A friend surprised me with tickets and we were not disappointed! The food was great (albeit a bit slow coming out, though unsurprisingly so as the place was quite packed) and the drinks even better. The acts were great, but the MC was the funniest. He was excellent with crowd work and tying all the sets together. It was also fun (scary) being the butt of the joke as the only American there. read more

Stand Comedy Club - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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The place is quite small and cosy, let's say. Seen some good comedians there. This is the major problem that I have with this place, the staff. I'm afraid it's a case of tar and brush where this is concerned. During a performance, I very quietly whispered to my carer, I need to get to a bathroom quick, where is it? To that very quiet whisper I was shocked by the extremely loud SHOOOOOOSH!!! From one staff member. Tar and brush. That staff member should have shooshed themselves, inside their brain, instead of trying to embarrass a patron. Anyway, we left and I rather sheepishly and carefully had to make my way down to the Princes Street public toilets. I'm not going back there again. If you whisper extremely quietly, you get told to shoosh, very loudly. Anything other than a laugh is treated like an enormous disrespect towards the comedian. I mean, no way could the comedian hear me, especially me being at the very back of the place, furthest possible from the stage. One staff member has completely destroyed my experience of this place. Would have been 5 stars, after that incident.... One. If you're disabled and need to communicate, very quietly, with your carer, don't go to the Stand comedy club in Edinburgh. read more

Ignacio Lopez was hilarious! I'm here studying abroad for a couple weeks and this was an awesome place to go. I had never been to a comedy show before this one and it lived up to my expectations!! The place has great energy with food snacks and drinks read more

Ok...thw staff arent the nicest and it's slow to get drinks but the comedy is great! Constant mix of people and humor. I don't love that they oversell at the door so that people have to stand during the show. read more

Showcasing the best fresh comedy and more well known comedians too The Stand always delivers and I've never had a bad night out here. If you're looking to find some fresh talent check out Red Raw on a Monday night where you can see up to 8 acts for £2, that's right, a mere £2. If you're a scrounging student it gets even better and you can laugh your socks off for £1. Ridiculous. It's almost too good to be true. Two hours entertainment for such a measly amount of money, you can't say fairer than that. Even if the fresh new talent is more of a rotten tomato I'm sure you'll forget about it as quickly as the £1 dent in your wallet. read more

Stand Comedy Club - http://www.thestand.co.uk - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I thought I would never laugh so hard in my life as when I heard Billy Connolly's joke about a prank phone call when I was fifteen. I was wrong. I came here at the end of my first year and some of the acts which came on had me howling. Most of them are students in Edinburgh or locals who want to try some material on a relatively small audience. I've been on two Monday nights and both times I've got pretty merry and drunk from the cheap drinks and, importantly, laughed my head off. Some of the guys (all of the ones I saw were men) are truly hilarious and, like all good comedians, can transform the mundane into the side-splittingly funny. This is a great, cheap venue which deserves credit for giving lesser known and talented individuals the chance to to demonstrate just how funny they are. read more

Stand Comedy Club - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I've always had a great night in here. It's dark, dingy and possibly in need of a little TLC, but this is the way that I think comedy clubs really should be; Humour from grass roots level in an unpretentious environment rather than a glitzy and swanky set up. So all that asideyes the layout is haphazard, and the stage not easily viewable from all parts of the club itself, but, I guess when you love the Stand, you learn to live with this. It's essential to arrive early. You've got no chance of getting a seat or a table otherwise, and you'll be standing somewhere at the back, potentially seeing nothing. And if you're wanting food, then you really need to be getting there early too before the performances start (but you've got a good couple of hours from door opening time anyway before anything begins). The food is cheap, hearty, hardly gourmetbut perfect snacking material whilst drinking and watching the show. Yes, the nachos ARE highly recommended. But don't go thinking you can get through a plate of the 'Titanic' nachos between just two people. We tried. Potentially, I think this is impossible, but feel free to report back and let me know otherwise (this could be the start of a new challenge!). Just make sure you keep your conversations with your mates to pre-show and interval times however. You WILL be told off if you try chatting during the performance. Even if you think you're being very subtle about it (ahemalthough after a few drinks, maybe we weren't as subtle as we thought we were being). But I guess this isn't such a bad thing as at least it means you're not going to get your night ruined by those annoying drunken folk sitting chattering and heckling away right behind you! If you intend on being a regularyou can get yourself a discount card for about £12 a year. It doesn't discount your entry over weekends, but makes it incredibly cheap to go along on week nights. Another top tipif you go for the 'standing order' option of payment, you get a free bottle of wine voucher. Which, when you consider a bottle of wine costs around £12 in there anyway, means you're getting your card for free. Almost. Well, that's my logic anyway! I rather like the amateur night on a Monday. It's about £1 to get in, and even when the acts are so horrendously badwell, that can be equally as amusing too; laughing and cringing in equal doses! read more

