JAMALI Maddix is a "comedy superstar in the making", reckons Hyena Lounge Comedy Club promoter Toby Clouston-Jones as he welcomes his Saturday Night Lounge headliner to The Duchess in York this weekend.

"He's playing here after being seen on TV in the summer performing on BBC1’s The John Bishop Show," says Toby. "With an assured stage presence and material that comes from a fresh perspective, he already has the aura of a successful comic well beyond his years, whose natural confidence and charm allow him to tread gracefully across more sensitive topics, leaving many of his contemporaries behind."

Maddix has been gigging for only four years but in that time he has won the Comedy Café New Act of the Year Competition and the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year Award. "Big things await this natural talent," predicts Toby.

Australian wordsmith Benny Boot returns to York to open the 8pm show before heading over to Leeds to headline at The Hi Fi Club. "Benny's been performing comedy in the UK for almost a decade and he's considered by many of his peers to be one of the very best comedians in the country," says Toby.

"He was a finalist in NBC’s Last Comic Standing in America, losing out to current comedy sensation and Trainwreck film star Amy Schumer, and has been invited to comedy festivals all over the world since selling out his entire Edinburgh Fringe run. Performing his jokes in a unique style on variety of strange topics, his engaging persona and material keeps the laughter rolling."

Chris Washington takes this weekend's s middle slot. "With his cheeky northern charm and humorous tales, it’s clear to see why he's flying up the comedy ladder," says Toby.

Tony Jameson, a North Easterner now living in York, will be on compere duty, fresh from selling out his solo shows at this summer's Great Yorkshire Fringe in Parliament Street.

Tickets cost £14 online at hyenalounge.com or on the door from 7pm.