Presented by Scotland’s original home of live comedy Gilded Balloon, The Big Fab Comedy Show came to Edinburgh's The Queen's Hall this month with some of Scotland's and the UK's hottest up-and-coming talent in stand up comedy.
The hostess with the mostest in crowd interaction was BBC's Breaking the News Jay Lafferty. Jay is an absolute genius in warming up a room full of different ethnicities. Her quick wit had the crowd on side from the get-go.
Josie Long (burst onto the comedy scene when she won the BBC New Comedy Awards over 20 years ago), brought an infectious enthusiasm for silliness and running gags to the show.
Openly sharing his stories and details from his life as a semi-camp gay man, moving from a small mining village to Edinburgh and becoming a happily married man, Sam Lake delivered hilarious routines about office huns, big Daddy energy and spicy personal confessions.
Winner of the Scottish Comedian of the Year in 2018 and one third of the Some Laugh podcast (with Marc Jennings and Stuart McPherson), Stephen Buchanan had the crowd in stitches with his easy-going, self-deprecating observational stand up that makes him instantly likeable and, it's no wonder that he became the first ever Scottish comedian to win the coveted BBC New Comedy Award.
Headliner, award-winning comedian, writer and actor, and absolute powerhouse Larry Dean blew the roof off The Queen's Hall with his uber energetic and engaging set, performing impressions and gags with perfected comedic timings. He's candid, he's cheeky, and he never misses a beat.
The Big Fab Comedy Show was indeed a rip-roaring night of stand up comedy, and will be back in Edinburgh in September and November. More information can be found here.
SIDEBAR
As a ma-HOO-sive fan of stand up comedy (so is my cousin, so he was my +1 to the show), we are becoming spoilt for choice here in Edinburgh (and Glasgow). And that's bloody brilliant!
I've seen Jay's shows loads times now, and I've been a fan of Larry's since he won Scottish Comedian Of The Year in 2013!
However, this was my first time seeing Josie Long, Sam Lake, and Stephen Buchanan perform live and they did not disappoint. Because I laughed so much during Stephen's set, I think I pulled a muscle in my chest (cheers Stephen), I then had to take a deep dive into Some Laugh podcast. I would definitely recommend it. You will see some familiar comedic faces!
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EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2024
JAY LAFFERTY: BAHOOKIE
Venue: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose - Other Yin
Dates: 22 - 26 Aug
Time: 18:00 (1hr)
Price: £13 - £14
Suitability: 14+ (Restriction)
SAM LAKE: ESMÉRALDA
Venue: Monkey Barrel Comedy - Monkey Barrel 2
Dates: 31 Jul, 1 - 11 & 13 - 25 Aug
Time: 13:30 (1hr)
Price: £8 - £12 (£4 - £7)
Suitability: 16+ (Guideline)
STEPHEN BUCHANAN: CHARICATURE
Venue: Monkey Barrel Comedy - Monkey Barrel 1
Dates: 3, 6, 9 Aug
Time: 19:35 (55mins)
Price: £10 - £12
Suitability: 14+ (Guideline)
STEPHEN BUCHANAN: COLD MEAT (WORK IN PROGRESS)
Venue: Monkey Barrel Comedy - Monkey Barrel 2
Dates: 12 - 14 Aug
Time: 12:05 & 14:55 (55mins)
Price: £6
Suitability: 16+ (Guideline)
LARRY DEAN: DODGER
Venue: Monkey Barrel Comedy - Monkey Barrel 3
Dates: 12 - 14 Aug
Time: 20:30 (1hr)
Price: £9 - £12
Suitability: 16+ (Guideline)