A HANDFUL of the UK's finest stand-ups appear at the final Planet Mirth comedy showcase of 2016.

Five acclaimed comedians from across the UK are lined up to appear at the Laurel & Hardy Museum, in Ulverston, on Saturday December 17.

Leading the line-up for this latest event will be Russell Hicks, who won over the Cumbrian audience with his appearances at Kendal Calling this summer, and impressed the Planet Mirth organisers so much at this year's Edinburgh Festival that they made him headliner.

The American is a former star of the nationally-acclaimed student circuit on the other side of the Atlantic, but has been establishing himself in the UK throughout 2016.

Taking a different approach than most comedians, Russell weaves improvisation with stream of conscious delivery that has moved many audience members to return for two nights in a row.

Branded one of the "Top Six Comics to Watch" by LA's Stand Up Talk Magazine, he has appeared on LA-based TV panel show What's News?.

Award-winner Richard Massara joins him on the bill. The Real Radio XS New Comedian of the Year and Preston Comedian of the Year for 2012 has since become the resident MC for 2000 Trees Music Festival's comedy tent, and has been a regular booking for the best-established comedy clubs across the North West.

Lindsey Davies juggles being a stand-up comedian, with her day-to-day routine of being a sales rep, author and single mum of three. She appears in Ulverston having featured at the Edinburgh Festival and is now working on her first sitcom.

The former Liverpool Comedian of the Year Adam Rowe will also be in attendance. Having started out as a teenager in 2010, he quickly turned a full-time professional, starring at The Comedy Store, Highlight, and Jongleurs, among many other clubs. His observational and anecdotal comedy is accessible to audiences of all ages, and it’s always honest, creative and most importantly hilarious.

Compere once more is Colin Manford - a comedy club boss and brother of Jason Manford, he is an established stand-up in his own right and has supported the likes of Milton Jones on tour.

Planet Mirth arrives at the Laurel & Hardy Museum on Saturday 17, and tickets are available in advance from the venue.