Seeing out November with some more fine comedy including an afternoon children's show that's more for the adults.
Frisky and Mannish, The Dancehouse Theatre, Fri Nov 28, £13.50
Frisky and Mannish's shtick is simply that they splice together different songs and musical genres for comedic effect. That's pretty much it. But the way they present it is what gets the crowds in. Laura Corcoran (Frisky) and Matthew Jones (Mannish) teamed up in 2008 and have produced a full length show each year since by basically 'titting about with pop songs' – Lily Allen sings Noel Coward anyone? Both are talented musicians - Corcoran is in possession of a fine soprano voice and Jones is an accomplished pianist so their creations are musically spot on. They're also a sight to behold, wearing more sequins between them than Bassey has ever done - you might just need your sunglasses. In their latest show, 'Just Too Much', they claim to have grown up, but don't worry it's in the manner of 'Miley and Bieber' - disrespectfully.
Funz and Gamez, The Comedy Store, Sun Nov 30
Manchester comedian Phil Ellis performed his debut solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe last year. Anyone who knows the innovative and off the cuff comic was unsurprised to see him perform a show in which anything that could go wrong did – to the extent of letting people out of the venue part way through because of a 'fire alarm.' He was criminally over-looked by award judges and critics were split some loved it, others were bemused by it. Finally with this year's Fringe show, Funz and Gamez - a kid's show that isn't actually a kids show - everyone noticed, loved his idea and he was awarded the Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel prize. Despite being full of bitter asides about his ex Leanne and beating small children at arm wrestling so they didn't win the Xbox, the kids in the audience loved this riot (quite literally at one point) of a show. Though mums and dads might have some explaining to do as to why they can't wear the T-shirt Uncle Phil gave them out in public.
Antwerp Mansion, Sun Nov 30
Antwerp Mansion is a quirky venue tucked away off the Curry Mile in Rusholme on the side with the big houses. The former Belgian consulate, hence the name, these days is more likely to play host to club nights than posh parties with platters piled with Ferrero Rocher. It also has a monthly comedy night. Promoted by Roland Gent, a stalwart of the local comedy scene who does a mean John Peel impression, this month sees a headline set from Alfie Moore. Moore is relatively unusual on the comedy circuit in that he's a stand up who just happens to be a police sergeant too. Needless to say much of his material is a witty and fascinating insight into life on the beat, full of copper based anecdotes - well the ones he's allowed to tell anyway. Support comes in the form of Matthew Fong and Emma Kennedy.
Words: Marissa Burgess