The Independent Recommends: Comedy

IT IS SEVERAL years since Paul Merton - everyone's favourite curmudgeon on Have I Got News For You - ventured out on to the live circuit. In his brand-new show, And This is Me, Merton discusses among other things "his critically acclaimed near-death experience and the truth about his short but instructive spell in the Maudsley Psychiatric Hospital". A brave choice of material. Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, Surrey (01737 765547) 8pm

They used to be every critic's favourite punchbag, but this year, the Cambridge Footlights have shut them up with a sparky show called Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Under the imaginative direction of Cal McCrystal from Peepolykus, the troupe perform some sparklingly energetic ensemble set pieces. And the good news is, there is not a single song about punting or cucumber sandwiches.

Uppingham Theatre, Uppingham (01572 823318) 7.30pm