Hogmanay Specials

The Stand Comedy Club is running its Hogmanay Specials from Sunday 27 December, and they keep going right through to Thursday 31 December. It's a five-night run of New Year comedy specials in the heart of the city, so if you're around Edinburgh for the Hogmanay celebrations, there's a show to catch almost every night of that final week.

Each night runs for about two hours and twenty minutes, with two intervals built in, so you've got plenty of time to stretch your legs and grab a drink between the acts. If you're planning your New Year's Eve, the run takes you right up to the 31st, meaning you can make a night of it on the big day itself.

For those who haven't spent much time there, The Stand is at 5 York Place in Edinburgh New Town. It opened back in 1995 and now runs three purpose-built venues across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle. It started as a hobby for a group of enthusiasts and grew into a successful commercial company without losing its commitment to developing new Scottish comedy. The programme ranges from Red Raw beginners' nights, widely regarded as the best open mic night in the UK, to improvised comedy, sketch shows, the all-female Wicked Wenches, and Irish and Scottish showcases alongside solo shows from better-known performers. Many performers and critics rate the clubs among the best comedy venues in the world, and just over 100,000 people came last year.

So, if you're in town for the New Year, you've got five nights to choose from. The Hogmanay Specials run from Sunday 27 December through to Thursday 31 December at The Stand Comedy Club, 5 York Place, Edinburgh New Town EH1 3EB, with each show lasting around two hours and twenty minutes including two intervals.