Top comedy gigs to look out for

From the mighty Bill Bailley to the infectious charms of Lucy Porter, The List takes you through the ribticklers you cannot afford to miss this year

Tom Stade
It takes years of hard, dedicated gigging to appear as relaxed as Tom Stade does on stage. Charming, handsome and unflappable he may be, but the Canadian émigré also possesses that indefinable knack of drawing you completely into his offbeat perspective.
Jongleurs, Glasgow, Fri 14 & Sat 15 Sep, Mon 31 Dec; Jongleurs, Edinburgh, Mon 10–Sat 15 Dec.

Sean Hughes
The Coronation Street actor was one of the best stand-ups of his generation and could well be again if he recovers that roguish sparkle in those melancholic eyes. He’s still chasing 25-year-olds though, so expect plenty of rueful reflection.
Pavilion, Glasgow, Fri 14 Sep; Concert Hall, Perth, Sat 15 Sep.

Scottish Comedian of the Year
A gladiatorial finale to the competition to crown the nation’s funniest comic. Last year’s inaugural contest was a deservedly popular event, with Mark Nelson’s narrow victory over Paul Pirie affording him much career-boosting exposure.
Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, Sun 23 Sep.

Jo Caulfield
Exploring the concept of Hell, this fiendish, wittily catty friend of Graham Norton discusses her priestly brother and celebrity whores. For more instant satisfaction, she’ll be preying on any happy-looking couples in the front row.
The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 2 Oct.

Paul Sinha
The if.comeddie award nominee is on tremendous form at the moment. A gay, overweight, football-loving GP he combines piercing intelligence with lamentable foolishness and his penchant for a bit of rough.
The Stand, Edinburgh, Thu 18–Sat 20 Oct; Jongleurs, Edinburgh, Thu 29–Fri 30 Nov.

Lucy Porter
The diminutive minx from Croydon returns to Scotland, still pondering love and contemplating residing with cats instead. She may look all sugar and spice, but she actually prefers lemon curd. Incidentally, she recently offered to bare her behind to Anne Robinson.
The Stand, Edinburgh & Glasgow, various dates, November.

Bill Bailey
See panel.
Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, Wed 7–Fri 9 Nov.

Mark Watson
With his second novel just published and an ongoing eco-caper to save the planet for those who are ‘a bit crap’ at managing their carbon footprint, Mark Watson continues his mission to do all the things you’re supposed to do before you die and before he’s 30.
The Stand, Glasgow, Thu 8–Sat 10 Nov; The Stand, Edinburgh, Thu 6–Sat 8 Dec.

Ardal O’Hanlon
Failing to shed his lovable image with protestations of middle-aged grumpiness and complaints about being a child-rearing father, rather than a child-like priest, Ardal O’Hanlon will absolutely not surrender to requests to sing ‘My Lovely Horse’. Until the encore at least.
Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, Perth, Sat 10 Nov.

Frank Skinner
Arguably the most influential comedian since Billy Connolly, having characterised the stand-up as an ordinary bloke, Skinner has returned to live performance after nine years, his mischief and crudity intact.
Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh; Caird Hall, Dundee, various dates, November.

Phil Nichol
Last year’s if.comeddie winner investigates the twin cultures of religious and celebrity worship, recalling a troubled acquaintance who was convinced Nichol was the Antichrist. Featuring songs, manic running around and unapologetic Anti-Christian behaviour.
The Stand, Glasgow, Thu 15–Sat 17 Nov.

Reginald D Hunter
The thoughtful and disarmingly honest American champions free speech, just so long as you’re prepared to accept the consequences of your actions. A unique presence on the live comedy circuit, Hunter just gets bolder and better every year.
The Stand, Glasgow, Mon 22–Wed 24 Nov; The Stand, Edinburgh, Thu 25 Nov.

Andrew Maxwell
Forever putting a good time before notions of embarrassment and danger, this otherwise affable Dubliner is banned in the US for pledging to kill George Bush and other indiscretions. If nocturnal anecdotes, delivered with a cheeky, disbelieving grin are your thing, then Andrew Maxwell is undoubtedly your man.
The Stand, Glasgow, Wed 28 Nov & Friday 30 Nov.

Stewart Francis
Possibly the funniest one-liner merchant on the planet, this Spanish-based Canadian’s visits are always a joy, his slightly cheesy manner projecting a series of technically brilliant quips that are as quotable as they are, occasionally, sick.
The Stand, Glasgow, Thu 29 Nov–Sat 1 Dec; The Stand, Edinburgh, Thu 6–Sat 8 Dec.

Jim Jeffries
Jeffries’ tales of misfortune are delivered with appealing candour and aggression, which have made him one of the most exciting comedians on the stand-up circuit right now. The disaster-prone Australian hit 30 hard, but not as hard as the outraged punter who punched him recently.
Jongleurs, Glasgow, Mon 3–Sat 8 Dec.

Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival
With nearly 300 shows, this is the single biggest comedy gathering in Europe, notwithstanding some sniffy little arts pageant they put on in Edinburgh every August.
Various Venues, Glasgow, March.

More: Andrew Maxwell, Ardal O’Hanlon, Bill Bailey, Frank Skinner, Jim Jeffries, Jo Caulfield, Lucy Porter, Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Mark Watson, Paul Sinha, Phil Nichol, Reginald D Hunter, Scottish Comedian of the Year, Sean Hughes, Stewart Francis, Student Guide 2007, Tom Stade, Comedy

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