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Simon Amstell can wrestle gut-wrenching laughs out of his existential angst

2009-08-16T23:00:00Z

Edinburgh comedy: In absolute contrast to his lightweight Never Mind The Buzzcocks persona, Simon Amstell in the flesh is frank, philosophical and painfully funny

London's laughing: Guide to The Camden Fringe

2009-07-29T09:51:01Z

The Camden Fringe is the in full flow � Bruce Dessau guides you to the funniest bits around.

Boris joins the Highbury set

2009-01-21T08:45:20Z

As the Mayor moves into the blessed N5 postcode, one resident explains its enduring appeal

Should Wossy return?

2008-11-21T09:55:34Z

As the BBC Trust decides to reinstate Jonathan Ross, two writers give their fiercely contrasting views

Brand's crime isn't bad taste but bad jokes

2008-10-29T10:53:47Z

The BBC�s �prank� is indefensible � but shouldn�t be used to stifle blokeish British humour

Thank Goth for the Mighty Boosh and Brand

2008-07-28T23:00:00Z

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

Spaced star swamped by talent

2008-06-18T23:00:00Z

A charity benefit night that was already packed with extremely funny people may not have been the ideal launchpad for Jessica Hynes' stand-up career, says Bruce Dessau.

Talent trampled by talk

2008-04-01T23:00:00Z

Andrew Maxwell and Simon Amstell did not have a very successful gig at Neighbourhood. But it was more the setting than the comedians that were to blame, says Bruce Dessau.

Back on track

2008-03-18T00:00:00Z

After a break from touring, The Coral give an effortlessly cool performance at The Cobden Club; proving they still have what it takes to warm the crowd, says Amira Hashish.

Comics answer the call to arms

2007-09-23T23:00:00Z

Satirist Mark Thomas assembled a formidable supporting cast for a charity fundraising event at the Carling Apollo.

Critic's Choice: Top 5 Comedy

2007-09-20T08:19:07Z

There's top class laughs this week, including Al Murray, Rhona Cameron, Jason Byrne and Russel Brand to name a few.

Amstell rides the crest of a wave

2007-08-08T23:00:00Z

Nailing British reserve quite superbly, Simon Amstell intelligently persuades the audience to see the world his way during his Edinburgh show.

Edinburgh Festival highlights

2007-07-24T08:54:19Z

From theatre to comedy, music and film, our critics pick the best of the Edinburgh Festival.

Comedian offers a sneak preview

2007-06-22T10:51:21Z

Funnyman and presenter of Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Simon Amstell, previews his Edinburgh Fringe routine in the capital on Monday June 25

The summer's hottest tickets

2007-06-20T11:33:41Z

From blockbuster films and open-air theatre to the Last Night of the Proms and Prince, it promises to be a memorable summer of entertainment in London. Our critics have picked their favourites.

Critic's choice: top comedy nights

2007-06-14T08:29:16Z

Bruce Dessau picks the best comedy nights in London over the weekend including great acts previewing their Edinburgh shows and Ed Byrne at the Open Air Theatre, Regents Park.

No time for monkeying around

2007-05-14T23:00:00Z

Orangaid, a benefit to save the Sumatran Orangutan, confirmed Bill Bailey is not monkeying around when it comes to world domination.

Caf� serves up a special night of comedy

2007-04-12T11:50:39Z

Caf� de Paris is hosting a night of comedy and live music in aid of the charity One Parent Families.

Critic's choice: top comedy shows

2007-03-29T11:21:27Z

Frenetic sketches from Laurence & Gus, Nick Doody putting the boot in on organised religion, and magic tricks from Ross Noble look-a-like Pete Firman are all among Bruce Dessau's comedy picks.

Ricky - smug but still scintillating

2007-01-22T00:00:00Z

Russell Brand, Noel Fielding and Mark Thomas all pulled out at the last minute, but Ricky Gervais and some last minute stand-ins ensured the night was still a success.