The best of the week's live comedy

The best of the week's live comedy.

Sunday April 16

LONDON: A night of comedy in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support at the Pleasance in Islington boasts a great line-up, with the tragically intense Nick Helm, smart politico Nish Kumar, award-winner John Kearns, musical comic Rachel Parris and angry Garrett Millerick all compered by Ed Gamble.

Monday April 17

BATH: The town's comedy festival draws to a close with the final of the new act competition at Widdecombe Social Club. Taking part are Benji Waterstones, Rosie Holt, Esther Manito, Kev O'Connell. Lisanne Fridsma, Sunjai Arif, DannyClives, Kai Simra, Riordan DJ and Tom Redman

Tuesday April 18

LONDON: The Last Leg's Adam Hills is the headliner for a benefit at Islington's Union Chapel for Haven House Children's Hospice. Seann Walsh, Ivo Graham, Marlon Davis, Elliott Steel and Kelly Convey are also on the bill, compered by Russell Kane

Wednesday April 19

LONDON: It's the Symfunny No2 benefit for Parkinson's UK, featuring I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue live on the Royal Albert Hall's magnificent stage, a venue who's perfect acoustics were surely designed for Swanee Kazoo, plus stand-up from Josh Widdicombe and more.

Thursday April 20

EDINBURGH: Scott Gibson returns to the city where he deservedly won the best newcomer prize at the Fringe for his honest and funny look at his brush with death. He's on at the Scottish Storytelling Centre tonight, St Andrews Byre Theatre tomorrow and Aberdeen Lemon Tree Theatre on Saturday.

DUBLIN: Loveably effervescent Al Porter starts a three-night run at Vicar Street, extra dates that were added following the success of an Ireland-wide tour earlier in the year.

LYTHAM: It's St George's Day come early as Jason Manford headlines a gig at the Theatre Marquee on the Green in honour of England's patron saint. Jo Caulfield supports and local lad Phil Walker comperes.

Friday April 21

LONDON: A night of comedy in the Victoria & Albert Museum, no less, to celebrate the exhibition of Tommy Cooper material currently on display there. Naturally, there's an intellectual bent with QI producer John Lloyd and the topical smarts of Nish Kumar on the bill.

BRISTOL: Playing The Race Card is an appealing night of political comedy at the Cube Cinema featuring Fin Taylor, Jamali Maddix and Phil Wang.

MANCHESTER: A strong bill at the Comedy Store this weekend includes the clever comedy of Adam Bloom and Paul Sinha, among others.

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Published: 16 Apr 2017