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Robert Newman's New Theory of Evolution, Little Angel Theatre, London

Comedy review: Robert Newman's New Theory of Evolution, Little Angel Theatre, London

"Reviewers of alternative comedy have failed to do what the rock-music press did 30 years ago: evolve a critical language to talk about a new art form." So claimed Robert Newman in 2006.

Jack Dee made a risqué joke about the late Steve Jobs

Comedy review: Jack Dee Live, The Anvil, Basingstoke

Jack Dee ambled almost reluctantly on to the Anvil stage tonight to open his gig, signifying that he was in a characteristically grumpy mood. However, the 51-year-old quickly dispelled the idea that he was reticent to entertain, confiding in us that going out on the road is good for the soul - it keeps family life tolerable.

Comedy review: Rob Auton: The Yellow Show, The Warren, Brighton Fringe

Yellow and yelcome, yells Rob Auton at the top of his charming, eccentric and uplifting show. Before this, as the audience files in, he has spent a good 10 minutes festooning the room with yellow objects - dusters, rubber ducks, Marigold washing-up gloves, that sort of thing - as “Yellow Submarine” plays on a nerve-shredding loop.

Eddie Izzard's partly political broadcast sees him scrape by to keep his deposit.

Comedy review: Eddie Izzard's Brighton Centre gig is not a Force Majeure - more Partly Political Broadcast

The 51-year-old appears to be canvassing support to be Labour's mayoral candidate rather than performing a stand-up routine

Doc Brown

Comedy review: Doc Brown, The Royal Albert Hall, London

Towards the end of his show rapper-turned comic Doc Brown (real name Ben Bailey Smith) says that he feels he is “still drifting”and that his career journey so far could still be a work in progress.

Louis CK

First Night: Louis CK; O2 Arena, London

Doggone it! A stand-up who's dark and knows when to bite

In the money: Russell Brand shows off a record-breaking tally

Comic Relief review: Funny for money – or was it?

No collection of comedians could make us laugh non-stop for nearly seven hours of fundraising, but some moments stood out for the right reasons

Russell Brand

Russell Brand, Duchess Theatre, London

You know when Russell Brand is in town. Outside the Duchess Theatre in London’s Theatreland are trucks and trailers denoting that this is no ordinary event.

Josh Widdicombe

Josh Widdicombe: The Further Adventures of...,Soho Theatre, London

Rosy-cheeked Devonian Josh Widdicombe is a young man in the pink. The 29-year-old is currently enjoying exposure on Channel 4 in The Last Leg with Adam Hills and his stand up continues to go from strength to strength.

TV's Matthew Hall, better known as Harry Hill

Harry Hill: Sausage Time, Oxford New Theatre

Harry Hill's return to the stage after eight years  reminds us that he is both a jester and a plate spinner: there are numerous elements to his shows that must simultaneously gather momentum to produce a full effect.

Comedian Sarah Silverman at the Baftas last night

Review: Sarah Silverman, Bloomsbury Theatre, London

Trialling new jokes in front of a sell-out, international crowd is an act of supreme confidence

Alexei Sayle

Alexei Sayle, Soho Theatre, London

Comedian-turned-author, turned-comedian again, Alexei Sayle was rather hoarse for his first proper standup show in seventeen years.

The Boy With Tape On His Face, The Duchess Theatre, London

Kiwi mime artist Sam Wills tops off his Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award success earlier this year with a West End run of his winning show: a sweet treat, perfect for the season of goodwill and frivolous entertainment.

Reggie Watts, Union Chapel, London

Tonight he regales us with how Druids and Romans clashed in the time of Boudicca

Greg Davies: The Back of My Mum's Head, Hammersmith Apollo, London

Leaving the stage, Greg Davies describes his show tonight as one of the high points of his career.

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    Johnny Marr talks relationships and reunions

    He's worked with Modest Mouse, the Pet Shop Boys and Beck, to name a few, and recently released his first solo album. So why, wonders Johnny Marr, do people still hark on about The Smiths?
    After the flood: From Haiti to Britain, one man has captured the devastation of our increasingly deluged lands

    In pictures: After the flood

    From Haiti to Britain, one man has captured the devastation of our increasingly deluged lands
    Death becomes her: Meet the very modern mortician who champions 'cool' funerals

    Death becomes her: A very modern mortician

    Ever considered baking a loved one's remains into a cake or putting their ashes in fireworks? If so, talk to Caitlin Doughty, champion of the alternative death industry.
    How long can the 'Keep Calm' trend carry on?

    How long can the 'Keep Calm' trend carry on?

    At first it seemed clever and cute. Then the 'Keep Calm' motif went mad, spawning endless offshoots.
    The man who built Brum: A lament for the demise of John Madin's Brutalist Birmingham

    John Madin: The man who built Brum

    The architect's buildings were supposed to leave an indelible, futuristic mark on his beloved hometown but they are now being inexorably torn down.
    School of chop: Learning the art of butchery at the Ginger Pig

    School of chop: Learning the art of butchery

    How do you butcher a lamb? Or make Mexican street food in a British kitchen? Christopher Hirst finds out.
    James Pembroke: The man who's eaten everywhere

    The man who's eaten everywhere

    Few people know more about restaurants than James Pembroke, who only spent five mealtimes at home during his entire childhood.
    A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?

    A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?

    The young JFK praised 'superior' Nordic races during visits to Germany
    Banned Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof to attend Cannes Film Festival 2013, his first public appearance since prison

    Banned Iranian director to attend Cannes Film Festival

    Mohammad Rasoulof to make his first public appearance since being imprisoned three years ago
    Seeing the larger picture: Inspiring images of space

    Seeing the larger picture: Inspiring images of space

    An exhibition explores images how photography has shaped astronomy
    Eat Spam and carry on: Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating

    Eat Spam and carry on

    Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating
    Facial hair: Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence

    Facial hair

    Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence
    The 10 Best salt and pepper sets

    The 10 Best salt and pepper sets

    Whether they're for everyday use or to make your dining table look just right, it's worth getting a stylish shaker...
    Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed

    Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed

    Chief executive says trophies will come if a 'core' of suitable players is in place
    Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

    Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

    The Bayern Munich forward tells Tim Rich his side have to shed chokers' tag after two recent final defeats