Stand Comedy Club - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This place is hit-or-miss depending on what time of the year you come. During the Edinburgh Festival theres usually some top notch entertainment on. Otherwise, you might be wasting your cash. On a side note, if you're American, please remain calm and do not, repeat, DO NOT announce that fact - otherwise you're liable to be verbally abused for the entire night by all the acts. Hahahaha. ;-P read more

When they tell you to get there at 7pm even though the show starts at 9pm, you go. The place gets packed... like super duper packed... I sat there almost at the front looking for the fire exits and wondering how many people I would have to shove to get to one. Our friend ran across the street from our hotel to get tickets, but instead had to call a number and buy them over the phone... even though she could hear the lady inside talking to her. They also have a Heckling Deposit: ten pounds a person in your party and you also get thrown out. I think it's more of a Good Behaviour Deposit. Since we were having dinner there, we had to eat in shifts. There were four of us to a table and they're really small. Ordering is at the bar, you tell them your table and then they bring you your food pretty fast. Our friends ordered the nachos and then some mains, so they had to have an extra tray on their laps for all the food. I thought the food was good. I heard dismal things about the nachos and the mac and cheese, but our friends were happy with the lamb burger (words like best lamb burger ever were used) and said the burrito was okay. I had the bangers and mash. Nothing wrong with gravy, sausage and potatoes. Joanne (is that her name?) was a great host. She asked everyone in what equates to gyno row their names and where they're from. She's really funny and quick witted. I would pay to listen to her. I don't remember that much of the other comics... we saw four that night. All entertaining, but I remember the last one for sure... not his name, but he sounded like a minister from Southern USA. Pretty irreverent and that's what made him funny. We didn't hang around after the comics were finished. We left pretty quick after that. Didn't want to lose our Good Behaviour Deposit. read more

After a lifetime of confused faces and awkward silences, you'd think I'd have gotten the message that I'm just not funny. I've even stooped so low as to peddle my tired, rehashed sarcastic comments and witless toilet humour on this very site. It wasn't big or clever the first time, never mind at review number 870, yet still I go on. Regardless of my obvious lack of wit, I'm still funnier than 60% of the acts on the £2 Monday Red Raw at The Stand, but then again so is my Uncle Jimmy, and he's both utterly humourless and dead. Even during the worst acts though, and some really are terrible, the tumbleweed atmosphere and air of embarrassment make sure that even at it's worst, The Stand is still uncomfortably brilliant. For your two notes though you do get a professional compere (usually brilliant) and a professional comic (hit and miss) at the end. I saw a Scottish guy who does Mock the Week nowadays in here a while back, but then again I also so a horrendous, gimmicky "improv" duo who had faces you'd never tire of slapping. On other nights, the venue hosts every type of stand-up imaginable from the political to the pottymouth to the guy in ned costume. You'll laugh your arse of at least once, guaranteed. read more

There is nothing more uncomfortable than sitting in a comedy club and listening to a 'comedian' laying in to a member of the crowd trying to raise some sort of smile from the rest of the audience. I always wince a little when I hear a comedian ask if there is anyone from the States in the audience for this very reason- no doubt what's coming is a uninspired rant about American politics and George Bush as though it's the poor tourists fault for the war in Iraq! Last time I visited the Stand this exact scene was played before my eyes. Egged on by a Stag party I watched a comedian blame two poor American girls for every problem from obesity and McDonalds to war and the oil crisis. During the break in the show at least 15 of us walked out. Too awkward for words! This experience is quite typical of the Stand. Often you watch a really hysterical piece one week and then the next it's bitterly disappointing. My advice would be to do your research before you visit and check out the website to see whose performing. Some acts are just not worth the torture! read more

