Our comedy picks for Manchester and Liverpool – including Simon Munnery, Reginald D Hunter and Paul Foot.

The Magnificent Seven at Gorilla

Only in its second year of existence, but hopefully something that will run and run, Group Therapy’s The Magnificent Seven is a chance to see the best comedians of tomorrow, today. Or on 2 May, to be exact. Group Therapy have a habit of picking the most exciting acts around both as headliners and support for their regular monthly gig at Gorilla, and this will be no different. Well worth taking a chance on; these seven will be headlining before too long. Sat 2 May, 7pm. Tickets £10.

Simon Munnery at Gorilla

When a comedian announces that they will be singing at their next show, you have every right to be horrified at the idea. Simon Munnery’s announcement that he would be singing the works of acclaimed Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard was certainly met with a raised eyebrow. Innovative to the point of insanity Munnery, will always take the road less travelled – and this show seems like a very lonely journey. Turning the ruminations of a man who claimed ‘if you label me, you negate me’ into a stand up show is a very big ask. But then we wouldn’t want to put a label on anything Mr Munnery is attempting. Fri 8 May, 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

James Acaster and Stephanie Laing at The Lowry

A night of low key whimsy and a chance to see two new Edinburgh shows before they fly off to the Fringe in August. James Acaster’s last three shows have all been nominated for best show at the Fringe and it would take an incredibly brave gambler to bet against a fourth in the offing. Making up the second half of this double bill is Stephanie Laing, who also peddles in whimsical storytelling and the awkward mannerisms that saw her reach the final of the Leicester Mercury Comedy of the Year. Sun 24 May, 8pm. Tickets £10.

Rubberbandits at the Everyman Theatre

Direct from Limerick and promising a brand new ‘musical’, Rubberbandits bring their Edinburgh show ‘Continental Fistfight’ to Liverpool. Oft likened to Flight of the Conchords, as any musical comics worth their salt will be, Rubberbandits are much more raucous and unhinged than their New Zealand counterparts. Check out their video for ‘Horse Outside’ and use it as a comedy litmus test to see whether it’ll be your cup of tea. Fri 1 & Sat 2 May, 7.30pm. Tickets from £14.

Reginald D Hunter at the Liverpool Philharmomic Hope Hall

Scourge of the Football Association and sometime bored participant in a cycle of panel shows, Reginald D Hunter sparks to life when on stage, treading a fine line between brutal honesty and outright controversy. A philosopher behind the mic, his shows are both incendiary and informative. If you haven’t seen him live yet, we suggest you remedy that quick smart. Sun 10 May, 8pm. Tickets from £24.

Paul Foot at The Slaughterhouse

Paul Foot’s new show is called ‘Hovercraft Symphony in Gammon # Major’ giving you a fair indication of whether or not you’ll be a fan of his unique and oblique comedy stylings. An extension of a sell out tour, Foot has become a cult classic in his own lifetime, drawing rave reviews from publications and fellow comics such as Noel Fielding, who is baffled as to why Paul Foot is not a household name. Thur 14 May, 8pm. Tickets £12.50.