Best of 2014: Comedy preview

Julian Hall picks this year’s must-see comedy

Julian Hall
Friday 03 January 2014 13:30 EST
Comments
Miranda Hart in ‘My, What I Call, Live Show’
Miranda Hart in ‘My, What I Call, Live Show’ (Rex Features)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Miles Jupp Is The Chap You’re Thinking Of

The eloquent, erudite comedian promises to take on burning issues such as having to have opinions and other people’s pants during this follow-up to his sumptuous cricketing adventure Fibber in the Heat. Filming a third series of Rev and with a number of feature films in the offing, Jupp is a hot ticket.

Tour starts 9 January, Reading South Street Arts Centre and runs to 2 April

John Robins: Where Is My Mind?

The former flatmate of Russell Howard and Jon Richardson deserves a share of the limelight himself and should get it with this charming show. It falls into two distinct halves – a tale of him as a romantic underdog and a sequence relating his neuroses about his health. Structurally, this was a little problematic for an hour-long Edinburgh set, but it should be ideal on tour.

Tour starts 28 January, Soho Theatre, London and runs to 14 March

Miranda Hart: My, What I Call, Live Show

Her sitcom is, by turns, brilliant and groanworthy, so a certain amount of “will she pull it off?” anticipation of Miranda Hart’s debut live tour could be forgiven. It’s touted as her first stand-up foray, though Hart took a number of hour-long character shows to the Edinburgh Fringe between 2002 and 2005.

Tour starts 28 February, Bournemouth International Centre and runs to 18 October

Russell Kane: Smallness

Neurotic, elastic, fantastic, the buoyant, bouffant jester previewed his treatise on inhibition at the smallest Edinburgh venue he could – the 55-seater Pleasance That. Now playing more expansive venues, Kane hasn’t lost any of his ability to enthrall.

Touring to 11 May

Michael Che: Cartoon Violence

When I first saw Che, the American was battling a rowdy Edinburgh Fringe crowd. Even in these less than ideal conditions his natural charm and streetwise pragmatism caught the eye. Now the comedian, feted by Variety and Rolling Stone, has another chance to shine with this brief London residency.

27 May to 1 June, Soho Theatre, London

Lee Mack: Hit The Road Mack

Mack was on fine form recently at the Royal Free Rocks With Laughter charity night where his new material hinted at good things to come. Forthright to the point of brusque, Mack’s relentless style and high hit rate can leave you simultaneously reeling and gasping for more.

Tour starts 23 August, Roisin Dubh, Galway and runs to 13 December

2014 Theatre preview

2014 Film preview

2014 Visual art preview

2014 Pop preview

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in