It’s that time of year where the Edinburgh Preview returns to South Hill Park featuring an array of wonderfully tear-inducing comedians who will knock your socks off with exceptional entertainment, and inspirational theatre companies who will dazzle you with drama.

It’s that time of year where the Edinburgh Preview returns to South Hill Park featuring an array of wonderfully tear-inducing comedians who will knock your socks off with exceptional entertainment, and inspirational theatre companies who will dazzle you with drama.

The preview kicks off on Friday, July 3 with ‘unassuming comic genius’ Addy Van Der Borgh performing his sketch ‘The Jest of Argument’ and legend in the world of comedy Mick Ferry with ‘Staring balefully with his hands on his hips’ gracing the stage at the Cellar Bar.

The following week (Friday July 10) sees emerging comedy talent Joe Lycett with his ‘Work in Progress’ sketch and funnyman Geoff Norcott with ‘Man of Spiel’.

Friday July 17 welcomes The Independent’s ‘Face To Watch 2015’ Dane Baptise with his brand new show ‘Reasonable Doubts’ and award-winning Phil Nichol with ‘Work in Progress.’ Make a final date with Edinburgh Preview cellar comedy on Friday July 24 with the spell-binding Markus Birdman and his ‘Grimm Realities’ and the ‘best mainstream female comedian since Sarah Millican’ Angela Barnes with ‘Raggy Doll.’ Four weeks of outstanding comedy from high quality talents are guaranteed this summer.

The Edinburgh Preview runs at South Hill Park until Thursday, July 30. For more information visit www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office 01344 484123. And if you are still up for a laugh then Newbury’s Corn Exchange hosts You Must Be Joking on Wednesday, July 8.

This is an evening of exciting new talent, as the finalists of Newbury’s Stand-up Comedy Competition take to the stage for their battle with the microphone.

The discerning panel has whittled the entries down to eight would-be comedians who think they’ve got what it takes to get the crowds giggling! Be there to see the next big thing in UK comedy make their first appearance – watch the winner scoop the money prize and a win a chance to perform at the So Comedy night later in July!

Previous winners include Pete Beckley, Matt Dwyer, Sean Doyle, Chris Chopping, Matt Richardson, Ian Smith, Gerry Howell, Imran Yusuf, Hannah Dunleavy and Papa CJ. You Must Be Joking is on Wednesday, July 8 at Corn Exchange Newbury.

Tickets cost £7. Visit www.cornexchangenew.com or call 0845 521 8212 for tickets.