TIRED of the same old jokes from your mates down your local? Well, a town centre bar could have the perfect solution of combining drinks and side-splitting laughs.

The Sub Zero bar on Mawdsley Street is launching a weekly comedy night next month, and promoters are promising both top class acts at "bargain" prices and the chance of finding a bright new star from Bolton's comically talented population.

The man behind the new Thursday comedy club, which starts on October 31, is Alex Boardman, a regular face on the North West comedy circuit.

Having brushed shoulders with the likes of Caroline Aherne (alias Mrs Merton) and Steve Coogan, Alex has a bulging contacts book of phone numbers and aims to put on top class acts in Bolton.

The stand-up comedy scene has been booming in Manchester with venues like the Frog and Bucket and the Buzz Club.

Alex said: "I've got together with Sub Zero to create something special in Bolton so that people in this town can enjoy a drink and good comedy on their doorstep without having to travel into the city."

A feature of the comedy nights will be an open-mike slot where local comedy hopefuls can try out their act on the audience. Alex added: "In such a big town there must be some great talent out there waiting to be discovered."

Organisers are hoping a regular sponsor will help promote the comedy nights. Anyone interested can call Sub Zero on Bolton 391493.

Management at Sub Zero have cashed in on a happy coincidence between the name of the bar and a new alcoholic soda drink.

Neon signs and lights designed to promote the bottled drink have been installed in the club.

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