In past years the London comedy circuit would virtually shut down during the Edinburgh Festival, but for a combination of different reasons various Edinburgh regulars are spending this summer in the capital. Simon Evans, for example, is at the Soho Theatre from August 12 - 23 with his show, Leashed, in which he fulminates about the state of modern society in his typically well-turned out fogeyish way. One of the smartest comics around and we are not just talking about his tweedy suits. 

Meanwhile it’s full steam ahead for the Camden Fringe which has taken over most of north London’s venues for the month. One of their highlights this week is Brett Goldstein, who is previewing his Edinburgh 2015, yes that right, 2015, show at the Etcetera Theatre for three nights from Monday, entitled Brett Goldstein Tolerated This So His Children Will Be Next. Goldstein has carved out a reputation as a masterful storyteller in recent years so this show, about sharks, living in the post-porn world and Kevin Bacon is pretty eagerly anticipated.

Back at Soho Theatre from August 12 - 23, Sean Hughes is also trying out material for his new show that will no doubt make it to the Edinburgh Fringe at some point in the future. Hughes says that he'll be doing some old stuff in these sets too, which is nice. And C4 sketch show darlings Cardinal Burns try out their new live set at the Pleasance on Wednesday which then goes to the Fringe before heading out on a full UK tour and coming back to the Soho Theatre in September. Look out too for Richard Sandling’s Perfect Movie Podcast at the Betsy Trotwood on Wednesday with Steve Hall and Nadia Kamil recreating some of their favourite film scenes live onstage. London comedy closes down for August? Not a bit of it.