Comedy Festival; For full Birmingham Comedy Festival listings and all the latest news, interviews and features, see: www.bhamcomfest.co.uk.

To Saturday Oct 17 EAST IS EAST. Salford 1971: Chip shop owner George Khan is determined to raise his children in the traditional manner. But they have ideas of their own in writer Ayub Khan-Din's warm-hearted and hilarious story of two cultures clashing within one family. Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Broad St. Tel: [phone]; pounds 10-pounds 32; Mon-Sat 7.30pm; Sept 29 only, 7pm; matinees Oct 3, 8 & 15, 2pm. www.birmingham-rep.co.uk To Wednesday Oct 28 STEVE LILLY'S COMEDY CLASSICS. Showcasing the detailed graphite work of fine artist Steve Lilly with original artwork and prints featuring such comedy stars as the cast of Dad's Army, Carry On and Little Britain. Kitchen Garden Caf, 17 York Road, Kings Heath. Tel: [phone]; Free; Mon-Wed 9.30am-5pm, Thu-Sat 9.30am-11pm, Sun 10am-3.30pm. www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk Today THE AL PITCHER PICTURE SHOW.

Every comic will tell you a 'funny thing happened on the way to the gig' but camera-in-hand, awardwinning Kiwi Al has the pics to prove it. He'll be weaving the events of his day in Birmingham into a unique one-off show. The Glee Club Studio, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: [phone]; pounds 9, pounds 8 online, pounds 6 NUS; 7.30pm. www.glee.co.uk ANDREW O'NEILL: OCCULT COMEDIAN. O'Neill's show last year got him nominated for awards and this one's better! He isn't your usual stand-up comedian, though. Yes, he tells jokes and makes you laugh, but he does it all with an innate sense of absurdism. Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: [phone] or 0121 303 2323; pounds 9.50, pounds 10; 8pm. www.

oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk Today KYLE GROOMS & FELIX DEXTER.

Preppy US star Grooms takes us on a trip into the world of a man who is faced with hip-hop-obsessed America. He's joined by Felix Dexter, with his distinctive blend of character and stand-up humour. The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Bham B6 4UU. Tel: [phone]; pounds 15, pounds 12 adv, pounds 10 conc; 7pm. www.the-drum.org.uk Today and tomorrow THE BEST IN LIVE STAND-UP COMEDY A class line-up of top comedic talent featuring Barry Castagnola, Paul Thorne, Jason Wood and Justin Moorhouse. The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: [phone]; Fri pounds 14-pounds 7.50; pounds 17-pounds 16.50; 7.45pm. www.glee.co.uk Today and tomorrow SEAN COLLINS. The city's biggest comedy club presents Collins, Kyle Grooms and Roger Monkhouse (Fri only). Bar Risa/Jongleurs, Quayside Tower, 259-262 Broad St, Bham B1 2HF. Tel: [phone]; Fri pounds 14, Sat pounds 17; 7pm. www.jongleurs.com Tomorrow TONY HANCOCK APPRECIATION SOCIETY DAY. A whole day devoted to Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock, the Birmingham-born comedian and actor. With guests, memorabilia and screenings. Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: [phone]; pounds 7.50 & pounds 5; 10am to 6pm. www.

oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk Tomorrow ROB BRYDON Brydon's credits read like a compendium of modern British comedy - Marion And Geoff, I'm Alan Partridge, Black Books, Little Britain and most recently Gavin And Stacey. Now he returns with an evening of stand-up comedy that might feature a bit of singing, but will definitely feature an impression of Ronnie Corbett. Symphony Hall, Broad St, Bham B1 2EA. Tel: [phone]; pounds 18.50; 7.30pm. www.thsh.co.uk Tomorrow MARK ALLEN'S QUITE GOOD BRITAIN.

Great Britain has always struggled with its identity - the monarchy is German, the country's motto is French and our national animal comes from Africa. Documentary comedian Allen is determined to sort it out! Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: [phone]; pounds 9.50, pounds 10; 8pm. www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk Sunday COMEDY AT THE ACTRESS & BISHOP.

