I’d heard good things about Lach’s Antihoot. Lach himself is a seasoned performer, (you can catch him doing a free show at Cabaret Voltaire at 8.45pm) his forte is riotous comedy songs and stand up.  Lach ran the longest standing open mike night in New York City so I ventured into the Gilded Balloon with high hopes. I found a welcome surprise awaiting me. Comedy and music and all very good. The crowd were in good spirits, very lively and engaging, ensuring the banter and bar drinks flowed! The atmosphere can really make an event and the Antihoot has it nailed.

While the Edinburgh fringe festival is geared towards people watching the shows, the Antihoot is very much a good selection of showcasing performers. Every act was introduced by Lach with a unique description of their ‘sponsor’, and it’s at times like this I wish my memory was better! Acts can book via info@antifolk.net.

Hilarity at Edinburgh's Stand Comedy Club.

These two venues are Scotland’s only full-time comedy venues and as such are gaining rapidly in popularity.

Variety At Edinburgh’s Comedy Club The Stand

Open every night of the week, The Stand features the best of Scottish comedians as well as a variety of international comedian guests. Offering a varied programme including a beginner’s night, improv, an all female show, sketch comedy as well as Scottish and Irish Showcases, there is something new and refreshing every night. In addition, there are solo performances and stand-up comedy shows each weekend featuring well known comedians.

[image credit: Diamond Geyser]

Offering food and drink to go with your comedy, The Stand is a popular destination for Sunday lunch. As odd as that may sound, it is perfectly in keeping with the eccentric and playful atmosphere of The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh, which is decorated haphazardly with each wall a different color and artwork chosen for more its unusualness rather than any sort of motif.

Bending over backwards until the audience laughs at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh.

A discount card to loyal and regular customers is just one of the quirky perks that The Stand offers, another is reasonably priced food and alcohol. Tables are hard to come by if you arrive late, so plan to go early, enjoy a snack and get ready to laugh!

[image credit: Diamond Geyser]

It's always worth queing for a show at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh.

While critics and performers alike regard The Stand as one of the best comedy venues in the world, the patrons tend to agree as the club has seen a regular incline in visitors since opening. The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh and Glasgow may be dark and dingy on the inside, but the comedy is simply brilliant.

[image credit: nailest]