Cutting Edge Comedy - Without The Edinburgh Train Fare Comedy Entertainment Ideas

In August, thousands of comedians can be spotted in packed cars and Transit vans, or clutching suitcases on trains, as they migrate north to the (currently) sunny climes of Edinburgh.

Alive Network's roster of talented gagmeisters (and gagmisses) are no exception, as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an ideal opportunity to hone their new routines in front of a very discerning (and sometimes very drunk) audience. And if you book an Alive Network comedian or comic act for your event after their Edinburgh stint, you get the best of both worlds: super comedy polished to perfection performed live at your event, without the need to travel anywhere!

Here's what some of our comedians are up to this year during the Edinburgh festivities.

Comedian Tim Clark is almost as much in demand for his comic writing as for his terrific stand-up shows. This year he turns the spotlight on his own profession with a new play "Gagging For It" all about - stand up comedians at the Edinburgh Festival!

Phil Kay knows what a boost Edinburgh can give a comedian's career - he won the newcomer's competition, 'So You Think You're Funny', at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1989. This year, you'll find his show "The Wholly Viable II” at lunchtime in an Edinburgh bookshop!

Danny Buckler may have started his career as a magician, but he's just finished supporting "8 out of 10 Cats" star Jon Richardson on tour, and now he's conjuring up an hour of knock-out comedy in his Festival show, "Punch".

Comedy songwriter Vikki Stone has been described as "The love child of Victoria Wood and Tim Minchin” (Scotsman). Her Edinburgh show, ‘Instrumental' takes 20 "blagged, stolen and borrowed" musical instruments and weaves them into a show about love and loss. Find her at the Underbelly, Cowgate.

Veteran stand-up Arthur Smith's laid back style and laconic sense of humour has been a feature of the UK comedy circuit for years. This year he brings the second part of a trilogy of shows to the Scottish city, with "Arthur Smith sings Leonard Cohen (Vol 2).

Rising star David Morgan has his own show, Social Tool, at the Udderbelly in Bristo Square, and he's also the host of "Take a Comedian Out", a live dating game show where the 'lucky' winner gets a date with a comedian. (Much easier to book him through Alive Network, ladies!)

For more comedians than you can shake a Fringe flyer at, see our "Comedians and Comedy Acts" section here at Alive Network, to fill your event with laughter this autumn.