The best: Comedy shows in Manchester this week FT Bec Hill, Scout Boxall & more

Australian comedian and real-life cartoon character Bec Hill brings a brand new show to XS Malarkey before a short work-in-progress run at the Fringe. Best known for her incredible flip chart animated presentations, she’s hoping the audience brings a trinket to the Fringe shows, so maybe she’s going for a Bargain Hunt vibe this time. She’ll be joined for this double preview by XS and Fringe favourite John Luke Roberts and his new wares.

Launching last month with a show that saw Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Joe Kent-Walters climb on top of the shipping container that serves as the stage, Car Park Comedy’s second outing will have to work pretty hard to get over that bar. Thankfully, they have a stellar lineup hosted and curated by the always charming Jess Perillo that features Faizan Shah, Michael Mannion, Charlotte Cropper and Rose Gray. A veritable who’s who of Manchester’s up-and-comers.

Another Australian comic headed to the Fringe, Scout Boxall brings their new show God’s Favourite to Manchester before heading North for August and then back down to the Soho Theatre in September. Recanting the tale of the worst night of their life, Scout’s debut UK shows are hotly tipped, and they’ll be joined by one half of acclaimed sketch duo Egg in Anna Leong-Brophy, with their debut solo show Born Sexy Yesterday. An afternoon of delights.