Live Laugh Leeds – August

August is traditionally a quiet month for comedy around the north, as everyone and anyone rocks up in the fictional Scottish city of Edinburgh for The Fringe.

But if spending £40,000 for three nights in a shared AirBnB isn’t your thing, then this is a great chance to enjoy some of the smaller and, some would say, more exciting comedy nights in Leeds.

Starting on the 5th of August with the HiFi’s Comedy Club. It’s every Saturday night, and has been running since 2001. Some incredible stand-ups have been through HiFi, with its smart and discerning comedy crowd. Alongside many others, this month there’s sets from Daliso Chaponda, Hayley Ellis, Bethany Black, Jack Carroll, Pete Otway, Tom Taylor & Leeds’ very own gagmaster Peter Brush. It’s a great night out.

The Parkside Tavern on Merrion Street is the home of All Jokes Aside, a monthly comedy night with some great new talent. And it’s Pay As You Feel. Same goes for Run Riot Comedy’s monthly improv show. The audience dictates the gags, the sketches, and even the comedy songs. It’s upstairs at Santiago Bar on the 20th of August, and is perfect for people like me, who grew up obsessed with Who’s Line Is It Anyway?

Headrow House is one of the best-loved venues in Leeds. It’s a great place to hang out, and for comedy fans, there’s a stand-up show every Monday night. And one of my favourite spots in Leeds now does comedy, a total win-win. Terminus is the tap room and bottle shop for the very lovely boys at Meanwood Brewery. On the 8th of August, Leeds legend Silky performs. Then on Wednesday the 30th, a rare chance for parents with babes in arms to see some live comedy, with a lunchtime performance of the No Solid Crew Comedy Club.

Also look out for comedy nights at two other unassuming, but brilliant, venues – The Old Woollen in Farsley, and Wharf Chambers in the city centre.