Andrew Lawrence
London
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the many people who I expect bullied Andrew Lawrence as a young man; without you, he would not be one of the funniest and brightest young talents of the UK stand-up circuit. Lawrence continues to preview his latest offering, Don't Just Do Something - Sit There! this week. Not an act for the easily offended, the crux of Lawrence's ire is everything - mortgages, relationships, work and the general injustices of life - no detail of modern society is left unturned. His shows are wordy soliloquies in which each point has been laboured on and processed through Lawrence's unique comic mind to utter perfection, and then presented with perfect tone, rhythm and pace.
· Fat Tuesdays at Salmon & Compass, E1, Tue 1
Comedy Night For Depression Alliance
London
As someone who has suffered from depression all his adult life, I can assure you that it is no laughing matter. But if laughter is the best medicine, then tonight's bill could very well be the cure. It features the world's 41st best stand-up (according to Channel 4), Stewart Lee (pictured), a man at the peak of his powers and without doubt one of the masters of the form. He's joined by the wonderful Colin and Fergus, who apply all the classic rules of a double act while still seeming fresh, original and downright hilarious. Making up the rest of the bill is a cabal of middle-class favourites: Brummie, hairy comic Shazia Mirza; salty stand-up Lucy Porter; and camp, effervescent Hal Cruttenden.
· Union Chapel, N1, Mon 30
The Penny Dreadfuls: Aeneas Faversham Forever
London
If you like your comedy performed by men in waistcoats with a Victorian slant, then roll on up this weekend to the Penny Dreadfuls' new comedy play. The Penny Dreadfuls are a sketch collective comprised of three lads who met at Edinburgh University, a threesome of talented comedy performers and writers halfway between Python and the League Of Gentlemen. Their new show is about terror and intrigue in Victorian London, and you can expect to see all their writing and performing talents showcased to the max as you experience a truly charming Victorian-themed evening, only without the bothersome typhoid and cholera.
· Greenwich Theatre, SE10, Sat 28
Edinburgh Preview Season At The Wilmington
London
'Tis the season of Edinburgh previews, when acts full of hope and optimism test the waters with a live audience to see if this is going to be their year. Previews are often a mixed bag: sometimes littered with exposition and apologies; other times a glimpse into the early stages of what will surely be an award-winning show. Either way, they are an experience. With its cabaret seating, The Wilmington Arms is a lovely venue to take in the shows, which is why we at the Fix have chosen to present a series of previews there. Sunday's double bill of nerds has Southend video shop proprietor Rich Sandling examining why video is more important than punk and Andrew "I'm not a Goth" O'Neill musing on the history of British industry.
· Wilmington Arms, EC1, Sun 29