Help save Edinburgh's Monkey Barrel Comedy Club

NORMALLY, every August, Edinburgh becomes the epicentre of the global comedy scene thanks to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Fern Brady

Since its debut in 2017, Monkey Barrel Comedy has been part of that world, programming some of the most diverse, enthralling and innovative line-ups on the Fringe and culminating in numerous award nominations along the way. Last year, the venue expanded to five purpose-built stand-up rooms and welcomed more than 50 comedians and close to 100,000 visitors.

However, all that has changed with the arrival of the Coronavirus Crisis, leaving the venue without an income. Now with the 2020 Fringe cancelled, Monkey Barrel remains closed, its team unable to work and facing an uncertain future. That’s why they are hosting ‘the fundraiser show of a lifetime’ and inviting comedy lovers to join them for an evening of laughs and shared stories.

The Save Monkey Barrel Marathon Comedy Fund-raiser kicks off at 7pm on Saturday 29 August. Acts lined-up to take part include Donald Alexander, Tom Ballard, Fern Brady, Lucy Beaumont, Jordan Brookes, Alfie Brown, Richard Brown, Sarah Callaghan and Sam Campbell.

Also on the bill are Helen Duff, Ari Eldjarn, Mat Ewins, Jessica Fostekew, Spencer Jones, John Kearns, Olga Koch, Tony Law, Stuart Laws and Elf Lyons.

Completing the roster so far, are Amy Matthews, Garrett Millerick, Rick Molland, Thanyia Moore, Pierre Novellie, Micky Overman, Tim Renkow, Lou Sanders, Delightful Sausage, Sam Simmons, Ben Verth and Liam Withnail. Many more names are expected to be added too.

“The Fringe might be taking a holiday but we certainly aren’t. Words can not express how excited we are to be

running a show of this size, in August and broadcast into the Monkey Barrel Cafe, when just a few months ago we were certain we’d had our final curtain call. It almost feels like old times. We have been overwhelmed by the support of the comedy community in helping us get back on our feet.

“The Save Monkey Barrel Fundraiser promises to be one of the most packed and exciting events we’ve ever put on,” says Iain Campbell of Monkey Barrel.

Stand-up Fern Brady adds, “The best comedy clubs are the ones with the best staff and the Monkey Barrel staff absolutely played a part in how good my Fringe was last year. In a sea of older more complacent venues the newer Monkey Barrel has established itself as the venue everyone wants to play at the Fringe.”

Tickets are available for the online broadcast and a limited number of seated tickets for the in-house broadcast in the Monkey Barrel Cafe.

Online tickets are Pay What You Want, and available from https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/monkey-barrel-comedy

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