Live At Hoots opens in Edinburgh

Scotland's first permanent ‘pay what you want’ comedy venue  is opening this week.

Live At Hoots will be offering comedy, drag and cabaret in the Tolcross area of Edinburgh, starting on on Friday.

Audiences can reserve tickets for any show for between £5 and £12, but if the show is not sold out, people can get in for free from 30 minutes before showtime

Founder John Millar said: ‘We're thrilled to introduce a venue that challenges the norm. 

‘We understand that accessibility is key. Our seat reservation prices are already better than our competitors, but we're taking it a step further with pay what you want.’

‘If you come to our venue and there are unreserved seats, you can come in and see the show for free. Then, on the way out, you can pay what you want.

‘It's great for everyone involved. The artist plays to full rooms, the audience get to see a show without breaking the bank, and we have a thriving venue.’

A popular model at the Edinburgh Fringe, a number of venues across the UK, including Hot Water Comedy in Liverpool and Top Secret in London have employed similar pay-what-you-want pricing, especially on weekdays, but Live At Hoots says the model will apply to every show.

No line-ups have been announced but co-founder Rick Molland, pictured,  will be resident compere. 

The venue is on the site of former strip club The Liquorice Club in  Home Street, which has been empty for more than a decade. 

Published: 19 Sep 2023