Quite a regular at local comedy gigs, but only the small scale ones - hate the big stadium performers (Bishop, McIntyre, Kay etc), much prefer more intimate venues. Although I did enjoy the Mighty Boosh at the O2 a few years ago. Can't remember
all the good ones I've seen but...
The comedian I have seen live most often and the one I would
always go to see when the opportunity arises, no matter how much it cost, is Josie Long. I totally adore her and always find her very, very funny.
Also a big fan of Pappy's, the sketch group who recently had a series on BBC3 called Badults. They really don't come over that well on telly but I've seen them several times and they're consistently brilliant - hugely inventive and clever comedy. Matthew Crosby of Pappy's used to be the compere of the local comedy club and he was always very entertaining.
Another one I saw recently who I thought was brilliant and would happily pay to see again is David O'Doherty.
I've seen Count Arthur Strong three times. I know he's not to everyone's taste but if you are a fan, you absolutely must see him live - he's so much better on stage than on telly or radio.
there are some listed here i wouldnt go to see if they gave the tickets away such as lucy porter (she i s pitiful on mock the week)
Funny you should say that - I did recently get free tickets to see Lucy Porter at our local arts centre. I might not have gone otherwise but I'm glad I did - she's an engaging and very funny performer.
I also saw Harry Hill there a few years ago. He was incredible, and getting to see him in such a small venue was a rare privilege. One of the most interesting things about seeing him live was realising just how much he tones down the surreality for TV...
I hate Mock The Week - it's a lame format and only suits a certain style of comedian, one that I mostly can't stand (Andy Parsons, Russell Howard). I wouldn't expect to see Lucy Porter at her best on a show like that.
That said, I have seen Milton Jones a few times and I'm a big fan. Much better live than on telly - I get the feeling he sleepwalks his way through Mock The Week.