Critic's choice: the best comedy shows

Up front: Lucy Porter is among the draws at the closing gala night of the Ealing Comedy Festival
5 April 2012

It's the final weekend of the Ealing Comedy Festival, US mentalist Marc Salem continues to amaze with his mind-reading feats and Frank Sidebottom makes a welcome return.

Ealing Comedy Festival
Walpole Park, W5
The final weekend of west London's 14th annual laugh-in pulls in some great lineups. Thursday's triple-pronged entertainment features master of deadpan absurdism Sean Lock, blink-and-you'll-miss-it magician Paul Zenon and irrepressible stand-up Paul Tonkinson. Friday's closing gala features an even bigger bill, with playful Irishman Andrew Maxwell and feisty Lucy Porter worth the ticket price alone.
(020 8825 6277) Until Friday. All shows 8pm.

Simon Munnery
Soho Theatre, W1
Your last chance to catch this best-of retrospective from comedian's comedian Munnery. The respected veteran is reviving old characters such as punk preacher Alan Parker and The Security Guard, but the best moments are when Munnery reverts to his no-messing intelligent stand-up, full of beautiful lines and positively bulging with wit.
(0870 429 6883) Thursday, 9.30pm.

Marc Salem
Tricycle Theatre, NW5
A return visit for the magnificent US mentalist. Salem's patter might be cheesy, but his mind-reading feats are absolutely amazing. He doesn't just read the thoughts of people in the audience, he can even read the thoughts of friends of the audience sitting at home. If you enjoy Derren Brown you'll love his American counterpart.
(020 7328 1000) Until 29 July, 8pm.

Frank Sidebottom
Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, E2
Fans of Timperley's finest papierm‚chèheaded showbiz entertainer will be delighted to hear of a renewed flurry of activity. Sidebottom will be touring in the autumn, he has a date at Tate Britain on 3rd August and if you can't make this gig, you can hear his demented version of the Smiths' Panic at www.myspace.com/franksidebottom.
(07854 370351) Sunday 22 July, 7pm.

Hudson & Hackett
Canal Cafe, W2
An Edinburgh preview for this sketch show by a new double act formed by telly presenter Charlotte Hudson and Leila Hackett, with the action set in a British seaside resort. There were rumours that a live elk might appear with them onstage, but all eyes will probably be on the smart, sharp Hudson, who has had a cult following ever since she first appeared on the box answering phone calls on Watchdog.
(020 7289 6054) Sunday 22 July, 7pm.

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