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The week's best live comedy

Monday November 5

LONDON: Theatrical comedy fireworks as Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen – as heard on their own Radio 4 sketch series present their 'knockabout neo-vaudevillian double-act nonsense', Backstage, at the Soho Theatre all wee. Read our review from their Edinburgh Fringe run here.

Tuesday November 6

LONDON: The Taproom in Islington has recently started a new material night called The Delivery Room, and it's already attracting a strong line-up of acts. Tonight's bill includes newly-named Bafta Breakthrough artist Luisa Omielan alongside the likes of Phil Nichol, Rosie Jones, Bec Hill and Garrett Millerick,

Thursday November 8

READING: Just The Tonic at the Comedy Loft boasts fine, offbeat comedy from two of stand-up's favourite distinctively-coiffeured weirdos, in the shapes of Mock The Week stalwart Milton Jones and 2017 Chortle Best Newcomer Tom Ward.

Friday November 9

KNEWBORTH: The Hertfordshire stately home has been known for music events from Sonisphere to Oasis. But this weekend it is hosting a lifestyle festival with crafts, chefs, distillers and so forth. And in the evening one of the indoor venues is being turned into a comedy venue, with an enviable line-up. Tonight it's Mark Steel's one-man show at 7pm with Greg Davies headlining alongside Jen Brister and Daliso Chaponda at 8.30pm. The tomorrow, the Impro Allstars take to the stage, with Rhod Gilbert, Angela Barnes and Jarred Christmas at 8.30pm. Tickets

HORNDEAN: There's an excellent line-up at Barton Hall in this Hampshire town, with the arid, sardonic John Moloney, effervescent over-sharer Lucy Porter, and livewire social commentator Tez Ilyas.

Saturday November 10

NOTTINGHAM: A second great gig this week from the Just The Tonic mob, with Adam Bloom and Man Like Mobeen's Guz Khan topping their bill at the Belgrave Rooms. Danny Sutcliffe and Hayley Ellis provide support.

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Published: 4 Nov 2018