It’s a busy time at The Monkey Barrel at present.  Along with a quality raft of shows this coming May, some big names have been announced for August when the Fringe overwhelms everything in its wake.  Already scheduled are the likes of Glenn Wool, Jamali Maddix, Jen Brister, Nish Kumar, Phil Nichol, and the return of the hugely popular Fringe staple, Brendon Burns and Colt Cobana Do Comedy and Commentary to Bad Wrestling Matches.

The Fringe is surely on the minds of the performers of W.I.P Smart! on Monday 21st May, as Ben Verth hosts a line-up of tops acts sharpening their comedy blades for a festival run.  Jay Lafferty, Gary Meikle, Liam Withnail, and John Millar are the comedians giving their new material an initial airing.

As always, the weekend Big Show is a top attraction.  Alfie Brown headline the 4th and 5th, supported by Eddy Cassidy, Ross Leslie, Paul Savage (Fri) and Robin Grainger (Sat).  The 11th and 12th have Jojo Sutherland heading a line-up that includes Keir McAllister, Obie, and Dan Downie.  Eddie Brimson is the main event on the 18th and 19th, with Chris Forbes, Ro Campbell (Fri), Rosco McClelland (Sat) and Wis Jantorasorn.  Finally, ahead of his Fringe show, Jamali Maddix headlines on the 25th and 26th, with support from Gary Meikle, Stephanie Laing, and Chris Griffin.  Your host at all shows is Rick Molland.

Scottish improv continues to thrive at the Monkey Barrel.  Each Sunday showcases the best troupes around at the TBC Improv Theatre.  Every Thursday sees the Spontaneous Players create a new story from scratch with the acclaimed Spontaneous Potter and Spontaneous Sherlock alternating throughout the month.

Monday 28th has something a bit different, with Sh*t Sketch Show, which features all manner of comics telling the audience about the amazing sketch show they would create if they could be at all arsed.

Regular evenings are Project X – the new material night on a Tuesday.  Wednesday features a weekly new act competition in the form of Top Banana, and the weekend is rounded off by Progress! on Sunday evenings.  Alfie Brown, Jojo Sutherland, Eddie Brimson, and Ro Campbell are headliners for May.

Tickets and information for all shows are available through http://www.monkeybarrelcomedy.com/