This week's top three comedy choices in Manchester

As the nights draw in don't be hiding indoors all depressed. There's plenty of comedy to be watched out there in the city this week with some brilliant touring shows as well as great club nights. Let the funny people push away the gloom.

Tue October 28
XSMalarkey Comedy Club - Pub/Zoo, Grosvenor Street
This comedy club has inhabited various venues on the student drag of Oxford Road for the best part of two decades. But it's no amateur night; it has a countrywide reputation as a top gig – for punters and acts alike. This week continues that trend with the off-the-wall stylings of BBC Ideal's Seymour Mace and a set from Luisa Omielan whose 2012 Edinburgh Fringe show What Would Beyoncé Do? was a worldwide, booty-shaking success. Support comes in the forms of Paul Savage and Jamie Fraser.

Wed October 29
Captain's Comedy Club - Mark Addy, Stanley Street, Salford
The comedic love child of Moston comedian and actor Smug Roberts and comedy event guru Chris Cordingley, this monthly night is fast becoming a fixture in the comedy calendar. Resident in the revamped Mark Addy pub, which clings to the side of the river Irwell just over the border in Salford, it's a great venue too. Given the pair's comedian connections it's no surprise that the line up is a quality one with appearances from the accomplished stand up – and recently seen in Coronation Street - Justin Moorhouse, the cake and cuddle lovin' Irish Iranian Geordie Patrick Monahan and quirky stalwart of the Manchester scene - the wonderful Susan Vale.

Wed October 29 & Thu October 30
Rob Newman's New Theory of Evolution – The Lowry, Salford Quays
Back in the 1990s Newman was better known as one quarter of the BBC's Mary Whitehouse Experience and one half of a comedic partnership with David Baddiel - they were the first comedians to play and sell out Wembley Arena. Some years later Newman returned to live stand up with a more interesting remit; these days his shows are both political and cerebral. Having already taken a look at the history and sustainability of the oil industry, this latest show takes an alternative look at evolution, one that has cooperation as its driving force rather than competition.

Take a look at Time Out Manchester's list of the best comedy clubs in the city.

Words: Marissa Burgess