The Clapped Out Comedy club was billed as "Brighton's best for live stand-up comedy" and it didn't disappoint.

The compere, Lloyd Langford, lifted the audience to a side-splitting high, his innate Welshness only adding to his relaxed and continuous banter with the crowd.

First act Stuart Black fell somewhat short of his predecessor. Try as he might, he failed to warm the crowd with gags about dog sex.

He sensed we weren't following and handled himself well but left the stage a little dejected.

Lloyd retrieved the evening and introduced the second act, Arnab Chanda who was fresh, witty and definitely kept the crowd on a high.

Following a short set by a local female comedian, whose nerves just about held out to deliver a commendable punchy ten minutes, was the final act, Howard Read.

Read was refreshingly at ease with the audience.

He's a naturally funny man whose short tunes were brilliantly dry and strangely catchy.