Laughter is certainly the best medicine - even if you’re not ill! Why not get your ribs well and truly tickled over the next few weeks by attending one or more of the following laughter-fests...  

MAX AMINI

Iranian-American comedian Max Amini brings together eccentric impressions and novel storytelling to explore a wide range of topics, in the process poking fun at the quirks of modern society and highlighting the challenges of navigating cultural differences. 

No slouch when it comes to improvisation, Max promises a joyride of a show ‘that will have you rolling in the aisles from start to finish’. 

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 24 March

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JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH

Graham Fellows may have enjoyed early chart success as Jilted John, singing the eminently memorable Gordon Is A Moron, but there’s little doubting the character with which he will always be most associated...

John Shuttleworth is one of those delightful creations who has become an intrinsic part of the nation’s comedy heritage. A pigeon-fancying raconteur-par-excellence with an unusual and off-beam perspective on the world around him, John is never happier than when he’s tinkling away on his Yamaha organ. 

Fellows brings the bespectacled northerner to the Midlands as part of his latest UK tour, Raise The Oof. 

Birmingham Town Hall, Thurs 6 March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 22 March

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SHABAZ ALI

Introverts beware: Shabaz Ali likes his shows to be truly interactive affairs, with nobody off-limits - and that includes members of the audience! 

Pop-culture phenomenon and Blackburn chemistry teacher Shabaz has made a name for himself as a social-media personality -  his TikTok channel, ShabazSays, boasts millions of devotees. 
And it’s his quick-witted takedowns of some of the internet’s most ridiculous crazes that have really helped set him apart from other online commentators. 

Shabaz’s Midlands dates come as part of his first-ever comedy tour.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 23 March; mac, Birmingham, Thurs 3 April

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SCOTT BENNETT

He may not feature on a list of the UK’s best-known comics, but Scott Bennett is very much admired by those who do. So much so, in fact, that he’s previously been selected as a support act by stellar laughter merchants Rob Brydon, Jason Manford, John Bishop and Mickey Flanagan. Hailed by fellow comedian Chris Ramsey as ‘brilliantly funny and a joy to watch’, Scott returns to the Gatehouse with latest show Stuff.  

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 20 March

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MILTON JONES

Milton Jones has established himself as one of Britain’s most in-demand funnymen. 

“If my comedy’s working well, I put a cartoon in people’s heads that surprises them,” he explains. “So you start off and they’re thinking one thing, then you surprise them by changing the ending as you go along. It’s not political or particularly edgy, it’s just daft. 

“I think the better the comic you are, the stronger the flavour you are. I think if you’re bland and everyone quite likes you, you’re probably just not very good.”

Swan Theatre, Worcester, Friday 7 March; Malvern Theatres, Sunday 9 March; Lichfield Garrick, Wednesday 12 March; Dudley Town Hall, Friday 14 March; New Vic Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Saturday 15 March; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sunday 16 March; Birmingham Town Hall, Thursday 27 March

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JAMALI MADDIX

One-time Chortle Student Comedian of the Year Jamali Maddix has been hailed for his frank yet ironic take on everyday racism and his willingness to tackle the hot-potato subject of terrorism. 

He visits the Midlands numerous times across the next couple of months with his brand-new touring show, Aston.

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 11 March; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 25 March; Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 16 May; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 21 May; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Thurs 5 June

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ROB BECKETT

First tickling the nation’s funny bone in 2009, Rob Beckett’s TV work includes 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Celebrity Juice. A high-tempo comedian who’s been described by one newspaper as ‘a little short of a revelation’, Rob claims his relationship with comedy began as a youngster... 

“I was the middle child and desperate for attention,” he explains, “so I decided to try and get it by making my friends and family chuckle - or better still, belly laugh.”

Gags include, “You know you're working-class when your TV’s bigger than your bookcase,” and “My girlfriend worries about me cheating on a night out. I say to her, ‘Why would I have a burger when I’ve got steak at home?’ The only problem is, when you’re drunk, burgers are well nice.”

Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 27 - Sat 29 March; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 14 May; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 17 May; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 November

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PAUL CHOWDHRY

One of the most talented and popular Asian comedians on the UK comedy circuit, Paul Chowdhry has developed a stand-up act which taps into the multicultural diversity of contemporary Britain. His Midlands stop-offs this spring see him presenting latest touring show Englandia, an evening of comedy covering all manner of topical subjects.

Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 21 March; Utilita Arena Birmingham, Sat 31 May

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CATHERINE BOHART

'The OCD, bisexual offspring of a Catholic deacon', Catherine Bohart’s natural enthusiasm ensures excellent rapport with her audience, for whom the Irish comedian  seems to have a genuine affection. 

Her Birmingham appearance this month sees her tackling a wide range of subjects, from death-obsessed parents, to queer reproduction and how adulthood ‘frankly, isn’t living up to her expectations’. 

Jokes include: “Lesbian sex is like cricket: it goes on forever and there’s a lot of men watching it at home, alone, on the internet.”

The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 19 March