Manchester Comedy Picks of the Week inc John Hastings & Paul Foot

Gein’s Family Giftshop Bargain Basement | King’s Arms | Mon 1 Dec | 7.30pm | FREE
It’s been quite a year for Gein’s Family Giftshop, after winning the London Sketch Fest’s best sketch act award they went on to a spectacular Edinburgh fringe run where they gained a nomination for best newcomer at the Foster’s Comedy Awards. The beginning of next year will see them have a run at London’s Soho Theatre but here they are at The King’s Arms still peddling their wares for free. Not only that, but they also peddle their very talented friend’s wares for free too. Former Staple/Face members Sam and Tom have started their own faction elaborately called Sam & Tom, and Rachel Fairburn will also be on hand to present some of her darkly wonderful views on life. And death.
https://www.facebook.com/events/878876222193774/?fref=ts

John Hastings | The Pub/Zoo | Tue 2 Dec | 8pm | £5/3
Canadians became the best comedians in the UK so gradually that barely anyone noticed. Acts like Tony Law, Katherine Ryan and Bobby Mair have been laying a trail for their ever so polite countrymen to follow for a few years now and John Hastings is another such cannuck looking to plow his trade in the UK. After a very successful Edinburgh Fringe Hastings is already planning his next assault on Auld Reekie and now is the best time to get in to see this brilliant young stand up before he’s besieged by panel shows and arena tours. There’s also support from sketch group Goose who are tipped for great things.
http://www.wegottickets.com/event/293280

Comic FX | Royal Exchange | Fri 5 Dec | 6pm | FREE
Free comedy in the most unlikely of places, Comic FX offers you an early evening treat of a comedy show in the foyer of the great theatre on St Ann’s Square. Always well attended it’s worth getting down early to sample the happy hour which begins at 5.30pm. For this evening’s acts they have delightful North East lad John Cooper alongside ‘up and comer’ Pete Otway. A solid one two of free laughs.
www.royalexchange.co.uk

Paul Foot (pictured) | The Lowry | Fri 5 Dec | 8pm | £14
Noel Fielding’s favourite comic Paul Foot brings his ingenious and surreal musings on what it is to be a human. Absurd to the point of implosion Foot is one of the most inventive comedians working today and has made appearances on ‘The Alternative Comedy Experience’, ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ and ‘8 out of 10 Cats’, but somehow is still without ‘household name’ status. Which is criminal.
www.thelowry.com

Gary Delaney | The Heaton Sports Club | Sun 7 Dec | 7pm | £7.50
For those in the suburbs, or those looking to escape the city for a night of solid laughs then look no further than Heaton Comedy Club. With a line up that could rival any ‘big club’ in the centre of Manchester this should be a regular monthly port of call for comedy fans of all ages (above 18 obvs). This month one line merchant Gary Delaney, comedy nerd Angela Barnes and lovably madcap Lou Conran provide the mirth, with Justin Moorehouse your usual master of ceremonies.
www.wegottickets.com