It’s the last live XS Malarkey show of the year with Alistair Barrie as headliner, Mum’s The Word Comedy is back at Waterside and there’s an improvised panto at Fierce Bar.

Alistair Barrie at XS Malarkey | Tue 12 Dec | 7.30pm | £3/6

XS Malarkey has its final live show of an eventful year (there’s an online quiz happening next Tuesday) this week with a special extended headline set from Alistair Barrie. Previewing his latest show ‘Woke In Progress’, Barrie will showcase his talents for skewering the modern world in his own inimitable style. There are also treats in the form of Sam Serrano and Neil P Shawcross in support and, of course, Toby Hadoke as host.

53Two, Arch 19, Watson Street, Manchester M3 4LP
The Totally Improvised ADULT Panto at Fierce Bar | Wed 13 Dec | 7.30pm | £5

If you feel like your Christmas period is missing something since you became ‘an adult’ might we suggest you give panto a go? Maybe it’s that? Maybe it isn’t but you’re still likely to have a good time at improvised show poking fun at the ludicrousness that is the great British tradition of the panto. ComedySportz come armed to the teeth with audience suggestions and an array of daft outfits to put the ‘dame’ into ‘dam entertaining’.

Fierce Bar, 57 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1NA
Mum's the Word at The Edge | Fri 15 Dec | 1pm | £10-12

This Christmas, don’t forget that mum needs a break. She can’t do everything, even though she may try. If you’re looking for something for the mum in your life to take her mind off child-rearing for a moment then give this excellent parent and baby afternoon show a whirl. Kate McCabe is in to headline and the whole thing is hosted by Katie Mulgrew, a spectacular comedian and mother of two who knows exactly what new mums are going through. And just how much they are in need of a good laugh.

The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9JG
Tue 12 Dec - Fri 15 Dec
Words:
John Stansfield
Published on:
Mon 11 Dec 2023