Liam Williams
At last month's Edinburgh fringe, the best newcomer award was won by the wig-wearing, false-teeth-wearing eccentric John Kearns. But the cutting edge of standup was elsewhere, courtesy of another act on that shortlist. Liam Williams is one-third of sketch troupe Sheeps, now breaking out on his own under the auspices of indie comedy super-producer the Invisible Dot. With his act – and that of the American wunderkind Bo Burnham – the comedy of today's disenfranchised twentysomethings announces its arrival. Williams, 25, is downbeat, intelligent, unimpressed by anything (least of all himself), and a writer of rare lyrical power, whether discussing sex, selfhood or BBC4's historical documentaries. Michael McIntyre has nothing to fear; fans of provocative comedy should celebrate. Invisible Dot, London, 1-9 November, theinvisibledot.com
Robin and Josie's Shambles
Absent from this year's Edinburgh fringe after three previous comedy award nominations in a row, Josie Long takes to the road alongside fellow champion of creative comedy Robin Ince for a night of politics, science and "some mucking about and nonsense". Stand comedy club, Glasgow, 2 September, then touring, robinince.com
Stewart Lee
He has had his fun, disguised in a meaty wrestling mask as the, ahem, cult Canadian standup Baconface for the duration of the Edinburgh fringe. Now Stewart Lee gets serious(ish), with a national tour of his new solo show Much A-Stew About Nothing. Rose Theatre, Kingston, 10 September, then touring, stewartlee.co.uk
Alexei Sayle
We thought he was lost to standup. But in January, the godfather of alternative comedy returned to his first love after 17 years. Now, Sayle takes his show on the road. Expect 1981-era bolshie politics, now with added thoughtfulness – even vulnerability. Town Hall, High Wycombe, 4 October, then touring, alexeisayle.me
Susie Essman
She was called "the most foul-mouthed woman in sitcom history" when she starred as Susie Greene in Curb Your Enthusiasm. But the woman behind "you fat fuck!" is also a standup of 30 years' experience, who this autumn makes a rare UK appearance. Soho Theatre, London, 9-13 October, sohotheatre.com
