THE Other Side Comedy Club has snapped up previews of two Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows on the same night.

Promoter and master of ceremonies Dan Atkinson will introduce Rob Deering and Al Pitcher: Wolf Catcher in the Basement Bar of City Screen, York, on July 10.

"Both Rob and Al will be doing an extended set of one hour, previewing material from their brand new shows that will be gracing Edinburgh in August," says Dan, who predicts a Perrier Award nomination for Deering.

"Rob Deering is comedy's man of the moment, and this year's Edinburgh could be the big one. Is that the sound of fizzy water I hear? With his easy charm, cheesy singing voice, razor-sharp wit and clownish physicality, Rob has quickly established himself as a favourite on the London circuit and played at all the major comedy clubs nationwide."

Over the past year, Deering has written and performed in Movie Mistakes Uncovered Uncut on Five; he was team captain in 20 episodes of Challenge TV's comedy panel show Totally Top Trumps; and he has been commissioned by Channel 4 to write and host the comedy series Lesser-Spotted Britain.

Al Pitcher, meanwhile, has the boundless stage presence of a kid who has drunk a bit much lemonade. "You can't help but love his hyperactive friendliness," says Dan. "Al exudes easy-going bonhomie that can break the ice at any gig and if last year's promising short set in the Fringe's comedy-zone package is any guide, this could be his breakthrough year.

"Earlier this year, he was voted eighth in Zoo Magazine's list of Britain's Funniest Comics 2005, he continues to headline across the UK and internationally and it's high time he got the recognition he deserves."

Doors will open at 7.30pm for the 8pm start. Tickets cost £7, concessions £6, from the City Screen box office, tel 01904 541144, 11am to 9pm.

Updated: 15:49 Thursday, June 16, 2005