A NEW era for much-loved Ulverston comedy programme Planet Mirth will see the first inclusion of an open mic section.

There is also a strong line-up of well-respected stars from the UK stand-up circuit for this next event, at the Laurel and Hardy Museum on Saturday September 22.

Among them is a rising star that is being tipped for stardom in the shape of Lauren Pattison, who has recently enjoyed a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with her critically-acclaimed debut show, Lady Muck, as well as starring performances at both Leeds and Latitude Festival.

Her big break came supporting Katherine Ryan on tour, and she had been due to appear at the Friday Night Live event in Ulverston earlier this year but had to postpone due to filming commitments in Australia.

Seymour Mace, best recognised for his appearances on BBC3 sitcom Ideal, alongside Jonny Vegas, will be performing his surreal brand of stand-up.

Having made the final of the So You Think You're Funny competition at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2001, he has gone on to perform at the best-established clubs and comedy festivals around the UK.

Joseph Jacobs, otherwise known as the rapper Jester Jacobs, who has been seen on Channel 4, and made radio appearances on BBC Radio 4, BBC 6 Music, and Radio 1XTRA. Over the past six years he's been doing stand-up, he has performed nationally and internationally, sharing bills with acts as varied as Bill Burr, Stewart Lee and Mr. Motivator.

Matt Stellingwerf, winner of four NZ Comedy Guild Awards, is another fast-rising name to watch out for next weekend. He has toured extensively, performing throughout NZ, Australia, the USA and the UK as he continues to establish himself on the international stage.

Ryan Brown, who specialises in deadpan one-liners, also heads to Ulverston after appearing at many of the UK's best comedy venues over the past five years.

The show on Saturday 22 starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are available in advance from the venue and via www.ticketsource.co.uk

l The main programme will be followed by an open mic night, open to all musicians, comedians, poets and performers of all kinds. It starts at 10.15pm, and entrance is free.