Critic's Choice: Top five comedy shows

Wit and wisdom: Dylan Moran
10 April 2012

Dylan Moran steps into the big-time, Paul Sinha brings his personal monologue to Soho and geeky comic Alex Horne goes beyond the call of duty. Bruce Dessau picks this weekend's best live comedy...

Dylan Moran
Hammersmith Apollo, W6
The comedy business has gone truly big-time recently, with established acts moving into increasingly cavernous theatres. This might suit shows like Little Britain, but it will be interesting to see how the minimalist storytelling of Moran works in this air hangar of a venue. Moran is the natural heir to Dave Allen, a skilled weaver of wit, wisdom and surreal imagery. A bar would be a better venue, but he's worth witnessing anywhere. (0870 606 3400). Fri 15-Sun 17 Sep, 8pm.

Paul Sinha
Soho Theatre, W1
There's an all-too-brief London run for this intelligent observational comic who was shortlisted for the If.comeddies award at the Edinburgh Festival last month for his personal monologue, Saint or Sinha. Sinha still works as a part-time London GP, but his recent breakthrough should mean that house calls will soon be replaced by full houses. (0870 429 6883) Until Sat 16 Sep, 8pm.

Alex Horne
ED Comedy, SE23
This geeky comic certainly shows commitment to his concepts beyond the call of duty. In Horne's 2005 Edinburgh show his audiences sat a Latin exam. Sure enough, two weeks ago and long after I'd forgotten about it I got my results directly from Horne. You'll be pleased to hear I passed. No tests tonight, just brilliantly offbeat one-liners, with support from Pete Firman, Joseph Wilson and Kerry Godliman. (020 8855 0496). Sat 16 Sep, 8pm.

Sunday Night Adventure Club
ABC Cafe, SE19
If you can squeeze into this tiny Crystal Palace basement you are in for a treat. The regular host is If.comeddies Best Newcomer Josie Long, one of the most exciting, idiosyncratic performers to emerge this decade. Her D.I.Y. indie ethic might not be to every taste, but if you like your gags with lashings of smart quirkiness she is a must. Guests include fellow comedy one-off, pinkhaired punk Wil Hodgson. (020 8761 5544). Sun 17 Sep, 8pm.

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