Pubs and clubs in Preston are struggling to survive in the midst of recession, but the city's nightlife is being buoyed by a growing demand for comedy. BEN ROBINSON found out why everyone is laughing.
It was a blustery Wednesday evening and the rain started coming down as the last of the day's shoppers scuttled home.
In the past the only people who would have been prepared to brave the foul weather were students keen to take advantage of mid-week drinks offers.
But at around 7.30pm a steady stream of people, young and old, began arriving in the city centre to get ready for a night of laughter.
By the time the show got under way at the Frog and Bucket, in Lords Walk, Preston, more than 140 people had taken their seats and there was barely a spare spot in the house.
The club, one of seven comedy venues in the city, opened in October after establishing a reputation for uncovering a host of new talent at its venue in Manchester.
The Beat the Frog night gives aspiring acts five-minute slots to impress the crowd and has helped uncover a host of stars.
Peter Kay, who has just sold out a record-breaking stint at Manchester's MEN Arena, was among the comics to cut his teeth at the Manchester club.
Owner David Perkin claims more and more people are clamouring for comedy for a couple of hours of escapist fun.
He says: "Peter Kay in two hours sold 250,000 tickets for his new tour.
"In Preston we are sold out for Christmas and I don't think we have any weekend tickets until January.
"The reason people want comedy is every time you pick up a paper it is doom and gloom.
"It is 'we are going to lose our job or house or global warming.'
"People want to go out, relax and enjoy themselves.
"Comedy venues are nice and safe.
"You can get people who want to go out but do not always want to trawl around five or six bars."
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