The Independent Recommends: Comedy

AS A RULE, comic poetry - like performance art or avant-garde mime - is one of those artforms designed to fill mainstream audiences with dread and send them running for the cover of the nearest bar. John Hegley (right) is an exception, however. This is borne out by the fact that he came second to Spike Milligan in a recent BBC poll for the nation's favourite comic poem and - wait for it - fourth in a R4 survey to find the next Poet Laureate. Wallow in his hymns of praise to glasses and Luton Town FC.

Vaudevillains, Hemingford Arms, London, N1 (0171-607 3303) 8.30pm

For several years now, compere Laura Shavin has been hosting successful all-female bills at the Hersterics Club. Tonight's interesting line up includes: Gina Ryan, Kat Nilsson, Caroline Bainbridge, and Amanda Dorman.

Tut and Shive Cabaret, London N1 (0181-360 4818) 8.45pm