THE SHOW

In his brand-new stand-up special, Des Clarke explores the comedy of hitting reset. Finding the funny in everything from personal meltdowns to unexpected comebacks. After more than ten years away from the touring circuit, Des returns to the stage with a show that’s as sharp, heartfelt and laugh-out-loud as ever.

Life After Des is a hilarious journey through breakdowns and breakthroughs, disasters and do-overs, and the strange joy of starting again when you least expect it. From the chaos of everyday life to the big questions of who we are and where we’re going, Des finds the punchline in every twist of fate. This is a show about rebirth, resilience, and the power of laughing your way back to life.

Des Clarke is one of the UK’s most popular comedians and broadcasters, known for his quick wit, high energy and natural warmth. A multi award winning stand-up, Des has performed all over the world and now returns to touring for the first time in over a decade with his brand new show Life After Des.

A familiar voice on the airwaves, Des wakes up Scotland every morning as host of the Heart Breakfast Show, while also fronting BBC Scotland’s critically acclaimed Breaking the News. His extensive TV credits range from The Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony, SM:TV Live and Hogmanay Live, to appearances on The One Show, Still Game, House of Games, Mastermind, Pointless Celebrities and The Celebrity Chase. He is also the iconic announcer voice of ITV game show Jeopardy. Des has presented a number of hit documentary series including Des Doesn’t Do and Des Clarke’s Sport Relief Tryathlon. Beyond broadcasting, he is a popular newspaper columnist, writer and after-dinner speaker, establishing himself as one of the country’s most versatile and well loved talents.

TICKETS

Sunday 15th March 2026

19:30 (90min incl. interval)

£25

FURTHER INFO

Seating: Every ticket-holder gets a seat, so you can leave standing-up to our acts. 

Suitability: 16+ (Restriction), under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

Warnings and Additional Info: N/A

Accessibility: Full accessibility information for all our venues can be found on our website. Alternatively, please contact our Box Office with any access questions.

Groups: Please contact our Box Office for alternative group size arrangements or group bookings of 7 or more. See Terms and Conditions for more information.

MONKEY BARREL COMEDY

Monkey Barrel Comedy has been ‘Scotland’s Best Comedy Venue’ since 2020 (Chortle Awards) and was described by The List as “a year-round Edinburgh institution”. It has over 500 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, making it one of the city’s top-rated year-round attractions.

The club was home to both of 2022's Edinburgh Comedy Awards winners, Best Comedy Show 2023 and Best Comedy Show and Best Newcomer 2024. It has been described as the "Beating Heart" of the Fringe by The Telegraph and “the best comedy club in the world” by comedian Olga Koch. 

“What a comedy club you’ve got there, Edinburgh!” (Kevin Bridges)

“Down there at the Monkey Barrel, there's something in the water, AND I CAN'T STOP DRINKING IT!” (Sam Campbell)

"Fringe Heroes" (The Metro)

"Redefining what weekend comedy can and should be" (British Comedy Guide

5.0★★★★★ Trip Advisor | 4.7★★★★ Google | 4.5★★★★ Facebook 

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DRINKS & MORE

Our adjoining bar, Barrel Bar, is open from 3pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at least 1 hour before every show every other day. It serves a wide selection of drinks, including locally-sourced beers, cocktails, and spirits. 

Table service is available in the venue throughout the show, so you can get drinks delivered straight to your seat without missing a thing. Order via the QR codes positioned next to your seat. Not applicable for all shows.