Standfirst: AS the Edinburgh Fringe gets closer comics are fine-tuning their shows in arts centres and theatres across the country. Below Duncan Hall talks to two up-and-coming stand-ups testing out material as part of the Ropetackle Comedy Festival next week, and highlights some of the best coming to the city and beyond over the next few weeks.

The top Edinburgh previews coming to Sussex this month

Komedia

Gardner Street, Brighton, 0845 2938480

Starts 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.Single shows £4, double-bills £8.

Stephen Carlin and Beth Vyse

Monday, June 22

THE life and times of Stephen Carlin without the pesky facts is accompanied by Beth Vyse's look at her battle with breast cancer.

Pierre Novellie and David Elms

Wednesday, July 1

BBC Three's multi-award-nominated Pierre Novellie combines medieval Norse history and observational comedy, while David Elms talks about the compromise at the heart of marriage and adulthood.

Charlie Baker and Marcus Brigstocke

Friday, July 10

PANEL show star Charlie Baker is joined by BBC Radio 4 regular Marcus Brigstocke in arguably Komedia's starriest preview double bill.

Jody Kamali and Joanna Neary

Wednesday, July 15

A DOUBLE bill of character comedy with Jody's four-strong travelling circus and the return of one of Joanna's most popular alter egos, the Brief Encounter-inspired Celia.

Angela Barnes and Mark Steel

Thursday, July 30

A SUSSEX double bill from 2011 BBC New Comedy Award-winner Angela Barnes and multi-award-winning writer and stand-up Mark Steel, who also appears at the Caroline Of Brunswick on Tuesday, July 21.

Ropetackle Arts Centre

Little High Street, Shoreham, 01273 464440

Starts 8pm, tickets £5. One free ticket with every four Ropetackle Comedy Festival tickets booked for an individual show.

Matt Forde and Phil Wang

Monday, June 22

POLITICAL satirist Matt Forde joins BBC Radio regular Phil Wang in a change to the opening Ropetackle Comedy Festival show.

Carl Donnelly and Matt Winning

Tuesday, June 23

CARL was nominated for the 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Award, while Matt Winning's character comedy earned him places in the final of the 2012 BBC New Comedy Awards and the Chortle Student Comedy Awards in 2010 and 2011.

Jarlath Regan and Julian Deane

Friday, June 26

HOST of the podcast An Irishman Abroad Jarlath Regan is joined by Mock The Week writer Julian Deane.

Steve Hall and Ahir Shah

Saturday, June 27

WE Are Klang's Steve Hall is in a double bill with So You Think You're Funny finalist Ahir Shah hoping to follow-up the critical success of his last Edinburgh show Texture.