Go see “Ready, Steady, David O’Doherty” as it’s one of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 comedy highlights.
Comedy in Edinburgh
Edinburgh boasts a vibrant and deeply-rooted comedy scene that thrives throughout the year, anchored by legendary venues such as The Stand Comedy Club, a proving ground for countless famous comedians, alongside the multi-award-winning Monkey Barrel Comedy and the ever-popular Just the Tonic, which all provide a consistent programme of top-tier stand-up.
However, this thriving year-round culture is merely the prelude to the comedic explosion that occurs each August during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The city transforms into the undisputed global epicentre of comedy, as thousands of performers—from household names testing new material to ambitious newcomers seeking their big break—descend upon the capital, turning every conceivable space from grand theatres to cramped pub basements into a performance venue. This month-long comedy marathon creates an unparalleled atmosphere of creative energy, solidifying Edinburgh's reputation as the ultimate destination for performers and fans of live humour.
Interview: Darrell Martin, the founder of Just the Tonic on the eve of their 20th Fringe anniversary
Darrell started Just the Tonic 30 years ago, and this year will mark the comedy club’s 20th year at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Review: Ari Eldjárn: Return of the Icelandic
Ari Eldjárn’s Return of the Icelandic is funny and friendly. In the show you’ll encounter some pranks, some family truths and learn a bit about how politics works in Iceland. You’ll leave pleased you went and wondering why politics couldn’t be more like that elsewhere.
Review: Dan Tiernan, Going Under
Dan Tiernan’s ‘Going Under’ is loaded with laughs and a surprising amount of empathy. Here’s a comedian with a perspective of the world that most of the audience won’t have. At the start of the gig Dan might seem very different but by the end of the gig he’ll surely seem hugely and powerfully relatable.
Review: Just the Tonic comedy night – Milton Jones
A set of three funny comedians in a warm and comfortable venue. Just the Tonic comedy club night with Milton Jones is worth grabbing tickets for should it return to Edinburgh. Let’s hope it does!
A review of Paddy Young: Hungry, Horny, Scared, Fringe 2023
Paddy starts weak but finds his pace with witty commentary on living with strangers, property, trauma, Hitler, and more. He has the energy, confidence, and skills to entertain crowds.
A review of Colleen Lavin: Do the Robots Think I’m Funny?, Fringe 2023
Colleen Lavin was the most nervous of all the comedians I’ve seen this Fringe, and perhaps that’s why Murderbot listens in judgement. I enjoyed it, but I’m a techhead.
A review of Comedians and (Similar to but Legally Distinct from) Dragons, Fringe 2023
Comedians and (Similar to but Legally Distinct from) Dragons is a D&D improv comedy show in a bar basement in front of a live audience. The show relies on the audience’s agency and the power of the imagination, rather than fancy tech, to create a truly immersive experience. This makes it one of the best RPG-structured improv comedy shows I’ve seen this year.