Themed comedy nights

For the ‘inquizitive’…<br>The Humble Quest for Universal Genius

Hosted by Mark Allen and his glamorous (if hairy) assistant Eli Silverman, this quiz-style show pits comedians against each other in feats of etiquette, art, science, wit and, er, hunting. Each month, Allen sets out to find true genius in a battle of plasticine visions, doodled inventions and ‘deer’ shooting (Eli in antlers counts, right?).

See 'Humble Quest for Universal Genius' listings

For pun-ters…<br>The Pun Run

This puntastic offering from whimsical, crafty Aussie comedian Bec Hill is a chance for those who love of a good bit of wordplay to finally admit it in public. Stand-ups and sketch acts perform pun-exclusive sets, packing in as many gags as possible, the mantra being: a groan is as good as a laugh.

See 'Pun Run' listings

For politicos…<br>Lolitics

Politics is boring, right? Well, Chris Coltrane makes it markedly more palatable with his unpretentious topical comedy night. With the help of funny chums, he tackles some serious subjects with the focus as much on the ‘lols’ as the ‘politics’. There are also competitions and prizes to whet your appetite in an unintimidating environment.

See 'Lolitics' listings

For movie buffs…<br>Richard Sandling’s Perfect Movie

Two things make Richard Sandling’s formula a success: one big sarcastic host from Essex and more pop culture references than Tarantino’s back catalogue. But whether you can guess the lines or not, Sandling’s consistently funny monthly line-ups riff about their favourite films via stand-up, sketches and a fair bit of shouting.

See 'Richard Sandling's Perfect Movie' listings

For oddballs…<br>Weirdos Comedy Club

The Weirdos collective don’t always do themed nights, but they’re so bloody bizarre, we had to include them. If a re-enactment of ‘Hook’ isn’t strange enough to grab your attention, then imagining erratic comedian Beth Vyse reciting Jodie Foster’s entire 2013 Golden Globes acceptance speech should get you down to their gigs. Normals need not apply.

See 'Weirdos Comedy Club' listings

For nichers…<br>Specialist Subject

No joke is too niche at this fairly new night which sees comics mine their most dorkish obsessions for gags. Whether Anime lights your life, purebred horse-breeding’s your forte or the shabby CGI in the 1997 classic ‘Anaconda’ is your game, comics here talk about the subjects they're most passionate about and try to get the audience as interested as they are.

See 'Special Subject' listings

In pictures: Idil Sukan’s ‘This Comedian’ exhibition

See these exclusive shots by acclaimed comedy photographer Idil Sukan ahead of her debut exhibition

One to watch: Amir Khoshsokhan

We profile this whispering rising star

Mark Watson’s top ten stand-ups

The jittery TV regular and 27-hour show loon picks his favourite comics

In pictures: Alt Cab or Where Did it Go Wrong?

See exclusive photos from this exhibition about the ’80s and ’90s alternative comedy circuit

One to watch: Liz Miele

We profile this New York-based rising star, who's on a month-long trip to London

Comedy podcast of the month

Sofie Hagen's 'Comedians Telling Stuff' podcast has got us chuckling on the tube

Foster's Best Newcomer nominees

All but one of these six rising stars are playing Soho Theatre month

Five reasons to see Nish Kumar

We predict big things for this smart stand-up over the next 12 months

January's top ten comedy shows

The ten shows that'll make you laugh most this month

Five reasons to see Trygve Wakenshaw’s ‘Kraken’

Our Number One comedy show of 2014 finally lands in London. You really should see this Fringe mime hit