This weekend features a welcome West End debut for Tim Minchin, Alex Lasarev explains how to dodge immigration officers and Charlie Pickering makes a big deal out of very little...

Tim Minchin
Duchess Theatre, WC2
A welcome West End debut for this memorable musical comedian, who mixes cute geekiness with razor-sharp wit-packed lyrics. Seated at his white grand piano Minchin parodies everything from slushy Elton John balladry to overblown pomp rock. His subject matter is all-encompassing too, ranging from mock eco-anthems about taking canvas bags to the supermarket to solving the Middle East crisis. (0870 890 1103). Sun 12, 19, 26 Nov, 7.30pm.

Alex Lasarev
Etcetera Theatre, NW1
Some of the best shows are inspired by unusual personal experiences. In 2005 Welsh comedian Bennett Arron came up with a corker about being a victim of identity theft and here Canadian stand-up Alex Lasarev explains he came to be deported earlier this year. Lasarev is now back, legal and has a great yarn about evading immigration officers, confusing the cops and ending up with free airline tickets. (020 7482 4857). Until Sun 12 Nov, 8.30pm (Sunday 9.30pm).

Charlie Pickering
Soho Theatre, W1
Affable Australian Charlie Pickering is one of those instantly appealing stand-ups who can keep you laughing even when he is talking about nothing in particular. His latest show takes the notion of making a big deal out of very little to its logical conclusion. If Geri Halliwell can pen an autobiography at her age, says Pickering, why can't he? Hear a live version here of the Pickering story so far. (0870 429 6883). Until Sat 11 Nov, 8pm.

Pat Condell
Etcetera Theatre, NW1
Intelligent stand-up veteran Condell is also a playwright these days, but he returns to his angry alternative comedy roots with a new solo show, Faith, Hope & Sanity, in which he puts the boot into religion. You name the credo, Condell condemns it: "Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying religion doesn't have its uses. Personally I turn to it whenever I want my intelligence insulted." (020 7482 4857). Until Sun 12 Nov, 7.30pm (Sun 6.30pm).

Adam Hills
Windsor Arts Centre
Getting the winter blues already? Then take a dose of sunny Australian Adam Hills, who can work a crowd into a lather without even breaking sweat. This latest show is not even Hills' best (that was the monologue in which he talked about having a prosthetic foot) but it is still head and shoulders above most of his peers. Sharp observational humour packed with banter and great big silly gags. (01753 859336). Sat 11 Nov, 8.30pm.