Where to find funny this week
Sunday 14 July
There's comical variety at Spectacular Spectrum of Now at Netil House in Hackney. Get sketch comedy from The Real MacGuffins, character comedy from Gabby Best and comedy songs from Fortuna Burke (7.30pm, £6 / £5).
Monday 15 July
Tony Law previews his new Edinburgh show, Nonsense Overdrive, at the Good Ship in Kilburn (8pm, £4 / £5).
Tuesday 16 July
It's lies, we tell you, all lies. Except this bit: Alex Horne is at the Battersea Arts Centre previewing his new show Lies. May or may not contain panda (8pm, £10 / £8).
Wednesday 17 July
Mark Thomas wants to tell you all about 100 minor acts of dissent, or maybe there'll just be 95 as this is an Edinburgh preview. Head to the Canada Water Culture Space (7.30pm, £10 / £8).
Thursday 18 July
Another Edinburgh preview, because that's mainly what London's comedy scene is right now: this time it's Richard Herring, putting the final touches to We're All Going To Die (cheery) at the Lost Theatre in Wandsworth (7pm, £11.25 / £9).
Friday 19 July
Preview double bill at the Pleasance: Grainne Maguire is sad there's no election this year, so she's decided to re-create the experience for her new Edinburgh show. (Note: if Kate Middleton gives birth in the next couple of days, the video we've chosen may suddenly get a bit more controversial.) Less themed, but probably more self-loathing, stand up from Tom Craine who you may be more familiar with from sketch trio Jigsaw. Also very funny solo (7.30pm, £10).
Saturday 20 July
The perma-sold out Pun Run has had a baby: Pun-Size has new comedians and Pun Run faves trying out new pun-based gags at the Camden Head. Reserve your place in advance for a £2, or £5 on the door (8pm).
Tip us off to friendly, intelligent, alternative comedy around town [email protected], read our guide to watching live comedy in London and our top 10 themed comedy nights.
