Comedy Picks of the Week ft. Alun Cochrane, Mick Ferry, Michael J Dolan + more

Justin Moorhouse and Alun Cochrane (pictured) | Mon 22 Jun | The King’s Arms, Salford | 7.30pm | £tbc
Another week, another embarrassment of riches with regards to Edinburgh previews. The week starts with two of the national circuit’s favourite observationalists in Justin Moorhouse and Alun Cochrane. Both veterans of the scene, on this occasion Moorhouse offers up his new show Destiny Calling, and Cochrane’s rather on-the-nose title of A Show with a Man in It. Presumably Cochrane is that man – and you’ll be given the chance to see two of the best comics around perform new material in an intimate venue.
kingsarmssalford.com

Mick FerryBeasts | Tue 23 Jun | The Pub/Zoo | 7.30pm | £5/£3
Beasts have had to cancel and XS Malarkey is now headlined by Mick Ferry, who will be performing his upcoming Edinburgh show, Mick Ferry Is Just A Bloke. Joining him are charming Irishman Andrew Ryan and up-and-comer John Taylor. In most Edinburgh previews there is always a worry that the show won’t  be quite ready and it’ll include an act checking, or reading from, a notebook strategically placed somewhere on the stage. For Beasts’ latest Edinburgh show you would hope they’d have everything pretty nailed already as it is essentially a best-of from one of the UK’s greatest sketch groups. Heading to the Fringe to film a DVD of their best bits, they will be re-associating themselves with the skits that have made them a sell out hit at the last two Edinburgh showcases.
www.wegottickets.com

MACE | Thu 25 Jun | Kosmonaut | 8pm | £5
Manchester’s Alternative Comedy Emporium has survived threats from Comedy Central and a name change to become one of the city’s favourite monthly comedy nights. For June’s instalment, it has another talented line-up of alternative comics from around the country and, in John Hastings’ case, the world. The Canadian headlines before heading to Edinburgh with what could well be a defining show for the young Canuck, having gathered great praise for his show at last year’s Fringe. Support comes from self-described nincompoop Stephanie Laing and the cryptid-obsessed Sam Gore – all ably overseen by the irrepressible Red Redmond.
www.skiddle.com

Michael J Dolan | Sun 28 Jun | Fuel | 8pm | FREE
The final Edinburgh preview of the week comes from Manchester’s favourite misanthrope Michael J Dolan. His new show, entitled Miserable Guts, touches on his move to the suburbs and his longing for Dixy chicken and the trappings of the big city – such as a bag full of cat heads. One of the smartest voices to come out of Manchester’s comedy circuit in years, Dolan is long overdue the attention his talent deserves.
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Thanks to @johnwinsagain