Choice: The critics: COMEDY

Harry Hill There are few things more tiresome than self-consciously "look at me, aren't I clever" wackiness, but Hill throws himself into his stream of silliness with such gusto that you can't help but like him for it. From the moment he runs on stage in an agent orange Cilla Black wig singing "Hawaii 5-0" to the tune of "Cockles and Mussels", he captivates with craziness. Lyric Hammersmith, London W6; to 31 Dec

Boothby Graffoe The Perrier-shortlisted stand-up (right), surely on the verge of Making it Big, heads a Christmas Party line-up that features Mandy Knight, and one of a host of novelty acts on the circuit, comedy juggler Steve Rawlings. Bearcat Club, Turk's Head, Twickenham, Middx tomorrow

Christmas in Paradise Jimmy Tarbuck was the chief target of the alternative generation. But the wheel has turned, and he's back, topping a bill that features old mate Kenny Lynch at the new pounds 2m Paradise Room, Blackpool Pleasure Beach to 31 Dec

JAMES RAMPTON