Best weekend comedy

The pick of this weekend's comedy

Paul Merton

The Have I Got News for You stalwart starts his first stand-up tour since 1999 soon but here’s a chance to catch an intimate warm-up that mixes stories with sketches and improvisation. He also promises dancing girls. Tonight, Pleasance Theatre, N1 (020 7609 1800, pleasance.co.uk)

Mirth Control: March of the Women 2012

A strong weekend for female performers, with Sandi Toksvig and Jo Brand alongside Annie Lennox and a supporting cast. Meanwhile, the late comic Linda Smith is remembered at the Rose (Sunday, 08444 821 556, rosetheatre kingston.org) with a benefit featuring Andy Hamilton, Shappi Khorsandi (above), Mark Steel and Susan Calman. Sunday, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 (0844 875 0073, ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk)

Douglas Adams: The Party

The late author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy receives a special “virtual 60th” birthday tribute from Clive Anderson, Angus Deayton, Terry Jones, Brian Cox and Stephen Mangan. Sunday, Hammersmith Apollo, W6 (0844 844 0444, ticketmaster.co.uk)