There'll be more hilarious tall stories from Ed Byrne, Francis & Power reveal their dark underbelly and big names line-up for the Malcolm Hardee Charity Cabaret...

Ed Byrne
Millfield Theatre, N17
At this very moment numerous theoreticians are beavering away trying to work out why Ireland produces so many funny comedians. You could either wait for their theses to be published or cut to the chase and enjoy one of Dublin's finest storytellers. Byrne's no-nonsense style is more blokeish than James Joyce-surreal, but the laughs always flow thick and fast. (020 8807 6680). Fri 26 Jan, 8pm.

Francis & Power
Soho Theatre, W1
Sketch groups tend to come in two distinct flavours - sweet and sour. Alan Francis and Barnaby Power are supersour in their new show. This is double act comedy taken to extremes in banter-filled sketches that initially resemble something by The Two Ronnies, but soon reveal a much darker underbelly. (0870 429 6883). Until Sat 27 Jan, 8pm.

We Are Klang
Bloomsbury Theatre, WC1
If you are looking for comedy that makes you think don't bother with We Are Klang. But if you are looking for preposterous pratfalls, ludicrous clowning and gratuitous bottom gags Greg Davies, Steve Hall and Marek Larwood will hit the spot. Their inspired slapstick picked up an if.comeddies nomination in 2006 and this show will feature that set plus general knockabout highlights. (020 7388 8822). Fri 26 Jan, 8pm.

Malcolm Hardee Charity Cabaret
Hackney Empire, E8
It is two years since comic icon Malcolm Hardee drowned in the Thames and this second annual memorial gig mixes sets from his old comedy mates. Expect short bursts from Jo Brand, Ivor Dembina, Norman Lovett, Phil Cool, Richard Herring and umpteen others. Take provisions - last year's laughathon lasted over five hours. (020 8985 2424). Sun 28 Jan, 7pm.