TOMORROW marks the opening of a new chapter in the long history of the Hyena Lounge Comedy Club, whose Saturday night and bigger touring show in York will now take place at The Duchess rather than at City Screen's Basement bar.

"The reason behind the move is that we listened to the numerous comments from our audience members," says club founder and promoter Toby Clouston-Jones.

"We knew that the quality of the comedians was as good, if not better, than at the vast majority of comedy clubs in the country, and we've aimed to address people's wishes in an attempt to improve their overall experience and enjoyment of the evening," says club founder and promoter Toby Clouston-Jones.

Toby outlines advantages he perceives in making the cross-city move from the Coney Street cinema to the Stonebow live music bar. "By moving to a more spacious venue, we're able to have all the seating now at tables and on padded seats," he says.

"Because of The Duchess’s location, the threat of flooding that exists at the riverside City Screen has now been eradicated, so there's no risk of shows having to be cancelled at late notice."

Hyena Lounge tickets at The Duchess will include complimentary entrance to the club night that follows once the comedy has finished, playing a mish-mash of pop old and new until 3am.

"While we're very aware this isn’t something that appeals to every customer, it's an option for those wishing to continue their evening into the small hours or even just stay for one more drink, rather than having to relocate to another establishment."

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s bill of Gavin Webster, Dan Nightingale, Brennan Reece and Tony Jameson, Toby says: "The opening show at our new home features four of our favourite acts, ensuring that this new era in the comedy history of York gets off to a flying start.

"Having already had a test run of the new venue, we know just how good the shows at The Duchess will be. For those who associate it with just being a venue for noisy bands and scruffy customers, they're in for a very pleasant surprise!"

The Hyena Lounge will not be severing ties with City Screen, however. "Not all of our shows will be at The Duchess," stresses Toby. "

Some of the smaller tour shows, Edinburgh previews and secret shows we've become famous for on Sundays and sometimes weekdays will stay at City Screen, but with a capacity of almost twice what the Basement has, we're now able to book shows at The Duchess that we just couldn’t accommodate previously and offer our customers even more choices of the finest comedians in the country."

Doors open at 7pm for tomorrow’s 8pm start and the minimum age of admission is 18. Tickets can be booked on 08444 771000 or at hyenalounge.com

Please note, The Duchess will be welcoming "comedy fans, couples and small groups, but not large stag or hen party groups".

"We're not suitable for large single-sex groups such as big stag or hen parties," says the venue management. "The maximum group size we allow is 20. Groups of between ten to 20 will be asked to pay a £10 per head cash behaviour bond on entrance.

"We also operate a strict No Fancy Dress policy; this applies to all customers, not just those in groups. Please don't try to get round these booking rules as you will be refused admission without a refund and we'd all rather avoid this embarrassment on the door!"

Unlike the comedians, the management is not joking.