The first time is always nerve-wracking.

Once the desire to barracade yourself in the toilet subsides, there's the profuse sweating and stuttering to deal with. And what, if after all the preparation, it goes horribly wrong?

Fear not, comedy virgins. Rabbit In The Headlights gives you the opportunity to try stand-up for the first time in a welcoming environment. They will hold your hand if you're nervous, slap your back if it goes well and wipe your tears if it does not.

The night showcases those starting out, as well as those who are trying new material, hence all routines are completely original.

"It's a guarantee you won't have heard any of the material before," says co-founder Katy Schutte. The first Rabbit In The Headlights was held back in March on a trial basis. Such was its success it was given a monthly slot.

Katy created the show along with Anthony Harris. Although experienced performers (Katy is a member of improvisation group The Mayday Players), they were keen to try stand-up and compering and realised there were others in need of an outlet - and so the Rabbit was born.

"Seeing someone who you think is going to be big do stand-up for the first time is brilliant," says Katy, adding the support network can be a lifesaver for novices.

"Doing stand-up is one of the scariest things you can do - I've been there. I spent the whole day going, 'Oh my god'. My natural response was to run away but you can't when it's your own night.

"But it's such an amazing feeling afterwards. It's such a big achievement - you've done a really scary thing, like a parachute jump."

Apart from one cheeky chap performing entirely stolen material (prompting Katy to devise a set of house rules), there have been few onstage disasters.

In fact, most performers get a good reception. "They all go down pretty well. The audience is really supportive. Nobody really fails but they can get self-conscious."

Some of the acts have even gone on to perform in London and Katy herself has appeared at the Komedia's Joker Basement. But others, once they have ticked "be a stand-up comic" off the list, are quite happy never to do it again.

However, this could have something to do with the feedback forms audience members are given after each show. "We ask them to be positive," Katy says.

"There's no point in just saying 'you were s***.'"

There will be about eights acts tomorrow and Robin Fry is compere.

Starts 8pm, tickets cost £5. Call 07780 867245. The next nights are October 28 and November 25.