The first ever Roundhouse Comedy Festival runs from August 5-23 with an incredible slate of top stand-ups at the legendary Chalk Farm venue.

There's podcasts such as Nobody Panic, work in progress from the likes of Sophie Duker, full sets including Aussie oddball Josh Glanc, comedy improv with The Free Association, a workshop on comedy for cabaret performers, and drag king comedy. 

So while everyone else treks north to Edinburgh for their belly laughs, here's five events to look forward to at the Roundhouse fun fest, which is run in association with Berks Nest.

Ham & High: Dylan Moran appears alongside Nish Kumar and Reggie Watts at one of the festival's comedy galasDylan Moran appears alongside Nish Kumar and Reggie Watts at one of the festival's comedy galas (Image: Andy Hollingworth)

Comedy Gala with Dylan Moran, Sindhu Vee, Suzi Ruffell, Nish Kumar, Reggie Watts, August 9.

There are four comedy galas throughout the festival which offer top value for money with stellar line-ups. The opening gala on August 5 features Rose Matafeo, Lolly Adefope and Kiri Pritchard-McLean, then on August 9 it's the turn of Black Books veteran Moran, St John's Wood comic Sindhu Vee, Hold the Front Page star Kumar, and the multi-talented Watts. Even better, it's hosted by Ruffell, one of the funniest women on the circuit.

Ham & High: Off Menu podcast host James Acaster has perhaps unwisely named his new stand up show Heckler's WelcomeOff Menu podcast host James Acaster has perhaps unwisely named his new stand up show Heckler's Welcome (Image: Roundhouse comedy festival)

James Acaster Heckler's Welcome, August 19, 20, 21

Tickets for one half of the Off Menu podcast's new stand up show have sold out already, but you can join the waiting list to hear what the panel show regular has to say, and whether he really doesn't mind if the audience chips in.

Ham & High: Comedy gigs take place in both the Roundhouse main space and the studioComedy gigs take place in both the Roundhouse main space and the studio (Image: Courtesy of The Roundhouse)

Katherine Ryan and Friends with London Gay Men's Chorus, August 17.

The star of sit-coms, panel shows and just about everything else filmed her six-part Amazon Prime series Backstage with Katherine Ryan at the Roundhouse. She returns to the venue with friends Stephen Bailey and Michelle De Swarte, with music courtesy of the all conquering London Gay Men's Chorus.

Ham & High: Jessica Foteskew's food podcast Hoovering will be recorded live with Joe Lycett as her guestJessica Foteskew's food podcast Hoovering will be recorded live with Joe Lycett as her guest (Image: Courtesy of The Roundhouse Comedy Festival)Hoovering Podcast live with Joe Lycett, August 10.

Hosted by Motherland and Live at the Apollo comic Jessica Foteskew, the podcast about where eating happens and people being funny about eating all at the same time features panel show regular and all round top funnyman Joe Lycett. Bring your own snacks.

Ham & High: Kane Brown brings his stand up show to The RoundhouseKane Brown brings his stand up show to The Roundhouse (Image: Courtesy Roundhouse Comedy Festival)Kane Brown, Don’t Listen to Me, I Chat S**t August 20.

Brown has spent 18 year perfecting his craft and arrives at The Roundhouse after a string of sell out shows. Here he takes a deep dive into his personal life, being an older father, his own relationship with his parents and puts the world to rights with some takes and observations of the world as he sees it.