The best of the week's live comedy

The best of the week's live comedy, picked from the thousands of events Chortle currently has listed. Use our search panel to check our full listings by date and region.

Sunday May 21

LONDON: It's long sold out, but Paul Merton is dipping his toe back into the waters of stand-up after years of improvising with the Comedy Store Players with a try-out gig at the intimate Museum Of Comedy.

Monday May 22

LONDON: A major charity event at the Big Belly comedy club in Vauxhall remembers Gareth Richard, the comic and former radio sidekick to Frank Skinner, who died following a car crash earlier this year. Jason Manford, Milton Jones and Tim Vine, but the gig also features his pals from the circuit, Andrew White, Jo Enright, Joe Bor and Junior Simpson - while it's compered by Geoff Whiting, whose company Mirth Control represented Richards. Proceeds go to mental health charity Mind and tickets are available here

LONDON: Meanwhile, Leicester Square Theatre hosts another benefit in aid of Women and Children First. The packed line-up includes Alasdair Beckett-King, Harriet Kemsley, Lara Ricote, Rachel Fairburn, Rhys James, Rosie Holt, Sikisa, Jazz Emu and Vix Leyton. Tickets

Wednesday May 24

LONDON: Another day, another benefit. This one at the Comedy Store is raising funds for Stand Up for Game Therapy, which provides therapeutic gaming projects for socially isolated groups, including the homeless and recovering addicts. Milton Jones headlines a bill that includes Kerry Godliman,the Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue, Ria Lina and more.

Thursday May 25

PERTH: There's a strong comedy night at the Concert Hall as part of the city's festival of the arts, headlined by Love Island voiceover star Iain Stirling, and also featuring angry powerhouse Garrett Milllerick and charming Geordie storyteller Lauren Pattison.

Friday May 26

WELLS: The little city hosts its big comedy festival, with the likes of James Acaster, Phil Wang, Rosie Jones and Lou Sanders popping in over the weekend. Many shows are already sold out, but there are tickets for others - including the gala shows for which no line-up is announced in advance. Website.

Published: 21 May 2023