A fun-packed night of stand-up comedy featuring some of Birmingham's finest comics, including Gary Delaney, Andy White, Dan Smith and Tom Roche. Actress And Bishop, Ludgate Hill, Bham B3 1EH. Tel: [phone]; pounds 6; 8.30pm. www.

comedytom.com Sunday FRANK CARSON. A real comedy legend, Frank's CV includes nearly every light entertainment programme on TV, from The Comedians and Opportunity Knocks to Tiswas. Maybe it's cause of 'the way he tells em'. This promises to be an absolute cracker! Town Hall, Victoria Sq, Bham B3 3DQ. Tel: [phone]; pounds 15; 7pm. www.thsh.co.uk Sunday JO ENRIGHT. Despite a burgeoning comic acting career (Phoenix Nights, Britain's Got The Pop Factor, Lab Rats), she still manages to find the time to tread the boards as a stand-up comic. The Electric Cinema, 47-49 Station St, Bham B5 4DY. Tel: [phone]; 7pm; pounds 10, pounds 7.50 conc. www.theelectric.co.uk Sunday RICH HALL AND OTIS LEE CRENSHAW.

Another chance to see the deadpan genius as he returns for a doubleheadliner with his alter ego, redneck jailbird Otis Lee Crenshaw. The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: [phone]; pounds 16.50, pounds 16 online, pounds 10 NUS; 7pm. www.glee.co.uk Monday HALF-MOON COMEDY CLUB. Comedy returns to The Crescent with another cracking line-up, headlined by Birmingham's own Jo Enright, aided by the oddball observations of East Midlander Jim Smallman, writer and comedian Louise Stokes (aka Nicola Goff the Goth) and Craig Deeley. Crescent Theatre Bar, Sheepcote St, Brindleyplace, Bham B16 8AE. Tel: [phone]; pounds 5; 7.30pm. www.crescent-theatre.co.uk Monday THE PROPOSAL. Sparks fly in Chekhov's classic one-act comedy from The Crescent Theatre Company. The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote St, Brindleyplace, Bham B16 8AE. Tel: [phone]; pounds 5; 7pm. www.crescent-theatre.co.uk Tuesday GRAHAM FELLOWS PRESENTS SOUTHERN SOFTIES. Comic documentary film as Sheffield-based entertainer John Shuttleworth travels to the Channel Islands with camcorder-owning neighbour Ken Worthington to discover if it's 'soft down south'. The Electric Cinema, 47-49 Station St, Bham B5 4DY. Tel: [phone]; pounds 8.50; 6.30pm. www.theelectric.co.uk Tuesday CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY CLUB.

The longest running pub-based comedy club in the Midlands continues with Bristolian Mark Olver, a much in-demand warm-up comic for such TV shows. The Cross Bar, 147 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Bham B13 8JP. Tel: [phone]; pounds 5, pounds 4 conc; 8pm. www.cheekycomedy.co.uk Tuesday THE LAUGHING SOLE. The acclaimed comedy club, which runs under a cleaner and less offensive ethos, returns with special appearances from Jo Enright and compere Mrs Barbara Nice, plus Craig Deeley and Russ Bravo. The British Oak, 1364 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Bham B30 2XS. Tel: [phone]; pounds 6; 7.30pm. www.

thelaughingsole.org.uk Tuesday POLISH COMEDY NIGHT. A night of top Eastern European larks and mischief, featuring some of the biggest names in Polish stand-up. Please note that the entire night will be in Polish! The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: [phone]; admission tbc; 7pm.

Tuesday SHEILA M'S COMEDY NIGHT. A delicious night of comedy featuring Nipper Thomas - one of the West Midlands' best-kept comedy secrets, with over 20 years experience - and hosted by Sheila M. The Place 2B, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield B73 5BD. Tel: [phone]; pounds 10-pounds 4; 7pm. www.sheila-m.com Wednesday AN AUDIENCE WITH MRS BARBARA NICE. We couldn't really have a Festival without a headline show from one of the city's best-loved comedy stars - Kings Heath housewife Mrs Barbara Nice. Straight off the No50 bus, she might even stage dive. The Electric Cinema, 47-49 Station St, Bham B5 4DY. Tel: [phone]; pounds 10, pounds 7.50 conc; 7pm. www.theelectric.co.uk Wednesday ELIS JAMES: THE MOST CAUTIOUS LITTLE BOY IN WALES. The unsung star of Rhod Gilbert's radio show, occasional Radio One presenter and host of 2008's Comedy Zone makes his solo debut. The Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY; pounds 9.50, pounds 10; 8pm. www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk Thursday THE BEST IN LIVE STAND-UP COMEDY. Another sterling Glee line-up featuring Charlie Baker, Andy Robinson, Joe Bor and guests.

