A TRIO of funnymen are hoping to have comedy fans in stitches when they take to

the stage in Worcester for the first in a new season of stand-up shows.

Gordon Southern, Tom Wrigglesworth and Markus Birdman will kick off the 10th year of the Comedy Zone at Marr's Bar in Pierpoint Street on Thursday, February 2.

Gordon has taken his own brand of humour everywhere from Australia and China to the United Arab Emirates and the Falkland Islands - where, presumably, he played to more than sheep.

Since the comedian won the Time Out comedy award for Most Surprising Discovery in 1995, he has gone from strength to strength.

His lively performances combine energy and amiability and as well as his on-stage

performances, he has written material for a string of radio and TV shows.

Tom Wrigglesworth is winner of Channel Four's So You Think You're Funny stand-up award in 2003 as well as a nominee for the Chortle Best Newcomer award in 2004.

The Yorkshire funnyman first started doing stand-up in 2002 and combines a sparkling stage presence with impressive writing and an ability to riff with the audience.

Last - but by no means least, according to the Daily Telegraph, which made him a finalist in its Open Mic Award in 2000 - is Markus Birdman, who makes a welcome return to the city venue where he got a warm reception when he performed in 2004.

The fast-rising London-based comic has a clutch of awards to his name. He has performed at the Edinburgh Festival, as well as numerous other places across the globe, and has featured on a variety of television and radio shows in Britain and Australia.

Adam Montgomery, resident compre and local comedian, will be warming up the audience as usual at what has become one of Worcester's most popular nights out.

Doors open at 8pm and tickets are £8 in advance, available from Music City in The Tything and The Marr's Bar or £9 on the door.

The Comedy Zone takes place on the first Thursday of the month.