Fifty comedians, all of whom have been performing for less than eighteen months will be competing for a place in the final on Thursday 14 July, in which they could win £500, plus a slot at one of The Corn Exchange’s popular monthly Comedy Nights.

Each heat, taking place every consecutive Thursday from 9 June will feature ten acts drawn from all over the country, including London, Essex, Reading and central Newbury.

The audience mark each act out of ten as the evening goes along, the final scores are then added together and the top two highest scorers go on to the final.

Each heat is compered by You Must be Joking 2004 winner, Imran Yusuf, the final will see TV’s Rob Deering holding court.

Since winning last year’s competition Imran made it through to the semi-final of the national competition, So You Think You’re Funny and has performed regularly at the Comedy Café, the Amused Moose and has even appeared at The Stand Comedy Club supporting Stephen K Amos.

Rob Deering is probably best known for his appearances on post-pub TV show, 99 Things to do Before You Die, however Rob has graced our screens on many ‘talking heads’ shows, appearing in Abbamania, Greatest TV Moments, Record of the Year and Shocking Moments of 2004, as well as being due to play Celebrity Poker 2005.

Newbury Comedy Festival runs from Saturday 9 – Saturday 16 July, for tickets and full details call the box office on 01635 522733 or visit www.newburycomedyfestival.com.

Newbury Comedy Festival is sponsored by Vodafone, with additional support from Newbury Building Society, Sutton Griffin Architects, Newbury Manor Hotel and a host of other local businesses, organisations and media partners.