Comedians set to storm the castle

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 19

BRIGHTON: The city’s Fringe festival continues to the end of the month. Tonight’s picks: talented sketch duo Grubby Little Mitts, the delightfully personable stand-up Robin Morgan with a work in progress and Victorian rapper Baron Fortitude.Website

Wednesday May 22

LONDON: Circuit stalwart Jeff Innocent, who’s had a much-deserved late-career boost after winning British Comedian Of The Year in 2021 and finding a new audience online, begins a four-night run of his Smart Casual show at the Soho Theatre.

Thursday May 23

MANCHESTER: He was supposed to be the first act to play Co-Op Live… but after all the issues that delayed the opening of Britain’s newest, and biggest, arena, the comic now has the coveted honour of being the, erm, ninth artist to play there. Let’s hope he doesn't bring the roof down with his two nights here…

LONDON: Retold Gold is a format that allows comics to dust down their older material and get new use out of it… Among those cracking out the old notebooks at the Betsey Trotwood in Farringdon tonight are Rich Hall and Tom Rosenthal. Tickets.

Friday May 24

WELLS: England’s smallest city hosts a big weekend of stand-up with more than 30 shows at three venues featuring the likes of James Acaster, Harry Hill, Alan Davies, Nish Kumar, Lou Sanders and Tim Key. No wonder a lot have sold out. Get tickets for those which haven’t here.

WARWICK: Three nights of top-notch comedy in the unique setting of the castle’s grounds kicks off with impressionist Rory Bremner headlining a bill that also includes Angela Barnes, Freddy Quinne, Janine Harouni and Matt Richardson. Tomorrow it's Eshaan Akbar, Maisie Adam, Simon Amstell and Spencer Jones and on Sunday Gary Delaney, Matt Bragg, Nina Conti, and Stephen Bailey (apt surname for a castle gig). It's billed as the largest open-air comedy gig in the Midlands. Website.

CHIPPERFIELD: Those living near this Hertfordshire village get a treat tonight as comics including the droll Bob Mills and Michael Fabbri play the village hall. Tickets.

Saturday May 25

CAMBRIDGE: For the Cambridge Fringe, seven venues combine for a packed two days of comedy – mainly Edinburgh previews – with acts including Jordan Brookes, Geoff Norcott, Bobby Maier, Esher Manito and more. Website

BATH: An all-hit line-up at Komedia tonight features Canadian road warrior Glenn Wool, quirky Tom Ward, deceptively charming Sally-Anne Hayward and quick-witted Stephen Grant.

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Published: 19 May 2024