Rhod Gillbert and Miles Jupp tour after their health issues

The week's best live comedy...

Monday January 8

LONDON: James Acaster begins a West End run of his latest show Hecklers Welcome, in which he challenges himself to be more relaxed about what happens during the gig, at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Though it's returns only as the run - to Sunday - long sold out. Review.

LONDON: Expats is an improvised comedy show from four visiting stars of American comedy, comprising former Saturday Night Live cast member Tim Meadows, Matt Walsh -aka Mike McLintock in Veep - Brad Morris and Joe Canale. They're at the Soho Theatre all week.

Tuesday January 9

BANBURY: Chris McCausland kicks off his new tour Yonks! at the Mill Arts Centre. His last tour ran for more than 140 dates and this one could be even bigger given his increasing profile on TV and radio, including the Channel 4 travelogue Wonders Of The World I Can't See in which comedian friends had to describe the world's great wonders to the blind McCausland. Chris McCausland tour dates.

Wednesday January 10

LONDON: Dan Tiernan's Going Under was easily one of the strongest debut shows at last year's Fringe, an intense and unhinged ride through his dyspraxia, time at a special school and disappointing sex life. It now runs at the Soho Theatre, before a nationwide tour kicks off at Manchester's Frog And Bucket comedy club at the end of February. Dan Tiernan review and tour dates.

Thursday January 11

EPSOM: Miles Jupp hits the road with On I Bang, a stand-up show about how he suddenly suffered a brain seizure, which led to the discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato. In a typically understated way he insists ' one doesn’t wish to make a big deal of it', but the experience has left him with a story to tell and some things he’d like to share… Miles Jupp tour dates.

YORK: The Sitting Room Comedy Club at the Winning Post boast a fine line-up with the sharp and silly David Eagle, camp Josh Jones, witty everyman Scott Bennett and quirky Tom Taylor.

Friday January 12

GLASGOW: In November, Scottish comedian Stu Who had an operation to remove his bowel, having suffered from advanced Crohn's disease for many years. Fellow comics rallied round to help him pay his bills while he was unable to work, raising £5,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. Tonight at the Oran Mor a benefit featuring : Fred MacAulay, Gary Meikle, Jay Lafferty and Stuart Mitchell will swell those coffers even more.

SOUTHAMPTON: The underrated (but increasing less so as his offbeat wit shines) Ian Smith is a treat at the Attic, with fine support from old hands Ben Norris and Stephen Bailey

LONDON: You can rarely go far wrong with Banana Cabaret's line-ups at The Bedford pub in Balham, and this weekend is no exception with Finlay Christie, Jeff Innocent, Jimmy McGhie and Luisa Omielan taking to the stage today and tomorrow.

Saturday January 13

YEOVIL: Every publicist describes the tours they promote as 'much-anticipated', but in this case it's a worthy description - Rhod Gilbert's first show after undergoing treatment for stage four head and neck cancer. More than 100 dates of the show, called Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit, hick off tonight. When the tour was announced, he said: ‘After the year I’ve had, it’s wonderful to be alive and going back on the road. I can’t wait to get back on stage and I’m ready to get way too personal about life’s recent ups and downs. When life gives you lemons, you have to squeeze them 'til the comedy juice flows, so prepare for some dark but funny shit.’ Rhod Gilbert tour dates

LONDON: Catastrophe's Rob Delaney headlines the latest Hackney Comedy Experience at Earth, with great back-up from Janine Harouni, Peter Rethinasamy and Sara Barron.

Published: 7 Jan 2024