With glum (and in many cases of self-imposed misery, dry) January finally done and dusted, you may well feel a need to kick the blues to the kerb for good.  If so, The Monkey Barrel can help with that with its usual diverse programme of regular strands and touring shows.  Here’s a taster of what you can expect from February’s line-up.  As always, there’s something for all comedy tastes.

John-Luke Roberts returns to Edinburgh with his 2017 Fringe show, Look on My Works Ye Mighty, and Dispair! (All in Caps) on Sunday 25th.  Those with a fondness for the works of both Chaucer and The Mighty Boosh will fit nicely into this most absurd of niches.

The Big Show is the Barrel’s prime weekend event, with a top line-up guaranteed.  With many of these acts taking a show to the Glasgow Comedy Festival next month, expect them to bring their A-game.  The 2nd and 3rd is headlined by Keith Carter, with support from Scott Agnew, Ross Leslie and Bob Graham.  On the 9th and 10th is Carl Hutchinson, supported by Keir McAllister, Ashley Storrie and Marc JenningsMaff Brown is the headliner on the 16th and 17th, ably backed by Tony Bassnett, Jay Lafferty and Dan Downie.  The final weekend of the month has Harry Garrison, Carly Baker, Tony Jameson and Robin Grainger and a headliner yet to be confirmed.  Rick Molland is the regular host for each evening.

If you fancy something a little less polished, try the new monthly Open Mic Session, Free for All which kicks off the month Thursday 1stIain Campbell hosts – if you’re a masochist, roll up and put your name in the hat. If you’re a sadist, just turn up and watch.

To wind the weekends down, each Sunday offers the choice of Progress! and The TBC Improv Theatre.  Progress! offers a showcase of up-and-coming talent.  Robin Grainger, Karen Bayley and Maff Brown headline through the month.  For those who prefer their laughs more off-the-cuff, Fringe sell-out favourites To Be Continued are also resident every Sunday evening.

Further improv brilliance is provided every Thursday with Spontaneous Potter and Spontaneous Sherlock.  This is a must for fans of Austentatious or Showstopper!

Other regular strands are Project X, a new material night from the Monkey Barrel’s alternative comedy collective every Tuesday, and Top Banana every Wednesday in which Liam Withnail hosts an evening of new acts.

A full programme, and tickets for all events are available through the Monkey Barrel website.