The grand old jokes of York

The comedy week ahead.

The comedy week ahead...

Sunday July 19

LIVE IN MILTON KEYNES: An all-dayer of Edinbugrh previews at the Westbury Arts Centre features Gary Delaney, Holly Burn, Ivan Brackenbury, Keith Farnan, Phil Nichol and many, many more. It’s part of the town’s comedy festival and kicks off at 2pm.

LIVE IN LEEDS: More previews in the Sitting Room, featuring Fringe favourites Paul Sinha and Tony Law – smart and ridiculous respectively.

Wednesday July 22

LIVE IN LONDON: The Ealing Comedy Festival continues in Lammas Park, with a sure-fire bill comprising the political edge of Marcus Brigstocke, preposterous posing from Nick Helm, the grumpy Romesh Ranganathan, and upbeat crowd-worker Stephen K Amos.

Thursday July 23

LIVE IN HOVE: Kraken, the acclaimed physical comedy from Gaulier-trained clown Trygve Wakenshaw visits The Old Market for one night of strange stream-of-consciousness idiocy. Our review.

Friday July 24

LIVE IN YORK The Great Yorkshire Fringe kicks off, boasting 100 shows in ten days in the heart of York. It’s the brainchild of Martin Witts, who runs London’s Leicester Square Theatre and Museum Of Comedy, and who said: ‘I’m delighted at the calibre of the comedy stars we’ve signed up … These are among the biggest names in the business.’ This first night features shows from Al Murray, Henning Wehn and Tony Law, plus a heat of the festival’s new act competition. Listings

LIVE IN LONDON: Ten previews across three nights make up the Balham Free Fringe Festival, including Richard Herring running out his new show Happy Now? tonight. All events take place at The Bedford, home of the Banana Cabaret. James Acaster on an appealing bill that also boasts industrious charm-machine Joe Lycett.

LIVE IN BRIGHTON: A cracking bill at Komedia’s Krater Comedy Club this weekend is lead by compelling storyteller Glenn Wool, backed by the wry Lloyd Langford, jaded Paul McCaffrey, and all hosted by quick-thinking resident MC Stephen Grant.