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.

N20 Festival
BAC, SW11
No, this is not a misprint, Battersea Arts Centre had its N20 Festival earlier this year and here it is again, with some great acts previewing their Edinburgh shows. Among the highlights this weekend are Never Mind The Buzzcocks host Simon Amstell (Saturday, 9pm) and award-winning innovative stand-up Mark Watson (Sunday, 5.30pm). (020 7223 2223) Until Sun 24 Jun, then 17-22 July.

Reginald D Hunter
Gut Rocking Club, SE22
In the Nineties the East Dulwich Tavern was the home to the enduring and enjoyable East Dulwich Comedy Club. That nighterie is now in Forest Hill but the venue rises again this week, playing host to the Gut Rocking Club. The first night is a treat, featuring the provocatively funny Reginald D Hunter plus rising character comic Simon Brodkin and more. (07813 658853) Thursday, 7.45pm. Also at BAC on Sat 16 Jun, 7.30pm.

Stephen Carlin
Soho Theatre, W1
This laconic snookerobsessed Scottish comedian has made a few waves north of the border and has been pretty impressive on his occasional outings down south too. He's not as gloriously deadpan as the master of the pause, Arnold Brown, but Carlin has a relaxed, laid-back manner and a sharp eye for the absurd that could take him a long way. (0870 429 6883) Until Sat 16 June, 8pm.

Ed Byrne
Open Air Theatre, Regents Park, NW1
Not just a recommendation for the performer, also a recommendation for the venue. Daniel Kitson played a blinder here last weekend to the accompaniment of twittering birds and the occasional police helicopter. Irishman Byrne is more mainstream but his brand of stand-up cynicism, knocking everything from Jade Goody and James Blunt to fundamentalist Christians, should be equally effective. (08700 601811). Sun 17 June, 8pm.