THERE'S a double does of comedy taking place in Wivenhoe in the next couple of weeks.

First up this Saturday, April 22, the town's William Loveless Hall plays host to its Stand Up for the Community comedy night, which will be raising money for local community groups and charities via Wivenhoe Mayor's Fund.

Headliner will be Welsh-Egyptian funnyman Omar Hamdi who supported Russell Kane on his 2013-14 tour and has presented for BBC Radio 2.

He first appeared on BBC Wales in shows including Search for an A Star, where he retook his A Level History – with no revision just cramming – and The Big Welsh Christmas Quiz.

Support on the night, which starts at 7.30pm, comes from Charmian Hughes, Texan JoJo Georgiou, who won Funny's Funny Female Comedian of the Year 2011, and finally Colchester's very own Carl Denham, who was runner up in Colchester's New Comedian of the Year competition in 2015.

With Wivenhoe Funny Farm's Hazel Humphreys overseeing proceedings, tickets are £10, £8 for concessions, available from the Wivenhoe Bookshop or Wivenhoe Council Offices. To reserve tickets on doors, which open at 7pm, e-mail funnyfarmcomedy@gmail.com

And if that wasn't enough tickling of the ribs for one month the Funny Farm itself returns for its monthly outing next Thursday, April 27.

Taking place at the town's Cricket Club in Rectory Road, headliner for this month is the very impressive Bethany Black who television viewers will recognise from such roles in Russell T Davies's multi-channel television shows Cucumber, Banana and Tofu, as well as Doctor Who.

She's been doing stand-up since 2004 and is well known for her honest, and sometimes dark, material.

Beth will be more than ably supported on the night by the likes of Abi Roberts, Si Deaves and Olly Watson.

The show starts at 8pm and entry is £7 and £5.50, which can be paid on the doors, which open at 7pm.

For more information go to www.wivenhoefunnyfarm.co.uk