James Roque: Mano Po

THE SHOW Getting older can be confronting. Especially when your culture can't stop reminding you. In Filipino tradition, a mano po is a gesture where an elder places their hand on a younger person's forehead to offer a blessing. It's a sweet, respectful custom... unless you're the one suddenly expected to be the "elder." In 2025, award winning Filipino-Kiwi comedian James Roque received his first request for a 'mano po' from a teenager, which sent him spiralling into a full blown existential crisis. Has he really done all he can to earn the right to give a "mano po"? A show about wrestling with getting older, finding solace from unexpected places and the funny stories that happen along the way. A new hour from the Kiwi-Pinoy Comedy Boy, served with his signature sweet-and-salty storytelling. TICKETS Tuesday 6th October 2026 19:30 (60min) £16/£14 concession FURTHER INFO Seating: Every ticket-holder gets a seat, so you can leave standing-up to our acts. Suitability: 16+ (Restriction) 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 FOLLOW US INFO For the latest shows on sale, go to our website or social media (Twitter | Instagram | Facebook) or sign-up to our newsletter. Check out our reviews here! 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.