Comic Relief presents Hangout Comedy Club for Edinburgh Fringe

Hello lovely! Today I'd like to talk about something that combines a few of my absolute favourite things. Technology, comedy and red nose day. 

Comic Relief have joined forces with Google and YouTube so that you will be able to watch some of the comedians live at the Edinburgh Fringe festival from the comfort of your own sofa. Cool, right?

Thanks to Google+ hangout you'll be able to watch Katherine Ryan launch the first show on Thursday August 8th at 8pm. 

How do you get involved? It's pretty simple to be fair, here's a video giving you an overview, courtesy of the Comic Relief YouTube channel followed by step by step instructions, Geek to Chic style.

Here's what you need to do in order to get involved...

1.) Get yourself a Google+ account... Sign up here and download the Google video chat plugin, found here.

2.) Go to http://www.youtube.com/user/rednoseday and click on booking, book yourself a seat for the comedy show you fancy. Choose from:

Katherine Ryan, August 8th at 8pm
Sanderson Jones, August 15th at 10pm
Joey Page, August 19th at 10pm

Fancy being on the front row? Select that option to apply and 9 people will be chosen for the front row of each show. You'll be able to see the comedian and they'll be able to see you, so prepare to get involved! (Be picked on...)

Don't fancy being on the front row? Then just click on ‘Get a seat’, and choose to ‘No I’m happy joining and hanging out with my friends'. Then all you have to do is sign-in with Google+ and add the event to your calendar. You'll get a email reminder to join the Hangout on the night. Simples. 

 3.) You're done. Wait until the night of the comedy show..

4.) It's here, woohoo! Click on the link on your reminder email, or go directly here.

5.) Grab a beer / cocktail / coffee / cheese rack <delete as appropriate>

5.) When you're in the Hangout you can click the invite button at the top left of the window to invite up to 9 of your friends. They will also need to have a Google+ log-in and the Google chat plugin linked above.

6.) Turn your webcam on and if you applied for a front row seat, get ready! If you're on the back row then Google Hangout with your friends and watch their reactions.

And that's it. Easy. It's free to join the Google hangout, the 'Laughometer' will use your webcam to work out how much you've enjoyed the show and will propose a proportionate cash donation to charity. (No obligation, of course)

How? Well it will calibrate your smile at the beginning of the hangout and the Laughometer will be able to read your emotions. Comedy, meets technology geekery, meets charity. Brilliant.

Let me know if you book your seat!

Always Geek, Forever Chic,
Laura.