British Military Veterans Find Humor as a Therapeutic Outlet, Showcasing Their Talents in Stand-up Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the First Time
**Project Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe: Laughter as a Healing Tool for Veterans**
Prepare for a unique and inspiring experience as Project Comedy, a transformative platform for UK military veterans, takes centre stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from July 31 to August 24, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative, which was initiated by Project RECCE as a well-being initiative during the Covid national lockdowns, promises a blend of raw honesty and humor, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of those who've served.
Unlike traditional veteran performances, Project Comedy focuses on comedy, not combat stories. The shows will feature veterans using comedy as a tool for recovery and personal growth. "Should Have Tried Harder at School – Veterans v Civilians" is a highlight of the programme, where veterans and civilians compete to see who can be funnier.
The performances are likely to take place at Laughing Horse venues, such as Laughing Horse @ Bar 50. "Gags Army", another show, is part of Project COMEDY's Edinburgh Fringe debut and can be found at the Garden Room, Bar 50, and Kick Ass. Tickets for the general public for both shows can be purchased online: [https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/gags-army](https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/gags-army) and [https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/should-have-tried-harder-at-school-veterans-v-civilians](https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/should-have-tried-harder-at-school-veterans-v-civilians).
Comedy has been recognized as a powerful tool for mental health and resilience. By providing a platform like Project Comedy, veterans can use humor to address challenges and connect with audiences in a meaningful way. This approach not only supports the veterans involved but also contributes to a broader cultural shift in how veterans' experiences are represented and valued.
Project COMEDY offers veterans and serving personnel the opportunity to engage in stand-up comedy. Participants are encouraged to share their stories and find humor in challenging situations. The program has had a profound impact on the lives of many veterans, with Jamie Johnson, another ambassador, sharing that it has helped him build self-confidence and engage with the civilian world positively. Jay Saunders, another participant, states that Project COMEDY has had a profound impact on his life, even going so far as to say it saved his life.
Nick Cheng, a Project Comedy Ambassador, embodies the program's ethos with his mantra, "Better to tell a gag than be Mad, Sad & Bad...". Each performance features different veterans from across the UK, sharing their stories one laugh at a time. The shows aim to demonstrate the importance of veterans' voices and their laughter.
The Edinburgh Fringe is known for its inclusive and diverse programming, which includes other groundbreaking comedy shows such as "Abnormally Funny People," celebrating its 20th year of showcasing disabled comedians. This variety of performances underscores the festival's commitment to promoting underrepresented voices and innovative storytelling.
Reservations for reviewers for both shows can be made by emailing Project COMEDY (email address provided in the media release). Project Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe is a testament to the healing power of laughter and the resilience of veterans. It's a must-see event for anyone seeking a unique, heartfelt, and humorous experience.
- In addition to its renowned inclusion and diversity, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival also hosts groundbreaking health-and-wellness and lifestyle initiatives such as Project Comedy, which uses comedy as a tool for healing and personal growth for UK military veterans.
- Beyond entertainment, sports, and news, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival presents plenty of opportunities for listening to captivating stories from underrepresented voices, including 'Abnormally Funny People', celebrating its 20th year of showcasing disabled comedians, and Project Comedy, bringing critical health-and-wellness discussions to the forefront.
- For those interested in medicine, science, and health-and-wellness, staying updated on Project Comedy's debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival could reveal fascinating insights into the therapeutic benefits of laughter and its role in boosting mental health and resilience among veterans.
