Best comedy of 2015: Five top comedians and one turkey from Mel Brooks to Andrew Lawrence

Highlights of the year, plus one that didn't live up to the hype

The cheapest tickets to see Mel Brooks' one-night London show were priced at £74.75 - and quickly sold out

Mel Brooks

For one very expensive night only, the comedy legend came to the West End for an “introspective retrospective”. Both the anecdotes and the ad libs were top class.

Sam Simmons

This surreal hour of sketches made me laugh near constantly. Simmons' talent for creating unique images that stick in the mind is a rare one. A deserving winner of this year's Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award.

Katherine Ryan

The ubiquitous Canadian comic found time to write a slick, spiky live show which dissected celebrities, boyfriends and family alike with characteristic bitchy brio.

Joseph Morpurgo

Morpurgo's Desert Island Discs spoof in which he played guest, host and all the records, was the stand-out show of the Edinburgh Fringe, for its ambition, inventiveness and fun. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Spencer Jones

It's always a joy to find something new and completely original. Spencer Jones's mainly mute, entirely charming character The Herbert, with his daft props, was my favourite discovery of the year. One to watch.

Turkey of the Year

Andrew Lawrence

Once an enjoyably bilious stand-up, Lawrence has tipped the balance too far. His Uncensored show descended into a bitter rant about political correctness, immigrants and his ailing career. Unpleasant.