Good comedy venue in the centre of Edinburgh. The Stand has comedy every night, as far as I know, with a mixture of experienced and fresh talent. There is an extensive bar, and sufficient intervals between acts to keep your drink topped up. Seating is lacking, but the venue is small, so this is no surprise. I advise turning up quite early to secure a seat. read more

Huge fan of The Stand in Glasgow and of live comedy in general, so it's a curious addition to my Yelping to write a review of my first visit to this place. Even smaller than the one in Glasgow, to my surprise, it is well situated next to the bus station, with the same intimate atmosphere you come to expect from the brand. Decent bar, for the size, with prompt service and a great buzz in general. It can get a bit cramped of course, where it's advised to get down early for gigs if you're not a fan of standing.. read more

Guaranteed to have fun here. Its a great spot but not perfect. The place is kind of grubby and the toilets could really do with some investment. The main downside is that if you want a seat, which I think you need for a two and a half hour show, you have to arrive about 90 minutes before it starts at the weekend, which is a bit of a pain. There is a good rotation of comics and you do see some really cracking acts. The food is actually fantastic and really pretty cheap for the quality you get. The service is pretty friendly from all the staff, its vey friendly and informal atmosphere all round. Don't try rearranging the furniture or the staff can get pretty grumpy however. I strongly recommend this place if you want to do something a bit different and want to be guaranteed a good night out. read more

It's always exciting gong to the stand! Always good for a belly laugh and a good night out. Come early to get a seat! Staff are A+ and the food is HUGE portions, so perfect for sharing. No stag or hen do's are allowed and is is a comedy club not a night club so attracts a more friendly bunch of people. Worth going to all year round! read more

Attended the Monday night 'Red Raw' open mic night that was utterly fantastic. The only reason this review isn't 5 stars is that not all of the acts were excellent (although this is utterly expected for an amateurs open mic comedy night). Those acts that were funny where exceptionally funny. Jamie MacDonald headlining the evening with his hysterical observations about life as a blind person were simply hysterical. An overall excellent evening and I would not hesitate about going back! read more

If you only ever see live comedy at the Fringe and want to try a comedy club, look no further than this Edinburgh institution. When you don't want to pay for a big name comedian's touring show, but you don't want the open mic night at your local pub, this is where you want to go. Intimate venue with professional comedians and the occasional name you'll recognise from the tv. They do a range of cheaper and less professional stuff during the week, but on Friday and Saturday night for £10 you get four comedians and an MC. Two hours of comedy that is always guaranteed to contain at least some top quality material, with maybe the occasional crappy bit. But the MC always holds it together with lots of piss taking of people in the front row (let this be a warning!). Doors open at 7pm and you have to be there bang on time to grab a good seat (one with a table and not too close to the stage), and the show runs 9 - 11. In the meantime you can have dinner which is pub grub but well done and reasonably priced (I recommend the nachos). Drinks are also reasonably priced, so all round it's always a reliable evening out. read more

If you are looking for something to do thats a bit different, especially on a thursday evening, I suggest coming here. I say thursday, because thats when the Stand Hosts its own comedy heroes night, and it happens to be the best night of the week. For around £8, you get a host - always a comedic genius - and 5 (yes, FIVE!) stand up's willing to showcase thier material. I have never laughed so hard in my life, and for so long. I had tears streaming down my face, and any more, I would have had something else streaming down my leg. I know a lot of other reviews have said it can get a little awkward - especially if you are a tourist/American, but I have never seen an act here that fails to make the whole room laugh. But maybe I'm just lucky. Other nights tend to show just one act performing a full set, or comedy sketch groups who really are a blast. Great place to come, but if you can only make one night a week - make it a Thursday. read more

