Comedy Picks of the Week ft. Carey Marx, Sofie Hagen + David O’Doherty

Comedy Playground | Contact | Mon 9 Feb | 7.30pm | £13/£7
Celebrating LGBT History Month, Queer Contact continues this week with a showcase of some of the UK’s best comedians. Five to be exact, with seasoned professionals such as Shazia Mirza, Kerry Leigh and Rachel Mars mixing with rising stars Joe Lycett and the breakout star of 2014’s Edinburgh festival Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho. All held ably together by the flamboyant talents of Jonathan Mayor, this is the best line-up you’ll ever see on a Monday night.
contactmcr.com

Carey Marx | The Railway | Mon 9 Feb | 8pm | £5
Having said that, Trapdoor Comedy at The Railway in Didsbury runs it pretty close as it welcomes Carey Marx for its first birthday show. Deadpan surrealism for a master for the craft, Marx lives up to his comedy forebearers of the name (Karl obvs, socialism will never work you kook). The two-time winner of Best International Show at New Zealand is a purveyor of pure stand-up and is a rare treat to see in such an intimate venue.
www.skiddle.com

Sofie Hagen | The Pub/Zoo | Tue 10 Feb | 7.30pm | £5/£3
One of a number of Scandinavian comics that are taking the London comedy scene by storm, along with the likes of Evelyn Mok and Daniel Simonsen, Sofie Hagen is a part of a new wave of comics speaking about the minute absurdities of modern life with an honest and hilarious voice. Certainly one to keep an eye on for the future, catch her at XS before she’s on much more expensive bills. Also on the line-up are Kate Lucas, Tom Davis and Jo D’Arcy with resident compere Toby Hadoke.
www.wegottickets.com

Quippodrome | Mono, Chorlton | Thu 12 Feb | 8pm | £3
Manchester’s surreal circus has lost its ringmaster – probably to other commitments but billed as death – Quippodrome’s show must go on and will be a tribute to the dearly departed Jack Evans. An insane mix of sketch, stand-up and general silliness, Quippodrome survivors Jon Whiteley, Edy Hurst and Jayne Edwards will pick up the pieces and throw them confetti-like in the air. Support comes from ‘the loudest man in the room’, The White Chris Rock, for what looks set to be a memorable memorial.
www.wegottickets.com

David O’Doherty (pictured) | The Dancehouse | Fri 13 Feb | 8pm | £16
Irish musical comic David O’Doherty ‘Has Checked Everything’, according to his latest show, and it has been found wanting. A brilliantly intelligent comic, this gift also seems to be his curse as he searches for happiness while analysing and dissecting such things that might cause him the joy he seeks. A heartfelt and hilarious tale, this is arguably O’Doherty’s most personal show presented in his own inimitable style.
www.thedancehouse.co.uk

Thanks to @johnwinsagain