Manchester comedy of the week FT Melanie Bracewell, Omar Badawy and Stuart Laws

Stuart Laws is possibly the most prolific polymath in comedy. Not content with being one of the more original stand-ups, he also directs specials for the likes of James Acaster and Nish Kumar, as well as creating Edinburgh smashes like Comedians Beer Mat Flipping Championships and the show where he plays Michael Caine and says ‘Never’ for an hour. He is also in a double act with Matt Sandstorm, where they teach you how to prep for the forthcoming apocalypse. The way the world’s going, it might be the most important comedy show you ever see.

Another of New Zealand’s best comedy exports washes up on these shores this week as Melanie Bracewell brings A Little Treat to Fairfield Social Club. As seen on Taskmaster NZ, and already a veteran of multiple sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs, Bracewell is ready to look back on her twenties as the next decade of her life arrives. Brilliantly witty and stacked with laid back Kiwi charm.

Speaking of little treats, here’s another one to finish out your week as Omar Badawy presents a new show for just a quid. Culture Cuck is the So You Think You’re Funny Award winner, Badawy’s latest treatise on the modern world and this rising star is always one to keep an eye out for. A phenomenal writer with a biting wit, Badawy is going places, and to see him for less than the cost of the bus ticket is indeed a little treat.