The comedy week ahead

The comedy week ahead

Today

TV: The Simpsons take over Channel 4 this afternoon, with six hours from Springfield starting at 12.30pm, and ending with The Simpsons movie.

LIVE IN LONDON: The Bloomsbury Theatre hosts a launch gig for Dead Funny, an anthology of horror stories by comedians. Featuring Charlie Higson, Stewart Lee, Josie Long, Joanna Neary, Robin Ince, Kevin Eldon, Mitch Benn and more. And click here to order the book.

LIVE IN LONDON: The wonderfully entertaining character show Catriona Knox Thinks She's Hard Enough probably didn't get the recognition it deserved in Edinburgh - but there's another chance to treat yourself with an outing at the Pleasance in Islington.

Monday November 3

TV: Can you hear me Clem Fandango?! Matt Berry is back with a second series of the brilliantly bonkers Toast of London. It begins its a six-week run at 10.35pm tonight. Here's a scene from the first episode:

LIVE IN LONDON: Bridget Christie starts a three-week run of her rightly acclaimed new show An Ungrateful Woman at the Soho Theatre. It's feminism-themed and unafraid to tackle the big issues - yet has the funny to match the message. Here is our five-star review from Edinburgh.

LIVE IN LONDON: Pub Landlord Al Murray headlines a Comedy Store benefit gig in aid of Adcaf - the Abandoned and Destitute Children's Appeal Fund. Organiser John Moloney hosts with his precise deadpan, while another treat comes from the stupidity of The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue.

Tuesday November 4

LIVE IN EDINBURGH: A new series of 4 Extra Stands Up is being recorded for the digital radio station at the Stand, with acts including Alun Cochrane, Gary Little and Harriet Dyer. What's more, tickets are free (but with a 50p booking fee).

Thursday November 6

LIVE IN GLASGOW: Dylan Moran makes a rare club appearance at the Stand tonight, presumably with work-in-progress, but the chance to experience his sharp, satirical wit in the intimate surrounds of one of Britain's best clubs shouldn't be missed. He's there on Friday and Saturday too.

LIVE IN LONDON: There's a strong line-up featuring some of the best neo-alternative comics around in the Camden Comedy Cub tonight; among them Ben Target, Beth Vyse, John Kearns and Sam Simmons. If you're looking for comedy's cutting edge, here it is.

LIVE IN HIGH WYCOMBE: Inventive Adam Bloom, wonderfully wry Ian Smith and well-tipped up-and-coming comic Penella Mellor guarantee a good night at the Hellfire Comedy Club, held in the Swan.

BOOK: Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse, the latest collection of writing from David Mitchell is published today. Order

Friday November 7

LIVE IN LONDON: The Chortle comedy book festival kicks off at the London Irish Centre in Camden. Over the next eight days, the likes of Python legend Terry Jones, stand-up-and-movie-star Omid Djalili, queen of TV comedy acting Rebecca Front will be talking about their books, alongside comedy shows from Marcel Lucont, Lucy Porter and more. The opening gala features stand-up from Grumpy Old Woman, nonsense from Steve Best and reigning British pun champion Darren Walsh and the man who wrote the book about stand-up, Logan Murray. Tickets. And click here for details of the whole festival.

Published: 2 Nov 2014