What’s On: Comedy in August 2016

Jonathan Mayor will perform at MACE later this month. Photo Credit: Alex Martin

Aug 6th – Group Therapy @ Gorilla

Group Therapy prides itself on offering stellar lineups, and this triple-headliner show is no exception. Deadpan Norwegian and winner of 2012’s Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards Daniel Simonsen offers a slow, analytical approach to socially awkward comedy, complete with a heavily inflected voice and relentlessly neutral expression. David Trent was another nominee for the same award, and has been touring the country with his acclaimed brand of observational and political humour ever since, as well as appearing on BBC Three’s Nick Helm’s Heavy Entertainment. Finally, quirky, dorky Josie Long blends whimsy and political commentary with a chatty enthusiasm and a bohemian air. The theme of this evening could well be socially awkward misfits, but there is true variety in the approaches these comics make, and the show promises to be a great one as a result.

Aug 9th – Daliso Chaponda @ XS Malarkey

Malawian comic Daliso Chaponda’s socially aware observational comedy and laid back style of joking and audience banter has proven a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, honing his craft in Canada before coming to the UK. Here he headlines a full evening of comedy, ably supported by the charmingly camp witticisms of Lee Peart, the chilled out stories of Harry Stachini and the anecdotes of Ryan Dalton. Small wonder the award-winning XS Malarkey is well-known on the circuit for great acts and rock-bottom prices.

Aug 15th – MACE LGBT Pride Special @ Kosmonaut

Hosted by American surrealist Kate McCabe, Manchester’s Alternative Comedy Emporium presents a showcase of some of Manchester’s finest in both established and up-and-coming LGBT acts. Headlined by the fabulously glamorous drag queen Jonathan Mayor, one of the Manchester circuit’s LGBT legends, and supported by breakthrough acts Lucy Thompson and Callum Scott, this intimate Monday night show is certain to be a great one.

Aug 21st – Pride Comedy Fundraiser @ Frog & Bucket

On the eve of Manchester Pride, the Frog and Bucket presents a fundraiser gig, drawing some of the finest comics from around the UK to raise money for Manchester Pride and breast cancer charities. Featuring performances from Jonathan Mayor, Lee Peart, Ruth E Cockburn, Mick Ferry, Andy Watson, Colin Manford and Lou Conran, the multi-award winning Frog and Bucket offers not only a great night of entertainment, but also an opportunity to raise money for some great causes.

Aug 30th – Axis of Awesome @ Salford Lowry

Musical comedy smash Axis of Awesome hit the UK for a limited number of shows. Their youtube channel has been racking up hits in the hundreds of millions over the last few years, and their material certainly deserves it. On tour with a brand new hour of musical hilarity, the Aussie trio specialise in deconstructing popular music and gently sending up their favourite genres. With perfectly honed comic timing and formidable musical talents, this show is not one to miss.

Photo Credit: Axis of Awesome @ The Lowry