Our selection of London’s alternative, clever and offbeat comedy gigs this week.
Z List Dead List
Talking about obscure dead people from history's vault at the Camden Head on 11 May are Answer Me This podcast host Helen Zaltzman, author and poet AF Harrold, Pod Delusion podcast host James O'Malley and nerd songstress Helen Arney, plus your host Iszi Lawrence. £4.95, 4.30pm
Happy Mondays
There are Edinburgh previews apiece from Mark Watson and Holly Walsh at the Amersham Arms in New Cross on 12 May. We like this regular club night — it's pleasantly laid-back and the pub is excellent. £5, 8pm
Andrew Maxwell
It's four gigs in eight days for Andrew Maxwell, doing a brand new topical show about London. He's playing the Peckham Liberal Club on 13 May, Bush Hall in Shepherd's Bush on 16 May, the Arcola Tent in Dalston on 17 May and Shoreditch's Comedy Cafe Theatre on 20 May. Tickets vary according to venue, ranging between £11-£15.40.
Robin Ince
Robin's latest show, In and Out of His Mind, comes to the Bloomsbury Theatre for a whizz through what it's like to have a brain. Will probably include some shouting about human stupidity. 14 May, £14 / £11 + bf, 7.30pm
Pun Size
Enjoy lots of pun-based new material at Pun Run's little sibling at the Camden Head on 15 May, £2, 7.30pm. Or book ahead for the main event at The Phoenix on 19 June: advance tickets are £3.83, much better value than £10 on the door. If there are any left on the door.
Crack Comedy
You can see Quincy, Loretta Maine (aka Pippa Evans) and Tom Webb at a Crack Comedy club night at the Grey Horse in Kingston on 16 May. £11.50 / £7.50, 8.30pm
Cardinal Burns
Here's a heads up to book in advance: telly-show-having sketch duo Cardinal Burns are doing brand new material at Invisible Dot's small venue in King's Cross on 5 June. A date this week is already sold out, so get in there quickly. £8, 7.30pm
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.