When people think about Las Vegas, the casinos are probably the first thing that comes to mind.
After that might be the incredible nightlife, with Vegas home to some of the world’s top clubs.
But as well as casinos and nightlife, Vegas is also famous all over the world for its comedy.
In fact, Vegas and comedy might just be a match made in heaven.
The Hangover – a Vegas comedy classic
Not much was expected of The Hangover when it was released in cinemas a decade ago.
But it landed in the top 10 grossing films of the year, making $469.3 million at the box office. That was more than 10 times the production cost of the movie, leading to two sequels being made.
Set in Vegas, the film told the story of a group of friends trying to piece together the events of a big night out in Sin City. It captured the imagination of the public and helped to make Vegas an even more popular holiday destination for people who want to party.
The Hangover was inspirational in other ways too. The Hangover slot game was one of the first to be made available at online casinos that was based on a Hollywood comedy movie. A few slot games inspired by comedy became huge hits afterwards, with films such as Ted having since been turned into slot games too.
Other movies have followed in the footsteps of The Hangover by using Vegas as a backdrop. Take Last Vegas for example. With a stellar cast including Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline, Last Vegas was another great Sin City flick.
Get Him to the Greek, which shares a lot of similarities with The Hangover, should be added to watchlists for anyone interested in Vegas comedies as well. Russell Brand is basically playing himself in the movie, which was among those that helped Jonah Hill to make his name.
Going further back in time, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is more of a dark comedy but is worth checking out for one of the best performances of Johnny Depp’s career to date.
Comedy clubs in Vegas are well worth a visit
Not everyone who goes to Vegas necessarily wants to hit up the clubs after dark. For these people, the comedy clubs of Vegas are a great alternative for a top night out.
Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis is widely considered to be one of the funniest experiences in Vegas, while Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club has received a lot of rave reviews as well.
At Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, which is at the MGM Grand in Sin City, guests can expect to see some of the funniest comics on the strip. As Garrett himself puts it: “When I had the opportunity to build the ultimate comedy club, I wanted a venue that captured the ambiance and style of the 1920s in New York.
“Those were times when renovated warehouses were turned into speakeasies and small theaters, creating an intimate atmosphere with great entertainment. We are now proud to be known for our top-notch entertainment and unparalleled customer service.”
Harry Potter fans are sure to get a kick out of Potted Potter, which is a comedy show held at Bally’s Hotel and Casino that is based on the Wizarding World.
Laugh Factory, Comedy Cellar and John Caparulo’s MadCap Comedy at Harrah’s are all worth checking out during a trip to Vegas too. Comedy clubs tend to provide some of the most affordable shows in Vegas, compared to Cirque du Soleil, so it is great for those on a tighter budget.
Why comedy and Vegas are a match made in heaven
There is just something about the atmosphere in Vegas that brings out the laughs.
Even if visitors do not go to a comedy club during their time in Sin City, it is very likely a lot of their holiday will be spent in hysterics anyway.
The crazy vibe in Vegas encourages people to let their hair down in a way that is simply not replicated in many other locations across the planet.
Comedy and Vegas are more intertwined than most people could possibly imagine, so there is no doubt whatsoever they are a match made in heaven.