Comedy: The best of the rest

Tommy Tiernan

Fresh from a rabble-rousing performance at the climax of the Pick of the Fringe season at Her Majesty's, this year's Perrier Award winner bubbles in for two nights. He sails close to the wind with his routines about Isaac and Abraham, the Lamb of God and the Crucifixion, but he does win over audiences with the charm of his story-telling.

Bloomsbury Theatre, London WC1 (0171-388 8822)

Fri & Sat

Jo Brand

After many years in the business and several TV series, Jo Brand still gets an unbeatable buzz from live performing. It all comes down to her natural rapport with audiences.

"I do get on with people. Having been a nurse, I feel I like people. On stage, I'm not being separate from them or espousing views they wouldn't hold. I hope people feel they'd get on with me."

Princes Hall, Aldershot (01252 329155) Tue