Get to one of these gigs for a riotous night of side-splitting stand-up
We've asked comedy expert Sophie Johnson for her pick of next year's comedy shows across the UK, as well as tips on smaller comedy clubs where in-the-know fans can spot the next big thing. Call us for a bespoke guide to comedy performances in your area, and don't forget that our lifestyle managers can even source tickets for sold-out shows so that members need never miss a punchline.
Leicester Comedy Festival
Friday 5 to Sunday 21 February 2010, across Leicester
For two weeks in February the comedy world's spotlight will fall on the East Midlands when Leicester stages its annual comedy festival. Sophie says: ‘This is the longest-running comedy festival in the UK. The best acts in the country play gigs throughout the festival, offering a taste of what will be hot at the Edinburgh Fringe in August'. It takes place across the city, featuring more than 310 shows from big names and newcomers alike. The Preview Show on Friday 15 January will give audiences an early glimpse of what's in store. It's always a sell-out, so call to arrange tickets or for a full programme of gigs at the festival. We'll also arrange accommodation and restaurant bookings for comedy fans travelling from afar.
Karaoke Circus
Call to confirm next performance
‘This is the trendiest thing going on in London comedy at the moment,' Sophie says. Comedians Martin White and Danielle Ward host an evening of karaoke backed by a live band, with a host of special guests taking to the microphone for some decidedly off-kilter musical performances. Sophie says: ‘The singers are mainly comedians – previous acts include Richard Herring, Jeremy Hardy and Dave Gorman – but anyone can join in and each week a winner is chosen from the public entrants. It's great fun.'
Frankie Boyle: I Would Happily Punch Every One Of You In The Face
Thursday March 18 to Saturday 27 November 2010, UK-wide
It's been an eventful year for Frankie Boyle, mainly involving the Glaswegian comic leaving various publications and TV shows because of their squeamish approach to his dark and acerbic humour. He stopped writing his column for Scottish tabloid the Daily Record after the paper refused to print his Michael Jackson jokes, then left the BBC's Mock the Week TV panel show, claiming that the channel's censors were too restrictive and were afraid that controversial gags would ‘frighten the horses'. Stand-up, which relies solely on self-censorship, seems the only medium in which his forceful humour can get an unchecked airing. Sophie says: ‘This controversial star is a fantastic stand-up, but he's not for the easily offended.'
Tim Vine: The joke-amotive
Monday 25 January to Thursday 11 March 2010, UK-wide
Tim Vine once held the world record for the most jokes told in an hour – unsurprising, as his stand-up show involves an hour of rapid-fire gags that leaves giddy audiences punchline-drunk. Sophie says: ‘Vine is the relentless king of one-liners, and I guarantee he'll make you laugh. The jokes come so thick and fast that if you don't like one, you're bound to enjoy the next.' Vine is taking his Joke-amotive across the UK next year – call us to find out about shows near you.
Stewart Lee: If You Prefer a Milder Comedian, Please Ask For One
Monday 7 December 2009 to Friday 12 February 2010, UK-wide
‘He's been a favourite of comedy geeks and other comics for years, but Stewart Lee is very "in" at the moment,' Sophie says. ‘His TV show Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle was a critical success and his unique delivery edges towards theatrical performance so much so that when I took my mum to see him, she didn't quite get it and said "I just wanted to give him a hug".' Deadpan and cerebral, Lee's stand-up show covers English Heritage, prawns and DH Lawrence amid other disparate topics. Performances are taking place across the UK till early 2010 – call us to book.
Smaller London clubs
‘With comedians such as Michael McIntyre and Russell Howard filling Wembley and the O2 arena, the trend in comedy is to rebel against the big performances and seek out smaller gigs,' Sophie says. ‘The best venues in London are Downstairs at the King's Head, 99 Club, Old Rope at the Phoenix, The Comedy Bar in Islington, The Fix Presents, and The 100 Club. Around the rest of the UK there's The Frog and Bucket in Manchester, The Lescar in Sheffield, The Stand in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and The Komedia in Brighton.'
Call your lifestyle manager to get full listings for any comedy club in the UK.
