New comedy night brings laughter to Epsom (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Monthly comedy night launches at Epsom's Bar XLR

3:40pm Thursday 24th February 2011 in Comedy By Helen Barnes

Following on from its success in Sutton, Great Comedy Nights is launching a new monthly venture in Epsom.

Alan Sellers launched the nights five months ago with the aim of creating an old fashioned comedy club.

“I spent the 80s running events for Club 18-30 holidays in Spain. When I got back from Spain I ducked out of the entertainment business for a while.”

But two years ago he decided to take on the challenge of the stand-up circuit.

“Young comedians were struggling to find good quality gigs,” he says. “I thought, you know what, I’m going to try and reinvent what comedy clubs are about.

“We book some headline comedians from London and also give local comedians a chance to perform in front of 80 to 100 people.”

It seems to be a winning formula and after three sell-out nights in Sutton the laughter is now spreading to Epsom.

“They have comedy headliners at the Playhouse sporadically,” says Sellers, “but Epsom doesn’t have a regular comedy night. it’s a chance for people to see live comedy.”

And to all aspiring comics there is now a chance to put your talents to the test.

Next month sees the start of Great Comedy Night’s Golden Jester contest, which will culminate in a grand final in December. Open mic sessions will be held at venues across the south-east over the coming months.

If you think you have what it takes you can sign up online.

On the bill for Epsom's opening night

Liam Mullone headlines with Jay Foreman, Yariv Parelmeter, Josephine Lacey and Lenny Sherman.

Bar XLR, East Street, 8.15pm, March 5, tickets £7 in advance.

To find out more call 020 786 3675 or visit greatcomedynights.co.uk