Our comedy picks for Manchester in February – including Johnny Vegas, Bec Hill and Kieran Hodgson.

Last month we lamented the dearth of mirth, and so February has delivered by the bucket load, beginning with a very busy first weekend of a stellar month for comedy in Manchester.

Milo McCabe at Chorlton Irish Club

A masterful character comedian, Milo McCabe has won plaudits for creations such as Troy Hawke (the suave home schooled matinée idol) and a time travelling Greek waiter intent on killing Phil Collins in ‘Genesisocide’. Now he brings his Portuguese ex-reality TV star ‘Philberto’ to Chorlton for a evening of suburban comedy.  A great night of stand up is rounded out by Caimh McDonnell and Kiri Pritchard-McLean with master of ceremonies Raymond Mearns back by popular demand. Fri 5 Feb, 8.30pm, tickets £10

Johnny Vegas at Gorilla

Playing his first stand up show in what seems like forever, meandering genius Johnny Vegas headlines a top night at Group Therapy, recently voted ‘Best Comedy Club’ in the City Life Awards. Alongside Wigan’s favourite export since the pie barm are the much vaunted Foxdog Studios playing their interactive rock ‘n’ roll and Tom Little, another act on steep rise. All held together by the excellent Danny McLoughlin, this is sure to be another winning night. Sat 6 Feb, 7pm, tickets £20 

Bec Hill at The Dancehouse

Comedian and doodler Bec Hill is one of the most original acts about, playing out scenes on a pop-up sketch pad and infecting audiences with her joie de vivre. This recent Edinburgh hit show entitled ‘Caught on Tape’ looks at over 300 regrets Hill crowd sourced through social media. Both cathartic and downright funny, this is one confessional you’ll be smiling coming out of. Sat 6 Feb, 8.30pm, tickets £8

Nick Thune at Tiger Lounge

A veteran of the American circuit, Nick Thune has done it all on one side of the Atlantic – and now aims to make a splash over here in Europe. Primarily known as a musical comedian, Thune typically uses a guitar to soundtrack his surreal one liners, but has recently ditched the ‘five string prop’ for a more honest storytelling style that’s just as successful. The show comes after a week at London’s comedy mecca the Soho Theatre and should anything get lost in translation, Thune will have ironed out any kinks by the time he arrives in Manchester. Sun 7 Feb, 7pm, tickets £8

Kieran Hodgson at Pub/Zoo

Voted as the best show of last year’s Fringe by a number of people (including myself) Kieran Hodgson’s Lance is the story of a young cyclist and his hero Lance Armstrong. Though it’s really more about the cast of characters (all played by Hodgson) that make a young man who he is, and the fact that you can never truly go home again. One song about leaving to go to University is one of the most beautiful and hilarious you’ll ever hear. The first show sold out very quickly, so get your tickets fast for this additional outing. 24 & 25 Feb, 7pm, tickets £10