Stand Comedy Club - from the Stand website - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The Stand Comedy Club is great fun. Well fun if you are lucky enough to get a decent comic and perhaps not so fun if you get picked on. My friend is a white guy, with a giant Afro. Throughout the years I have become accustomed to the fact that people are amazed by it and like to point at it or touch it. Sometimes I imagine this is what it would be like to walk down the street with Lady Gaga. So he was a prime target for the comedians who made him stand up and showcase his hair. I quite enjoy the pick on the crowd moment of the comedians set, but maybe that is because I am a heartless bitch who has never been picked on. Anyway, so at The Stand you can have a night full of laughs or maybe only a few. I think it depends on the type of humour you like whether you will enjoy someones set or not. It's worth a trip because you might come across the next big thing, or you might just get that awkward atmosphere where the comedian is totally bombing. read more

I love the Stand comedy club! When it's good, it's really really good and when it's bad it's still quite good! They have a great variety of comedians in here, I once saw Frankie Boyle for £1. The venue is in a great location, but it is a bit small. There's a high chance you will get crammed in a table at the back and not be able to see much. The bar is near the entrance, so if you get thirsty during a show then on your head be it - you'll have to walk right through the entire audience. As it is quite a small club, and is underground, it gets very hot very quickly. I was taken here once on a first date. The guy was sporting a black eye (from rugby) and a pink shirt. We were like textbook comedy, and of course we sat in the front row. The whole first date, pink shirt and black eye thing was the theme of the evening. If you're not the centre of the jokes, it's great fun, but not so much if you are! I didn't call black eyed pink shirt man back after he referred to me as his 'woman' . ehhh no. read more

The layout of the Stand Comedy Club is far from perfect, its quite cramped with some places that you don't get that great a view of the small stage. However, I think its down to this cramped haphazard layout that helps the place maintain a good atmosphere whether its full to capacity or a bit on the quiet side. The nachos are certainly good value for money, but don't go looking for gourmet food. The small kitchen is used to prepare cheep simple but tasty food, that may even get a little help from the microwave in the heating department! read more

Edinburgh's best year round comedy venue, since the sad loss of the Gilded Balloon a few years back. Good Bar food, great staff and quality regular nights (Red Raw and Wicked Wenches are among the best). A high recommendation - also check out the Stand's Fringe programme for upcoming talent! Ess read more

Ah the stand. I almost got turfed out for heckling once, I am a foolish drunk... Anyway! so yeah awesome live stand up, i've never seen a duff show in the place, and the sunday regulars Stu and Gary for Who's Lunch is it anyway are cracking good funny guys. If you're a regular you can see a few of the jokes coming but they're so sharp they've always got new tricks up the sleeve. The only thing stopping this place from having 5 stars is the over priced food and the frankly rubbish food, things really went down hill when they changed chef. read more

This is a great little comedy club. You can generally be assured of getting a few laughs out of whatever might be on that particular night, although as always with stand-up, some of the acts are a bit hit or miss. It's quite student-oriented, with quite a lot of nights on that cater specifically to this market. You can sometimes find some pretty big names doing a gig here, especially during festival-time. read more

A very good place to spend a night. Usually for the Thu-Sat shows you will get a mixture of up and coming comedians and some more experienced ones. The bar selection isn't great but you will be able to find something you like. The food however is very good. Had the mistake of ordeing the nachos once, not expecting just how much I was getting. I would recommend having some friends to help with finishing them! The venue is quite small so on Friday and Saturday nights it can get busy. You are best getting in early so you can get a decent seat. But even if you end up standing it is still a good night. And it is much better than a certain other comedy club in Edinburgh! Incomparable in fact. read more

I had a really fun time here! We got there an hour early to make sure we got good seats and it was totally worth it. (Don't sit in the front if you're not ready to get picked on!) The acts were hysterical, especially the hostess. The drinks weren't anything special (I got rose and a vodka lemonade) but they certainly did the trick. It was a well-kept place and a really fun night. read more

