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Monkey Barrel Comedy club

Welcome to our coverage of Monkey Barrel Comedy, a jewel in Edinburgh's cultural crown. Situated in the historic Old Town, this award-winning venue has rapidly become the city's top-rated comedy club since opening its doors in 2017. With a reputation for showcasing a diverse and innovative lineup of both established and emerging talent, it offers a truly intimate and electric atmosphere for live comedy.

The club is celebrated not just by locals, who flock here year-round, but also as the "Beating Heart of the Fringe" during August. For three consecutive years, it has hosted the winner of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe's Best Comedy Show award, cementing its status as a pivotal venue. With hilarious hosts, a well-priced bar, and a guaranteed great night out, Monkey Barrel is an essential destination for any comedy fan in the capital, promising unforgettable performances seven nights a week.

Review: Ayo Adenekan – Black Mediocrity, Fringe 2025

August 6, 2025 by Andrew Girdwood Leave a Comment

This is a powerful and funny hour of comedy rooted in the Edinburgh experience. Adenekan is a charismatic performer with a bright future, delivering an authentic show that is already drawing impressive crowds. Highly recommended.

Review: Dan Tiernan – ALL IN, Fringe 2025

August 5, 2025 by Andrew Girdwood Leave a Comment

Dan Tiernan returns with a high-energy confessional about his quest for self-improvement, delivering cringe-inducing truths and unapologetic humour.

A review of Alex Kealy: The Fear, Fringe 2024

August 3, 2024 by Andrew Girdwood Leave a Comment

Alex Kealy’s “The Fear” is a traditional stand-up comedy show that delivers contemporary, wise, and funny observations with emotional depth, making it a great start to a night of Fringe fun.

Review: Ari Eldjárn: Return of the Icelandic

April 27, 2024 by Andrew Girdwood Leave a Comment

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

March 1, 2024 by Girdy & Birdy Leave a Comment

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.

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