Red Raw

Red Raw runs every Monday night at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh's New Town, and it's one of the longest-running weekly nights in the city. The club bills it as the UK's best beginner's open mic and the place where everyone starts, and that's pretty much what it is: a showcase for comics finding their feet. It's held in an intimate basement just off St Andrew Square, with up to ten acts on the bill each night. Some will be treading the boards for the very first time, while older hands drop in to try out new material, so you'll hear a mix of first-timers and experienced comics working through fresh sets. Performers apply through the club's own process, with slots reserved for the newer, less experienced acts.

The Stand itself is a 150-capacity, purpose-built comedy club at 5 York Place that's been hosting live stand-up since 1998. It runs seven nights a week, year-round, and becomes a flagship Fringe venue every August. Red Raw is strictly over-18s, with unreserved seating and standing room, so you just turn up and take whatever's free. On selected shows, there's Thai and Southeast Asian street food from KHAO BOI available.

Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm, running until 10:10pm. Tickets are £5, or £3 for members and students, with a £1 booking fee on top. It's a Monday night, so it's a good way to get your comedy fix early in the week.