This week's new comedy: Edinburgh special

Nick Helm: Dare To Dream The first thing you have to get used to with Nick Helm is the shouting. His entire set is almost one long uninterrupted bellow, almost as if he's part standup, part dangerous feral beast. But – crucially – the volume he generates tends to be matched by that of the audience response. Comedically, he's a hodge-podge of various things – he'll go from baiting the audience, to yelling out stunning one-liners, to breaking off to sing a mock-sensitive song, then back to the baiting again. You get the feeling you're watching a genuinely unique comedy brain in action – that, instead of deliberately creating an hour of commercial, audience-pleasing standup comedy, Helm is just doing whatever he finds funny. It makes for a tremendously liberating show, and one where you feel you're in the presence of a potential megastar. Pleasance Courtyard, to 29 Aug Todd Barry: American Hot Likability isn't a big thing for Todd Barry. Unlike many chirpy young comics who act like they just want to be your best mate, he seems quietly satisfied with the idea of coming across as a bit of a jerk. He's got the kind of face that naturally forms into a sneer, and the way he acts onstage makes it seem that neither the audience nor the rest of society will ever quite match his expectations. But all the douchebaggery is part of the act, and it's perfect for selling his ferociously dry, wonderfully well-crafted gags. Born in the Bronx and raised in Florida, he's nevertheless a specialist in what we often think of as a particularly English kind of humour, in which everyday events and conversations are deconstructed using deadpan pedantry. Fans of the likes of Stewart Lee or Jack Dee will find plenty to enjoy. The Stand, Tue to 28 Aug Hot Tub With Kurt And Kristen Kristen Schaal, much like Todd Barry, is best known in the UK for her work with Flight Of The Conchords, in her case as their enthusiastic fan-cum-stalker Mel. But she's also received rave reviews for her live collaborations with fellow New York-based comic Kurt Braunohler. Their Double Down Hearts sketch show bagged them an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination in 2008, and it was fantastic entertainment, with bizarre playlets, hilariously awkward audience interaction and top-drawer gags. And now they're importing their stateside variety show for a short run, bringing an authentic flavour of the New York alternative comedy scene to Edinburgh. The duo will be compering the show and selecting some of the best standups, sketch and music outfits at the festival to make up each night's bill. While Schaal tends to get more of the attention due to her higher TV profile (she's also a semi-regular on The Daily Show), Braunohler's a powerful talent too, especially when it comes to improvised moments which add to the show's relaxed, maverick feel. Assembly George Square, to 27 Aug