March Comedy Picks: Josie Long, Twisted Comedy and more

Our comedy picks for Manchester and Liverpool – including Josie Long, Tony Law and Dylan Moran.

Josie Long at Unity Theatre

Her two shows in Manchester sold out in a ludicrously short time, but you can still just get your hands on some for Josie Long’s performance of Cara Josephine at The Unity Theatre in Liverpool. After three years of shows that have marked Long as a political firebrand, she turns inward with this particular performance, which studies family and relationships in her usual whimsical fashion. Not to be missed. If you can grab the tickets in time, that is. Mon 2 Mar, 8pm. Tickets £16.

Matchbox Comedy Club at Lantern Theatre

Alastair Clark presents a night of suspiciously cheap comedy at the Lantern Theatre. A line up that would be the envy of any weekend comedy club, it’s heartening to think this is just the second Matchbox Comedy event. Headlining is BBC New Comedy Award winner, Steve Bugeja. An anti-lad, an awkward and an angular performer, Bugeja’s writing is as good as anyone on the circuit. Mad men-children duo, Sam & Tomm will also be on hand to provide sketch tomfoolery and character comedy dressed in high-vis. Savvy political comedian Helen Keeler rounds out what is a very tasty night, and all for the price of a pint. Wed 11 Mar, 8pm. Tickets £3.

One Man Breaking Bad at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Head to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to get your fix of meth-related comedy. L.A. actor Miles Allen has perfected impressions of all the iconic characters in Breaking Bad, and manages to cram sixty episodes into one 90 minute show. One of the big hits of last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, this is one for the super fans – or those who don’t want to sit through the entire box set. Tue 24 Mar, 7.30pm. Tickets £18.50.

All Our Friends Are Dead at The King’s Arms

The city’s favourite sketch double act are back. After a wildly successful 2013 Fringe, All Our Friends Are Dead are now crowdfunding (using actual crowds) to return to Edinburgh 2015. This darkly-tinged duo’s work is reminiscent of the comedies of Julia Davis and The League of Gentlemen. With three separate shows to choose from, you’d be mad not to go to at least one. 5-7 March, 7pm. Tickets £6.

Twisted Comedy at Frog and Bucket

It’s rare that a genuinely different stand up night comes along to shake up the tired old formula – but Twisted does just that. Headliners create arbitrary rules that the other comedians must follow for the evening, as well as special challenges brought into play by the audience. This truly original concept now faces its final bow, but has decided to go out with a bang, not a whimper. Lou Conran introduces Canadian mind-carousel Tony Law, as well as a host of great comics from around the North West. This show is ideal for Law’s special brand of intangible lunacy. Wed 11 Mar, 8.30pm. Tickets £8/5 adv, £10 OTD.

Dylan Moran at The Lowry

Everyone’s favourite misanthropic bookshop owner is back with a brand new show entitled Off the Hook. There’s sparse information on what the title of this first tour in four years might allude to, so hopefully it’s about getting away with things rather than a cynical stab at the youth market. What you can be sure of are colourful metaphors and wry asides from one of comedy’s best minds, all in his inimitable, lovable curmudgeon-like style. Sun 15 Mar, 8pm. Tickets £24.