London comedy 2019: The best comedy shows of the year, from Hannah Gadsby to Tim Minchin – Evening Standard

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Good lord, havent we all needed a laugh this year? Shout out to all the comedians who have kept us on the right side of despair.

Were paying homage to some of the best gigs of the year, from observational stand-up and big hitters to niche nonsense and newcomers.

These are Evening Standard comedy critic Bruce Dessaus top ten shows from 2019:

Bruce Dessau had his faith in comedy restored after watching John Kearns in his latest show. Distinctive, thought-provoking and steering stand-up into rarely explored waters, Double Take and Fade Away was leagues away from the comedy-by-numbers routines of some arena shows. One minute hes singing the praises of Leonardo Da Vinci, the next he is mocking him, noting that drawing helicopters is not the same as building them. Five stars for Kearnss humour with a philosophical garnish.

Nanette- which became a global smash hit after being picked up by Netflix - was a tough act to follow, but Hannah Gadbsy wasnt put off. If she has not topped Nanette, its sequel, Douglas, certainly matches its brilliance, said Bruce Dessau in his five star review. Douglas had less volcanic ire and more mischief in the show where every detail matters, from Wheres Wallyto mansplaining. Gadsbys masterpiece of a show was met with a well-earned standing ovation.

(Andy Hollingworth)

Tim Minchinsfirst UK tour in eight years saw the fiendishly clever comic deliver a show more music gig than stand-up set except that rock lyrics are never, ever this funny. From songs such as Rock n; Roll Nerd to a very curse-heavy F**k This, he had the audience in stitches all the way up to the rafters.

This is Lee the clever crowdpleaser, said Bruce Dessau in his review. Stewart Lee delivered two shows in one: Tornado, which stemmed from a Netflix listing error that confused his stand-up special with a shark Armageddon movie, and Snowflake, which plunges into the world of political correctness. Among teasing of Ricky Gervais and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, he was equally swift to mock himself. Although not all may agree with him, it is testament to his talent that he is even brutally funny when wrong.

Until January 25, Leicester Square Theatre, leicestersquaretheatre.com. June 27, 28, July 1-3, Royal Festival Hall, southbankcentre.co.uk

After a particularly well-received debut at Edinburgh Fringe, London-based New Yorker Janine Harouni bagged herself a Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer nomination. A natural anecdotalist with a compelling story, Harouni had the right formula for a knock-out show, as she wove her relationship with her Trump-voting father into a wider fable of compassion, tolerance and reconciliation.

Until December 21, Soho Theatre, sohotheatre.com

(Idil Sukan)

Jessica Fostekew found her voice in Hench, a show about the tyranny of body image and her reaction to being called hench by a man in the gym. Another nominee for this years Edinburgh Comedy Awards this time for best show the voice she found is a loud and vital one. Bruce Dessau said in his review that the laughs flow thick and fast alongside the anger.

January 6-25, Soho Theatre, sohotheatre.com

Desiree Burchs compelling monologue explored race, relationships and identity through a story about her quest for sex at Burning Man festival. Desirees Coming Early is a near-perfect example of comedic storytelling, said Bruce Dessau in his review. Burch knows what she is doing. You will be hooked until the show reaches its, no pun intended, climax.

This consummate performance confirms that the Portsmouth-born comic has truly hit her stride, said Bruce Dessau about Suzi Ruffells show Nocturnal. It first debuted at the Fringe in 2018 (when it deserved an award nod), and saw the Portsmouth-born comedian talk about anxiety over everything from dating show Naked Attraction to internet trolls. She followed it up with Dance Like Nobodys Watching, where she showed that comedy doesnt need to come from misery. It has been a good year for Ruffell.

February 24-29, Soho Theatre, sohotheatre.com

(Matt Writtle)

Another comic who made an absolutely storming full-length debut at this years Edinburgh Fringe was Sophie Duker, with Venus. The Standards review called her so assured that she is surely heading straight to the top no exaggeration, as she was nominated for Best Newcomer. The title was inspired by the Hottentot Venus, Sara Baartman, an African woman who was regarded as a freak in the 19th century because of her buttocks, and led to a show about feminism, race and perception. While the subject matter might sometimes sound heavy, said Bruce Dessau. Duker has a tremendous lightness of touch.

January 13-18, Soho Theatre, sohotheatre.com

Sometimes silliness is what we need. Spencer Joness D-I-Y brand of Tommy Cooper-meets-Noel Fielding delivers it in spades, complete with googly eyeballs and no shortage of audience interaction. From the moment he walks on his funny bones make everyone laugh, said Bruce Dessau in his review. It is nonsense but brilliant nonsense.

January 11, Soho Theatre, sohotheatre.com

Ben Meadows

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Adrian Lourie

Tan Roberts

Matt Writtle

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Dave

Idil Sukan

Josh Knox

Matt Stronge

Mark Dawson

Dave

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Jiksaw

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Ben Meadows

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Adrian Lourie

Tan Roberts

Matt Writtle

Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures

Dave

Idil Sukan

Josh Knox

Matt Stronge

Mark Dawson

Dave

PA

Matt Crossick/Empics Entertainment

Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures

Jiksaw

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London comedy 2019: The best comedy shows of the year, from Hannah Gadsby to Tim Minchin - Evening Standard