TV comedian Shazia Mirza headlines Oakham comedy night as fundraiser for Rutland Foodbank

Laughter will be the best medicine for a countywide charity when a new town comedy night launches with a fundraising gig.

Award-winning comedian, writer and TV regular Shazia Mirza is to headline the night as a relaunch event for an Oakham pub when the Railway Inn, in Melton Road, reopens as The Steam Bar.

The bar owners have agreed that proceeds from the night, on Friday, February 9, will go to Rutland Foodbank.

The show kicks off at 8pm with Stevie Gray, who has performed at comedy clubs all over the world, as well as for Sky and the BBC, before Oakham stand-up Katie Brown takes to the stage.

Michael McKenzie, who is quickly growing a strong reputation around the country, is third on before headline act Shazia.

She is described as a brave comedian who pushes barriers and whose TV appearances Celebrity Masterchef, the Jonathan Ross Show, and the Graham Norton Show.

Tickets are priced at £5, plus booking fee, and are available via www.ticketsource.co.uk/hatsfunnycomedy

The night has been organised by Rutland-based Hats Funny Comedy, run by South Luffenham’s Ian Hayes.

He is also promoting The Road to Leicester comedy festival, a series of shows for comedians performing at the Leicester Comedy Festival.

It starts on Wednesday (January 31) and features 30 comedians across five nights at eight venues, including four venues in Rutland.