Laugh Train Home Comedy Showcase

Looking past the sweltering hot and humid room that the Laugh Train Comedy Showcase takes place in, this show is enjoyable enough for a night out. It’s hard to distinguish it from any other comedy showcase show but like most it can be fun at times when you’re enjoying the performer on stage or annoying when a performer goes on for a bit about what it’s like to date in 2017 and you feel like you’ve heard that joke once a day since the Fringe started.

It’s free and it’s fun – what else can a comedy showcase need?

That being said, it’s a free show with enough variety to keep you decently entertained for an hour and sometimes you almost forget that you’re in a room that’s close to one million degrees. The acts did tend to blend together at times but as it’s a showcase that can differ from night to night, you never really know what you’re going to get. Seeing as the show is free, it’s fun and low risk.

The night I attended was hosted by Robyn Perkins, an American whose strong suit was crowd work. She was a generous host with more time upfront and only doing more material every now and then after. The standout act was a woman with cerebral palsy named Spring Day who weaved mentions of her disability in and out of her act to catch the audience off-guard and inspired fresh material that I had never heard anything like before.

Other performers that night included Will Duggan, Dave Channer and Aidan Jones. Where the crowd really went crazy was for the closing act, Christian Reilly, who performed a number of parody covers of pop songs with his guitar, with material ranging from domestic life to politics.

It’s free and it’s fun – what else can a comedy showcase need? 

Reviews by Blair Simmons

Paradise in Augustines

Hotter

★★★★★
Laughing Horse @ Espionage

Laugh Train Home Comedy Showcase

★★★
Summerhall

Arm – Mireille & Mathieu

★★★
C venues – C royale

Dates

★★★
Summerhall

Eggsistentialism

★★★★
Summerhall

Eaten

★★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

In its fifth year, the best comics of the Fringe are brought together for this premier comedy showcase. Every night features different four/five-star comics, making it the best guide for who to see in Edinburgh, as well as a fantastic stand-alone show. The line-ups are constructed by one of London's best comedy clubs Laugh Train Home and sponsored by its home venue, The Four Thieves.

Most Popular See More

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Back to the Future - The Musical

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Frozen the Musical

From £36.00

More Info

Find Tickets

SIX

From £39.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Mamma Mia!

From £15.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

From £12.00

More Info

Find Tickets