November comedy guide

Doctor Brown 'Befrdfgth' @ Soho Theatre, November 1

Crowned the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy award winner this summer, mime act Doctor Brown will be bringing the silent treatment to the Soho Theatre for a string of dates that’ll have you in stitches. The American comic (aka Phil Burgers) isn’t your traditional mime act, though (bar the black gloves); expect to be taken on a hysterical and sometimes dark journey through bullfighting, parental abandonment and awkward sexual encounters.

Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, W1D 3NE. Until November 10. Tickets from £10 (sohotheatre.com)

The Horne Section @ Purcell Room, November 1 

Edinburgh sell-outs and Radio 4 regulars The Horne Section are bringing their jazz-infused comedy roadshow to the capital. Led by Brit comedy veteran Alex Horne, guest comedians get the laughs going and are backed up by a talented jazz ensemble. It’s spontaneous stand-up at its best, and previous guests have included Simon Amstell, Tim Vine and Jimmy Carr. Who will it be this time? Head down to find out.

The Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Until Novemver 2. Tickets £20 (southbankcentre.co.uk)

Tim Key 'Masterslut' @ Arts Theatre, November 15

Looking for something alternative to regular stand up? This is your man. A writer, actor and performance poet, Tim Key’s sharp poetry readings, short stories and small film clips were the recipe for success for the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2009. ‘Masterslut’ is the follow-up to 2010’s equally bizarre ‘The Slutcracker’, so grab a ticket if you’re into your zany comedy.

The Arts Theatre, Great Newport St, WC2H 7JB. Until November 21. Tickets from £14 (artstheatrewestend.co.uk)

Sarah Millican 'Thoroughly Modern Millican' @ Hammersmith Apollo, November 3

Geordie funny lass Sarah Millican will be filling the huge Hammersmith Apollo with her filthy but sweet quips and anecdotes for two nights only. She’ll be right at home here as she’s a regular on the Michael McIntyre-fronted ‘Live at the Apollo’, and these dates are extras of her ‘Thoroughly Modern Millican’ tour. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a homemade treadmill or what you should do if you hate parties but love party food, Sarah will sort you out.

Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline St, W6 9QH. Until November 4. Tickets £20 (hammersmithapollo.com)

Josie Long 'Romance and Adventure' @ Soho Theatre, November 5

The political activist and one-time sidekick of Robin Ince is back. Since the 2012 general election, Long has based more and more of her comedy around her growing political prowess, and this time she’s back with another sweary show that sees her tell mountain-climbing anecdotes, her thoughts on growing up and launch into hysterical tirades about social justice. The show was nominated for the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, so don’t miss your chance to catch it live.

Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, W1D 3NE.Until November 10. Tickets from £12.50 (sohotheatre.com)

Susan Calman 'This Lady’s Not for Turning Either'  @ Soho Theatre, November 13

If you like your comedy razor-sharp, this is the show for you. Feisty Scot Susan Calman is a regular on Radio 4’s ‘The News Quiz’ and has been a guest panelist on the ever-witty ‘Have I Got News For You. This latest show follows her stint at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, which earned her rave reviews for her ability to laugh at herself – her humour is often called self-deprecating, neurotic and angsty.

Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, W1D 3NE. Until November 21. Tickets £10 (sohotheatre.com)

Frankie Boyle 'The Last Days of Sodom' @ Hammersmith Apollo, November 8

The king of offensive comedy is taking to the stage one more time before packing up stand up for good. He’s been embroiled in controversy since the beginning, but has won some members of the public over with various panel performances on Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, as well as his hugely popular first TV series Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights. He’s rude, crude and tells it like it is. It’s going to be one big farewell, so snap up tickets now.