Manchester comedy of the week FT Rachel Fairburn, Jess Perillo and George Lewis

Rachel Fairburn returns to Manchester to headline XS Malarkey with another great lineup on the city’s best “cheap n cheerful” comedy night. Always a treat when “the people’s princess” returns to her homeland, whether she’s throwing out her caustic barbs in her iconic stand-up or treading the boards as one of her incredibly rounded new comedic characters, Fairburn is always welcomed back with open arms.

Two rising stars of the city’s comedy scene join forces to figure out their new stand-up shows as Jess Perillo and Charlotte Cropper “Work It Out” on Wednesday night. Taking to the stage of the Shed at Fairfield Social Club, Cropper conjures up a work-in-progress show about puzzles, potential and pigeons, whereas Perillo promises intrusive thoughts writ large for all to see. For the price of a pint, you can help them along their way.

George Lewis is one of those Internet comedians you hear about these days, gathering an army of fans for his spot-on skewering of life with kids and the mindset of a toddler. Unlike a lot of the new breed of online performers, Lewis also has over a decade of stand-up experience under his belt, which is why he’s managed to turn front-facing camera comedy into thousand-seater theatre shows. His latest is an extension of the original sold-out tour and is a must for anyone who likes a laugh or needs a night off from the kids. Or both.