Edinburgh's Best Newcomer Award winner Josie Long will be charming the audience at the Soho Theatre, it's the opening night for a new season of graveyard shift gigs fronted by Andrew Maxwell and Will Smith stands in for Harry Hill...

Josie Long
Soho Theatre, W1
No-one can say Josie Long is slick - the last time I saw her she interrupted her set to go and turn the air conditioning on - but what she lacks in professionalism she more than makes up for in charm. Her show, which won the Best Newcomer Award at Edinburgh, is entitled Kindness and Exuberance, which neatly sums up her philosophy. (0870 429 6883). Tonight-Sat 21 Sep, 8pm.

Maxwell's Full Mooners
Comedy Store, SW1
It's the opening night for a new season of graveyard shift gigs fronted by livewire Irish storyteller Andrew Maxwell. Anything goes at this club; previous guests have included Simon "Shaun of the Dead" Pegg doing his first standup in six years. Tonight's line-up includes the manic, majestic 2006 if.comeddies champion Phil Nichol, creepy, clever Nick Doody and the gentlemanly Tim Fitzhigham. (0870 060 2340). Tonight, 11.55pm.

Will Smith
Monkey Business, NW1
Contrary to what you may read in other listings, tonight's headliner is not Harry Hill, but his stand-in is equally worth the ticket price however. Not to be confused with the little-eared movie star, this is Will Smith the uber-geeky umbrella-carrying stand-up, who is far, far funnier. (07932 338203) Tonight, 8.45pm.

Gina Yashere
Beck Theatre, Hayes
This bubbly stand-up might still be best known for her supporting role in Lenny Henry's last BBC sketch series and soundbite appearances on various nostalgic clip shows, but there's no lack of ambition here. "I want to be so rich when I get burgled i don't even notice." Her effervescent set tackles everything from racism to her ultra-strict Nigerian mother. (020 8561 8371). Fri 22 Sep, 8pm.

Russell Brand
Jackson's Lane Theatre, N5
One of your last chances to catch this year's hottest comic in a small venue before he heads out on his national tour. Ignore the red top gossip and enjoy his uninhibited onstage patter instead. (020 8341 4421). Sat 23 Sep, 8pm.