He's everyone's favourite grumbling comedian, multi-award-winning topical comedian Andy Parsons will be bringing more logically rigorous, politically-inspired bemusements. Plus: Paul Tonkinson, The Birdcage New Comedy Cabaret, Harry Hill.

NEW COMEDY CABARET

The Birdcage, Pottergate, Norwich, March 6, 8pm-11pm, £2 adv/£3 on the door, 01603 633534

The newly revamped Birdcage offers up another night of upcoming comedy talent from Norwich and beyond to help see off the Ides of March. The night is perhaps the longest-running and best night open mic night in the city centre too, held on the first Wednesday of every month.

Those performing include Norwich stand-up Rob Page, Tickled Pig Runner-Up in 2011; former UEA student and aspiring comedian Elliot Wengler, who stepped up at an open mic night at the suggestion of his drama teacher and who has been out on the London comedy circuit as well as playing local gigs; and Joe Frost and Luke Wronski, who both recently performed at the Cambridge heat of the 2013 Chortle Student Comedy Award.

Bradwell comic Duane Efron, who got a big break of sorts when he support Jim Davidson on Yarmouth's Britannia Pier last summer, will also be performing; as will Nathan Willcock. MC for the night will be David Seymour.

www.thebirdcagenorwich.co.uk

PAUL TONKINSON

Norwich Playhouse, March 9, £12 (£10 cons), 01603 598598, www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

After storming the UK and international comedy circuit for years and much badgering from fellow professionals, Yorkshire man, and former (double award-winning) Time Out Comedian of the Year, Paul Tonkinson has finally taken to the road with his eagerly anticipated debut tour.

The stand-up has been a regular visitor to Norwich over the past few years but its always been as part of a comedy club bill. If his truncated sets have always left you wanting more, now you've got the opportunity to see him fleshing out his comedy with his show Fancy Man.

He's recently appeared on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and is a master of physicality and impressions with a plethora of first class material brought to life with tremendous charm and infectious energy.

Expect explosive, exuberant, tender comic reflections on love, food, family and the day-to-day idiosyncrasies of early 21st century living.

www.paultonkinson.com

ANDY PARSONS

Norwich Playhouse, March 11-12, £17, 01603 598598, www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

He's everyone's favourite grumbling comedian. The multi-award-winning topical comedian, who has enjoyed huge success as a writer, performer and mainstay on Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo, will be bringing more logically rigorous, politically-inspired bemusements — no doubt mixed with his trademark passionate tirades — on his two-night return to the Playhouse.

He will be bringing his latest show, the curiously titled I've Got A Shed, Expect biting satirical commentary and much grumbling. Viewed like a modern day Alf Garnett, the actually quite amiable funnyman dismisses the notion that he is a grumpy person.

'I got the idea that people thought I was grumpy,' he explains. 'I was keen to point out I was actually very enthusiastic, but I got easily disappointed. And I thought there was a fine distinction between the two. I don't think I dwell on things, though. Probably I'm quite impatient. I like things to work fairly quickly and if anything drags on…'

www.andyparsons.co.uk

DON'T MISS

HARRY HILL

Ipswich Regent, March 9, £30, 01473 433100, www.ipswichregent.com/Cambridge Corn Exchange, March 14, £30, 01223 357851, www.cornex.co.uk

Harry Hill has not done a live stand-up tour for six years, but the comedian is back on the road and heading to this region. It should be well worth the wait. Expect surreal flights of fancy and material that's edgier than TV Burp.

TONY LAW

Norwich Arts Centre, March 13, £10 (£8 cons), 01603 660352, www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

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.