The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: [phone]; Thu pounds 14.50-pounds 6.50; Fri pounds 14-pounds 7.50; Sat pounds 17-pounds 16.50; 7.45pm.

www.glee.co.uk Thursday GOD IS A COMEDIAN. G.I.A.C presents a Birmingham Comedy Festival special in the heart of the city's historic and bustling Jewellery Quarter. The Red Lion, 94-96 Warstone Lane, Hockley, Bham B18 6NG. Tel: [phone]; pounds 3; 8pm. www.theredlionbirmingham.com Thursday KENT VALENTINE. Dynamic Aussie comedian Kent explores how you share something you love with people you can't stand in a show that also contains traces of Star Wars, Nazis, pigeons, fights and London, all delivered with an infectious mix of irreverence and enthusiastic optimism. The Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: [phone] or 0121 303 2323; pounds 9.50, pounds 10; 8pm. www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk Thursday ROBIN INCE VS THE MORAL MAJORITY. Noted intellectual Ince is back with more of his angry tirades, followed closely by some quiet musings. This is the kind of stand-up that will both inspire and entertain. The Electric Cinema, 47-49 Station St, Bham B5 4DY. Tel: [phone]; pounds 10, pounds 7.50 conc; 7pm. www.theelectric.co.uk Friday and Saturday Oct 9 & 10 DAVID O'DOHERTY. David O'Doherty, the Ryanair James Bond, the 1990 East Leinster under-14 triple jump bronze medalist, returns. There will be standing up, there will be sitting down, there will be a song where he tries to seduce the entire audience. Whimsical genius. The Glee Club Studio, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: [phone]; pounds 11.50, pounds 11 online; 7.30pm. www.glee.co.uk Friday Oct 9 THE CURATE'S EGG DEADPAN COMEDICINE SHOW. Alternative comedy godfather Ted Chippington returns for more 'non-jokes' alongside Simon Munnery, the Spike Milligan-esque creator of Alan Parker: Urban Warrior. Together they plough stubborn and unique furrows. The Hare And Hounds, High St, Kings Heath, Bham B14 7JZ. Tel: [phone]; pounds 7 door, pounds 5 adv; 8pm. www.myspace.com/thecuratesegg Friday Oct 9 STOOLPIGEON'S POSTCARDS ON THE EDGE. A two-hour musical comedy trip featuring stand-up, satire and monologues reminiscent of a McGill saucy seaside postcard, all brought to life by the foot-tapping Stoolpigeon. Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre, Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: [phone]; pounds 10, pounds 9 conc; 7.30pm. www.bobgessey.co.uk Friday Oct 9 STEWART FRANCIS: TOUR DE FRANCIS. Great comedians come in cycles! Featuring deadpan Canadian comic and writer Francis, as seen on Mock The Week, Michael McIntrye's Comedy Roadshow, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and The Omid Djalili Show. Comedy Junction, Station Pub, Station Street, Sutton Coldfield B73 6AT; pounds 10; 8pm. www.comedyjunction.co.uk Saturday Oct 10 DR JOHNNY FAIADE'S SOMETHING ABOUT NOTHING. Dr Faade presents a fast-paced interactive show that fuses magic, multimedia and stand-up. Hilarious 'clean comedy' that will appeal to a broad age range. Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: [phone]; pounds 8 (3pm); pounds 10 (8pm). www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk Saturday Oct 10 TICKLISH ALLSORTS: A MIXED BAG OF COMEDY DELIGHTS. A pic'n'mix of sweet comedy treats, including characters, music, theatre and stand-up from the likes of Craig Deeley, Vikki Stone, Lee Dempsey and a bunch of other local acts. Awardwinning Birmingham comic and writer Shazia Mirza headlines. The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote St, Brindleyplace, Bham B16 8AE. Tel: [phone]; pounds 12, pounds 10 conc; 7pm. www.crescent-theatre.co.uk Saturday Oct 10 GARY COLMAN IS...VERY RARELY RONG. After 14 years as an army doctor he quit just before the last Gulf War (the secret of comedy? Timing) and now gets his 'buzz on' from diving, snowboarding and 'extreme neighbourhood watch'. Custard Factory Theatre, Gibb St, Gibb Square, Bham B9 4AA. Tel: [phone]; pounds 8; 8pm. www.

custardfactory.co.uk Sunday Oct 11 PAM AYRES. The much-loved Radio 4 regular and bestselling writer of such verse as I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth and Do You Think Bruce Springsteen Would Fancy Me? presents poems both old and new. Symphony Hall, Broad St, Bham B1 2EA. Tel: [phone]; pounds 16.50; 3.30pm. www.thsh.co.uk