The comedy week ahead...

Today

LIVE IN GLASGOW: The city's comedy festival continues all week. Tonight's highlights include John Kearns's Sight Gags For Perverts at the Blackfriars Basement; Tony Law at The Stand and and a geek comedy night at Queen Margaret Union. Website

LIVE IN LONDON: There's free comedy with an Irish accent in Trafalgar Square from 2pm to 5.15pm this afternoon in honour of St Patrick's Day. The line-up includes Barry Murphy, Roisin Conaty, Aisling Bea, Damian Clarke and Jarlath Regan.

Monday March 17

LIVE IN NORWICH: With a voice as dry as his wit, Rich Hall brings his Hoedown mash-up of music and comedy to the Playhouse for four nights from tonight. 'The floor will reek of liquor and spent dreams,' they promise…

Tuesday March 18

TV: A new series of Sir Michael Parkinson's Masterclass series begins with Eddie Izzard, who describes how he conquers fear before going on stage and why stand-up is similar to 'street combat'. Sky Arts 1, 8pm

Wednesday March 19

TV: W1A, the comedy that does for BBC top brass what Twenty Twelve did for the Olympic committee – i.e. mock it affectionately and gently but with acute precision – kicks off on BBC Two. Hugh Bonneville returns as Ian Fletcher, now the corporations 'head of values'; and Jessica Hynes as ineffectual PR Siobhan Sharpe. BBC Two, 10pm

LIVE IN LONDON: Lots of inventive talents on offer at the Chapel Bar in Islington as Fin Taylor, James Acaster, John Robins, Lloyd Langford, Luisa Omielan and Tom Deacon get playful. 8.30pm. £8 (£6 in advance). Tickets.

Thursday March 20

LIVE IN LONDON: The next heat of the Chortle Student Comedy Award, with ALCATEL ONETOUCH and Universal Pictures (UK) takes place at Goldsmiths college, MCed by Ray Peacock.

LIVE IN NEWCASTLE: There's a strong and diverse bill at The Stand this weekend, with veteran funslinger Phil Nichol headlining alongside the sharp Nish Kumar, the effusive Harriet Dyer and the ever-affable Alfie Joey.

Saturday March 22

RADIO: Radio 4 Extra pays tribute to Vivian Stanshall in a three-hour compilation show, hosted by fellow Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band member Neil Innes and featuring rare performances, interviews and programmes from the BBC archives. Radio 4 Extra, 9pm. Stanshall 's epic Sir Henry At Rawlinson End will start a run on 4 Extra the same day at 10.30pm.

TV: Comedy Central screens the first of two stand-up specials from Montreal's Just For Laughs festival, featuring Russell Howard, Eddie Izzard, Katherine Ryan, Paul Foot, Chris Ramsey, Michael Che, Eric Lampaert and Bo Burnham.

Published: 16 Mar 2014