Comedy Picks of the Week ft. Mark Addy, Miles Jupp, Penella Mellor & more

Quippopotamus | Fuel, Withington| Sun 25 May | 8pm | FREE
Withington’s finest pot of comedy aims to entertain the students, young professionals and general vagabonds that hang around the area looking for vegetarian scraps. Representing these ne’er do wells on stage is historical roll-a-dex and human funfair Jack Evans introduces a quartet of the more abstract of Manchester’s comedy thinkers. Sid Wick and James Meehan leave Slap and Giggle and Gein’s Family Giftshop behind respectively to embark on solo careers they hope will have the same impact as Rachel Stevens out of S Club 7 or Canon out of Canon and Ball. The awkwardly charming Jon Newell will also be proving how excellent he is at taking to the stage as well as the ‘unreviewable’ Jon Whiteley to keep up their quota of ‘Jons’ for the night. Bonus point, it’s a bank holiday the next day so you can enjoy the night guilt free.
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Sidekick Comedy | Via Fossa, Canal Street | Mon 26 May | 8pm | £2
The last Monday of the month can mean but one thing, Sidekick Comedy is about to throat punch you with hilarity, and a little bit of justice. Manchester’s favourite American Kate McCabe is all cross because she couldn’t illegally vote for Ukip at Thursday’s European elections – but hasn’t let that stop her from putting on an amazing show for the low low price of two shiny* pounds. Which works out at about 50p a comedian – not a bad deal. Though please don’t take this as an invitation to buy the comedians’ services for 50p afterwards. Said services will be provided by idiot savant Danny Pensive, probable mad scientist Rob Coleman, relapsed Disney princess Katie Mulgrew and, of course, your host Kate McCabe.
*they don’t have to be shiny.
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Miles Jupp | The Lowry, Salford Quays | Mon 26 May | 8pm | £17
If you prefer your comedy a little more expensive and in a theatre, then do head out to The Lowry to see Miles Jupp as he speaks to an audience, possibly including you, about all manner of things and ultimately aiming to cover the costs of his white goods. Jupp is busy performer who has appeared in several TV shows and films including George Clooney’s Monuments Men, acting in Alan Bennet’s People at the National Theatre, as well as appearing on all the regular panel shows comedians are able to fit in around touring. He is a brilliantly belligerent presence who can switch from inept to outraged without a moment’s notice. One of the better stand ups, it’s good to see him back on the comedy stage where he belongs. Read our preview here.
www.thelowry.com

The Captain’s Comedy Club | The Mark Addy, Salford | Wed 28 May | 7pm | £tbc
The Mark Addy has re-opened and, though information is scarce, one thing that has emerged in the flotsam is a new comedy night with a nautical theme. It could be on an actual boat, setting off from the Addy’s famous riverside beer garden. Or it could just be a metaphor – and that’s fine because there is a sterling line-up, be it seabound or no. Junior Simpson, JoJo Smith and the hotly tipped Penella Mellor (pictured) join Manchester comedy legend Smug Roberts ‘on board’ (maybe) this ‘good ship’ (possibly). It’s good to see the Addy back open and with events such as this it will be kept afloat for a lot longer.
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Thrillhouse Comedy | Mary & Archie, West Didsbury | Thu 29 May | 8pm | FREE
South Manchester really is spoiled for great free comedy this week as West Didsbury welcomes Thrillhouse comedy to Mary & Archie on Burton Road. This will be only the third time the ‘house wins – and they’ve brought another cracking line up to laugh you into the weekend. New Zealand ex-pat Sully Sullivan headlines the night with great support from Lewis Charlesworth, a regular on the Manchester scene with a bright future ahead of him. Cherry-picked from their own free comedy nights are Quippopotamus’ idiot ringmaster Jack Evans and Dead Cat Comedy’s overlord Red Redmond, who will serve as MC. Nights such as this are why people make that move to the ‘burbs.
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Thanks to @johnwinsagain