The best comedy shows in London this week

The next seven days of laughter in London

As the unofficial comedy capital of the world, London's comedy circuit doesn't take a break. There are stand-up shows seven days a week, from early evening through to the small hours. To help you plan your week of witticisms, here's a nifty calendar of the best comedy shows in London this week.

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The best comedy shows in London this Monday

Nina Conti and chums in 'A Ventriloquist's Story'

Nina Conti – Dolly Mixtures

Critics choice

Outstanding ventriloquist Nina Conti has long been a circuit favourite, but her excellent BBC Four documentaries have introduced her to a whole new audience. Conti's puppetry is so convincing you almost forget she's controlling the monkey, until you remember she's got her hand up its arse. In her new show she introduces new characters including her daughter, handyman, gran, oldest friend and a stray dog, with plenty of veering from the script.

Soho Theatre 21 Dean St, W1D 3NE
Mon May 20 - Sat May 25

More info

Eddie Pepitone – Electrified

Critics choice

We could attempt to come up with a pithy analogy of Eddie Pepitone's act, but someone's already done it: he goes by the nickname 'The Bitter Buddha'. The Brooklyn-born comic is the antithesis of slick, sharp-suited stand-ups: he's dark, angry and depressed, and bitterly funny. Pepitone switches between bursts of philosophical outrage to moments of calm, introverted self-loathing. He brilliantly ridicules the notion of stand-ups performing scripted, rehearsed material as if off-the-cuff with a disjointed structure. It's a thrilling mix of comedy and anti-comedy. Just don't try heckling him: he has far better put-downs for himself than you could ever come up with.

Soho Theatre 21 Dean St, W1D 3NE
Mon May 20 - Sat May 25

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Brian Gittins

Critics choice

Brian Gittins, the brilliantly oddball character creation of David Earl, is back with a new solo show at the Soho Theatre after appearances in Gervais's 'Derek' and his own Channel 4 pilot 'Gittins'. Roadside cafe owner, taxi driver, Gittins has had all manner of jobs as well as six years amusing and bemusing comedy club audiences. He's a delightfully downbeat character.

Soho Theatre 21 Dean St, W1D 3NE
Mon May 20 - Sat May 25

More info

Robert Newman's New Theory of Evolution

He's been away for a little while, but Rob Newman's back on stage to show us that he has more strings to his comedic bow than are attached to a World Bank loan. He is one amazing comedian, and in his erudite new show he explores the 150-year controversy in evolutionary theory. From what we've seen at work-in-progress gigs it's set to be an engaging, intelligent and very funny hour, and the fact he's performing in the intimate Little Angel Theatre will make it all the more special. In fact, this is the first time the venue has hosted a show that doesn't feature a puppet.

Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN
Mon May 20 - Sat Jun 1

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Set List

Critics choice

'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' for stand-up, in Paul Provenza's Set List comics get 30 seconds to look at a list of obscure topics and make up material about them there and then, on the spot. Some will conjure up a one-off, spectacular routine on a 'Genocide Note', others will struggle to think of something funny about 'Condom Cults'. Either way, it's one hell of a night out, and practically every big-name in British and American stand-up wants to experience the thrill of attempting Set List. It's great fun!