My biggest problem with The Stand is their "first come, first serve" seating policy. I've been there once or twice for the cheap Monday night comedy which allows first time stand ups to try out material on an understanding and sympathetic audience. The seating on these occasions didn't bother me as the entrance fee was £2 and it wasn't so busy that we couldn't get seats together. Basically I know when a deal is that good, don't complain. But when they charge big venue prices and STILL don't guarantee you a seat? Poor show (quite literally). If I paid £15 a ticket to see an act at any other venue my ticket would come with a seat number, standard. It's just expected. So why when I pay £15 to see a big act like Rob Delaney at The Stand should it be any different? My boyfriend and I arrived an hour before the show was due to start and were told there was standing room only. I'd had the tickets for months and we were still there an hour before anyone was due to come on stage. A member of floor staff kindly approached us as we jostled for position, and offered us two stools at the back, although he warned that they weren't exactly "seated together". He wasn't lying. The backless stools were crammed into the middle of an already packed row of people, and were one in front of the other. Not exactly the social, birthday night out I had planned. Add to this the fact that the room heats up throughout the night to a stifling humidity, and the whole thing is just too uncomfortable to be funny. Either lower your price or guarantee me a seat with the purchase of my ticket. As a consumer, I don't think that's much to ask. read more

Cracking little venue with some acts that are much bigger! With the city holding the festival every year, there is always a draw for comedians just starting on the circuit and for much more seasoned pro's to come and play at clubs like the Stand. A night out here can leave you laughing at the jokes, the slaggings or even the utter terribleness of some of the acts - for less than a tenner, you can't really go wrong. Some of the countries biggest comedians play here when they are wanting to test out material, and I was lucky enough to check out Frankie Boyle testing some of his material for his sold out show, yet on the same bill was someone trying out stand up for the first time - some act to follow mind you! There isn't a more wallet friendly night to be had, if you haven't had a Stand night as yet then go have one... read more

The Stand seemed to become an institution the day it opened its doors. They've matched small scale year round comedy with some of the biggest names on the circuit, then gradually expanded their festival operation so that it now takes in the Assembly Rooms on George Street. The original Stand space, with its seating/standing jockeying for position and an atmosphere that encourages the performers to relax into their show is an experience in itself. Go early, go often, go for food and go home (or elsewhere) happy and smiling. Coming soon: go there by tram! read more

If you enjoy stand up comedy, including seeing up and coming talent, as well as good pub grub food and an intimate atmosphere then the Stand is an excellent option for a night out! I've been a few times and have not been disappointed yet! Shows usually start at 9pm with doors opening at 7pm. It is a small club and tables/seating are limited so if you are like me and enjoy having a seat, it's best to get there at 7pm as it will be packed, especially on a weekend! There is a decent selection of drinks and they are reasonably priced so everyone should be able to find something they like! While I've only had the nachos from their food selection, they were amazing! If you get the chilli nachos you get a generous portion that you most likely will want to share with someone else! The shows themselves feature a compare and usually 4-5 comedians with a main headline act. Sometimes one or two of the acts will be a dud but that's to be expected! The times I've been 90% of the acts have been quite entertaining. There are usually at least two intermissions for a toilet break and a refill or two. The staff are quite efficient and the atmosphere can't be beat for an intimate comedy experience. Far better than Highlights if you are looking for a good comedy night out and are not on a stag or hen do! read more

hmm not sure what to say about this place. if i was reviewing on just the shows i've seen here, this would probably be more like a four star or even five review but as to the venue itself i'm less impressed. i've seen stephen k amos twice and lucy porter as well during the fringe festival both at different stand venues. lucy porter was in the main venue which is also open year round. the place was, well, A-OK but nothing more. it was dark and there aren't really seats, just stools which if you're (apparently) old and cranky like me you get a sore back sitting there for a long period of time. it's also small, the people in the front are practicualy sat on top of the person performing and i also found the floor a bit sticky...so ew. stephen k amos performed in one of the extended stand venues across the street. this was in the basement of a hotel and i have to say i found this room much more decent than the actual stand club. yes it's still dark, but you get proper chairs and no sticky floors. you're still close to the comedian performing but not on top of them. my only compliant is that it's so hot!!!! i know this is a problem throughout fringe venues in edinburgh though, so unfortunately it doesn't seem there can be much done. overall though, the stand club attracts so really excellent shows! i laughed til i cried during stephen k amos (both times!) and found lucy porter both funny and endearing. there are loads of other shows during the year and i know a number of big comedians made their start here (including kevin bridges!). so for the talent and quaity of the shows this place is great, but for the less than desirable atmosphere and sticky floor it's going to have to get an A-OK rating. read more

