The top London comedy shows to see in April

What is it? You’ll have a job getting into any of James Acaster’s bewildering multitude of new material London shows this March, although some have waiting lists and it looks like his Hackney Empire shows (technically in April) aren’t entirely sold out at time of writing. But you can also catch him at the head of a frankly sensational bill at a charity gig for The Bike Project earlier in the month at the Union Chapelon March 10, with tickets still abailable at time of writing.

Where is it? Various.

What is it? Nigerian standup Bamgboye took the best newcomer award at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe with her debut show Swings and Roundabouts which charted her move to the UK in her twenties, and showcased her often disorientating mastery of accents. This latest Soho Theatre run makes her possibly the first member of the line-up to return to live perfomance.

Where is it? Soho Theatre.

What is it? It’s easy to forget that a very, very long time ago Sue Perkins was just a straight up stand-up comic with a nice sideline in writing gags for French and Saunders with her pal Mel Giedroyc. A lot has happened since then, with the essential outcome that Perkins is a very successful TV presenter now, but she does periodically get back in touch with her roots and she makes a pretty damn credible return to the London stage via two nights at the might Soho Theatre Walthamstow.

Where is it? Soho Theatre Walthamstow.

What is it? This fundraiser for the Sophie Hayes Foundation – which helps female survivors of modern slavery – has a superb bill consiting of Sikisa, Lou Sanders, Harriet Kemsley, Sara Pascoe, Joe Wilkinson, Paul Foot and Katherine Ryan.

Where is it? Union Chapel.

What is it? Thanks to the ongoing cult behemoth that is Taskmaster, its host Greg Davies finds his stand up career hitting new highs, with a month of shows at the Apollo for his new show Full Fat Legend to be followed in December with his debut at the O2 – his biggest show to date. Despite the immodest name, the new show is, in essence, an autobiographical exploration of what an idiot he is. 

Where is it? Hammersmith Apollo (and The O2 in December).