Hard-up punters can head to the pub for a night of stand-up comedy, to take the edge off their pre-pay-day blues.

Five veteran acts will take the stage at the Bishop Out Of Residence pub to dole out laughs.

They will be joined for the free gig by two comics who are just starting out. Compere and organiser Jennifer Gray says she was performing at the Bishop Out Of Residence and decided to get involved in putting together a revamped comedy night.

She says: “I was actually doing a set there and said I would take over.

“I have got a lot of friends who are comedians and they have said they will do it for free – just for the end of the month when everybody is skint and has got no money.

“They can come to the pub and laugh about it.”

She adds: “We have got a couple of new acts and we have got five comedians who will do 15-minute sets.

“The new comedians who are coming down are going to go into the town and give out flyers for us.”

The last Thursday of every month will be reserved for comedy at the pub, she says.

Stand-up comedy; Bishop Out Of Residence, Bishop's Hall, off Thames Street, Kingston; June 27, 8-10.30pm; free; for information call 020 8546 4965.