Comedy Picks of the Week ft. Jim Jeffries, Keith Carter, SOS TV & more

Jim Jefferies (pictured) | Apollo | Sat 2 Aug | 7pm | £22
Well here it is, the great August exodus we’ve been building up to. And you know what? It’s not really that bad at all. There’s still a wealth of talent hanging around England, starting with this show at the Apollo as Australian funnyman and honorary Manc Jim Jefferies, a man who has conquered the Fringe enough times to brazenly plan a tour during it. Brash, belligerent, pretty much everything people hate in Australians, Jefferies somehow gets away with being one of the worst people because he is very, very funny and he doesn’t really care what people think – though he does know what they’re thinking. All the worst things no-one would admit to. A horrible treat.
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Let’s See What Happens | King’s Arms, Salford | Sat 2 Aug | 7.30pm | £3
If you’d rather not be colourfully offended by an angry antipodean then maybe swerve Jefferies and head to the King’s Arms in Salford for long-form improv night Let’s See What Happens. Some of Manchester’s most flexible performers take one audience member’s suggestion and run with it as far as they can. Always fun, regardless of the topic, the team of performers that take on the crowd inspired stand up set mine all corners for comedy gold – and even when they fail, it’s hilarious.
www.kingsarmssalford.com

Russell Howard | The Lowry | Sun 3 & Mon 4 Aug | 8pm | £23
Okay so it might be a little bit of a slow week that we’ve included ‘world’s oldest student comic’ Russell Howard – but he is a very accomplished comedian who has done a lot of good for other comics who appeared on his BBC Three Good News show. Let’s be honest though, people who are reading this are either not going to go, or already have tickets. Wait, does anyone read this? Thanks, that’s really nice of you. Howard doesn’t need our help (or snark); he does quite well for himself, thank you very much. If you’re at a loss, you could do a lot worse than seeing this guy try out some material for his bigger stadium tour later this year. So the act might be a little edgier than usual. Probably not though.
www.thelowry.com

Keith Carter | The Pub/Zoo | Tue 5 Aug | 8pm | £5/£3
Keeping the home fires burning is Manchester’s favourite comedy night, which has cobbled together an astounding line-up to rival any Fringe showcase. Headlining is Keith Carter’s wonderful character creation ‘Nige’ – an immersive work that plays off a little like a scouse Paul Calf. Carrying on the method comedy is Randolph Tempest, the thespian and Bolton’s Next Top Model, who comes replete with foppish scarf, name drops and an orange comb that appears as if from nowhere. Adam Blaize and Harry Stachini round out a bill that is sure to bring a smile to that already weary Tuesday face.
www.wegottickets.com

SOS TV Live | 3 Minute Theatre | Wed 6 Aug | 8pm | £5/£4
One day all televisual comedy will be like SOS TV – but this will be after the rapture and Sir Randolph Tempest (remember him? From last night’s XS?) is able to takeover the airwaves, which will make missing out on the afterlife quite the joy. SOS TV features mix of chat, music, live sketches, filmed skits and a whole other lot of bonkers behaviour from Tempest and his comedy pals. Taking place in the home of freeform mayhem, 3 Minute Theatre, this night welcomes all-comers and has something for everyone. A leftfield delight.
www.facebook.com

Thanks to @johnwinsagain