Comedy Picks of the Week ft Jack Evans, Tony Burgess + more

Dead Cat Christmas Special | Sandbar | Mon 9 Dec | 8pm | FREE
Three of Manchester’s brightest acts join the ever ebullient Red Redmond for a Dead Cat Comedy Special. Mixing surreal humour with political satire is no mean feat, and it is to Jack Evans (pictured, see clip below) credit that it is so difficult to define such a bizarre and intelligent act. Quick witted, frenetic and prone to bouts of crippling self loathing Evans is a master of crowd control. Liam Pickford is the kind of comedian that looks like he wants to fight you, but he’d more than likely settle for a nice big hug. A wordsmith of high regard, Pickford insults with a delightful mixture of bile and flowery language, and may leave an audience unsure of what they’ve just seen. Though they’re well aware it was hilarious. A super special guest appearance comes from rising star and pro bodybuilder Jayne Edwards. An exile from Rhyl (presumably for being too stacked), Edwards plays awkward charm with lude fairy tales, all topped off with abs you could cut bread with. A great end to a great year for Dead Cat.
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XS Malarkey Christmas Party | The Pub/Zoo | Tue 10 Dec | 8pm | FREE (members)
Not letting being homeless dampen their Christmas spirit, the good folks at XS Malarkey are throwing a party for all their members and best pals. Not technically a comedy show but a chance for comedians to have a kind of staff do, there will be karaoke, retro video games and booze and food to get you in the Christmas mood and for comics to embarrass themselves on. Expect ‘I Will Survive’ to be sang. A lot.
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The Best In Stand Up | The Comedy Store | Wed 11 Dec | 8pm | £12/6
Round the Christmas period The Comedy Store put a few extra shows through the week to alleviate demand on the weekend shows. They’re a little cheaper too with all the same quality acts. This week sees MC Jason Cook introduce Australian comic Steve Hughes, who’s mix of brazen, sometimes cruel observational honesty is mixed with a spiritual side not often seen on the circuit. Top drawer support comes from Scot Danny McLoughlin and Canadian Pete Johansson.
www.thecomedystore.co.uk

Zaphod’s Comedy Night | Star and Garter | Fri 13 Dec | 8pm | £5
With the recent spate of independent venues closing down it’s nice to see The Star and Garter still flying the flag for live comedy. After Jabez Clegg closing last month and with Lass O’Gowrie due to go the same way in January it’s important that local businesses with such tradition are supported lest we wish to mourn their passing. Thankfully The Star and Garter has put on a top class line up for a Friday night, followed by a club night (if you’re into that kind of thing). Award winning stand up comic & writer Tony Burgess headlines with great support from Andy Watson and your MC David ‘Straitjacket’ Unger, this is a night worth venturing past Piccadilly for.
www.wegottickets.com

New Comedians | The Comedy Store | Sun 15 Dec | 8pm | £3
A chance for the best and brightest from across the country to try their luck in front of a great crowd with Alex Boardman’s New Comedians. The most exciting acts on the circuit are invited up by the always engaging Boardman for a great night of new, daring comedy from the next generation of comics.
www.thecomedystore.co.uk