Mark Thomas | Wed 28 Feb to Sat 3 Mar | mac | £20
The left wing rabble rousing comedian has been using his humour to poke around into the affairs of the establishment and annoy them for nigh on three decades. In Showtime from the Frontline, Mark tells the story of how he tried to set up a comedy club in the Jenin refugee camp in Palestine, a stronghold for the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade. Appearing at the mac with two aspiring comics from the Jenin club, Fasial Abu Alhayjaa and Alaa Shehada, Thomas’ tale is acutely pertinent, funny and moving. macbirmingham.co.uk

Tina T’urner Tea Lady | Fri 2 Mar & Thu 26 Apr | Old Joint Stock | £10 
An utterly bizarre and surreal trawl through the eighties canon of Tina Turner as comedian Tracey Collins becomes the deluded char lady Tina T’urner, obsessed with her hero and with a nice sideline in steamy bingo, Collins’ award winning musical comedy is unforgettable. Be warned, audience participation is a big part of the show. www.oldjointstock.co.uk

Steve Bugeja | Fri 2 Mar | Cherry Reds | £7 
Strong lineup at Cherry Reds comedy club once again, cosy laughs in the upstairs space with four quality comics headed up by regular TV presence Steve Bugeja (pronounced Boo-Jay-A) who has appeared on Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central. Hannah Silvester, Morgan Rees and Riordan Patrick complete the bill. www.skiddle.com

Dara O Briain | Thu 1 Mar to Sat 3 Mar | Hippodrome | £23
The gentle Irish genius of O Briain is almost a genre in itself with his passion for science and common sense, matched with a sharply observed comedic mind, becoming a reassuring presence on our TV screens. Did someone say national treasure? For three nights at The Hippodrome audiences can catch Dara at his laconically biting best in new show Voice of Reason. No frippery or gimmicks, just one very funny man and a deep well of intelligent comedy material upon which to draw. www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Alyssa Edwards | Wed 7 Mar | Glee| £20
Say hello to everyone’s favourite tongue-popping RuPaul’s Drag Race star Alyssa Edwards, as she high-kicks her way into Birmingham for her one-woman show at The Glee Club in March courtesy of Birmingham’s party denizen’s Klub Kids. See full preview here.

Russell Brand | Thu 8 Mar | Symphony Hall | £30.50
For so many a polarising figure, there is no denying the star power of rock and roll comedian Russell Brand. Rebel, writer, actor and superstar comic, the lanky gob on legs is now a dad and new show Re: Birth explores the unexpected maturity that parenthood brings. www.thsh.co.uk

Bobby Mair | Fri 9 Mar | Glee | £12.50 
The third cousin of Justin Bieber, Bobby Mair is a Canadian comic now settled in the UK possessed of a riotous and infectious live energy. The Likeable comedian has appeared on several TV shows including Russell Howard’s Good News, he reminds us of Russell, and the usual panel show roll call of Never Mind The Buzzcocks, 8 out of 10 Cats etc. www.glee.co.uk

Jon Richardson | Sat 10 Mar | Hippodrome | £20.50
The deadpan miserablist is a ubiquitous presence on television with his peculiar brand of self-deprecation and blunt personal honesty. Richardson’s  comedic style is forthright and engaging, piquing that ‘we’re all in this together’ interest that so many comics attempt and fail. Be it lengthy discussions about his knitwear or dipping into the ridiculous political diaspora of contemporary society, there is always a relate-able edge to his humour. Current show ‘Old Man’ is a masterclass in the art of complaining. birminghamhippodrome.com

Phil Wang | Sun 11 Mar | Glee | £12
The British Malaysian comedian and one time winner of the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year, Phil Wang’s gloriously deadpan lite delivery and explosive self-deprecation is an absolute blast live, always containing some real did I really just laugh at that moments. A stellar TV CV with all the big hitters ticked off, such as HIGNFY and 8 out of Ten Cats, intimate Wang at the Glee will be very special. www.glee.co.uk

Lou Conran | Thu 15 Mar | mac | £10
In acclaimed show I Love Lou C, Conran fearlessly tackles taboo and centres the tragedy of losing her own baby in a performance around which orbits material loaded with poignancy and unexpected humour. The Edinburgh Fringe veteran has stated she had to relearn how to be funny, we can assure you her pointed comedy is as sharp as ever, the shift between dark and light subject matter is effortless.  macbirmingham.co.uk

Tiff Stevenson | Fri 23 Mar | Glee | £15
Punchy and political Tiffany ‘Tiff’ Stevenson is a familiar face of British comedy, having starred in hit shows like The Office, The Apprentice: You’re Fired and Mock The Week. More recently she’s enjoyed glittering success in BBC Three’s new show People Just Do Nothing. In new show Bombshell, Stevenson tackles familiar themes with a laser guided, and at times unforgiving, self reflection. Never less than hilarious, nor frightened to duck uncomfortable issues, she is an engagingly intelligent and challenging comedian. www.glee.co.uk

George Egg | Sat 24 Mar | Artrix | £14
A whole new menu for the anarchist cook as he brings scary power tools and bonkers meal planning to the Artrix. You may never look at your kitchen, or shed, in the same way again. Ride a wave of violent culinary punnery to a closing tasting session that may just blow your mind. artrix.co.uk

Tom Stade | Wed 28 Mar | Glee | £17.50
Let Canadian comedian Tom Stade hold your hand and guide you through these precarious times in new show ‘I Swear’. An apt title considering the blaze of foul language that peppers Stade’s on stage routine, the abrasive comic pulls no punches as his laser guided wit focuses on the vagaries of the modern age, oh and the joys of driving a 2002 Honda Civic. Be prepared to engage as Stade’s shows can go in any direction dependent on audience reaction. Interesting fact, Tom was once mugged in Bilston. www.glee.co.uk