A critical Guide: Comedy

Lea De Laria (Drill Hall, WC1, 071-637 8270, tonight to 8 Jan). The brash bull-dyke from hell returns with Silent Night, Homo Night, an invigorating mixture of in-your-face stand- up and smoky blues singing. If you're a man, be prepared to stand up and chant, ''I am a lesbian'. It's that kind of show.

The Hackney Empire Birthday Party (081- 985 2424, Thurs). Queen of the drag queens Lily Savage hosts an evening celebrating the 92nd anniversary of East London's most entertaining - and elegant - venue. The bill features Arthur Smith, Barry Cryer, Arnold Brown and Hatty Hayridge.