The comedy week ahead

The comedy week ahead...

Sunday November 6

LIVE IN NOTTINGHAM: Russell Brand returns to his stand-up roots with a short tour of shows, kicking off at the Nottingham Playhouse. In Exposed comedy's one-time wildman contemplates settling down and becoming a father. And, of course, don't be surprised if some revolutionary politics finds its way into the show. All dates

Monday November 7

TV: Supermarket sitcom Trollied has quietly become one of Britain's longest running comedies. The ensemble cast, including Jason Watkins, Jack Carroll, Sarah Parish, Jessie Cave and Stephen Tompkinson, return to the aisles of Valco at 9pm tonight on Sky 1. While new additions include Georgia May Foote and Rufus Hound.

LIVE IN MANCHESTER: Every Monday stand-up hopefuls flock to the Frog And Bucket to see if their act will survive mob rule. Now the best of those who have Beaten The Frog gather for the 'world series' showcase. The all-male line-up is Mark Grimshaw, Matt Hutson, Tom Lawrinson, Gary Meikle, Chris Sullivan, Donal Vaughan, Simon Wozniak and Anthony Wright.

Tuesday November 8

TV: Live At The Apollo returns to BBC Two for its 12th series, with the opening episode featuring stand-up from Sarah Millican, Tom Allen and Arj Barker. 10pm.

TV: And at exactly the same time Dave launches the fourth series of Dave Gorman's Modern Life Is Goodish. In the first episode, the comedian and his PowerPoint address so-called guilty pleasures,and how some fans can take all of the fun out of liking something.

LIVE IN LONDON: Frankie Boyle heads a Stand-Up For Refugees benefit at Conway Hall, which likes to think of itself as the home of 'independent intellectual, political and cultural life'. It's a strong bill with Richard Herring, Sara Pascoe, Doc Borwn and more all doing their bit.

LIVE IN LONDON: It's just a pub gig - but the Old Queen's Head in Islington has got a line-up that wouldn't be out of place on Live At The Apollo, as Reginald D Hunter, Adam Hess, Felicity Ward and Lolly Adefope offer a diverse range of stand-up entertainment, all hosted by Lou Sanders.

LIVE IN LONDON: Susan Calman brings her latest collection of stories about her battiness to the Soho Theatre, under the guise of shattering preconceptions you may have about her. That mission is largely unsuccessful, but it is an entertaining journey. The show (Review) runs until December 3.

LIVE IN MILFORD HAVEN: Seann Walsh brings his skilful observational stand-up tour, channelling his chaotic nature into astute comedy, to Wales this week. He's at the Milford Haven Torch Theatre tonight at the Cardiff Glee tomorrow.

Wednesday November 9

TV: The Last Leg returns with a US election special, with Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker joined by Ed Balls and Richard Osman as they try and figure out what the hell just happened. Channel 4. 10pm.

LIVE IN LONDON: Cheerily filthy - and gloriously self-deprecating - Canadian raconteur Mike Wilmot starts a four-night run at the Soho Theatre.

LIVE IN HARROGATE: Twin joys at the St George Hotel tonight, with France's surliest bon vivant, Marcel Lucont, and bombastic David Trent - with solid support from Paul McCaffrey and MC Danny McLoughlin.

Thursday November 10

LIVE IN EDINBURGH: Dave Johns is wowing the film world in I, Daniel Blake… but stand-up's what he's spent a lifetime doing. See him back to his roots at he Edinburgh Stand all weekend, before he gets too famous for this stuff…

Friday November 11

LIVE IN BRIGHTON: A hometown gig for Sean McLoughlin, whose star is ever-growing, even if his self-deprecating shtick could never acknowledge such a thing. His current show, Kamakaze, on at Komedia tonight, offers a typically passionate and fiercely analytical look at both his own life and the wider world. Review

Saturday November 12

RADIO: Mark Watson discovers his inner child in a new Radio 4 documentary. The half-hour show has the comedian exploring the trend for adults to indulge in activities once left to youth, such as 'days in the woods' where grown-ups climb trees and make dens. Lego, adult colouring books, breakfast cereal cafes and the see-saws enjoyed by adults in Leicester Square are all included. And philosopher Susan Neiman and psychologist Oliver James offer their interpretations of this phenomenon. Radio 4, 10.30am

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Published: 6 Nov 2016