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Stand-up Philosophy

COMEDY


Stand-up Philosophy

The Counting House

38 West Nicolson Street
The Ballroom: AUG 6-30 at 14:30 (60 min) - Free

Stand-up Philosophy

A unique show where the UK's most thoughtful and funny stand-up comedians perform sets on philosophical themes or with philosophical questions. 'An ingenious concept' (BingeFringe.com). Hosted by former philosophy teacher Alex Farrow, 'An intelligent new star' (Comedy.co.uk) 'Perfect' ***** (Scotsman).

This year we have two entry methods: Free & Unticketed or Pay What You Can
Free & Unticketed: Entry to a show is first-come, first served at the venue - just turn up and then donate to the show in the collection at the end.
Pay What You Can: For these shows you can book a ticket to guarantee entry and choose your price from the Fringe Box Office, up to 30 mins before a show. After that all remaining space is free at the venue on a first-come, first-served bases. Donations for walk-ins at the end of the show.


News and Reviews for this Show

August 12, 2026    The Scotsman

This show changes guests with a philosophical bent each day but we always have Alex Farrow, who is what you get if you give Jack Whitehall a degree in philosophy. He is obviously no slouch academically and is a charismatic performer but using “m'man” as a repeated salutation is deeply irritating. Today we have Chelsea Birkby and Vlad Illich taking us through the Philosophy of Objectification with reference to Kant, Camus and a passing mention of the Aberdeen Kiss, followed by Marx, Plato and the problems of filling out an application for a UK passport.

With each guest, Alex comes back onstage to engage in some philosophical discourse, and encourage the audience to ask questions. It makes for an interesting mix, and quite tricky given that few philosophies benefit from being folded into a comic's club set. But it works surprisingly well, although for me the Q&A rather gets in the way and usually ends up with Alex doing his own material. Which is never bad, but just feels a little unfair to the guests. But whether you agree with Hobbes, Kant or Freud, you can always do worse than laugh. Kate Copstick Click Here For Review