A 'comedy on demand' special

As British comedy subscription service NextUp launched this week, we round up ten of the best shows available on the platform, in this week's comedy on demand special. Free month-long trial subscriptions are available here.

Sean Hughes: Penguins

Hughes' theatrical 2013 Edinburgh show recalling his schooldays has moments of tender beauty alongside hilarious stand-up. By the time it was recorded here, by indie label Go Faster Stripe, it had grown to a full-on near two-hour show. Read a full review here and watch here

Sean McLoughlin: Kamikaze

The smart and funny fourth hour from Sean McLoughlin, offering insightful commentary, undercut with the silly and the surreal. Read a full review here and watch here

Richard Herring's Lord Of The Dance Settee

A celebration of both silliness and pedantry, Herring returned to the Edinburgh Fringe for the 23rd year for this show, each one of them allegedly an attempt to top a piece of visual slapstick comedy he came up with at 16. This version of was recorded at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London. Read a full review here and watch here

Jordan Brooks: The Making Of

Ambitious, innovative and almost cinematic one-man character comedy filmed in a suitably peculiar VHS-style. Read a full review here and watch here

Brendon Burns: Selfies In The Grand Canyon.

Burns offers his uncompromising, hardcore take on Donald Trump, race, periods and the 'Great British sense of humour'. He's said its his favourite special, not least because it was the first he's been involved in the production and artsy black-and white direction. Watch here

Colin Hoult/Anna Mann - A Sketch Show For Depressives

As deranged luvvie Anna Mann, Colin Hoult offers unlikely tips to deal with the black dog of depression in this quirky and hilarious show, which Hoult also plays the members of therapy group including a wound-up PE teacher, an exploitative filmmaker, and a 57-year-old Ukipper. Read a full review here and watch here

Luisa Omielan: Am I Right Ladies?!

The joy of Omielan's show is always in being there, as she evokes a party atmosphere while talking about body issues, mental health and rom coms. Next best thing is to watch on demand…Read a full review here and watch here

Tim Renkow: King Of The Tramps

Mischievous Tim Renkow knows his cerebral palsy makes people feel uncomfortable – and thats's what he loves. He's cheeky about other borderline taboos too, including homelessness, transgender issues and racism, in this distinctive stand-up set. Read a full review here and watch here

Rhod Gilbert And The Award Winning Mince Pie

NextUp isn't all video; there are a few audio shows you can listen to as you work, too, including this career-defining classic from 2008. It's a textbook example of a ranting man becoming increasingly infuriated with life's minor irritations, driven to the brink of madness by a tasty confection. Read a full review here and listen here

Chortle Student Comedy Awards

Of course we're going to recommend this! But here are full sets from the nine brilliantly promising new acts who made the final of our annual talent hunt. Maybe start with winner Tom Gidman, an impressionist and character comic who presented Andy Murray's variety show, featuring the likes of Ed Miliband and David Attenborough. Watch them all here

Published: 19 Nov 2016