Comedy lovers are in for a treat this summer when some of the finest and funniest acts on the circuit appear at the Comedy Festival in Canterbury.

At the Marlowe Theatre, The Horne Section kicks things off on Monday, July 15, mashing stand-up and live music in a spontaneous, high octane combination led by Alex Horne, the creator and host of Dave TV Series Taskmaster.

He said of the show: "It’s nonsense, it’s silly and fun. If I wanted to compare it to anyone I’d say it’s a bit like Harry Hill’s live shows. I wouldn’t dream of saying we’re as good as Harry but his style of shows which are fun and ‘anything goes’.

"Half the show is very rehearsed, and the other half isn’t. There are five people on the stage all the time with me who the audience can see and if they look bored, the audience will be bored. And the band aren’t very good at acting: if they’re not enjoying it, they will show that they’re not enjoying it. So I have to keep them amused."

And as for rehearsals: "We do meet up every week or two to do our podcast and that serves as a rehearsal, I suppose. But we don’t actually rehearse strictly very much. It’s more about keeping it fresh and keeping new ideas coming. Once we get to the venue and meet up, it’s just about the best fun you can have."

Adam Kay: This Is Going To Hurt – Secret Diaries Of A Junior Doctor will follow on Tuesday, July 16 while Richard Herring: RHLSTP Tour, bringing his popular podcast to the stage, is next up on Wednesday, July 17 with a live interview with Shaun Williamson and Vic Reeves.

On Thursday, July 18, The Alternative Comedy Show will showcase the most experimental and innovative comedians, including the award-winning David Doherty, Fin Taylor and Colin Hoult.

Live At The Marlowe is on Saturday, July 20 will be headlined by I'm a Celebrity star Joel Dommett, Nick Helm and University of Kent alum Laura Lexx (Live At The Apollo).

There’s also an eclectic mix of shows at the Marlowe Studio. These include double bills from Edinburgh favourites Adam Riches and Ahir Shah on Friday, July 19, rising stars John Robins and Ed Night on Monday, July 22 and innovative comics Suzi Ruffell and Joan & Flo on Friday, July 26.

There will also be live versions of comedy podcasts including Films To Be Buried With on Thursday, July 18 and The Hoovering Podcast on Thursday, July 25 and an immersive comedy game experience from The Dark Room on Sunday, July 28.

Tickets for events at the theatre and the Marlowe Studio are available by calling 01227 787787 or going to marlowetheatre.com

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