If you want to catch a comedy character who has Ricky Gervais rolling in the aisles, then git yourself on down to the Market Theatre in Hitchin next week.

That’s because Brian Gittins, the gormless roadside café owner and self-professed nasal spray addict created by David Earl, will be headlining October’s Mostly Comedy bill at the Sun Street venue.

Brian is no stranger to the studio setting – this will be his third visit to the town with a creation described by Ricky as ‘one of the best comedy characters of the decade’.

Gittins supported him on his Science tour in 2009, and fans of his work might also recognise Earl as Kev, a regular character in Channel 4’s Derek.

Joining Brian on the bill is stand-up Joey Page, who has appearances on the likes of BBC2’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Channel 4’s recent Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy under his belt, with regular hosts Doggett & Ephgrave providing the links.

The laughter starts next Thursday, October 23, when the bar will be open from 8.30pm, and the first act is due on stage at 9.15pm.

Tickets are £9.50, available in advance via www.mostlycomedy.co.uk, where you can also book for forthcoming dates with The Fast Show’s John Thomson and ex-Buzzcocks captain Sean Hughes.

The Hitchin and Harpenden Labour party are on the lookout for a comedy constituency and promoting their own big-name gig next month.

The Stand Up For Labour showcase sees left-leaning comedians on stage to support the cause, and they’re heading for Hitchin’s Westmill Community Centre on Friday, November 7.

Topping the bill will be the lugubrious bard of Balham Arthur Smith, a dishevelled fixture on the circuit for many years and a renowned host and helmsman for memorable nights of fun.

Also on the bill is Wil Hodgson, a distinctive figure with his pink hair, tattoos and burly wrestler’s build, to say nothing of his devotion to My Little Pony figures. Although he hails from Chippenham, Wil spent his university days in Luton.

Sharp and politically switched-on Grainne Maguire and host Paul Ricketts complete the line-up for the Hitchin gig.

Doors open at 7.30pm at the John Barker Place venue, and tickets are £12 in advance of £15 on the door.

Call 07746 964959 or email rad.arts@yahoo.co.uk to reserve yours.