A barrister turned lecturer in serious crime looks set to achieve his aim of bringing more laughter to Kidderminster after setting up a monthly comedy club called The Hilarity House.

The creation of the club, which will meet at The Old Waggon and Horses in Stourbridge Road, follows an article in the Shuttle/Times and News, in which comic Zak Turner said he was hoping his first live show at The Rose Theatre would sow the seeds for a monthly club in his home town.

About 140 people attended the show and just a month later, Zak has achieved his goal, with The Hilarity House being set to meet for the first time on Monday.

The event will start at 8.30pm and consist of five professional comedy acts, headlined by Pat Gallagher from Gloucester.

There will also be an open mic spot enabling one amateur comedian to try their hand at a stand-up stint.

Zak, who will be compering the event, is also preparing to perform daily spots at the Edinburgh Festival in August and is looking forward to the opportunity of practising his material on Wyre Forest laughter lovers.

"I'm doing it because it's great fun," said the 39-year-old, who lives in Kidderminster but heads south four days a week to lecture at Buckingham Chiltern University College.

He added: "People who haven't been to comedy clubs before might be a bit surprised because I think a lot of people think club comedy is just screaming but there is actually an intellectual element.

"Comedians have to analyse everyday situations and give an overview to make people think.

"Members of the audience can have a go themselves as well because each week we'll have an open mic."

He said future headline acts at the club would include Dave Ingram and Ashley Frieze, from Newcastle, on Monday, July 18, and Gary Delaney, who regularly appears at Jongleurs and The Comedy Store, on Monday, August 15.

"It's a safe, fun environment and I want people have fun and a good night out," Zak added.

More information on the club can be obtained by calling 07739 904048.

Further details are also available online at www.zakturner.com