ALREADY a big star across the sea, Irish-American funnyman Des Bishop is continuing his domination of the world this weekend with Gloucester.

Des headlines the Big Laugh Cafe at the Guildhall, supported by two other acts, a disco and a late bar.

In the comedy club's first show of the year, Des's open and honest presenting style combined with his restless imagination and comic observations make him a must-see for fans of enquiring and entertaining comedy.

As a native New Yorker, he moved from the Big Apple to Ireland in his mid-teens in 1990 and has since carved out a highly-successful career in stand-up in Ireland as well as having had three acclaimed television series on Irish TV.

His most recent stand-up show, My Dad Was Nearly James Bond, premiered at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, winning rave reviews and playing to packed audiences.

Des has gone on to perform this confronting and personal show at the Montreal Just for Laughs, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before embarking on a national tour of Ireland.

He is supported by Marlon Davis, one of the a new generation of bright young comedians.

As a stand-up, improviser and actor, Marlon embraces his work with energy and charm, embodying his characters and delivering his material with skilful observations.

He works all over the UK doing sets, compering and headlining, including being a huge hit at London's Comedy Store, Jongleurs and Up The Creek.

More laughs come from Bethany Black, Britain's only goth, lesbian, transsexual comedian.

Tickets cost £12. Doors open at 8.30pm and the fun starts at 9.15pm.

Helen Blow