A perfect 12 comedy events this month

Right now students, you're back in town this month and you've got a loan cheque in the bank so get down to the this lot to start the new term. Non-students, quick get down to the stuff earlier in the month to avoid the student rush and later in the month to cheer yourself up before you have to start explaining to your confused student neighbours which colour bin goes out on which day.

Comedy Cellar, Verve, Every Tuesday, Free
Don't be forgetting about this, this month. Just because the autumn season is gearing up this is the kind of gig where it all starts for most acts. Get down here and support your local open mic.

Alan Carr, Grand Theatre, Sun Sept 6, £33
It's been more than a decade since Carr was honing his art over the other side of the Pennines. But even back then he possessed an inherent comedy. His sheer force of personality shone through, as he dashed through the gags at a breathless pelt. On the other side of major TV work he's now playing much bigger venues but he's still sure to find a way of bringing everyone under his gossipy wing.

Sitting Room Comedy, Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen, Thu Sept 10, £10
The quality Yorkshire comedy night returns for a new season. This month sees a performance from seasoned comedian Mark Maier, Christian Reilly who was formerly one of Otis Lee Crenshaw's (AKA Rich Hall) Black Liars, the breezily chatty Stephen Bailey and Leicester comic Jim Smallman.

Henning Wehn, City Varieties, Fri 18 & Sat 19 Sept, £17.60
German comic has been reducing audiences to giggly dribble with his po-faced observations on his Teutonic heritage. In 'Eins, Zwei, DIY' he remains sufficiently bemused by British culture to get plenty of gags, and some puns, out of it.

Nick Doody, Jongleurs, Fri 18 & Sat 19 Sept, from £16.50
Doody has been performing on the comedy circuit for many years and guarantees an intelligent presence on any bill. Very early in his career he even landed a support slot for Bill Hicks – and it's not hard to see why. He's sharp, erudite performer who is passionate about his beliefs and he's often found dissecting the Catholic faith he was brought up. Definitely a comedian you should make a point of seeing.

Pippa Evans, Comedy Sessions @ The HiFi Club, Sat 19 Sept, £10 - £14
Evans is a master at conjuring characters, immersing herself fully into her creations. Add to that a skilled improviser and you've got a pretty dynamic performer. As her most popular alter ego, Loretta Maine, she's a black eye-liner smeared country singer. Who knows who she'll turn up as here but you can guarantee it'll be belly laugh inducing.

The Picture of Doreen Gray, City Varieties, Wed Sept 23, £17.50
The Lip Service ladies have been donning dodgy wigs and deliberately grasping the wrong end of the stick when it comes to famous novels for years. Here they re-work Oscar Wilde to their own advantage replacing the delicately pretty Dorian with drive time radio presenter Doreen who makes a pact with a photo of her much younger self.

House of Fun at The Original Oak, Fri Sept 25, £7 or £8 on the door
The comedy club returns just as the students do. The new season kicks off with Dublin comedian – not to be confused with Ardal O'Hanlon's dad - Rory O’Hanlon and the sparkling presence – both metaphorically speaking and literally, watch out front row he's dripping in glitter – Jonathan Mayor. Plus a very special guest.

Jimmy Carr, Leeds Town Hall, Tues Sept 29, £25
You could set your watch by Jimmy Carr, or at least your calendar. Every year up he comes with a brand new show. No mean feat when your shtick is one-liners – takes a fair few of them to fill a whole show. The latest is 'Funny Business', some will a bit near the knuckle, most, if not all will make you giggle. You certainly get your money's worth with Carr.

Josh Widdicombe, City Varieties, Wed Sept 30, £18.10
In the last few years Widdicombe has risen through the comedy ranks to become one of the most sought after comedians. His co-presenting role on Channel 4's Last Leg and appearances on many other panel shows have raised his profile, but it's his pedantic old man in a young man's body looking at the world through incredulous eyes that makes him something special

Kill for a Seat, Seven Arts, Wed Sept 30, £11/£9
Silky's lovely gig at Chapel Allerton's art centre. This month sees a performance by Rich Wilson who decided to begin stand up while he was working behind the bar at Up The Creek comedy club in Greenwich. Additionally on the bill is Tommy Rowson winner of the prestigious So Yo Think You're Funny? competition in 2012 and all round dry Welshman.