Following on from the irony/Ed Bryn thing, I thought it may be interesting to get views on best stand up comedian you have seen live.

Some highlights for me...

Frank Skinner (Lowry and Leicester)
Johnny Vegas (Edinburgh)
Jim Gaffigan (Comedy Store, Manc)

Not comedians in the traditional sense, but I can vouch for Dave S and Justin Moorhouse.

Gary Skyner is hilarious, he's on the the Frontier for the boxing in aid of Prescott. He was the second of the phalidomites to be born in this country and has used his disability to spur him on. Well worth seeing.

Saw him at the Lowry - excellent.

Not comedians in [uany[/u sense. Is Byrne still actually doing his 'ironic' piece? Mildly amusing ten years ago Byrne, shelve it son along with the 'gag' about looking like Roseanne's daughter.

Coogan in his pomp (not his last effort)
Alan Davies
Ross Noble

Matt King and Patrick Kielty unintentionally run them close.

Having words with you tomorrow night GDMM for the S love, he belongs on the end of a very rickety pier.

Stephen K Amos is a stand up genius! He was excellent when I went to see him. Very quick witted and some brilliant crowd interactions!

I've not seen him live but I love Jackie Mason.

Only seen one live... Chris Rock, and he was fantastic!

Should really get to some more because I watch quite alot of stand up.

Edit: Almost forgot... seen Lee Evans too, funny as hell

Itd be interesting to see what his routine is, as very recently he did a good 15 minute piece on his experiences when he's been on panel shows with Jade Goody. Hillarious but not complimentary to her.

In order of hilarity

Sean Lock
Dara O'Briein
Harry Hill (TV Burp is a bit of a sell out though)
Ed Byrne
Ross Noble
Rhod Gilbert
Rob Brydon can be good

I prefer these as they don't base there act on sex or swearing.

I though Frankie Boyle was good, and can be be funny, but his DVD was made up of most his comments on Mock the Week which spoilt it for me

I saw Rich Hall live and he was very funny. Very quick-witted, making up songs on the piano about members of the audience.

I've also seen Lee Mack, who I thought was average.

A surprise highlight for me was Lenny Henry. I saw him because my partner wanted to and actually really really enjoyed his show. Very good.

Izzard was the greatest a few years back. Frank Skinner and Bill Bailey very good also.

The worst I've seen (given their profiles) have been Jo Brand and Phill Jupitus.