If you fancy a belly laugh, snigger or just want to leave a show feeling happier than when you went in then perhaps this years Brighton Comedy Festival, from October 7-23, running at the Brighton Dome is just the right thing to help you cope with the looming winter nights, the double dipped austerity measures and William Hague’s private life.

My tip would be avoid the big names with their repetitive shows, receding hairlines and recycled material and take a risk on a new, less flashy witty person. Let the vain and egotistical burn themselves out.  There’s more than enough choice on offer from the other talent and you might find a gem.

I’d suggest if you only see one show then seek out Andrew Lawrence - Too Ugly for Television Tour -October 20. You get what you pay for with Mr Lawrence and he’s got more laughs per minute than any other stand up on the circuit at the moment. He’s been getting rave reviews across the board, but more importantly than the views of the critics are his sell out shows!

With plenty to please the LGBT crowd including  LGBT favourites Isy Suttie - Love Lost in the British Retail Industry is one not to miss, widely known from her ‘peep show’ fame, her life humour is unforgettably warm, strange and funny. Next up, the gravel voiced, deadpan master and uber dark Rich Hall, American and one of the bubbling stars of the comedy circuit at the moment, with no taboo’s spared. Halls shows are always a treat in a sea of mediocrity, don’t go if you’re offended easily.  

Lessie favourite Josie Long with her new show - on October 14.  The show's aim is to provoke people into changing the world. Josie is earnest and full of optimism and disarmingly funny, like a sweet psycho cousin you can’t shut up, she’s delightful. It's a ramshackle call-to-arms. Don’t miss her!

Sleep with anyone to get a ticket for Susan Calman with a sharp caustic tongue which she turns on herself before flenching her audience with it, she's in the best tradition of Scottish stand ups, she's not won all those awards for nothing and her confessional routines strike will strike a cord with anyone with a bent brain.
 
With special pic-n-mix ‘highlights’ shows with a few comedians on the same bill to International touring show-offs, this years comedy festival has some quirky shows running late and the chance to see ‘Four poofs and a piano’, Julian Clarey, cult cabaret Frisky and Mannish, lovey local lady (and host of the Komedia's LGBT comedy night 'Bent Double')  Zoe Lyons with her acclaimed show ‘Clown Busting’ and the rather delightfully bonkers Sara Pascoe  this years festival is shaping up to be the best in a long time.

More info and to book tickets here:
Or via the Dome Box Office 01273 709 709