This week's new live comedy

Previews of Andy Parsons, Lucy Beaumont and Rich Hall.

In time for the low-hanging comedic fruit of England's World Cup campaign, a return for the standard mix of mock-incredulity at everyday minutiae, repeated plunges into well-thumbed stand-up routines and hefty helpings of "epic" banter. This second episode of this new series has series mainstays Dara O'Briain, Hugh Dennis and Andy Parsons being joined by Rob Beckett, Gary Delaney, Josh Widdicombe and Sara Pascoe, the last possibly pressured to prove she's there on merit rather than due to a dictum from the BBC Trust.

Radio Times review

We're now a mighty 13 series into the topical panel show, and Dara O'Briain remains adept at shepherding his guests' reactions to the news - part effective quickfire puns, part Radio 4-friendly cleverness and, yes, part borderline offensive nonsense - into a cohesive whole.

For the comedians who stand in front of Mock the Week's lonely microphone, this isn't a bad summer in which to start a new series. As expectant silence falls around them, the World Cup, immigration rows and the build-up to the Commonwealth Games and Scottish referendum are all there to be clutched at. Tonight, regulars Andy Parsons, Hugh Dennis and our cerebral host are joined by Milton Jones, Ed Byrne and Romesh Ranganathan. Katherine Ryan is the solitary woman.

Andy Parsons is the new mock and roller

The Dorset-born comedian and writer, 46, is venturing out solo for a new show on Comedy Central called Slacktivist.

Andy Parsons: I've never really liked Mock The Week

Andy Parsons promotes the TV broadcast of his Slacktivist show. He admits he doesn't enjoy filming Mock The Week.

Andy Parsons interview

With his dry wit and distinctive look Andy Parsons has become one of the most recognisable faces on Mock The Week - but admits it's 'criminal' there aren't more women alongside him.

DVD review: Andy Parsons - Slacktivist

He's amiable enough, not nearly as grating flying solo as he appears in his role as panelist, but there's little here to rouse any real amusement; in fact it's difficult to recall anything from the hundred minute set once it's over.

Andy Parsons on the world's best comedy festivals

The comedian reveals the world's most side-splitting festivals.

Andy Parsons's top ten stand-up comedians

Andy Parsons is hitting the road with his new tour I've Got a Shed and has a new DVD, Slacktivist, released in November. We asked him to list his top ten stand-up comedians. He's actually chosen 12 (cheeky).

This comedy panel show often comes off as a pale imitation of Room 101 but Matt Lucas has scored a coup tonight: he's signed up puppet legends Sooty, Sweep and Soo as guest judges. Genius!

Guests Rhys Thomas, Susan Calman and Andy Parsons may as well resign themselves to playing second fiddle as they ponder categories including Most Deluded Group Of People.

England fans? Talent show singers? The list is endless...