Manchester comedy of the week ft Josie Long, Scott Bennett and Ania Magliano

XS Malarkey are back at 53Two and there to stay, which is a good thing because they’ve got another excellent lineup headlined by circuit legend Scott Bennett. Scott is one of the best comedians working in the country and got some long-overdue telly recognition last year with an appearance on Live At The Apollo. Anyone who’s seen him play rooms big and small across the country will tell you what a likeable and charming comic he is and if you can you should really spend the evening with him at XS this Tuesday.

There are few comedians that sum up ‘a lovely time’ more than Josie Long, so it feels quite fitting that she’ll be headlining this International Women’s Day special edition of Amy Gledhill’s night of comedy. Josie and host Amy will also be joined by BAFTA-nominated Lucy Pearman and Hannah Platt, who’s just been shortlisted for Best New Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival. With Josie having garnered a win for Best Newcomer at the Fringe as well as three best show nominations, and Amy’s three nominations at the festival herself, we’re in for a heck of an award-laden show this Oscar weekend.

Ania Magliano is bringing her sophomore tour to The Lowry and it’s arguably the most relatable show of the year. In I Can’t Believe You’ve Done This she goes ham at the hairdresser who gave her the worst haircut of her life. One of the best-reviewed shows at the Fringe, if there’s one thing a comedian can do about any perceived slight, it’s talk about it on stage and here Ania lets loose with her trademark low-key style whilst aiming straight between the eyes of her twisted tonsorialist.