JUNIOR Simpson takes the Hyena Lounge Comedy Club headline spot on Saturday with his infectious energy and exuberant stage presence at The Duchess in York.

On television, he was a team captain opposite Madness’s Suggs on Channel 5’s Night Fever and has hosted his own series, In The Dark With Junior Simpson and The Hit Man, as well as making regular appearances on the Never Mind The Buzzcocks, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Have I Got News For You panel shows.

Daliso Chaponda, a Malawian stand-up comedian and writer now living in Britain, opens the 8pm bill. He began his comedy path in Canada, going on to perform all over the world, but in 2011 he grew frustrated that he was better known outside Africa than within, so he began a tour he called Laughrica. He launched this one-man show in Lilongwe, Malawi, and followed it up with appearances in Zimbabwe’s Hifa Festival and at Stand Up Africa in Johannesburg.

Steve Bugeja takes Saturday’s middle slot after winning the BBC New Comedian Of The Year award. He supported Russell Kane on his latest tour and was part of the Comedy Zone at last month’s Edinburgh Fringe.

“Expect great things from this brilliant young comedian,” says Hyena Lounge promoter Toby Clouston-Jones.

Andrew Ryan returns as this weekend’s compere, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, where his act was filmed for BBC3’s Edinburgh Comedy Gala. “A headline act in his own right, Andrew will ensure Saturday’s laugh-packed night is one to remember,” says Toby.

Tickets are available at £14 on 01904 641413, online at hyenalounge.com or on the door from 7pm.