The comedy week ahead

The comedy week ahead...

Monday November 4

LIVE IN LONDON: Stewart Lee begins his mammoth two-and-a-half month residency at the Leicester Square Theatre tonight. Technically Much A-Stew About Nothing is work in progress for his 2014 TV series, but it won't be too shoddy as he's already been on tour and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe… and he's a brilliantly original comic.

LIVE IN LONDON: The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society - or ACMS to its many devotees – returns to the Soho Theatre for another night of 'overambitious' experimental cult comedy, hosted by Thom Tuck and John-Luke Roberts.

Wednesday November 6

LIVE IN LONDON – AND ONLINE: It's the global 24-hour benefit show Comedy Gives Back, with a full day of stand-up and sketches broadcast across the internet from three continents. The London leg takes place at the Leicester Square Theatre tonight, compered by Adam Hill and with a top-notch line-up that boasts Adam Bloom, Tom Stade, Pete Johansson, Stephen K Amos and Lloyd Langford. It's all in aid of Malaria No More. Tickets are here and the streaming stuff will be on DailyMotion.

Thursday November 7

BOOK: John Fisher's Funny Way To Be A Hero was originally published in 1973, and widely acclaimed to be one of the best books on early 20th century comedy icons, such as Arthur Askey, Tony Hancock, Frankie Howerd, Morecambe and Wise, and Tommy Cooper. For its 40th anniversary it's been republished as a lavish coffee-table book, beautifully presented with more than 350 illustrations. Buy

BOOK: Through It All I've Always Laughed, the unreliable memoirs of BBC Two sitcom star Count Arthur Strong are released today. They tell the story of his journey from his humble early years as the only son of a contortionist in wartime Doncaster to the dizzy heights and excesses of fame as one of the shining lights of popular entertainment. Click here to buy – and it's also available on audiobook. Count Arthur will also be at the Chortle Comedy Book Festival on November 29. Tickets

LIVE IN LONDON: A superb line-up for Comedy Crackers, a fundraiser for various women's charities, in the classy surroundings of Wilton's music hall, Jack Whitehall headlines, but the comedy-and-cabaret bill also includes the on-form Sara Pascoe, compelling storyteller Brett Goldstein, absurd one-liners from Adam Hess and may more…

Friday November 8

LIVE IN LONDON: Nick Helm's brash Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated show One Man Mega Myth plays two nights at the Bloomsbury Theatre.

Saturday November 9

LIVE IN HEREFORD: Hebburn star Chris Ramsey starts the tour of his new stand-up show, The Most Dangerous Man On Saturday Morning Telly, about the time he was 'sent off' the Soccer AM sofa last year for misbehaving… something of a surprise since he's an affable, playful performer rather than one of those edgy sorts. Dates

Published: 3 Nov 2013