Choice: The Critics

COMEDY

Jimmy Tarbuck (above) is enjoying something of a post-Alternative renaissance, hosting his own chat show and being accorded that ultimate badge of cred, a guest manager's slot on Fantasy Football. His wisecracking live act isn't half bad, either. Congress Theatre, Eastbourne (01323 41200) Sun

The Sitcom Festival Aspiring Richard Curtises show off their wares in this innovative season at the Riverside Studios. See p23

Parsons and Naylor's Brand New Pigbag Listeners to Radio 5's Straight Up will be aware of the double act's appealingly off-kilter humour, seen in this try-out for Edinburgh. Hen and Chickens, London (0171-704 2001) Fri-Sat