Our Story So Far

Brilliant comedy, right here in Leith

Since 2020, we've been making things happen in Leith.

From headline comedy and Fringe shows to walking tours, storytelling, films and workshops, here's a glimpse of what we've created with artists, audiences and community partners.

Live Comedy Shows

Larry Dean

The Biscuit Factory

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd

Ayo Adeneken

We handpick the best comedians so you don't have to, and you can discover them before they end up performing in front of 3000 people at the Edinburgh Playhouse or writing for SNL. Every show has a variety of styles so there's always something for everyone.

We've welcomed amazing comedians to the stage, including Larry Dean, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, Emmanuel Sonubi, Amy Matthews, Josie Long, MC Hammersmith, Ayo Adeneken, Marjolein Robertson, Liam Withnail & Jo Caulfield.

Explore Leith

Not all comedy happens on a stage. We partnered with the incredible social enterprise Invisible Cities to explore Leith's funny and fascinating past.

Live tours of Leith included "Funshine on Leith" and "Lassies of Leith"

Paul also did a live virtual tour for those who couldn't join the live one

A recorded tour captured Leith's stories and made them accessible to a global audience

We put on a free screening at Leith Arches as part of Leith Festival

A very special tour guest

Mary Moriarty, known locally as the Queen of Leith, joined the Lassies of Leith tour, bringing one of Leith's own legendary characters into the story.

“This is hugely entertaining, packed full of fascinating facts and gloriously unique” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

Read the full review

Part of Leith Festival

In June we love taking part in Leith Festival, bringing comedy into one of Scotland's longest-running community festivals, celebrating the creativity, history and people of Leith.

Community Events

Free live screening of "Lassies of Leith" film at Leith Arches

Live Events

Leith Comedy Presents at Leith Dockers at Leith Festival. It doesn't get more Leith than that!

“Genuinely can’t wait to perform as part of Leith Comedy Festival, it’s such a unique part of the city with laughter and humour in its veins!” JoJo Sutherland, comedian

The Fringe, without the city-centre crowds

In August, we bring outstanding UK and international comedians to Leith, giving local audiences the chance to experience The Edinburgh Fringe without heading into the busy city centre. These are mixed-bill standup gigs featuring established acts, TV names and emerging Scottish talent.

Sara Barron

Emmanuel Sonubi

Nadia & Aaron Quinn

Igancio Lopez

Behind the Scenes

Ever wondered how a comedy show comes together? Our Work-in-Progress Weekender in partnership with Leith Theatre gave audiences a rare chance to see comedians testing new material before it reached the Edinburgh Fringe.

Rosco McClelland at Leith Theatre

Our double bills were held in the beautiful Crush Foyer at Leith Theatre. We welcomed:

Susan Riddell & Rosco McClelland

Gareth Mutch & Stuart McPherson

Laura Davis & Robin Grainger

Tamsyn Kelly & Liam Withnail

Leith Laughs: Storytelling Events

One of Leith's characteristics is humour, and Scotland has a rich storytelling tradition. Our storytelling events are where the stars of the show are in the audience. Each evening is hosted by fantastic comedians, who are natural storytellers. It's like those magic nights in a pub where you all laugh and swap stories with friends.

Leith Dockers Club

The Bowlers Rest

Maddie Fernando

"The biggest thanks to you was asking me and trusting me to do something I had never done before! I am still buzzing!!" Feedback from a storyteller

Creative Workshops

Comedy with Young People

Your kind donations to our community fund at our shows help enhance these projects.

A two-part online comedy writing workshop at The Citadel, led by Thom Tuck from Comedy Club 4 Kids

"I felt like it opened some doors for me, even if those doors were just that I actually started to think that maybe I am funny? It was also really great talking to people that sometimes feel the same way as me! Overall it was just really light, funny and interesting". Feeling Funny workshop participant, age 17

Feeling Funny: an online comedy writing workhop with Viv Gee at the Junction, supported by The Scottish Book Trust

A fruit bowl with eyes and mouth stickers on each piece of fruit

Snacks & Laughs was a four-week collaboration with The Junction, culminating in a live comedy show

A two-part improvisation workshop with Pippa Evans at YMCA, concentrating on confidence and communication skills

Comedy, Creativitity and Wellbeing

Beer Yoga

Our very first event was online during the pandemic. A much needed relaxing beer yoga session, in collaboration with Projekt 42, which was a fantastic not-for-profit gym and wellness centre in Leith.

Improvisation

An introduction to improvisation. Through a series of exercises, improv uses comedy to build confidence, think on your feet, communicate better and learn to embrace the unexpected.

Laughter Yoga

Laughter yoga uses laughter as a tool to lift mood, manage pain & reduce stress. Jo Bluett is an absolute expert and makes classes welcoming for everyone.

Festival Moments

One glorious weekend when everything came together. In October 2023, we brought live comedy, storytelling, workshops, family events and more together across Leith.

The programme included:

Opening Gala

Closing Night Gala

Leith Laughs storytelling

Introduction to Improvisation workshop

Laughter Yoga workshop

Soup Group — family comedy show

Comedy Quiz