November comedy picks: The best comedy in Manchester this month

John Stansfield
Photo of a woman in dungarees against a pink background

Our comedy picks for Manchester in November – including Fringe favourites, silly parties and Waiting for Gaddot (not a typo).

David Stanier at The King’s Arms

One of Manchester’s brightest sparks, David Stanier has been known on occasion to throw a silly party at The King’s Arms. Now combining all the ridiculous work he’s done on past outings into one super silly party, he intends to take the finished product up to Edinburgh fair. Taking in jokes, games and a heap of fun, Stanier comes across as the weirdest kids TV presenter you’ve never seen, and his enthusiasm is infectious. Catch this early (early) Edinburgh preview at The King’s Arms. Sat 7 Nov, 7.30pm, free

Holly Burn and Spencer Jones at The Dancehouse

A character comedy two-hander from the fine folks at The Dancehouse, who are getting quite the name for their obscure comical bookings; Fringe favourites Holly Burn and Spencer Jones double up for your delectation. Holly Burn is Kirsty K, a recently bereaved Geordie teen who’s having a nuts wake/séance for her Nan. Spencer Jones meanwhile is ‘The Herbert’, a grotesque man-child who’s physical and prop comedy won him Barry Awards for Best Performer and Best Show at this year’s Edinburgh festival. Sat 14 Nov, £10 OTD / £8adv.

Kyle Kinane at The Pub/Zoo

The best comedian you might not have heard of, Kyle Kinane plays Manchester for the very first time after wowing audience members at this year’s Fringe with his show Ghost Pizza Party. Long and languid, Kinane meanders through his stories like an old friend. Like the funniest old friend you have no idea why you don’t see anymore. A must for stand-up fans. Sun 15 Nov, 7pm, £10

Waiting For Gaddot at Tiger Lounge

Another of the most talked about Fringe shows, Richard Gadd’s Waiting for Gaddot was criminally overlooked by the awards panel presumably because the Beckett inspired source material means that the titular character spends much of the show off stage. An immersive, multi-media piece that’s as much theatre as it is a stand up show. Waiting for Gaddot is full of everything it angrily rails against. Like no other show you will see this year – and by next year everyone will have just copied it. Thu 19 Nov, £5, 7pm

Seymour Mace at Kosmonaut

One act who did finally get the attention he so richly deserved was Seymour Mace who’s Niche as Fuck was nominated for the top prize at this year’s Fringe. Mace’s mix of obstuse abrasion has won him fans up and down the country for years, and his show’s title was almost a call to arms against the narrow mindedness of critics who would consistently label his work as intangible. Thu 26 Nov, £5, 8pm

Culture Guides

Jen Calleja

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