Comedy Picks of the Week ft. Steve Hall, Sidekick Pride Special & more

Indie Comedy Allstars | Walrus | Sun 17 Aug | 8pm | FREE
Red Redmond may be gone (to Edinburgh) but his legacy (comedy nights) lives on as Lewis Charlesworth steps into the role of MC to deliver a night of free comedy at its finest. Even with the dearth of comics on the ground since the annual migration north, this is a cracking line-up – and at no stress to your wallet too. Veganarchist Will Setchell will be opening, joined by Kieran Lawless with a headline spot from name-dropping thesp Sir Randolph Tempest.
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New Comedians | The Comedy Store | Sun 17 Aug | 7.30pm | £3
Many comedians who’ve been on the scene for some time, gigging professionally for years, eye the young up-and-comers with a dubious glaze. As if they were the future usurpers of their comedy throne, scheming to oust the old-timers. Though Alex Boardman is no such old timer, he has been knocking around for a bit and yet treats young acts with respect and, in some cases, admiration. At his new comedians night he champions the best in the region – this month showcasing the big talents of Nick Clarke, Dotty Winters and Tony Basnett. Boardman has taste as good as his timing, so you shan’t be disappointed by taking a punt on three comics you might not have heard of before.
etickets.thecomedystore.co.uk

Sidekick Pride Special | Via Fossa | Mon 18 Aug | 7.30pm | £2
The only comedy night in the Village moves a week early to participate in the Pride Weekend festivities. Resident idiot Kate McCabe introduces a triptych of great acts for your delectation. Laughing Cows front woman Kerry Leigh will be opening with her unique brand of warm comedy hugs, followed by our new favourite sketch act The Rusty Sheriffs and their sketch limousine. Only their second gig, they are certainly the newest sketch act on the block as well as purportedly the silliest. Headlining is ‘next big thing’-er Bethany Black who has recently landed a role in Russell T Davies’ new show Bananas. Go see her now before she’s on a much bigger stage, or hidden inside your television.
www.skiddle.com

Steve Hall (pictured) @ XS Malarkey | The Pub/Zoo | Tue 19 Aug | 7.30pm | £5/£3
Manchester’s longest running independent comedy club continues its fine run during the Edinburgh festival with another stellar line-up of those that didn’t fancy the Fringe this year. Steve Hall, of BBC Three’s We Are Klang, headlines with the ever impressive Toby Hadoke as MC – but it is the lower bill that is worth keeping an eye on. After Sunday’s MC gig at Walrus, Lewis Charlesworth will be stretching his comedy muscles for another irascible set. Surreal whirlwind of ginger limbs Jack Evans is also on the list, peddling whimsy and dreamscapes the likes of which you’ve never heard, and Graham Goring – who is starting to do more gigs now and the Manchester scene – is all the better for it. That should tide you over until the wounded heroes return from Scotland’s capital.
www.xsmalarkey.com

Thanks to @johnwinsagain