FUNNY Way To Be Comedy at Barnard Castle has unveiled details of shows running from January to May featuring leading comedy names and tour shows.

There will be nine shows at the Witham Arts Centre plus a couple of pop-up shows there as well as one at Café 15 and Curlew Bookshop.

The season begins on January 26 with Justin Moorhouse wondering if the golden age of the Northern straight white male comedian has gone the way of dinosaurs. How will he adapt if he wants to survive? What next for this Northern Joker?

The UK’s number one comedy magician, Pete Firman, returns with a new tour show Marvel on February 8.

With Britain's exit from the EU getting closer it’s perfect timing to see Matt Forde and Brexit Through The Gift Shop on the February 20.

Matt is the country’s most in-demand satirist and political impersonator, and is the host of the ultra-topical political comedy TV show Unspun with Matt Forde now in its fourth series.

Canadian Tom Stade is one of the most prolific and engaging stand-ups of our time. He will attempt with his usual swagger and playful sense of mischief to figure out where he fits into this emerging new world.

Tom is a regular on TV including shows such as Channel 4’s Comedy Gala, BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The John Bishop Show and Live at the Apollo (twice).

April brings a trio of blockbuster comedy shows.

Seann Walsh (April 10), the dishevelled millennial man-child brings his After This One I’m Going Home tour show to the Witham.

Cannon & Ball (April 12) present an evening of their unique humour. There will be unforgettable sketches, songs, storytelling and an audience Q & A session.

Alistair McGowan (April 24) is an impressionist, stand-up comedian, actor, writer and, latterly, pianist. TV credits include The Big Impression, Bleak House, Live At The Apollo.

After the success of his recent piano album McGowan will premiere a new show which brings together all his talents. He will play tracks from his album and short classics piano pieces of music.

As the Edinburgh Festival draws closer, April 26 brings Jayde and Adams Andrew in the first of 2019’s work in progress evenings.

Pop-up comedy shows feature North-East talent with tickets costing £5. At the Witham on January 8 Britain’s Got Talent’s Cal Halbert will present No Biz Like Showbiz; February 5 brings Edinburgh Best Newcomer Nominated Lauren Pattison in her second show, Peachy; and at Café 15 and Curlew Bookshop, Lee Kyle’s tour show Kicking Potatoes Into The Sea can be seen on January 23.

Most shows are recommended as 14+. Tickets and details are available from funnywaytobe.com or the Witham box office.