AL Pitcher will be causing a flap in the Everyman Theatre's County Bar in Cheltenham on Monday when he kicks off the first of the Comedy Nights for 2005.

Credited as being New Zealand's answer to boredom, he began his career in stand-up in his native land before moving to Blighty to seriously pursue making people laugh.

He has quickly established himself as a rather special new act, reaching the final of Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny competition, the semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award and the final of The Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award.

Pitcher has more tales than a packed cattery - from an infamous 1500m race, to a convincing impersonation of Bono.

Doors open at 7pm and the performance will start at 8.30pm. Tickets, which cost £8, are available from the box office on 01242 572573 or www.everyman theatre.org.uk