Contrary to popular opinion not quite every comedian is migrating to Edinburgh this week. Russell Brand is in London trying out material for his Messiah Complex World Tour at the Soho Theatre from Wednesday. It will probably be a fairly rough incarnation of the finished show, but even a rough Brand is often more fun than a lot of polished stand-ups. And if you can't get a ticket whimsical storytelling Australian Celia Pacquola (pictured) is also at the Soho Theatre from Wednesday.

If, however, only a Russell will do it for you, Russell Howard has just been added to the line-up of the Phoenix Fringe which starts in a pub just off Oxford Circus on Saturday. This new baby boutique festival boasts a pretty impressive line-up, ranging from upstarts to established acts trying out new material. Russell Howard is here on August 8 & 11 but the whole caboodle kicks off this Saturday with shows from Josh Howie, Tiffany Stevenson and Alan Davies. See here for full line-up and ticket deatils. Why not cancel that train ticket to Edinburgh and top up your Oyster Card instead.