Ahead of the big purple cow's return to the capital this Friday, we review the best comedy shows she has to offer.
The weather may have descended back into typical British style of late, but don't despair, summer's still coming. How do we know? Because Udderbelly's back in London this week! Yes, if you're wanting to get pumped up for Edinburgh, lack the funds to go this year or just enjoy your comedy that much more in a giant inflatable upside down cow rather than the back room of a pub, you'll be glad to know the famous Fringe Festival venue will return to the South Bank as of Friday. And with a host of huge circuit names turning out to show citizens of the capital a good time over the next two months, the programme looks just as good if not better than last year's. Frankly, you'd be hard-pressed to go wrong with any of the line-up, but for those with limited time and budget constraints, here's our pick of the best shows:
Brendon Burns
May 14th & July 15th, 9pm
This colourful Aussie comic has had quite the chequered past, having handed out six kilos of mushrooms to the audience during a set at Glastonbury before tucking in to his own stash, and then checking himself into the Priory after a psychotic meltdown. Having now been clean for several years, the former if.comedy winner is still producing provocative, sharp and undeniably honest material.
Alun Cochrane
May 20th, 9pm
After being nominated for a Perrier in 2004 for his debut show My Favourite Words in My Best Stories, easygoing Yorkshireman Cochrane has become a firm Fringe favourite. His style blends more typical anecdotes and observational humour with surrealist fantasy, and he has that natural born stand-up's ability to make everyday happenings seem hysterically funny.
Frisky & Mannish: Pop Educators
June 3rd, 10th & 17th, 9pm
This pop cabaret duo picked up 13 five-star reviews for their 2009 Fringe show, which featured guest artists such as Kate Nash, Malcolm McLaren and Phill Jupitus. Their clever mashing together and reinvention of pop songs from the last 50 years brings cabaret to a new-generation audience.
Greg Davies: Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog
June 22nd, 9pm
A literal comedic giant, standing at 6ft 8", Davies is best-known for his role as head of sixth form Mr Gilbert on brilliant school-boy comedy The Inbetweeners. His new solo show promises the usual mix of amusing anecdotal stuff and fantastic physical comedy that characterise his stand-up style.
Robin Ince's Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People
June 24th, 9pm
If you haven't seen a Robin Ince comedic rant yet, you really should. An unapologetic proponent of all things Guardian reader, whether or not you identify with his politics you can't fail to admire the energy, commitment and research with which his shows are delivered. This special summer edition of his annual festive season-themed show will no doubt be a sell-out as it is every Christmas, so get in quick.
Maxwell's Fullmooners
July 10th, 10.45pm
Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell's late-night cabaret show has attracted a phenomenal cult following, from humble beginnings at the Comedy Store to becoming one of the most sought-after tickets at the Edinburgh Fringe. Expect the typically expert blend of comic and kitsch when Maxwell brings his show to South Bank, with special guests as well as regulars like professional eccentric Tim Fitzhigham.
Read Spoonfed's interviews with Udderbelly performers:
Milton Jones
Brendon Burns
Pete Firman
Carl Donnelly
Dan Clark
See more Udderbelly events
See more things to do in London
Return to London Comedy homepage
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...