There’s plenty to laugh about in 2017 as comedy fans in South Wales get the chance to catch five of the country’s funniest stand up stars. Andy Howells checks them out

Jack Whitehall
Comedian Jack Whitehall makes two appearances at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena from February 7-8 as part of his biggest tour to date.
One of the country’s most exciting comics and initially cutting his teeth at the Edinburgh Fringe, Jack has gone on to host Live at the Apollo and the Royal Variety Performance. A talented actor and writer, he also created and starred in BAFTA-nominated sitcom Bad Education. Contact Box Office 029 2022 4488 or motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk for ticket details.

Josie Long pictured by Phil Chambers
Josie Long will also perform double dates at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach from February 12 -13.
Following the sell-out success of her previous show Cara Josephine the star of BBC Radio 4’s Romance and Adventure, All of the Planet’s Wonders and presenter of Shortcuts, Josie’s eighth solo stand-up show focuses on optimism and hopefulness. Visit clwb.net/events/event/josie-long for details.

Mark Thomas pictured by Tracey Moberley
Mark Thomas brings his Red Shed tour to Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre on February 15.
The comic recently made time to travel back and forth to his university town of Wakefield and to the place where his comedy career all began; the Red Shed, a labour club, home to his first public performances as well as the beginnings of his political awakening. For ticket details visit markthomasinfo.co.uk/tour-dates/

Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais will make play Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on March 6 with his first stand-up tour in seven yearsentitled Humanity.
The creator and star of The Office, Extras and Derek, has recently been busy with the cinematic and DVD release of David Brent: Life on the Road, and the release of David Brent & Foregone Conclusion – Life on the Road the album. For ticket details call 029 2023 4500

Omid Djalili
Finally, looking forward to May 11, Omid Djalili plays Cardiff’s St David’s Hall with his new show Schmuck for a Night.
As a stand-up and acclaimed actor, Omid’s credits range from Hollywood movies and television to live productions on the West End stage. He was recently seen in the BBC Four series Going Forward with Jo Brand, and also appeared in Dickensian for BBC1 and Stan Lee’s Lucky Man for SKY1.
Catch Omid Djalili on May 11 at St David’s Hall. Call 02920 878 444 for ticket details.