. In the main theater, you don’t reserve a table, but each seat is near a table. Generally, six seats share a table, even though everyone sits in rows. VIB seats are more comfortable and generally are two or four to a table. There is waiter service before and during the show. The Upstairs Theater has small tables, but no waiter service.

Can you eat at Boom Chicago?
There are many options for groups. For couples, friends and small groups, we have food and show packages which can be ordered online in advance. On the night there are only nuts to order at the bar. 

How do we order drinks?
Before the show, order drinks by the pitcher, bucket, bottle, or glass. Buckets of ice keep things cool. Bring your drinks in the theater. There is additional drink service from waiters during the show (in the main theater). We do not accept cash at Boom Chicago.

Is there a coat check?
There is an unguarded coat check in the bar where you may hang your jackets (at your risk). You may also bring your coats and bags into the theater. Nothing has ever happened, but we will not buy you a new coat if it goes missing. 

Will you make fun of me in the show?
Dutch people, relax. Our intention is not to make anyone look bad. The show is improvised so we need you to shout out smart suggestions and feel safe to do that. Occasionally we will interview someone at random. This is good news. That means we will make a scene, character or song about you. Get out your phones to record it. This is like sitting in an exit row on the plane without paying extra! 

Our main theater is wheelchair accessible and we have a lift to bring people from the street to the theater level. This lift is operated by a staff member, so please call or email us in advance ([email protected]) so we can be ready to receive your party. We also have a wheelchair accessible toilet.

Our Upstairs Theater and Attic Theater are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

‘Dinner’ would be a strong word. ‘Snacks’ would be more accurate. We serve a small snack menu including mixed nuts.

However, there are many options for groups that can be arranged in advance.

We have new seating setups that allow you to sit close to your partner, family and flatmates, but away from other groups. Couples can choose a comfy couch, a VIB table in the front or a side table. In the balcony, seats are side by side.

Is Boom Chicago stand up comedy?
By the Dutch definition, yes. By an international definition, not usually. Anyway the line is blurry.

In English, a stand-up comedian is someone who tells jokes and stories into a microphone. Most stand ups are quick and also improvise in their acts. We host stand up shows and many of our improvisers also do stand up. 

A traditional Boom Chicago show, however, is a mix of sketch and improv comedy. That’s when a group of comedians makes up scenes, characters and music based on stories or audience suggestions. These shows are different every night which is a reason that many of our fans can return so often.

What is the difference between Boom Chicago shows, visiting performers, and community shows?
Boom Chicago shows are created by our creative ensemble. They are sketch and improv shows. Visiting performers do whatever they do, usually stand-up comedy. Community shows are professional comedians doing something unusual, or (sometimes up and coming) comedians from the Amsterdam comedy community. Many community shows feature students and graduates from the Boom Chicago Academy.

Is there an age limit?
Not officially. There is some language in the show, but it is not dirty on purpose. Cool 10 year olds can see the show. 13 is probably a good age to start bringing your children. If you don’t understand anything in the show, your children can explain it to you. There are no children’s tickets although you can buy them student tickets. 

Is Boom Chicago a show for Dutch people?
Although the shows are in English, most of our audience lives in greater Amsterdam. We do make fun of Dutch people and life in the Netherlands, but that is just our ‘Dutch honesty’.

Is Boom Chicago for tourists?
Boom Chicago is a show for locals that tourists love. All our shows are in English. 

My English isn’t so good. Will I understand the show?
Come on. Your English is fine. This isn’t Shakespeare. But, if you miss something, the show moves quickly to something else. Also it has music too, which is fun for people with less English skills. (Yes we know it’s supposed to be ‘fewer’ English skills. Our high school English teacher is spinning in his grave)

Is Boom Chicago for Belgians?
If you are from Belgium, please tell a theater employee and we will speak slower.

How do we pay at the venue?
Bank cards and credit cards only. We do not accept cash at the venue. We do accept Dutch pin cards, foreign (Maestro) bank cards, MasterCard, Visa and American Express. 

Can I pay with my Podium Cadeaukaart or Kunst en Cultuurkaart?
Yes! Email [email protected] with your card number (typed out!) and the show date/time you’d like to attend. Our team will help you make your booking!

Can I visit Boom Chicago with my StadPas, IAmsterdam City Card, and Go City Amsterdam Card?
Yes! But it’s not possible to make an online reservation. Simply show up at least 30 min before showtime and our Front of House staff will assist you.

What if I can’t make it on the night I bought tickets?
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

What happens if Boom Chicago cancels a show?
On the rare occasion where that is necessary, of course we will refund your money or reschedule your tickets.

Whoo-hoo. I’m with all my buddies and we’ve been drinking all day!
That’s not a question. Drunk, disorderly, and disruptive people (or just plain jerks) will be removed from the show with no refunds. Trust us, if we remove you, you deserved it.  

Is Boom Chicago still on the Leidseplein?
No. The city has changed, Grandpa. Prices have gone up since they introduced the euro, some waiters don’t speak Dutch and we moved to Rozengracht 117 in 2013. The Chicago Social Club, the nightclub we co-founded in 2011, remains at the old location.

How do we get to Boom Chicago?
Duh, Google it.

Where do we park?
At Q-Park Europarking on Marnixtraat. It is a five minute walk to the theater.
Cheapest parking is ar P+R Sloterdijk (€1/24 hours plus reduced public transport). Then take tram 19 to Marnixstraat. See contact us (under info)  for a more detailed explanation of Park and Ride.   

What about public transportation?
Boom Chicago is very accessible by trams 5, 13, 17 and 19 to Marnixstraat/Rozengracht. From Centraal Station, take Trams 13 or 17 from (to Marnixstraat).