THE Hyena Lounge Comedy Club returns to York this weekend after a three-week hiatus for the refurbishment of City Screen, the host venue.

Promoter Toby Clouston-Jones opens his season of Edinburgh Previews for the Fringe summer on Sunday with a 7.30pm double bill of Pete Firman and John Robins.

“Pete shot to fame a decade ago when described as ‘the new Paul Daniels’ on Channel 5’s Monkey Magic and since then he has become the country’s favourite comedy magician,” says Toby.

“After performances on The Sarah Millican Television Programme, Channel 4’s Mash-Up and BBC1’s The Magicians, he returns to Edinburgh this August with his new show, Scoundrel, which he previews with us on Sunday night.”

John Robins represents the new wave of storyteller. “He weaves narrative, improvisation and punchy gags into his self-effacing style,” says Toby.

“His Edinburgh show last summer was directed by Russell Howard, who again lends a helping hand this year, and numerous TV appearances are helping John enlarge his ever-growing fan base.”

Saturday Night Lounge welcomes the ex-presenter of The Friday Night Project, the exuberant headliner Rob Rouse; former City Life Comedian Of The Year Steve Harris; and 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Zone act and girl-next-door charmer Hayley Ellis.

The compere is cheeky Irishman Caimh McDonnell, fresh from working with Sarah Millican on her TV show and live dates.

• Doors open at 7.15pm tomorrow, 7pm on Sunday. Box office: hyenalounge.com and 0871 902 5726.