ThisWeek’s tipped events TODAY IN LONDON feature statuesque comedian Darren Walsh, hot rock tips Speedy Ortiz and Empty Pools, and prolific playwright Chris Dunkley…

COMEDY: Comedy Knights feat Darren Walsh/Darren Maskell/Ean Luckhurst, Whirled Cinema, 18 Feb
Big friendly ‘Giant’ Darren Walsh takes the highest billing at this cut-price stand-up night in Loughborough Junction, sharing floor-space with Darren Maskell, Ean Luckhurst, Paul McMullan, Jimbo and Dan Hoy. Details and tickets here.

MUSIC: Speedy Ortiz/Empty Pools, Birthdays, 18 Feb
This NME Awards-stamped showcase features fast-track US firecrackers Speedy Ortiz and their ‘Major Arcana’ LP, post-rock four-piece Empty Pools – backing their new disc ‘Saturn Reruns’ – and nonchalant London band Dig. Details and tickets here.

THEATRE: Smallholding, Soho Theatre, 18 Feb – 9 Mar (pictured)
Chris Dunkley’s unease-making script follows a recovering heroin addict and his girlfriend, who move to a cottage in the countryside to start their lives over, though that proves more difficult than they’d hoped. Details and tickets here.