This is London channel feed

Jason Byrne levels things out

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:44:04 GMT

Jason Byrne was on showstopping form with his reflections on the problems of keeping romance alive on the opening night of Pimms Summerfest.

Can nice guys win?

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:53:14 GMT

Edinburgh Comedy: Russell Kane celebrates life's flaws, David O'Doherty works the crowd into a lather and Kristen Schaal's dippiness is magnified

Turbo-charged rant from Welsh Victor Meldrew

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:47:53 GMT

There are some good shows and a few great ones at Edinburgh this year but one that clearly stands out is Rhod Gilbert And The Award-Winning Mince Pie, says Bruce Dessau.

Big names on autopilot in crash-landing

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:33:27 GMT

American comedians Carol Leifer and John Pinette come to the Edinburgh Fringe with big reputations, but both disappointed, says Bruce Dessau.

Child's play for Eros Vlahos

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:29:33 GMT

Eros Vlahos puts on an odd but refreshing show; pitched at adults and adolescents and occasionally missing both demographics.

Verbal dexterity with Paul Merton

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:59:54 GMT

For anyone with goldfish-sized attention spans, Paul Merton's Impro Chums is the ideal fix for a great comedy night out.

Gordillo forgiven for dreadful title

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:12:37 GMT

John Gordillo's Divide & Conga feels like self-therapy at times but it certainly packs a passionate, powerful punch.

There's no one quite like Edward Aczel

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:45:55 GMT

From the moment the shabby fortysomething Edward Aczel appears in shorts and T-shirt there is something perverse about him.

Stephen K Amos is Polished performer

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:13:23 GMT

Stephen K Amos is a natural performer who makes observational comedy and working a crowd look like the doddle it certainly is not.

Josh Howie is the son of ab fab

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:05:00 GMT

Josh Howie's Chosen is all about how he has spent most of his life trying to escape from his PR whizz/New Ager mum's overwhelming presence.

Jay Johnson needs more puppet action

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:47 GMT

There is too much sentimentality in Jay Johnson's comedy show. A little less conversation, a little more puppet action and this could be fantastic.

Todd Barry is in your facebook

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:47 GMT

Todd Barry is so beautifully arid he is positively parched. Yet he manages to take the most mundane subjects and weave absurd material.

Special subjects at School for gifted children

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:47 GMT

The School For Gifted Children is a stimulating, innovative alternative to the stag-and-hen hells that numerous stand-up clubs have become.

Mixed bag at Funny women awards

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:47 GMT

The Nivea Funny Women Awards Final was won by Canadian Katherine Ryan but the real winner was the thoroughly entertained audience.

Nina Conti speaks her mind

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:46 GMT

Nina Conti arrives in W1 having bagged a prestigious Barry Award at the Melbourne Comedy Festival for the show she now brings to London.

All in the title for Deborah Frances-White

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:46 GMT

Calling your show How To Get Almost Anyone To Want To Sleep With You: The Advanced Class sells tickets, as Deborah Frances-White proved.

Mighty Boosh pull off comedy festival

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:46 GMT

Sceptics may have pooh-poohed the idea of comedians headlining an open-air festival but The Mighty Boosh put on a great show.

Thank Goth for the Mighty Boosh and Brand

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:45 GMT

Brand and Noel Fielding triumphed as their oddly-named occasional double act, The Goth Detectives, at their Lyceum Theatre show.

Jonny woos the crowd with confessions

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:45 GMT

Jonny Woo's latest offering, International Woman Of Mr E, is enjoying a Soho run before heading to Edinburgh.

Jason John Whitehead is ice cool Canada dry

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:45 GMT

If Jason John Whitehead was any more laid-back he would be the most horizontal stand-up in history, says Bruce Dessau.

James Dowdeswell is gently captivating

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:44 GMT

James Dowdeswell's show, No More Mr Nice Guy, was inspired by an attempted mugging by 12-year-old gangsters at a Tooting swimming pool.

Something has gone wrong with Brendon Burns

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:44 GMT

On the opening weekend of the Edinburgh Fringe, Brendon Burns' show was not exactly end-to-end giggles, says Bruce Dessau.

Louis CK lives up to the hype

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:44 GMT

Muscular, persuasive and loud when he needs to be, pausing when it suits him, Louis CK has been at this game for 20 years and it shows.

Isy Suttie follows her dreams

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:43 GMT

Isy Suttie is totally off the quirkometer; pulling faces, singing ridiculous jazz and inviting the audience into her strange little world.

Best Comedy Festivals

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:38:23 GMT

Comedy is big business at this year's rock festivals, with better-than-ever line-ups - making this the summer of laughs.