LAUGHTER is set to echo from the halls of Pontypool’s Indoor Market this week when a new comedy night comes to the town.

Five popular acts on the Welsh comedy circuit will visit the venue on Thursday, October 19 headlined by award-winning comic and musician Jeff Japers.

Audiences will also be able to buy a selection of street food on the night and a fully licensed bar will be available.

Roger Hanson, of Cavalier Comedy, already runs a successful comedy night in Ross on Wye, and hopes that Pontypool Indoor Market could become a regular comedy venue.

He said: “We are really excited about running this event in such a quirky and unusual venue.

“Our goal is to bring comedy to smaller towns and venues across south Wales, allowing audiences the chance to see fantastic comedians and have a great night out in their home towns.”

Mr Hanson, who will be the MC on the night, added: “The Welsh comedy scene is growing all the time and if the event goes well I would love to be able to host a regular night in Pontypool.”

The full line-up of comics includes Jeff Japers, who has been writing comedy songs for over 20 years and is a previous winner of the Risa Worldwide Ukulele Video Competition.

He now has three outlets for his songs – his band Gaudy Orde, a stand up routine and a solo ukulele slide show – and has previously performed in the Wales Millennium Centre in 2011 and Welsh Unsigned Stand Up Awards in 2016.

Previous Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year winner and BBC Radio 2 New Comedy Award finalist (2012), Matt Rees and Welsh Unsigned Stand-up Award 2017 finalist and radio presenter, Coral Halliwell are booked to play.

Other performers include South Wales-based Roger Hanson and touring act, Gareth Thomas.

Torfaen council’s executive member with responsibility for leisure and culture, Cllr Alan Jones, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring a brand new comedy night to Pontypool.

“Recently we have hosted a pop up cinema and a tapas night in the market, both of which were fully booked, and hopefully this event will be every bit as popular.”

He added: “The market is a lovely, historical building and we are continuing to look for opportunities to bring new and interesting events to the town.”

The show is also part of Torfaen CBC’s plans to use the market as a hub for events from theatre to music.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.45pm start and entry on the door is charged at £4. Advance tickets are £3 or two for £5 from the market office.

Search ‘Pontypool Indoor Market’ on Facebook or call them on 01495 742757.