Kitson heads comic showcase

10 April 2012

London's comedy kings are gearing up to move to Edinburgh - but that means we get to see the best funnymen preparing their festival shows. We look at the best upcoming shows.

DANIEL KITSON

Once in a blue moon a stand-up comic comes along who takes the art of rambling to a higher level. Dylan Moran did it, Ross Noble did it and now Kitson is doing it in style. Behind the geek chic and the stutter there's a comic genius at work. These shows find Kitson gearing up for Edinburgh, where Perrier-type plaudits should rain down on his Oxfam-clothed shoulders.
Monday 8 July, Hen & Chicken , 109 St Paul's Road, N1 (020 7704 2001)

HOWARD READ

Read has yet to pick up any comedy commendations, but his cartoon co-star Little Howard has helped him to win a BBC New Comedy Award for animation. In the Edinburgh-bound show Words And Pictures, this inventive performer splices together his parallel careers as a film-maker and stand-up, examining man's efforts to communicate through the ages. Friday's gig also includes an Edinburgh preview from sensitive,c aring comic Hal Cruttenden.
Friday 5th July, East Dulwich Comedy , The Magdala , 211 Lordship Lane, SE22 (020 8855 0496). Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 July, Battersea Arts Centre , 176 Lavender Hill, SW11 (020 7223 2223).

ANDY ZALTZMAN

More strangeness and charm from this copper-headed Art Garfunkel lookalike. Last year Zaltzman brought us his canine nemesis The Dog Of Doom, and this year he attempts to 'rid the world of falsehood' with this Catapult Of Truth. Stand back as he flings out jokes at an alarming rate. Zaltzman is preceded by a warm-up from likeable lad-about-town Chris Addison.
Monday 8 July, Etcetera Theatre , Oxford Arms, 265 Camden High Street, NW1 (020 7482 4857).

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