HUMOROUS SHOWS 

Pierre Novellie: You Sit There, I’ll Stand Here | Soho Theatre | 19-31 Jan
Hey everyone, how is January going? How are you coping with all this cold and damp and possibly even snowy weather? Could you do with a nice laugh? Or a wry smile? Possibly both? Then why not take in something potentially mildly amusing or even hilarious? I think we can expect quite a lot of funny material from this acclaimed comedy act, don’t you? Go on, book your tickets here. 

The Olive Boy | Southwark Playhouse Borough | 14-31 Jan (pictured)
Right, talking of acclaimed stuff, but also things we heard about via the Edinburgh Fringe, let’s go see this much loved sell out show. It’s a solo performance based on its creator Ollie Madigan’s own experiences, and although it tells a sad story, it’s described as a “hilarious, yet heartfelt comedy” and delivers an inspiring message via its bereaved teenage protagonist. Head this way to find out more.

I’ll Be Back | The Glitch | 14-19 Jan
The title might have given you an idea about what this is, and to avoid any doubt, I’ll go right ahead and tell you that it’s a one woman ‘Terminator’ parody, in which a terminator built with Windows 95 must travel back in time to Dudley to complete a quest to save humanity, assisted by Clippy the MS paperclip, and accompanied by 90s pop hits. Which all sounds rather fun, right? Head to this page here for details.

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CHILDREN’S SHOWS

toooB | Half Moon Theatre | 16-17 Jan
January’s a long month for the kids, too, I reckon, with present time over and too much dark and having to play inside. So why not brighten things up with a trip to a nice show sometime soon? I’ve recommended this one before because it’s absolutely perfect for your teeny tots aged six to 24 months, who will love this thoughtful introduction to theatre and dance. Hurry up and book though, it’s selling quickly. Click here.

Squirrel | Unicorn Theatre | 17-22 Jan
“Under the light of the sun, between the houses and the offices, and the rivers and the factories, Squirrel has buried their favourite acorn collection. It’s easy to remember where; it’s under the third tree from the left. Or was it the right? Oh hang on a minute…” A lovely story of new growth and new beginnings for little ones aged six months to four years, and who will be actively encouraged to get involved. More here.

Tales From The Shed | Chickenshed Theatre | 17 Jan-14 Mar (pictured)
And finally, another show that we have recommended many times before, though every performance is unique, so you can keep going again and again. Yes, a new season of ‘Tales From The Shed’ is beginning, and if you haven’t been before, expect an educational experience, with stories and games designed to inspire creativity, expression and interaction. Read all about it here.

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POLITICAL STUFF

It Couldn’t Happen Here | OSO Arts Centre | 15-18 Jan
A couple of these shows might have been at home in the humorous section, but by the time I made that I had already decided on a politics section and was loath to give it up. So, here we are, and this is one of those, a satire about Max Moore, incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the Britons First party, who has no intention of resigning even though he has just lost the election. Book your tickets here.

Safe Haven | Arcola Theatre | 14 Jan-7 Feb
One with very sobering themes, this, a play by former diplomat Chris Bowers that’s set in the aftermath of the First Gulf War, when Saddam Hussein was busy crushing the Kurdish uprising, forcing millions of Kurds to flee to the freezing mountains. In Whitehall, two diplomats and a refugee try to convince the British government to intervene to prevent a genocide. Find out more about it here.

ROTUS: Receptionist Of The United States | The Park Theatre | 20 Jan-7 Feb (pictured)
This is another humorous one, a satire that we absolutely loved when we saw it in Edinburgh: our reviewer gave it a resounding 5/5 and described it as “funny, frightening and disturbingly prescient”. Writer-performer Leigh Douglas plays White House receptionist Chastity Quirke, a zealous Republican and keen political operator who is horrified to discover that she may well be a feminist. Head to this page here.

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MORE GREAT SHOWS

Box Clever’s A Christmas Carol | Union Theatre | 18 Jan (pictured)
Do you miss Christmas? I kind of don’t, because I still have my decorations up and did an extra, pretend Christmas at the weekend with family members who were absent for the real thing. But look, here’s a way you can also pretend it’s still Christmas: another production of the Dickens’ classic we wouldn’t stop talking about about a month ago. And honestly, I’m glad, because it’s a great story any time of the year. More here.

Masterclass | Jack Studio | 20-24 Jan
A comedy drama about an aging, thespian, faded film star, who, following a disagreement with the tax man, is forced to offer paid evening masterclasses in schools and community halls. He finds himself face to face with a brash young Australian actor with big ideas and, of course, they clash. Expect an exploration of “art, ambition, and the fine line between performance and reality”. All the details here.

Concrete | Old Red Lion | 20-22 Jan
And finally, we’ve had a festive tip in this section, so how about we finish with a tip from an actual festival? Because yes, it’s time for the Old Red Lion’s festival of new writing FreshFest. My first pick from the line up is this debut play from Ché Tligui, that offers a working class perspective, family politics and northern charm and wit. Find out more about it here and check out more from the line up here.