Edinburgh is the comedy capital of the world for one month every August, when the Fringe transforms the city into a vast comedy playground. But what about the other eleven months? The good news is that Edinburgh has built a year-round comedy scene that capitalises on the city's deep connection with the art form. Several excellent venues run regular comedy nights, and the city's reputation means touring acts always include an Edinburgh date.
Year-round comedy clubs
Monkey Barrel Comedy
Monkey Barrel Comedy on Blair Street is the jewel of Edinburgh's year-round comedy scene. It has multiple rooms -- including the intimate Monkey Barrel and the larger Hive room -- and runs shows almost every night of the week. The lineups are consistently strong, mixing established circuit headliners with exciting newer acts. The rooms are purpose-built for comedy, with low ceilings, good sightlines, and an atmosphere that makes comedians want to perform their best. During the Fringe, it becomes one of the festival's hottest tickets, but it is excellent all year round.
The Stand Comedy Club
The Stand on York Place is Edinburgh's longest-running dedicated comedy club and one of the most respected in the UK. The basement room is intimate and atmospheric, and the programming is first-rate. Weekend headline shows feature top-tier touring acts, while the midweek shows -- including the popular Red Raw new material night on Tuesdays -- offer excellent comedy at lower prices. The Stand was founded in 1995 and has been a cornerstone of Scottish comedy ever since. Many of Scotland's biggest comedy names started here.
Gilded Balloon
The Gilded Balloon at the Basement on Niddry Street is best known as a Fringe venue, but it runs comedy shows throughout the year. The Late 'N' Live format -- a raucous late-night show with multiple acts -- is legendary during the Fringe and is occasionally revived during the rest of the year. Check listings for their year-round programming, which often includes previews and work-in-progress shows from major names preparing for Fringe runs.
Pubs and bars with comedy nights
The Counting House
The Counting House on West Nicolson Street is primarily a Fringe venue, but it hosts comedy nights at other times of the year too. The setting -- a converted bank with ornate ceilings and pillars -- is atmospheric, and the comedy nights that run here are usually well curated.
Pleasance Theatre
The Pleasance Theatre on The Pleasance is another venue best known for the Fringe but with year-round programming that includes comedy. The Pleasance Courtyard becomes one of the most famous locations in world comedy every August, but the indoor theatre spaces host events throughout the year. Check their website for upcoming comedy shows -- you might catch a preview of something that will be huge at the next Fringe.
Whistlebinkies and other pub comedy
Various pubs across Edinburgh host comedy nights, particularly on weeknights. These are often organised by independent promoters and can be hit-or-miss, but they are a good way to see comedy cheaply and discover new performers. The South Bridge and Cowgate areas have the highest concentration.
The Edinburgh Fringe -- a comedy pilgrimage
No guide to Edinburgh comedy would be complete without mentioning the Fringe. Every August, the city hosts the world's largest arts festival, and comedy is its biggest draw. Thousands of comedians perform across hundreds of venues, from major theatres to converted cupboards. The sheer volume can be overwhelming, but that is part of the joy -- you can see five or six shows in a day, mixing established names with complete unknowns.
During the Fringe, look out for free shows at venues like The Mash House and PBH Free Fringe locations. These are full-length shows by comedians who have chosen to make their shows free (with a bucket collection at the end), and the quality is often on par with the paid shows. It is an excellent way to discover new comedy without spending a fortune.
Practical tips for Edinburgh comedy
- Book ahead for weekend shows at Monkey Barrel and The Stand -- These sell out regularly, especially on Saturdays.
- Try midweek shows -- The lineups are often just as good, the tickets are cheaper, and you are more likely to get in.
- During the Fringe, see as much as possible -- You will never have this concentration of comedy available again until next August. Be adventurous.
- Check for previews in June and July -- Many comedians preview their Fringe shows in Edinburgh in the weeks before the festival. These are often cheaper and less crowded than the Fringe runs themselves.
Getting around
Edinburgh is compact and walkable. Waverley Station sits in the heart of the city, and most comedy venues are within a ten-minute walk. The Cowgate and South Bridge area, where many comedy venues are clustered, is particularly easy to reach. During the Fringe, the Royal Mile becomes pedestrianised and the whole city centre is walkable.
Finding comedy events
Edinburgh's comedy scene is vibrant year-round, not just during the Fringe. Browse upcoming shows on Tickts with no booking fees and discover why the Scottish capital is truly the home of live comedy in the UK.
