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Critic's choice: top five comedy shows
Evening Standard 13.09.07
Irish eyes are smiling: Ardal O'Hanlon warms up for his UK tour
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Top stand-ups Ardal O'Hanlon and Bill Bailey give intimate performances, and Andy Parsons, Mark Watson and Andrew J Lederer are all in town this weekend.
Ardal O'Hanlon
Hen & Chickens, N1
Reasons to be cheerful about living in London part 1: the chance to see top comedians such as Irishman O'Hanlon warming up for their national tour in venues the fraction of their usual size and at the fraction of the usual price. The star of Father Ted returns to wax lyrical about his bad back, his bad teeth and other middle-aged ailments. (020 7704 2001). Until Friday 14 Sept, 9.30pm.
Bill Bailey
Riverside Studios, W6
Reasons to be cheerful about living in London part 2: another terrific stand-up test-runs his touring show in an intimate theatre. Bailey's rise to the top of comedy's premier league has been a subtle, deserved one - expect his trademark blend of offbeat observations, surreal asides and exquisitely funny music.
(020 8237 1111). Friday-Saturday 14-15 Sept, then 22, 23, 28, 29 Sep, 5-6 Oct.
Andy Parsons
Epsom Playhouse
If you're looking for a topical moaner you've come to the right place. The shaven-headed Mock the Week star hits the road with another barrage of barbs aimed squarely at the state of the world. Bush, Bin Laden and Brown should all be on the receiving end of his scalpel-sharp tongue-lashings.
(01372 742555). Tonight, 8pm.
Mark Watson
Apollo Theatre, W1
Your last chance to catch this lanky livewire's West End theatrical debut. Watson might look as if he has just walked in from the students' union bar in his shabby clothes and scruffy hair, but at 27 he is already one of comedy's most respected performers. Hugely likeable, hugely talented, he makes stand-up seem like a doddle.
(0870 890 1101) Until Saturday 15 Sept, 7.30pm.
Andrew J Lederer
Etcetera Theatre, NW1
Two different shows from this skilful US comic and inveterate blogger, who has been a regular visitor to London in recent years. The first, more stand-up-orientated gig features special guests Matt Crosby (from Pappy's Fun Club) and Ray Peacock, the second gig is improvisation-based, with Lederer bantering with the audience. (020 7482 4857). Saturday 15 Sept, 9.30pm; Sunday 16 Sept, 8.30pm.
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