The best of the week's live comedy

The best of the week's live comedy, picked from the 7,050 events Chortle currently has listed. Use our search panel to check our full listings by date and region.

Sunday September 21

RICHMOND: Sandi Toksvig starts her latest tour, Friends of Dorothy, celebrating her love and passion for writers and books, especially those with bizarre titles such as The Beginners Guide to Sex in the Afterlife and ‘Cheese Problems Solved. As you’d expect from the host of QI, this show is packed with fascinating stories, plus a lively Q&A and the much-contested ‘Cleverest Person in the Room’ game. Sandi Toksvig tour dates.

LONDON: The latest in the Month Of Sundays 3pm matinees raising money for Medical Aid For Palestinians at Up The Creek features Daniel Kitson, Helen Bauer, Michael Odewale and Sarah Keyworth. Tickets

Monday September 22

ABERDEEN: The Aberdeen Comedy Festival is returning for the first time in three years, comprising 32 events over two weeks with shows from the likes of Bridget Christie, Deirdre O'Kane, Rory Bremner, Sophie Duker, Chris McCausland, Adam Kay, Elf Lyons, Mark Watson and Craig Hill who said: 'I've found the Aberdeen audiences are not only up for it and excited about having their own comedy festival, but it's great for people in the North East of Scotland in general to have something so easily accessible.' 

LONDON: With Accessible Pigeon Material, Toussaint Douglass had one of the best debuts at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, and begins a two-week residence at the Soho Theatre tonight. Read our four-and-a-half star review here

LONDON: Controversial Dave Chappelle begins a London run with two nights at the Forum – where tickets are an eye-watering £144.40 for a seat at the back of the balcony – followed by a sold-out run at the Hammersmith Apollo. You could see Toussaint Douglass seven times for that.

GLASGOW: Comedian and presenter Matt Richardson kicks off his new tour, Brash, at The Stand, talking about entering his 30s, moving to the countryside, settling down, and trying his hardest to not make rude jokes. Matt Richardson tour dates.

Tuesday September 23

BELFAST: As his latest special, Hustle, hits Sky on Thursday, Romesh Ranganathan hits the road with pal Tom Davies for a live version of their Wolf And Owl podcast. Tour dates

NEWCASTLE: Grace Petrie continues her move from folk singer of protest songs to stand-up with This Is No Time To Panic! – which aims to be a feelgood show, even as fascism, misogyny and eco-destruction are on the rise. Grace Petrie tour dates

Wednesday September 24

IPSWICH: Following a run of dates in Ireland, Ardal O’Hanlon arrives in the UK with his new tour, Not Himself, diagnosing the various pathologies and neuroses that are ravaging humanity. However, the show does come with the disclaimer that no solutions are provided. Ardal O’Hanlon tour dates

LONDON: Brilliantly bonkers act Alice Cockayne brings her latest collection of off-the-wall characters to Soho Theatre for four nights in Licensed. Professional. Trained. Qualified. Read our four-star review here.

Thursday September 25

LONDON: It's the Funny Women Awards at the Bloomsbury Theatre with Nicola Mantalios, Shalaka Kurup, Kate Hammer, Kay Nicholson, Madeleine Brettingham, Maple Zuo, Rachel Galvo, Samantha Day, Sharifa Butterfly and Sophie Garrad all competing for the live accolade. Hosted by Amy Gledhill with guest performances from Kate Cheka and Rachel Parris.

LONDON: The Comedy Store always sets the bar high, but it's a particularly strong line-up all weekend with Celya AB, Ian Smith, Ian Stone and Jo Caulfield gracing the iconic stage.

GLASGOW: The Scottish comedy circuit is holding a memorial fundraiser to celebrate Gary Little, who died in August, at the age of 61, after falling while walking in the Highlands. Although understandably the gig, featuring the likes of Jay Lafferty, Ray Bradshaw, Raymond Mearns and Rosco McClelland has long sold out.

Friday September 26

LIVERPOOL: Nurse Georgie Carroll is back on the road with some more witty stories from her life on the wards, starting at the Hot Water Comedy Club tonight. Nurse Georgie Carroll tour dates

LONDON: Australian comedian Thomas Green – who's supported Mo Gilligan, Jason Manford, Russell Kane and Adam Rowe and who's a regular guest on the phenomenally successful podcast Have A Word start his new tour, Brainstorm, at the Leicester Square Theatre. Thomas Green tour dates

LONDON: Another brill line-up at Hackney Comedy Experience at Earth features three Taskmaster comics – Ed Gamble, Sarah Kendall and Ania Magliano – plus fast-rising Sharon Wanjohi and much-acclaimed Stuart Laws.

LONDON: Meanwhile at Soho Theatre's swanky Walthamstow outpost, there's another splendid Neon Nights bill with Bridget Christie, Jen Brister, Kemah Bob, Rhys James, Sindhu Vee and Amy Gledhill.

LONDON: Reuben Kaye's Kaye Hole is one of the best late-night cabaret extravaganzas around, filthy, flirty and funny – and tonight the carnival comes to Clapham Grand.

IPSWICH: Simon Amstell heads a marvellous line-up at the Corn Exchange, with Finlay Christie, Laura Smyth and Lou Sanders also delivering the goods.

Saturday September 27

LONDON: Adam Riches and John Kearns reprise their marvellously silly tribute-of-sorts to crooners Michael Ball and Alfie Boe at Soho Theatre Walthamstow tonight. Review

MAIDENHEAD: Former Mock The Week regular Andy Parsons starts a tour of his latest satirical show – Please #@!$ Off To Mars (who could he be referring to?) – at Norden Farm arts centre. Andy Parsons tour dates.

Published: 21 Sep 2025