Just for Laughs - The Best in Standup Heads for Reading

Have you ever noticed that when you are all alone, watching television or a DVD, the funniest comedy falls flat? Even if it raises a smile, something that might have you rolling in the aisles in company never gets you laughing out loud on your own.

So when a comedian can get me to startle my dog by laughing hysterically when I'm on my own, either that comedian is very good - very very good - or it's time to call for the men in white jackets.

Before you all hit the "comments" button at the bottom of this item at once, let me say that I prefer to think that I'm still relatively sane. It's definitely the talent of some comedians that make me laugh until I cry. So I have no hesitation in suggesting that you get online, this minute, and book tickets for the Reading Comedy Festival in October, where at least four of my favorite, laugh-out-loud comedians are among the headliners.

Dylan Moran and Ed Byrne, both Irish and both currently among the wittiest newer comedians around, Russell Howard and Michael McIntyre, are among the stand-up performers bringing their shows to the festival as part of a line up of nearly three weeks of comedy acts, comedy films and open mic nights. The best shows will sell out fast. If you like standup and you are planning to be in England at the beginning of October, don't wait to book your tickets: Find out more about the Reading Comedy Festival and how to book tickets

_{Dylan Moran by Cate Gillon/Getty Images}