REVIEW · EDINBURGH
Edinburgh: Stand Up Comedy Show
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by The Comedy Attic · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Comedy in an Edinburgh attic is a blast. The Beehive Inn in the Grassmarket turns a historic pub night into Rick Molland-led stand-up with several comedians.
I love the close-up small-venue feel, which makes the jokes and crowd work land faster. I also love the value: at $15 for about 1 hour 45 minutes, it’s an easy, affordable night out.
One thing to keep in mind: the lineup can shift, and on at least one occasion the final act didn’t fully connect and was cut short, so your last segment might not hit the same way as the first.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- The Beehive Inn attic: why this setting changes the comedy
- Timing game plan: doors at 7:45, show at 8:15
- Rick Molland as your emcee: the secret to the room’s energy
- The lineup: what you’re really paying for
- What happens before laughs: bar drinks, no food included
- Getting there: Grassmarket and the Comedy Attic on the top floor
- Price and value: why $15 can feel like a bargain in Edinburgh
- Who should book this Edinburgh stand-up show?
- The one potential drawback: not every act lands the same
- Should you book this Edinburgh attic stand-up?
- FAQ
- Where is the stand-up comedy show located?
- When do the doors open and when does the show start?
- How long is the comedy show?
- How much does the show cost?
- Is food included with the show?
- Are drinks available?
- Who hosts the show?
- Can I reserve and pay later?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key things to know before you go
- Beehive Inn’s Comedy Attic: the show happens on the top floor, in an atmospheric pub setting
- Rick Molland emcee: a seasoned comedy circuit host who knows how to work the room
- Bar before the show: you can grab drinks downstairs and get settled before you climb up
- Hand-picked comedian lineup: multiple acts with their own styles, not just one performer
- 105 minutes of stand-up: long enough for a full evening laugh, not a quick pop-in
The Beehive Inn attic: why this setting changes the comedy
Edinburgh’s Grassmarket has that classic “you’re in the middle of the city” energy, and this show uses it well. The comedy takes place in the attic at the Beehive Inn, so you’re not wandering from one venue to another—you’re staying inside the same pub world.
What I like about the room is the sense of proximity. In a smaller space, you get quicker reactions from the crowd, and comedians can bounce off audience energy. Several people love the fact that you can see the host and acts clearly, even though it’s not a huge theatre-style setup.
There’s also a real pub-night vibe. You’re meant to arrive, get a drink, and treat it like a night out—then the show carries that momentum upstairs.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Edinburgh.
Timing game plan: doors at 7:45, show at 8:15
This show is built around a clean schedule: doors open at 7:45 PM and the comedy begins at 8:15 PM. The total running time is about 105 minutes, so plan on being there long enough to enjoy the whole arc of the evening.
Here’s what your night should look like, step by step:
- Arrive after 7:45 so you’re not rushing to get seated once the show is underway.
- Start with the bar downstairs if you want a pint before you go up.
- Head to the top floor (the Comedy Attic is on the upper level of the Beehive Inn) and get settled before the host kicks things off.
If you hate feeling late, show up a little early. People specifically recommend arriving early to take in the pub and avoid stress about finding the right room.
Rick Molland as your emcee: the secret to the room’s energy
The compère for the evening is Rick Molland, and he’s the glue that holds the show together. He’s described as a true comedy circuit veteran, and what that tends to mean in practice is smooth hosting, quick pacing, and good crowd awareness.
A major theme in the experience is crowd-work energy—people often highlight that the host interacts with the audience in a funny way, not just through scripted lines. If you like stand-up that feels interactive, this is the kind of MC style that can make the jokes feel more personal.
Another thing that comes through is how the host carries the room. Even when the comedy gets chaotic (in a good way), the tone stays friendly. It’s not about being mean to the audience—it’s more like he’s guiding the crowd into the right mindset for laughter.
The lineup: what you’re really paying for
You’re buying a full evening of stand-up, not a single headliner. The concept is a hand-picked lineup of multiple comedians, with Rick Molland plus other acts from around the UK and beyond.
The value of a multi-comedian format is variety. One act might be more observational; another might go sharper or go for bigger laughs. People also mention that the comedians each had their own unique style, which is a strong sign you’re not watching the same joke approach three times.
The flipside is simple: comedy is still comedy. On one occasion, the final act didn’t land as well and was taken down/cut short by the audience response. That’s not the norm in most comedy rooms, but it’s a real reminder that the lineup’s momentum can rise and fall through the night.
