Here are just some of the cultural highlights in comedy to keep you busy well into 2013.

Norwich Evening News: GO pix 28/12/12GO pix 28/12/12 (Image: Archant)

Robert Newman

Norwich Arts Centre, January 17

Still known as one half of Newman and Baddiel, Robert Newman has taken a fascinating path through literature and political comedy since those heady days in the 1990s. He visits the Arts Centre trying out material for his latest show Theory of evolution ahead of a major new UK tour.

Katherin Ryan

Norwich Playhouse, February 9

Having experienced motherhood, divorce, and MTV, this award-winning comedian, who is making a stir as one of the circuit's fastest rising young stars, proves the things in life that make us bitter, can actually be quite delicious and hilarious in her latest show nature's candy.

Henning When

Norwich Playhouse, February 14-15

The German Comedy Ambassador seems to have really made a mainstream breakthrough thanks this year to appearances on QI and Have I Got News For You, as well as his own six part Radio 2 series Henning Knows Best. Wunderbar!

Andy Parsons

Norwich Playhouse, March 11-12

Mock The Week mainstay Andy Parsons returns with his fourth stand-up show. He promises some shades of light and dark and a little peak behind the show business curtain.

Tony Law

Norwich Arts Centre, March 13

With Have I Got News for You, and Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle under his belt and a nomination for the prestigious Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award, wild-eyed Canadian comic Tony Law is on the brink of a breakthrough for his absurd, loud and ridiculous comedy.

Russell Kane

Norwich Theatre Royal, April 21

It's not every day a comedian vows to give birth to and raise a hypothetical child on stage. But that's what Russell Kane will do as he returns for his biggest Norwich show to date, exploring a subject rarely tackled by men wondering if he will ever have a baby.

Richard Herring

Norwich Playhouse, April 27

It's an object of shame and pride; it inspires laughter and fear; it creates life, it can condemn us to death. How can one tiny flap of sponge and sinew be all these things? Richard Herring intends to find out in this tenth anniversary update of the critically acclaimed show Talking Cock.

Mark Steel's In town

Norwich Playhouse, May 2-3

Following his highly acclaimed, Sony Award winning Radio 4 show and book, Mark Steel is back bringing an element of locality to each live performance. Mark will write material shedding light on the quirkiness of Norwich. Plenty to go at then.

Al Murry

Norwich Theatre Royal, June 16

Al Murray makes a long-awaited return to Norwich in his Pub Landlord persona as part of his The Only Way Is Epic tour. His visit to the city comes after the success of his Barrel of Fun tour. Cheers!