TOP comedian Jason Manford has put his weight behind a brand new comedy club coming to Hampshire.

Andover’s The Lights will host this exciting new venture starting next month.

Although The Lights regularly welcomes top comedians throughout the season it’s now a couple of years since the last regular monthly Sunday night club.

Now, starting on February 8, The Lights team is delighted to be working with Manford’s Comedy Club, owned by Jason Manford.

At just £10 per ticket the club will be a great opportunity for a regular fun night out on the second Sunday of each month.

The February line-up features the very funny Ray Peacock as compere who’ll be introducing Andy Askins, Jamali Maddox and one other to be confirmed.

Jason Manford said: “It’s my theory that if you’ve seen a comedian on the telly and liked them, you’ll buy tickets because you know you’re in for a guaranteed night of laughter.

"People certainly came to see me on tour, they go to see John Bishop or Sarah Millican or Micky Flanagan, and they have a good time. It’s money well spent – but it’s not a weekly occurrence.

“When it comes to your local, affordable comedy club, the simple but all-important question is: ‘but how do I know they will be funny?’.

"Well let me tell you this, there is a circuit of brilliant comics in this country who haven’t been on telly for a number of reasons.

"Maybe they’re up and coming, maybe they were on a late-night stand-up show in the 80s and called the host a name, or maybe they just have a severe drinking problem…

“Either way, there are funny people out there who thrive in the live arena and want to make you laugh on a regular basis.

“So I’m going to carefully select some of my favourite comedians and send them down to The Lights. Simple!”

“Keep on laughing folks, and remember, there’s nothing like live!”

To find out more about what’s happening at The Lights, to buy tickets, or join the mailing list, visit www.thelights.org.uk or call the box office on 01264 368368.