Late Night Comedy Show by Spotlight Comedy

Fifteen minutes prior to showtime, Heldeke!’s theater is packed. With hardly a seat left, the queue for the bar is long and the energy is high despite the late hour and lingering summer heat. The drinks flow as easily as the conversations, with the bar staff moving with practiced ease, slinging out cocktails and beers without breaking a sweat. Eventually, after filling in the last couple of chairs and squeezing in a few more stragglers onto the bleachers, the lights dim and Karl-Alari Varma, the host for the evening, comes on stage. A jovial man, he explains the show’s format while quipping with the audience, slinging out a couple of jokes to get the crowd worked up before welcoming on the first act of the night.

Tonight’s show is packed solid with performers, highlighting a mixture of nationalities and comedic styles. Roughly half the comedians are Estonian with the other half representing the international side of the Fringe, tonight mostly comprising of Americans and Brits. On the menu are local acts, musical acts, avant-garde conceptual offerings, and more classic stand-up routines. Regardless of your taste, there is something for everyone and not an act falls flat.

This show is excellent for an array of spectators, appealing to experienced connoisseurs of comedy to those who just want to dip a toe into the scene. Most (if not all of) the comedians for the evening have their own sets for the Tallinn Fringe, offering the audience a chance to get to know each one before committing to a full-length show. While this show’s lineup consisted of comedians like Ann Vaida, Ana Falcon, Sander Õigus, and Jordan Thomas Gray, the roster for each night is different, meaning you can catch as many late night shows as you like while still getting to experience new acts.

If you’re in the mood for good drinks, good company, and comedic routines to match, check out the Late Night Comedy Show at Heldeke! There are two more showings, on 11 and 18 September. Entrance is free, with donations accepted at the end of the show, so you can pay what you like – but it’s worth showing up early for a good seat. Treat yourself and your friends to a laugh and check out what the Tallinn Fringe has to offer!

Author: Lily Strider