Jason Manford’s top ten stand-up comedians

‘A trailblazer. Family friendly stand-up comedy from a master of observational comedy. Like a really old, black, American Michael McIntyre.’

Watch a clip of Bill Cosby

‘A comic who is so brilliantly passionate that he is now elevated to the level of a preacher. A really funny preacher. Who occasionally does a knob gag.’

Read our interview with Tommy Tiernan

Watch a clip of Tommy Tiernan

‘I saw her at the Edinburgh Fringe this year and was utterly captivating for an hour. Really funny, inventive songs, without them being easy parodies. Likeable and warm stage presence with the odd biting line.’

Watch a clip of Rachel Parris

‘So dry and hilarious. Saw her go head-to-head with the genius that is Frank Skinner on a panel show once, and she won. High praise indeed.’

Read our interview with Sara Pascoe

Watch a clip of Sara Pascoe

‘So inventive. One of the best improvisers you’ll ever see, every gig feels like it’s a one-off.’

Read our interview with Jason Byrne

Watch a clip of Jason Byrne

‘Having worked with her on a couple of episodes of “QI”, she is essentially the female Stephen Fry. Clever, witty, funny, but smart enough to make the odd knob gag if and when it’s needed.’

Watch a clip of Sandi Toksvig

‘Has been consistently funny for 25 years. She gets it in the neck from the “women aren’t funny” brigade, but clearly proves they are, and she is the queen of funny women.’

Watch a clip of Jo Brand

‘He’s just one of the top comics gigging today. A social commentator in the vein of George Carlin. I feel when I’m on stage I’m saying, “Here are some funny things that happen.” Whereas Louis is saying, “Here are some funny things that happen and here’s why.”’

Read our interview with Louis CK

Watch a clip of Louis CK

‘The most gifted entertainer of his generation. Whatever you think about observational comedy, Peter is the master.’

Read our interview with Peter Kay

Watch a clip of Peter Kay

‘The grandaddy of them all. Pioneer. Hero. Trailblazer. Genius. Even at 50 percent he’s better than everyone else at 100 percent.’

Watch a clip of Billy Connolly