Brighton Fringe is back!

The week's best live comedy

The best of the week's live comedy. These are socially-distanced or outdoor gigs. So check with venues about party size restrictions and any other requirements. Most shows require advance booking. Use this site's search panel to check out our full listings of more than 6,000 events by date and region.

Sunday May 23

CAMBRIDGE: Simon Munnery picks up the farewell tour of his most successful alter-ego, the radical anarchist Alan Parker: Urban Warrior, at the Junction. More tour dates and a review here.

LONDON: Headliners Comedy Club in Chiswick is back with a week-long Mayfest, with acts including Arthur Smith, Shappi Khorsandi and Rich Hall. A lot of the gigs are sold out, but you might get lucky! Full listings

Monday May 24

LONDON: The Amused Moose has teamed up with TV executive David Allberry to offer a showcase for comedians to run through ideas they hope might be broadcast, in front of an audience including talent-hunting producers. The first such session, which is open to the public too, takes place at the Water Rats in Kings Cross tonight, hosted by TalkRadio's Mark Dolan. Tickets.

LONDON: Richard Herring records more RHLSTP interviews at the Clapham Grand, with guests Geoff Norcott and Sarah Kendall, the woman who's just succeeded him as Taskmaster champ.

Wednesday May 26

LONDON: The Good Ship Comedy Club docks (metaphorically) in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building in Wandsworth, so bring a brolly. There's a star headliner they're not allowed to name, but who shouldn't disappoint. BRISTOL: Decreasingly underrated, as more people finally wake up to his undoubted talents, Sean McLoughlin headlines a Chuckle Busters gig at the Wardrobe Theatre tonight.

Thursday May 27

BRIGHTON: At least one UK city's having a Fringe festival this year, with month-long celebrations kicking off on the South Coast tomorrow. But there's a pre-Fringe gig at the Warren – the pop-up hub this year taking root in Victoria Gardens, right next to the Pavilion - tonight featuring Arthur Smith, Marcel Lucont, Michael Fabbri and more. And tomorrow Smith pays tribute to his father, in the warm-heated show Syd, back at the same venue. Laughing Horse is also running gigs in pub venues across the city. Check the Fringe website for full listings.

LONDON: It's Christmaaaaaas! Don't argue. Tim Key finally gets to stage the Soho Theatre show he had planned for December 19, festive jumpers and all. Sadly it's sold out, however