The Comedians You Have to Catch

Going out to see a show is always a risk. Will you enjoy yourself? Which shows are really ones you need to see, and which ones can you actually pass on? Well, we’re big fans of shows in general, and comedy in particular, so we’ve been watching who the papers, TV shows and internet are getting excited about. We’ve pulled together some of the top acts this year, and below are our top ten picks of the comedians you have to catch this year.

Source

Sarah Millican – Home Bird

Sarah Millican exploded on the scene in 2008, winning the if.comedy Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe before taking over the TV and the radio. In her newest show, she explores what domestic bliss means to her. In her case, that means teaching OAPs to swear, learning what to pack for a dirty weekend and easy ways to blend in at the poshest restaurants.

Vikki Stone – Definitely

Vikki Stone mixes classical music training (she studied at the Royal Academy of Music) and silly stand-up to create a show that will leave you laughing and may result in an ear worm or two. She has a powerful voice and a way with a piano, but she keeps the evening fun with her take on our celebrity obsessed culture. She has jokes about awkward encounters with Simon Cowell, talent shows in general and her love for Professor Brian Cox. Whatever your opinion of reality TV, though, you’ll have a great time.

Alexei Sayle

We tipped the Godfather of Alternative Comedy for our must-see Edinburgh list, and we’re adding him here, too. It’s his first stand-up tour in 17 years, and we hope it will be the first of many. He may be 60, but his youthful rage against the wrongs of society and the establishment are still there in full force. Of course, it’s not all political rants: he also jokes about Miss Marple, his experiences with fame and one gag that begins with “this blind elephant and this blind hippo go into a pub…” and goes into a completely unexpected direction.

Grumpy Old Women – Fifty Shades of Beige

Grumpy Old Women Jenny Eclair, Susie Blake and Kate Robbins take the everyday niggles of old age to task in this new show. They offer a free nagging master class, so wives can get their way without their husbands noticing. They sing the praises of large pants and explain how to engage in “grumpy grooming”. If that weren’t enough, they discuss which female beard style is right for you and give a mercifully brief demonstration of Zumba. Whether you’re a Grumpy Old Woman yourself or not, this show will have you laughing and moaning right along with them.

Ardal O’Hanlon

Ardal O’Hanlon is still best known as the lovable dunce Father Dougal in the TV series Father Ted. He uses his set of observational comedy to take a probing look at life, and he is gobsmacked by what he finds. His sharp but often mild manner on stage sees him tackle everything from everyday situations to political differences, and he is a master at getting the audience to look at things from his point of view and see why he thinks it’s so funny.

Josh Widdicombe – Incidentally

Josh Widdicombe is really starting to make a name for himself, after countless appearances on panel shows and a high-profile gig as co-host of The Last Leg on Channel 4. In his new stand-up show, he doesn’t worry about the big issues – he leaves that to Alexei Sayle and others. Instead, he takes his wickedly comic eye to much more mundane things, like a telephone he brought with him. You learn what annoys him about water filters and paintballing, and you also discover his affinity for Super Noodles. You’ll be laughing and nodding in agreement all evening long.

Lucy Porter – Northern Soul

Lucy Porter was born in Croydon, but she never really felt like she was from the South East. Maybe it’s because her dad is from Northern Ireland and her mum is from the Midlands. Whatever the reason, she uses this show to explore her childhood obsession with the culture of the North of England, and she asks if that – and a deeper need to find her identity in a place – may have driven her to travel the world, marry a Welshman and move to Manchester.

Ed Byrne – Roaring Forties

Ed Byrne has been all over our television screens lately, popping up on just about every panel show and stand-up special there is. His rapid-fire delivery and self-confessed miserable disposition means the jokes are sharp and relentless. In his new show, he discusses the joys of middle age – a time when his grumpiness is expected, accepted and finally met with agreement.

Alastair McGowan – Not Just a Pretty Voice

Alastair McGowan is one of the most versatile impressionists out there today. His talents have led to a decade-long career, and he is showing no signs of letting up yet. Throughout his career, he has shown he is much more than just an expert mimic, and his new show sees him mixing his spot-on impressions with some more thoughtful – but no less witty – observations from his own life. That said, his impression of Simon Cowell doing Shakespeare is a can’t-miss moment.

Aisling Bea – C’est la Bea

Aisling Bea is the newcomer of this list. Her show, C’est la Bea, is her full-length stand up debut, but she has been tipped for greatness by just about every comedy reviewer out there. Generally, she avoids current events and political topics, instead showcasing her personality and her love of goofy fun. She loves poking fun at her homeland, Ireland, and she proves pretty handy with a hula hoop and a penny whistle. Basically, you can expect an hour of nonstop fun when you go to her show.

 

These are our top picks for can’t-miss comedians, but who are the comedians that you have to catch?