Winchester Comedy Festival is back with two gala nights featuring top line-ups of stand-up comedians at the Theatre Royal Winchester on September 29 and 30 at 7.30pm.

On the Friday, audiences will be entertained by Larry Dean, Sikisa, Kelly Convey and the evening’s MC Tom Deacon, while on Saturday the comics taking the stage will be Hal Cruttenden, Esther Manito, Garrett Millerick and once again Tom Deacon as MC.

Larry Dean was crowned Scottish Comedian of the Year at the age of just 23 and has since received numerous nominations at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Best Newcomer, and twice Best Show).

Sikisa is a comedian, writer and producer and dubbed ‘one to watch’. She too has been nominated in Best Newcomer and Best Appearance award categories and has become a regular performer and MC at some of the UK’s favourite comedy nights.

Kelly Convey regularly performs at the UK’s biggest comedy clubs with household names like Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett. She has appeared on Comedy Central and UniLad.

Hal Cruttenden is one of the UK’s top touring stand-ups as well as a writer, presenter and actor, who has appeared on everything from Live at the Apollo (BBC) to Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC), The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice (BBC and Channel 4) and Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live (BBC).

Esther Manito has opened gigs for the likes of Jo Brand, Shappi Korsandi and Al Murray (who have all performed at the theatre); appeared on Celebrity Pointless (BBC); and performed stand-up as part of a Nationwide TV ad campaign.

Garrett Millerick is an award-nominated stand-up, writer and director, in great demand on the alternative and club circuits of the world. He recently made his TV debut on US talk show Conan (TBS) and his breakout live show Sunflower was recorded as an album.

Deacon, who will MC each gala event, has hosted his own Radio 1 show; appeared on TV shows including The Rob Brydon Show and Dave’s One Night Stand; and, following the Champions League around the world as The Eurofan, received a million views on YouTube.

Because of unforeseen circumstances, Zoe Lyons and James Gill who were on the original Saturday night line-up will no longer be appearing. The line-ups are subject to change.

The shows are suitable for those aged 16 and above. For more information or to book tickets call 01962 840440 or visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk