AS the nights draw in, Burning Duck Comedy Club says farewell to 2015 in York with a mixture of old and new favourite performers led by Carly Smallman next Tuesday.

"Carly, who was born in 1985, didn’t begin performing stand-up comedy until 2009, but her unique blend of outrageous impropriety and adorable sincerity has established her as a firm favourite on the comedy circuit," says promoter Al Greaves. "She's played at some fabulous venues, from major weekend comedy clubs and arts centres, to the Hammersmith Apollo and her living room."

Smallman has performed her stand-up on BBC2's The Rob Brydon Show; criticised people’s life choices on E4's The Top 50 Plastic Surgery Shockers; written and performed sketches for BBC Comedy Online and been heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra's What's So Funny with Rufus Hound.

GQ, the gentleman's magazine, is a fan, declaring: "Her delightful appearance and cheery persona juxtaposed with wonderfully filthy songs make her the most exciting female act in the country right now.”

York Press:

Carly Smallman: "outrageous impropriety"

Next Tuesday's gig at the Black Swan Inn, in Peasholme Green, begins with a preview of Sam & Tom’s darkly humorous new show, Sam & Tom in: In Memori-Tom. "Join comedy’s most hotly tipped funeral as Sam lays to rest his late-mate Tom, tragically killed in an accident legally proven to be no-one's direct fault," says Al. "Expect hymns, skits, killer stunts (cancelled) and a minute’s silence/disco. Come dressed for a R.I.P-roaring success.”

The 8pm show will be hosted by an enigmatic guest MC, one “DJ Frog Dad”. "Eagle-eyed observers may note he bears a passing resemblance to previous guest MC Sean Morley," says Al.

"I’m very much looking forwards to this month's show. Carly is a regular headline act with an infectious enthusiasm and lots of very silly songs which reflect our the night's ethos. I’m also excited to watch the new show from Sam & Tom, who blew everybody away when they performed in our show in May and during York’s inaugural Great Yorkshire Fringe this summer."

Burning Duck's £3 earlybird tickets may still be on sale by the time of going to press, otherwise the price is £4 at burningduckcomedy.com and £5 on the door, with concessions for students and seniors at £4.

York Press:

Bec Hill: "only one life regret"

Al is now booking acts for 2016. "I'm very pleased to announce that previous headline act Bec Hill will be returning on February 24 to present her Edinburgh Fringe smash, Caught On Tape," he says. "What do you regret, asks Bec, who has only one life regret and it haunts her, but now it’s time to change that, she says."

Hill's show will combine stand-up, “paper puppetry” and regret and she will be supported by storyteller Sarah Bennetto.

"Tickets for all Burning Duck shows on the second Tuesday in the month go on sale not only online but also at Bison Coffee in Heslington Road and The Inkwell in Gillygate," says Al, who recommends signing up to the mailing online list for exclusive announcements of more shows, as well as subscriber-only links to discounted tickets.