The week's best 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 28

OXFORD: Alternative stand-up Andrew O’Neill has curated an impressive line-up for their Dead Leg Comedy Club at the Old Fire Station, headlined by passionate activist comic Mark Thomas, backed by artsy Aussie Bec Hill and the planet's most deadpan performer, Mark Silcox.

LONDON: Comic and online film-maker Alistair Green stages the biggest ever screening of his work, at the Regents Park Open Air cinema, followed by a Q&A. And it looks like a nice night for it… He has a few more dates in the coming months, too.  Alistair Green tour dates

BRIGHTON: As the city's Fringe festival heads into its final week, tonight's highlights include tech comedy double act Foxdog Studios with their take on bingo (and yes, the audience will play along) at 5pm and underrated Michael Fabbri with a work-in-progress at 6.45pm. Fringe website

Tuesday May 30

LONDON: Mark Watson hosts a line-up of comedians who'll be making their solo debuts at the Pleasance during this year's Edinburgh Fringe at the venue's year-round North London home. The line-up hasn't been disclosed but it marks the start of a busy season of festival previews there.

LONDON: Meanwhile, Leicester Square Theatre plays host to a very strong comedy bill, headlined by Taskmaster's Fern Brady and Love Island voiceover star Iain Stirling, plus the dry and dark Matt Rees, fast-rising Chloe Petts and skilled Ali Woods.

Wednesday May 31

BRIGHTON: We don't very often feature tours by celebrity hairstylists on these pages, but Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness begins a short UK tour of his show Fun & Slutty at the Brighton Centre tonight, promising 'a night of comedy, gymnastics and self-love'. Jonathan Van Ness tour dates

Friday June 2

BRIGHTON: There's another enviable gig for the Dulwich Comedy Experience at Alleyn's school with Rhys James, Sara Barron, Sindhu Vee and Sean McLoughlin

Saturday June 3

COVENTRY: The Belgrade theatre plays host to recent British Comedian of the Year Jeff Innocent, Britain's Got Talent star Lost Voice Guy and circuit stars Esther Manito, Freddy Quinne and Stephen Bailey Tickets

Published: 28 May 2023