Our selection of London’s alternative, clever and offbeat comedy gigs this week.
Happy Mondays
Make the most of the Bank Holiday with preview shows from sketch duo Cardinal Burns (check out their show at the moment on Channel 4) and Angela Barnes at the Amersham Arms in New Cross on 26 May. £5, 8pm
Ben Target and Gary from Leeds
We're definitely into Edinburgh preview season when you can watch two shows for zero pence. Back at the Amersham Arms on 27 May for new stuff from Ben Target (may include a ten course meal, scented candles and a seminar on tie dye) and poet-slash-comedian Gary from Leeds. Free, 7.30pm
Cariad and Louise's Character Comedy Night
Cariad Lloyd and Louise Ford are at Drink, Shop & Do on 29 May for a night of character and sketch from themselves and guests. They also promise cake. That'd better not be an empty promise. £3, 7.30pm
Sara Pascoe and Carey Marx
Not in any way a double bill, and in fact clashing with each other, but both these comics do their 2013 Edinburgh shows at the Soho Theatre this week. Sara Pascoe vs The Truth runs 29-31 May (£12.50/£10, 9.15pm) while Carey Marx's show about his heart attack runs 28-31 May (£12.50/£10, 9pm).
Jerry Sadowitz
See sweary close-up magic (via a big screen) from Jerry Sadowitz at Leicester Square Theatre on 30 and 31 May. Don't be fooled by the relatively early start: he won't be any less offensive. £22.50, 7pm
Book ahead
Stewart Lee is testing out new material at the Soho Theatre between 9-21 June and 1-6 July. Tickets are just a tenner and if last year's run is anything to go by, it'll be the best kind of work-in-progress nights, with lots of diversions when things aren't working.
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.
