Anyone who’s ever tried to go to Edinburgh Fringe without 10 months of prior planning, an encyclopedic knowledge of Scottish Airbnb and a keen eye for the ‘next big thing’, know that a trip to the massive comedy festival is unlikely. Don’t despair - you don’t have to spend the next month in an Edinburgh Google images search shaped hole or YouTubing comedians on your work laptop - Laugh Out London is here to save the day. Taking place at legendary The Old Queen’s Head in Angel, Laugh Out London Comedy Festival is a week-long event that some of the biggest names in comedy use to practise their festival content, meaning you will see the material before all those suckers in Scotland.
Kicking off on 17th July, the festival will feature some of the hottest names in comedy, all for insanely cheap prices. Starting from £5, tickets include performances from Mock the Week Guests, award-winners, and Live at the Apollo headliners. Plus, as the festival takes place in a pub, you’re never far away from a pint. Rejoice Londoners, we’re getting our very own slice of Edinburgh; here are some of the best picks of the week.
The Double Whammy - Sara Pascoe and Fern Brady
Sara Pascoe is massive, she’s been on pretty much every panel show and won a whole load of awards attesting her all out hilariousness. For this Monday night show, she’s reliving her one-woman, year-long stag do, from spiritual retreats through to football matches, all in brilliant fashion. Joining her and repping Scotland, is Fern Brady, who will be putting on Suffer, Fools! having previously sold-out shows by word of mouth alone.
Sara Pascoe will be warming up for Edinburgh with a set at The Old Queen's Head in Islington.
‘The Leftwing Comedian’ - Nish Kumar
Called a leftwing comedian by his mother, and a genius by just about everyone else, Nish Kumar is bringing his latest show to The Old Queen’s Head on 23rd July. With a comedy style that ranges from reading data on stage (it’s funny, we promise) through to experiencing becoming a meme, Nish Kumar has proved his credentials so well he now has his own radio show on Radio 4, along with taking over The Bugle podcast from John Oliver.
The Surprise Gameshow - Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown
Set in a fictional flat, Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown is an immersive, fast paced and improvised show that sees Matthew Crosby play landlord to his unruly tenants Ben Clark and Tom Parry. Usually a podcast, the boys are bringing the award-winning show to north London as they battle it out not to do mundane household chores, along with help from other professional comedians - it’s as silly as it sounds and even more side-splitting.
Pappy's Flatshare Slamdown are bringing their popular podcast to the stage.
The Old Timer - Richard Herring
Richard Herring has been round the block and now he’s heading to Laugh Out London comedy festival for the 30th anniversary of his first show. Named ‘The King of Edinburgh’ by List, the comedian is performing ‘Oh Frig, I’m 50’, a look back on half a century of life, delivered in his usual acerbic and witty way.
The One to Watch - Sofie Hagen
Having won ‘Best Newcomer’ in 2015’s Edinburgh Fringe, Sofie Hagen is going from strength to strength. The Danish comedian made a name for herself with stories of learning English through Westlife songs, along with her super fandom which includes writing erotic fiction (including the incredible line ‘Nicky’s erection got heavier and heavier'). Join her at The Old Queen's Head for her new show which promises even more hilarious anecdotes.
Laugh Out London Comedy Festival is running from 17th - 24th July at The Old Queen's Head, 44 Essex Road, N1 8LN. Tickets start from £5 and can be bought here.