Super crowded, took a refund and left. Management needs to add capacity. The alternative to standing is to get there super early and wait for the show to start. Not coming again. read more

The Stand is how I like it, dark, full of posters to stare at when the conversation ebbs, and comic entertainment to the max. On Sunday afternoons there is a free comedy show to go and stuff your face full of nachos (vegetarian and meat hurrah) and have a few giggles on the way. Haven't visited any of the evening shows yet, but it looks pretty busy so get there early and get ready to enjoy! read more

Aside from the fact that we came late and all the seats were taken so we had to stand in the back the entire time - some of the act were actually pretty funny. I think we came on amateur night, so I wasn't expecting Robin Williams golf joke caliber or anything, but I found myself laughing a lot. read more

I go to a bunch of improv and comedy shows in NYC, and I've never really worked those into my travelling before. But my friend and I decided to go to Edinburgh for Hogmanay this past new year's and we weren't into blowing money on castles and tours. We figured we should do something someone who lives in Edinburgh would do, and since these people actually speak our language (as opposed to most of the countries I travel to), why not go to a comedy show? We proceeded to look for something. I forget where we finally found this place, but I think our hotel had some local papers and I was just skimming through for the hell of it. Improv show for lunch? For a few quid? Sure, why not. Even though I was a bit skeptical of how great this show would be, and whether we would even get the humor (if everything ended up being inside jokes for Scots, we'd be bored), we go anyway since it was dirt cheap. The bartenders at the bar were quite nice. We asked them a few questions about Hogmanay and whatnot and they were friendly while chatting with us. The show was also pretty darn funny much to our surprise. Jokes with a Scottish accent are also more palatable if they end up flat. That's good to know. The two-man show was great and we were very glad to have caught it while we were there. I'm sure I'll visit Edinburgh a third time soon, and I'll definitely be back. read more

The most memorable comedy night I've ever attended took place at the stand, MC'd by the legendary Daniel Kitson - incredible, anarchic fun. Even after a sleepless all-night coach from London, this was a storming night, and on every visit since there has been an outstanding line-up. An absolute must-visit if you truly appreciate comedy! read more

I booked a Sunday Laugh-In date night in Edinburgh while on holiday for my husband and myself and it was definitely worth it! The acts were hilarious and covered many different humor types to make sure to cater to the whole audience. Hopefully you see Damian Crow, because he is the best. I also loved the host! We booked tickets online, which was so easy and then checked in at the door with our IDs. Easy as can be! Make sure you get there when the doors open so you can pick your seat. If you want to interact with the comedians, sit up front! Nothing better than being made fun of by a professional. The seats aren't comfortable at all and the place is kind of divey, but it somehow made the experience better! Did I mention how inexpensive this was? I wanted to go for the Free Comedy show on Sunday, which would have required me to miss out on other things in the city during the day and some waiting around to make sure I got in, but when I saw the price of 6 pounds per ticket it was a no-brainer! Go here! You won't regret it. read more

To begin with let me just say that iam basing this review completely on my personal opinion of the club some of my freinds have been and absoloutley loved it. I on the other hand found it just above average the building its self is way too small entrance fee and booze was over priced the comedians were well. to sum it up very dull i dont think i laughed once during the entire show. read more

Had a good night in here. It's small so get in early unless you want to sit at the front!

One of the best nights out in Edinburgh! Get in early if you want a seat though, but beware, if you do get in as soon as the doors open you may have a couple of hours before the show starts. Therefore, if it's the weekend, kill some time with the excellent food they serve. There is nothing fancy about the food, but you can tell that time and effort has gone into making it. Totally agree about the nachos, and the chicken wrap goes down well also. read more