If you want an evening that’s consistently funny from start to finish, you’ll usually be happy here—but keep your expectations flexible if a joke style doesn’t match your taste.
What happens before laughs: bar drinks, no food included
This experience includes the comedy show only. Food and drinks aren’t included, but you can absolutely get drinks at the bar.
That matters for planning. If you’re arriving straight from dinner elsewhere, you’re set. If not, I’d eat first so you’re comfortable for the full 105 minutes. The show isn’t designed as a meal event; it’s designed as a comedy night with the bar as the add-on.
Also, think about how much you want to drink. The venue is upstairs and smaller than a typical stage. If you go heavy on alcohol, the room can feel more intense simply because you’re packed in close.
Getting there: Grassmarket and the Comedy Attic on the top floor
The meeting point is straightforward: the show is on the top floor of the Beehive Inn, Grassmarket. That’s convenient if you’re already exploring this part of Edinburgh, since the Grassmarket area is a lively place to start your evening.
One practical tip: navigation can be a little confusing on maps. Some guests say Google Maps can be weird about locating the Comedy Attic, so it’s smart to ask staff or locals once you’re at the pub. You’re already in the right building—you just need the right direction upstairs.
Once you find the correct floor, the rest is easy: settle in, let the host start, and enjoy.
Price and value: why $15 can feel like a bargain in Edinburgh
At about $15 per person for 105 minutes, the price is one of the main reasons people recommend this night out. Edinburgh has plenty of paid activities, and not all of them last close to two hours for the same kind of value.
Here’s why this feels like good value:
- You get multiple comedians, not just one act.
- You’re getting a live MC who drives the pacing and audience energy.
- You get an atmosphere change: pub downstairs, comedy attic upstairs.
It’s also a good “fill-the-gap” option. If you want something fun that’s not expensive and doesn’t require a long planning process, this fits well—especially if you’re already spending your day in Old Town and want an evening plan that’s local and relaxed.
Who should book this Edinburgh stand-up show?
This is a great fit if you:
- Want a classic Edinburgh pub night with stand-up added in
- Like stand-up where the host actively works the crowd
- Prefer a smaller venue over huge theatres
It’s not for you if you:
- Need a quiet, super-polished theatre experience
- Are traveling with kids (it’s not suitable for children under 18)
It’s also a solid choice for couples, friends, and solo travelers who want something social. People describe the atmosphere as friendly, and the room tends to feel like you’re sharing the joke with everyone around you.
The one potential drawback: not every act lands the same
Comedy has built-in uncertainty. Even in a well-run lineup, each comedian brings a different style, and what kills elsewhere might not land in this room.
One night included an underwhelming final segment, and the audience reaction got strong enough that the act was taken down/cut short. That’s not a guarantee you’ll have the same experience—but it does show the room can steer the outcome if the match isn’t right.
If you can accept that possibility, the overall odds are good. Most people talk about strong laughs, a great host, and a smooth pace across the evening.
Should you book this Edinburgh attic stand-up?
I’d book it if you want a fun, affordable evening that feels local to Edinburgh rather than like a generic tourist show. The mix of a historic pub setting, the attic format, and a skilled host like Rick Molland makes it more than just “a comedy ticket.”
Book it especially if:
- You can do evenings out in the Grassmarket area
- You want a 105-minute show that doesn’t break the budget
- You like crowd-work and banter-style hosting
Before you go, just plan for this reality: no food is included, drinks are at the bar, and you’re paying for stand-up—not a dinner-and-show package. If you keep your expectations flexible and arrive ready to laugh, this is the kind of night that can turn into a travel highlight.
If your plans are changeable, it also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
FAQ
Where is the stand-up comedy show located?
The comedy show takes place on the top floor of the Beehive Inn in Grassmarket.
When do the doors open and when does the show start?
Doors open at 7:45 PM, and the show begins at 8:15 PM.
How long is the comedy show?
The duration is 105 minutes.
How much does the show cost?
The price is $15 per person.
Is food included with the show?
No. Food is not included.
Are drinks available?
Yes. You can get drinks at the bar, but drinks are not included.
Who hosts the show?
The show is hosted by Rick Molland (compère/emcee).
Can I reserve and pay later?
Yes. You can reserve now & pay later.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
