Manchester comedy of the week FT Jordan Gray, Lara Ricote and Paul Campbell

One of the most original voices on the UK comedy scene, and not least because of her upbringing in Miami to Mexican parents, followed by education in Amsterdam, Lara Ricote headlines XS Malarkey this week. A phenomenal comic who won Best Newcomer at the Fringe in 2022 and has since appeared on all sorts of TV, most recently as main cast in Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping and will soon star in her own sitcom on Channel 4. Go see her at XS Malarkey while you can.

Paul Campbell was the real underdog sensation at last year’s Fringe. Bringing up a show about the loss of a local supermarket that isn’t known in most towns became a word-of-mouth hit and garnered five stars from The Scotsman, and left with the Malcom Hardee Award for comic originality. Heartfelt and hilarious, this tale of one man’s battle to help remember his favourite supermarket and keep a sense of self whilst doing so is simply glorious. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, and the room will be awash with mourners and comedy lovers alike.

Her last show was Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated and led to a live performance on Channel 4 that changed Jordan Gray’s life forever. After a risqué denouement sent right-wing commentators into a frenzy, the life of the transgender comic was turned upside down. This follow-up then charts whether or not success is worth it with Gray’s usual high-energy musical numbers and cracking gags, we really hope she decides the answer is a resounding yes.