The best of the week's live comedy

The best of the week's live comedy. 

Sunday May 20

BRIGHTON: The Fringe continues all week (Website). If you're quick you can make it to today's pick, Garry Starr Performs Everything, at the Warren at 1.30pm. He's also back on Wednesday at 7.30pm, and you can read our review here

GLASGOW: Colin Hoult's hilariously bonkers alter-ego Anna Mann, an ebullient thespian with her luvvie dial turned up to 11, reveals her plans to defeat the far right in How We Stop the Fascists at the Stand from 6pm. Be warned, her scheme might not actually work, even if you want it to...

Monday May 21

LONDON: The second semi-final of this year's Chortle Student Comedy Award takes place at the Bill Murray in Islington. MC Sally-Anne Hayward introduces Jason Truelove, Col Roberts, James Allen, Sachin Kumarendran, Matt Duwell, William Bean, Cordelia Graham, Matthew Hayhurst, Rhiannon Shaw, Jamie Dalgleish, John Foley and Lulu Popplewell. Tickets are available here.

LONDON:  Louise Reay hit the headlines earlier this year when  she was sued by her estranged husband over the things she said about their relationship on stage. Now a bunch of high-profile comics are coming together for Ex Appeal, a West End benefit to raise money for her legal costs. The bill at the Lyric Theatre includes  Aisling Bea, David O'Doherty, Ed Gamble,Josh Widdicombe, Josie Long, Lolly Adefope, Nish Kumar, Rachel Parris and Sara Pascoe.

LONDON: If you haven't caught John Kearns's latest skilful and distinctive show yet, Don't Worry They're Here visits the Battersea Arts Centre all week. In the inventively funny hour he exposes everyday absurdities by retelling  mundane conversations from his life. Our review is here.

Tuesday May 22

LONDON: Another day, another benefit, and again with a great line-up:  Desiree Burch, Ellie Taylor, Geoff Norcott, James Acaster and Rachel Parris. The gig at the Bill Murray is to raise money for help combat Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue.

Thursday May 24

MANCHESTER: Theresa May is performing a raunchy routine in aid of Jeremy Corbyn tonight.  Theresa May Cabaret, that is, the alter-ego of burlesque performer Lolly Jones, who is taking part in the latest #JC4PM fundraiser at the Dancehouse. Also on the variety-packed bill is  Lost Voice Guy, as seen on Britain's Got Talent, Red Dwarf's Norman Lovett, Barbara Nice, Smug Roberts, Sir Ian Bowler, Kate Fox and Artist Taxi Driver.

LONDON: The latest edition of Mark Watson's monthly, knockabout show Wangabout features an ace line-up of Felicity Ward, Nish Kumar, Adam Larter and Liberty Hodes at the Crouch End ArtHouse.

Friday May 25

WELLS: The Wells Comedy Festival returns this weekend, bigger than ever. The 69 shows include Rhod Gilbert, Alexei Sayle, Limmy, Sara Pascoe, Tim Key, Adam Riches, Scroobius Pip and so many more. Website

BRISTOL: A fantastic night at the Colston Hall features an all-killer, no-filler line-up comprising quirky comedy genius James Acaster, master craftsman Gary Delaney and hip-hop improvisers Abandoman and cheeky host Ed Gamble.

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Published: 20 May 2018