You're having a laugh: Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival launches tonight

Topping the bill, and headlining the opening night is 2018 Britain's Got Talent winner Lee Ridley, aka Lost Voice Guy.

The sell-out show, which is being held at Theatre Severn, also features Rob Deering, with Dan Nightingale as MC.

Also on the bill for the four-day festival, which runs until Sunday, are a number of acts including John Lynn and his show Addition Diction, Scott Bennett, Geoff Norcott, Steve Day and Nick Doody.

Multi-award-winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter Russell Kane is host for the star-studded Gala Show which brings the curtain down on the festival on Sunday evening.

The 2017 Gala sold out within hours and was the most talked about comedy event of the year and 2018 promises to be just as memorable. Russell will introduce acts including Jason Byrne, known as the host of the madcap gameshow, Don't Say It, Bring It on Dave, and a judge on Ireland's Got Talent.

Also on the bill is Nish Kumar, a regular on TV and radio who has been seen hosting satirical shows such as The Mash Report on BBC2 and Newsjack on Radio 4 Extra and he will be joined by serial festival performer Carl Donnelly and multiple Canadian Comedy Award nominee Allyson June Smith.

Rob Broderick, one half of hip-hop improv stars Abandoman, the breakout hit of last year's festival, also makes a welcome return to perform a one-man show at the Old Market Hall as part of the Edinburgh Preview and Work In Progress programme that makes up the rest of the festival.

SICFest co-director Kevin Bland said: "Once again we've managed to pull together an eclectic mix of top circuit acts to perform their hour long shows prior to taking them to the Edinburgh Festival.

"We’ve added extra days and more venues this year to try and keep up with demand for shows, both from performers and the public.”

As well as Theatre Severn and The Old Market Hall; Henry Tudor House, The Old Post Office, Havana Republic and Stop Café@The Museum will play host to the likes of Rob Rouse, Glenn Wool and many more.

Tickets priced from £6 are on sale now via the Theatre Severn website theatresevern.co.uk, telephone 01743 281281 or in person at both Theatre Severn and the Old Market Hall.