The best of the week's live comedy

The best of the week's live comedy.

Sunday February 11

LONDON: It's the final of the NATY talent hunt tonight, which tends to celebrate non-traditional stand-ups, even if former finalists have included Lee Mack, Ardal O'Hanlon and Henning Wehn. See what variety 2018's judges have unearthed at the Rich Mix in Bethnal Green tonight.

LONDON: A fine and varied bill at the Leicester Square Theatre is raising money for metal health charity Mind:  Arthur Smith, Brendon Burns, Felicity Ward, James Acaster, John Moloney, Mae Martin, Nish Kumar and Tim Clark are on the bill.

Monday February 12

LEICESTER: It's one of the biggest nights of the ongoing Leicester Comedy Festival, as Jason Byrne presides over the UK Pun Championship in a boxing ring set up in De Montfort Hall. Battling their wits are Tim Andrews, Samantha Baines, El Baldiniho, Adele Cliff, Julian Lee, Colin Leggo, Iain Macdonald and Robert Thomas.

LONDON: Edinburgh Comedy Award best newcomer nominee  Chris Washington - a mainstream comedy star in the making - performs the show that won him all that Fringe acclaim at the Bill Murray in Islington. He's on at the scarily early time of 5.30pm, giving you time to see the insane experimental comedy of the Alternative Comedy Memorial Society at the same venue at 8pm.

Tuesday February 13

LONDON: Comedy Unleashed has already picked up a bit of press because of its intention to challenge the politically correct liberal orthodoxy of the comedy circuit. It's opening night of the new monthly gig at the Backyard in Bethnal Green tonight, headlined by perennial provocateur Scott Capurro.

Thursday February 15

LEICESTER: Showstopper, the fantastic improvised musical, lands at the Curve Theatre tonight and tomorrow as part of the comedy festival.

Friday February 16

BIRMINGHAM: Fast-quipping Adam Hess and erudite punster Glenn Moore are on tour together, with an appealing double bill that plays the Birmingham Glee tonight and Manchester's Frog And Bucket on Sunday.

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Published: 11 Feb 2018