Ever wondered where Madrid’s comedy scene found its exclusive home? La Chocita del Loro is that place. Right here at Gran Vía 70, La Chocita del Loro stands as a monument to laughter. It is Madrid’s first venue dedicated solely to stand-up comedy.
Let me tell you about its origins. Juan Francisco Carretero and Ana Valeriano opened the first location in Carabanchel in 1998. They had a revolutionary idea. They wanted a space dedicated to monologues, laughter and humor. Today, La Chocita del Loro has multiple locations. Yet, this spot on Gran Vía holds a special story.
This location was once the Cine Pompeya, opening its doors in 1949. Its basement hid a party room called Melodías. In October 1998, Cine Pompeya closed. La Chocita del Loro transformed it into a café-theater.
Laura Sánchez Vegas, the current director, remembers the opening. Back then, she worked for the Hotel Senator, which owned the space. She recalls the stress. They didn’t even have a ticket office. The sound equipment caught fire on the first night. Despite the rocky start, the humor nights triumphed. They even opened a second hall under the theater’s stalls.
La Chocita del Loro has seen countless comedians grace its stages. Many famous names started here. These include Luis Piedrahita, Goyo Jiménez, and Joaquín Reyes. The venue became a launchpad for talent.
Ana Valeriano recalls a special moment. A man stopped her at the door on Gran Vía. He told her he had “debuted” here as a young man. He asked to see the old Melodías room. It turned out to be Andrés Pajares, a famous performer.
In fact, Ana Valeriano herself married Juan Francisco Carretero here. They celebrated on the stage of the former Cine Pompeya. Friends, family and comedians surrounded them. Some audience members have even gone into labor. Some comedians have found love on these stages. Laughter, it seems, is a great icebreaker.
Aspiring comedians can try their luck at the monthly “Open Mic.” It is a chance for newcomers to test their material. Veterans also use it to try out new jokes. The audience decides who passes the test with their laughter.
La Chocita del Loro has faced challenges. The 11M attacks and the pandemic cast shadows. However, laughter always returns. It serves as a barometer of the city’s mood. It offers a therapeutic escape. La Chocita provides a place to forget everything for an hour.
La Chocita del Loro has become a comedy reference in its 25 years. It is a beautiful adventure. The goal is to maintain that close connection between the audience and the actor. It is a space where laughter heals and connects.