Politically correct comedy, a sneak preview from the Edinburgh Festival and classic Chaucer are the best of the bunch this week.

TAKE THIS AND SHOVE IT, Komedia, Brighton, July 22 This show brings together acts like Dyball and Kerr, Mitchell and Mounfield and Treason Show regulars disguised as The Jingleberries. These local comic maestros will be showcasing material from their upcoming Edinburgh Festival shows. Special guests are Angus Little and Jo Neary. 8.30pm, tickets £8/£6. 01273 647100.

MARK THOMAS, Old Market, Hove, July 23 The comedian famous for the Channel 4 shows with a mission to expose hypocrisy appears alongside Rob Newman in this launch of the new SchNEWS book. With a reputation for blending comedy and serious journalism, Thomas courts controversy with his views on issues such as arms exports and has threatened George Bush's life in his New Statesman column. 8.30pm, tickets £10. 01273 736222.

THE WIFE OF BATH, Newhaven Fort, Newhaven, July 23 An interpretation of Chaucer's classic tale which delves into age-old questions about love and marriage through the character of the rowdy wife and her five husbands.

The outdoor production is performed by the Rude Mechanical Theatre Company, known for an energetic style, live music and colourful costumes. Starts 7.45pm, tickets £8.50/£5. Call 01323 501260.

SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, Dorset House School, Pulborough, July 23-26 It is the season for classic open-air theatre and making good use of the summer temperatures is this amateur production of Carlo Goldoni's 18th Century romp in the style of Commedia dell'Arte. The comedy follows a wily servant determined to get the better of his masters by any means necessary. Starts 7.30pm, £10/£12. Call 07711 832299.