I hadn’t known what to expect from Jerry Seinfeld at The O2. He’s best known for co-creating and starring in American sitcom Seinfeld, which was phenomenally successful in the US but wasn’t as popular here in the UK. While other US imports such as Friends, Sex and the City and ER were enjoying prime time TV slots on Channel 4, Seinfeld was being shown somewhere else late at night. I didn’t watch it and I didn’t know anyone else who did.

What I did know is that Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy is valued pretty highly – he reportedly turned down a $5 million dollar an episode deal to continue starring in Seinfeld, and tickets for his show at The O2 on Friday night cost a minimum of £70. From the packed arena on Friday, it was obvious that plenty of people were willing to pay that.

And so it came to Jerry Seinfeld’s stand-up show – 90 minutes of observational comedy, starting with the notion that “life sucks” and running through topics including marriage, mobile phones, Twitter, sitting, coffee and kids.

Jerry Seinfeld has been in the comedy business for more than 20 years – and that experience shows. There were no gaps, no going off on a tangent, despite the diverse range of topics, the comedy flowed easily from one thing to the next.

There were a lot of “it’s funny because it’s true” moments in the show and the next day I found myself constantly recalling (and annoying my friends with) anecdotes. “That reminds me of something Seinfeld said last night,” was my most-used sentence of the day.

Did you see Jerry Seinfeld at The O2? What did you think?

Loads of funny female comics took to the stage and had the audience laughing all evening. Highlights included the compere Mrs Barbara Nice, the 2009 winner of the Funny Women competition Miss London, Carrie Quinlan, Deborah Frances-White and a memorable and hilarious performance by A Ant (Bridget Christie).

Dead Ringers star Jan Ravens taught us how to impersonate Anne Robinson – we had to make crow noises to practice her voice! With so many brilliant acts on the bill, some of the sets were over too quickly. Even the interval was fun thanks to free cupcakes courtesy of Wendy May Cakes.

Funny Women was founded in 2002 to inspire and promote female stand-up comedians. The annual Funny Women competition gives female stand ups the opportunity to compete and get noticed. One of the most successful comedians to come from the awards is Mock the Week star Sarah Millican.

Visit the Funny Women website to find out about live stand-up comedy events, including the Second Sunday Showcase and workshops where you can learn some comedy skills.

American comedian Schaffer is offering you the chance to see his stand-up show for free until the 24 February. If you enjoy the show, you can put some money in the collection bucket at the end.

Lewis Schaffer’s routine consists of unrelenting bitterness, insulting the audience, shambolic attempts at telling jokes and apparently having his act die on stage.

This doesn’t sound promising, but it’s actually really funny and my face still hurts from laughing at last night’s show. My friend and I continued to giggle at our favourite moments as we walked back to the tube.

I’ve seen Schaffer live before and it’s clear that underneath what appears to be of layers of desperate failure there’s a genius with a brilliant act. Just go with it; the more awkward it gets, the funnier it is.

Get yourself on the guestlist for Lewis Schaffer’s show and go along for some very big laughs (unless you’re easily offended, in which case, consider yourself warned!)

5 Jan-24 Feb, 8pm every Tuesday and Wednesday at The Source Below.

We caught up with comedians The Jokerists, also known as Rose Watt, Holly Burns and Del Des Anges to find out about their fringe show.

Tell us about your show

Rose: It’s what happens when no one says no to a stupid idea.
Holly: It’s called Comecidal Lolocaust.
Rose: We do twenty minutes of stand-up each.
Holly: Very egalitarian.
Rose: My bit is about my life since moving to London. With songs.
Del: I’m the childish disgusting one. The one your parents warned you about.
Holly: And I basically geek out over science to an alarming degree, with occasional singing and dancing.
Rose: Also there’s cake. FREE CAKE*.
Del: Come and laugh at our faces. Camden Head, tea time.
Holly: Ahem. That would be The Camden Head 4.15pm, 9-11 August. REMEMBER THE CAKE.

What are your favourite comedy venues in London?

Holly: Yes, do tell. I need recommendations for when I move to London.
Rose: There’s a new material night called Old Rope that I love because I’m a comedy nerd and like watching try-out stuff grow into actual routines.
Del: And I didn’t die on my arse at Lion’s Den, so that’s good.

The Camden Fringe runs throughout August. All tickets are £7.50. Check out the full list of Camden Fringe events.

*subject to availability.