THE STAND

That a wee, basement comedy club in Edinburgh’s New Town can be celebrating a quarter-century of continuous comedy is testament to many things: To the city’s insatiable love for comedy; to the club’s quality line-ups; and to the unending dedication of the people who run it. What started as a hobby, created by comedy lovers who charged just what they’d need to keep the lights on, has gone on to become an Edinburgh institution that (pardon the pun) stands firm across the bridge from the towering, Centuries-old tourist spots.

Where other venues pop up for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and only then, The Stand does this all-year-round. So while their Fringe programme does involve the expansion to Stand 2 around the corner, Stand 3 & 4 at nearby hotel 28 York Place, and The Stand’s New Town Theatre on George Street (96 Freemasons Hall), you know you’re in safe hands with the people that have turned an underground bunker into the birthplace of such careers as Frankie Boyle’s.

But fear not, it’s not just late nights and adult humour. The Stand’s hand-picked selection for their 25th Fringe also features cabaret from the likes of Ada Campe, daytime comedy from giants of the game Stewart Lee and Bridget Christie, and international mixed-bill shows that are suitable for those aged 14 and over.

Book tickets at thestand.co.uk