LIVE comedy is set to return to Stourbridge for the first time in six months, with a number of outdoor gigs lined up for August.

Chase star Paul Sinha, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Barbara Nice, Black Country Radio host and comedy star Jonny Cole and 1930s throwback Troy Hawke will headline socially-distanced shows as Funny Beeseness returns at Katie Fitzgerald’s.

The 'Fitz Of Laughter – Al Fresco' shows will take place on Saturday August 8 (with Paul Sinha), Saturday August 15 (with Barbara Nice), Saturday August 22 (with Troy Hawke) and Saturday August 29 (with Jonny Cole).

Audience numbers are limited to 36 per gig to ensure social distancing and the performances will take place on the car park at the Enville Street pub, with early and late shows starting at 4pm and 7.30pm respectively.

More than 200 tickets have been snapped up in just a couple of days, with three of the eight shows already sold out.

Funny Beeseness has not put on a live show since March when the coronavirus pandemic forced the country into lockdown and live performances were banned by the government but with measures now relaxed - outdoor performances can go ahead.

Dudley comic Wayne Beese, who will be hosting the shows, said: “When we heard the government were allowing outdoor shows we ran a poll amongst our regulars to see if there would be any interest in us putting some on.

“The response was unbelievable, with hundreds of people responding to say they would come if we did.

“It’s been a very frustrating time but we now can’t wait to get cracking again.

“We’re aware safety is key. That’s why we’ve restricted capacity to allow us to keep two metres between family bubbles, and we’ll mark out two metre gaps for the bar queue and introduce one way entrances and exits for the bar.

“The bills for all the shows are absolutely fantastic and tickets have been flying out since we announced them.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their support – this will help us start the hard road back after our programme was decimated by the coronavirus pandemic.”

Tickets for all the shows can be booked at www.funnybeeseness.co.uk.