^{Alan Bissett as his alter ego Moira} 

Alan Bissett

I’d love to catch Jay Lafferty at The Stand. She has a great, bouncy energy and highly likeable patter. A cracking act.

Alan Bissett: Moira In Lockdown, Òran Mór, Sunday 2 April; Jay Lafferty: Bahookie, The Stand, Saturday 1 April.

Amelia Bayler

When Elaine Malcolmson was a guest on my podcast she said her past was a lot more chaotic (think double acts/sketch shows/madness), and Commissioned has that vibe. Elaine brings together comedians who are going to write material on a theme chosen by the audience. 

Amelia Bayler: Singing Lessons, Van Winkle, Thursday 30 March; Elaine Malcolmson: Commissioned, McChuills, Sunday 2 April.

^{Celya AB/Picture: Rachel Sherlock}

Celya AB

It was difficult to choose one, especially as I’ve seen a fair few already; all excellent, but it has to be David McIver. He writes really nice off-beat jokes and just knows his stage persona so well. He makes me laugh a lot.

Celya AB Has A Bit Of Fun (Is That Such A Crime?), The Old Hairdresser’s, Sunday 19 March; David McIver: Small Boy Trapped In A Wellness Retreat, Gilchrist Postgraduate Club, Thursday 16 March.

Charlie Vero-Martin

I’m desperate to see Norwegian clown Viggo Venn’s show. Everything I have seen of his so far has been so brilliantly silly and makes me laugh so hard.

Charlie Vero-Martin: Picnic, McChuills, Tuesday 21 March; Viggo Venn: Club Comedian, Blackfriars, Thursday 30 March.

^{Chris Forbes}

Chris Forbes

I saw Ania Magliano for the first time at the start of the year and was blown away by how funny, unique and confident she was despite still being a relative newcomer. The kind of act you’ll say ‘I saw her years ago at The Old Hairdresser’s’ once she’s a megastar. Worth seeing for her ‘horse girl’ routine alone.

Chris Forbes, The Stand, Saturday 18 March; Ania Magliano: Absolutely No Worries If Not, The Old Hairdresser’s, Saturday 18 March.

Connor Burns

Every comedian’s work is a patchwork quilt of their influences. I would definitely have to sew a Jim Jefferies patch into mine. To see such a gut-wrenchingly honest comic perform live in a city that values authenticity is very exciting. 

Connor Burns: Live, Laugh, Loathe, The Stand, Sunday 19 March; Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want, SEC, Wednesday 8 March.

^{Emmanuel Sonubi on stage at Live At The Apollo}

Emmanuel Sonubi

I’m very much looking forward to seeing Andrew Maxwell’s Krakatoa. This show is a delightful mix of witty observations, hilarious anecdotes and clever wordplay that will have you laughing from start to finish. His unique style and energetic stage presence will leave you thoroughly entertained.

Emmanuel Sonubi: Emancipated, Òran Mór, Friday 31 March; Andrew Maxwell: Krakatoa, Òran Mór, Saturday 25 March.

Grubby Little Mitts

Phil Green is a great storyteller and his show is so much fun. It’s a stand-up multimedia show featuring loads of 90s nostalgia, with him chatting about his dysfunctional family, politics and ADHD. And it’s a huge celebration of his terrible taste in music: one-hit wonder follow-up singles. Strong Grubb energy.

Grubby Little Mitts, Blackfriars, Saturday 1 April; Phil Green: 90s Boy – Blair, The Lovegun And Me, Van Winkle, Saturday 1 April.

^{Ria Lina}

Ria Lina

Kwame Asante’s In Stitches is exactly my kind of show. I may be biased as a science geek, but Kwame’s stories from working as an A&E doctor are hilarious, and he sprinkles some everyday humour in there too.

Ria Lina, Room 2, Tuesday 21 March; Kwame Asante: In Stitches, Van Winkle, Saturday 18 March.

Suchandrika Chakrabarti 

I’ve seen evidence that Susan Riddell really is living her second-best life: aren’t we all these days? I met her while gigging in Brighton, then her phone went AWOL on the train back to London. She laughed her way through the pain though, so I’ve got high hopes for her show. 

Suchandrika Chakrabarti: Reunion/Afterparty, Van Winkle, Wednesday 22 March; Susan Riddell: Living My 2nd Best Life, The Stand, Tuesday 28 March.

^{Tessa Coates/Picture: Rachel Sherlock}

Tessa Coates

Now, this is a bit of a cheat, because he’s also my friend, but I think Kieran Hodgson’s comedy is some of the finest work to grace god’s green earth and I can’t wait to see this new show. He came to stay with me recently and made us watch University Challenge and he scored 36! Can you imagine? I scored one, and that was only because I kept saying ‘Degas. Degas’. Until, eventually, it was ‘Degas’.

Tessa Coates: Get Your Tessa Coates You’ve Pulled, The Old Hairdresser’s, Sunday 19 March; Kieran Hodgson: Big In Scotland, The Old Hairdresser’s, Sunday 19 March.