A HOST of top names in British comedy will ascend on Stourbridge over the next 12 months.

Fitz of Laughter Comedy Club has announced a number of familiar faces coming to perform at Katie Fitzgerald’s, with the club also moving to a monthly Friday night slot from September, marking its first birthday.

The headliner for its anniversary gig on Friday September 11 is former Xtra Factor host Matt Richardson, who has also appeared on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Celebrity Juice, Viral Tap and Big Brother’s Bit On The Side.

Top of the bill on Friday October 2 will be Scottish stand-up Iain Stirling, who recently narrated ITV2’s Love Island as well as appearing in a number of children’s TV shows including The Dog Ate My Homework.

Archie Kelly – who played Kenny Snr in Peter Kay’s smash hit Phoenix Nights – is the headliner on Friday November 13, while another former Phoenix Nights star, Jo Enright, will take centre stage for the club’s Christmas special on Friday December 4.

It will be a rare stand-up outing for the comedienne, who also stars in The Job Lot and has appeared in numerous TV shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Trollied and Ideal.

Confirmed to be performing in 2016 are Mock The Week and Live at the Apollo regulars Zoe Lyons, Nathan Caton and Joe Lycett, while club favourite Patrick Monahan will return for his third headline spot on Friday July 1.

Dudley comedian Wayne Beese, resident compere for the club, said he was delighted with the way things were going.

He said: “I approached Eddy and Trina at the pub about doing a comedy night there, as obviously Katie’s is predominantly a live music venue.

“They have been supportive and on board since day one and the first year has gone as well as anyone could have hoped, with a number of sell-out shows.

“We experimented over the summer by putting on a couple of weekend shows in the marquee on Friday nights, and couldn’t believe that the turnout tripled. We have had 90 to 100 people packed in there and the atmosphere was something else.

“So we have decided to go off in a bit of a different direction in our second year. We have targeted the very best on the circuit, we are putting on fully pro shows and we are bringing a number of familiar faces to Stourbridge to perform in an intimate venue.

“I hope people will come and give the nights a try – the feedback we have had from those who have has been fantastic so I know we are going in the right direction. It’s an exciting time.”

Tickets for Matt Richardson’s gig, costing £10 in advance or 15 on the door, are now on sale at www.wegottickets.com/event/328539 or by calling Wayne on 07507 015397.

Wayne is are on the hunt for sponsors for the club, anyone interested is asked to email wpbeese@hotmail.com, or call the number above.

For more information, visit the club’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Fitz-of-Laughter-Comedy-Club/299006923611510