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During the 80s alternative comedy was king and any aspiring comedian had to play the Edinburgh Festival if they wanted to make an impact. This is now less so, as more and more comedians preview their Edinburgh shows in London, but playing The Fringe is still de rigueur for any self-respecting funny person and the coveted Perrier Award, given to the brightest new comedy talent, remains the ultimate goal for all budding comedians. The legendary Gilded Balloon Theatre was tragically burned down in the terrible fire of December 2002, but it lives on in spirit at a series of alternative venues (listed on the next page). If you want to have your ribs tickled outside the Festival in Edinburgh, The Stand, has been joined by a branch of the famous comedy chain, Jongleurs. Assembly Rooms and Music Hall, 54 George St, T 226 2428. One of the main Fringe venues, hosting a huge variety of mainly higher quality drama productions and more established comedians. It is also used throughout the year, though its future is uncertain at the time of writing. Gilded Balloon, T 226 6550 (information), T 226 2151 (tickets), http://www.gildedballoon.co.uk The main venue is Teviot, 5/2 Bristo Sq. Comedy central, with six performance spaces in the University Student Union building. There’s also Caves I, II, and III, South Niddry St, off Cowgate, which is weird, spooky and subterranean; and Peppermint Lounge, 36 Blair St. Jongleurs Comedy Club opens in the new Omni complex beside the Playhouse Theatre in July 2003. For details visit http://www.jongleurs.com Box office: T 0870-7870707. Pleasance Theatre, 60 The Pleasance, T 556 6550. One of the top Fringe venues staging comedy and drama. The outdoor cobbled courtyard is a great place to hang out during the Festival for a bit of star-spotting. The Stand Comedy Club, 5 York Pl, T 558 7272, http://www.thestand. co.uk Mon-Thu 1200-2400, Fri 1200-1900, 1930-0100, Sat 1930- 0100, Sun 1230-2400. £6. This is the showcase for emerging comedy talent seven nights a week. By day it's a popular café-bar serving budget lunches, and on Sunday there's free comedy with your lunch. OOT on Tuesday is a monthly comedy night with gay and gay-friendly acts. Compered by the campest comedian in town, Scotland's very own Craig Hill. Runs on the second Tuesday of the month at 1930.
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