Is it really a year since the first 1331 Comedy night in York, ponders promoter James Christopher.

“Yes it is! And what a year of chuckles it’s been,” he says. “September was a bit c**p, but apart from that it’s been lovely.

“So, as a special first birthday treat on Thursday, we’re bringing back our first headliner, the wonderful Andrew O’Neill, from our debut show one year ago.”

James describes O’Neill as a “cult favourite and true original”, and he is not alone in his praise. Steve Coogan says of him, “He’s so funny, I put him in my new TV show”, while fellow humorist Alan Moore reckons, “Andrew O’Neill is like comedy ball lightning. Fast, electrifying and even funnier than the misfortunes of others”.

Opening act Susan Vale writes for Channel 4’s satirical series The 11 O’Clock Show and BBC Radio 4.

“She’s a splendidly droll, deadbeat act. Think Norman Lovett after a particularly messy divorce,” says James.

“Support comes from the delightfully cerebral Michael J Dolan, plus me doing some jokes I wrote over Christmas, and all manner of birthday celebrations for our first gig of 2009.”

Doors open at 8.30pm for Thursday’s 9pm start upstairs at Bar 1331, in Grape Lane, with two-for-one cocktails, a late, late bar and indie anthems from resident rock guru DJ Rick Witter.

Admission is a “credit-crunch beating” £6.