Our selection of London’s alternative, clever and offbeat comedy gigs this week.
Stewart Lee
This doesn't happen often: there's a Stewart Lee gig that isn't (at the time of writing) completely sold out months in advance. See him do three 30 minute sets at the Southbank Centre in preparation for the next series of Comedy Vehicle, on 15 February. £20-£22.50, 7.30pm
Sunday Special
Brilliant rapper Doc Brown headlines Sunday Special's ninth birthday in Greenwich on 16 February. John Robins also introduces Adam Hess and a special guest. £6 / £4, free cake, 7.30pm
Experiments
There's another mighty special guest at this new experimental show at Invisible Dot on 16 February, hosted by Mike Wozniak, plus appearances by other people we can name: Tony Law, Rachel Parris and James Acaster. £8, 7pm
We Love Comedy
We Love Comedy club night has two shows this week with excellent line-ups. On Monday 17 February, Patrick Monahan headlines at the Wenlock & Essex in Islington with Adam Hess, Paul D McGarrity, Bec Hill, Jessica Fostekew, Sean Brightman and Simon Caine (several of these acts have topical comedy backgrounds, so you know what you're getting) £3 adv / £4, 8pm. On Tuesday 18 February head to the Pipeline near Aldgate for a dose of Robin Ince, Sara Pascoe, Holly Walsh, Al Lubel, Tom Allen and Rory O'Hanlon adv £5 / £4, on the door £7 / £5, 8.15pm
Knock2Bag
It's a packed night with Knock2Bag at Bar FM in Shepherd's Bush on 19 February. Brian Gittins headlines, more than ably supported by Norwegian deadpanner Daniel Simonsen, Joseph Murpurgo, Tom Davis, Don Biswas, Aisling Bea and musical genius from Jonny and the Baptists. £8 + £1 fee, 7.30pm
Max and Ivan
If you haven't seen Max and Ivan do their sketch comedy yet then it's really time to fix that. Catch their show The Reunion at the Vault Festival on 20 February, £13.50, 9.30pm
Tim Key
There are tickets left (at the time of writing) for just one date of Tim Key's Soho Theatre run, and that's 24 February. Lucky for you, that night's also just a tenner. Show starts at 9.45pm
Tip us off to friendly, intelligent, alternative comedy around town on [email protected], read our guide to watching live comedy in London and our top 10 themed comedy nights.
