Meeting somebody can be tricky and we’ve all had our fair share of hilariously bad dates, but nothing breaks the ice like a good laugh over a game of Hungry Hippos.

You could meet your someone special anywhere these days, from strolling in the park to surfing the web. And your married friends are also no longer the only ones who want to play matchmaker. It seems like comedians have jumped on the bandwagon too.

Laugh Match is the latest craze to hit the frenzied dating scene that is New York City. The basic idea is that you show up, have a few drinks, listen to a comic and then Boom! A gong goes off, the lights come up and the comic sticks a mike in your face asking you who your dream date is. He or she then finds that dream date for you – in the crowd. It’s obviously up to you if you take them home, but the shots are flowing and the condoms are free – just in case.

While it may not sound ideal for those who don’t like being the centre of attention, people are flocking to this event hosted and created by Helen Hong. Single herself, Helen decided that the New York dating scene needed a shake up. Her unique dating nights range from the interracial Laugh Match to K-Date for those of Korean descent to Gay Date and Mensch Match, “for Jews and those who love them”.

For those of you not in New York, don’t worry as it’s true that laughter is contagious. Up The Creek in Greenwich, London there’s a comedy night mixed with speed dating where the comedians promise enough dirty jokes to ensure you have plenty to talk about. The UK also hosts “live dating events” around the country where around 300 singles meet up to play Hungry Hippos and Twister before busting grooves on the dance floor.

We’d love to hear if you’ve tried comedy dating and let us know if there are any events near you.

Image courtesy of CarbonNYC