COMEDY fans enjoying a night of laughs in Wells at the weekend got more than they bargained for when acclaimed stand-up and TV host Russell Howard performed a secret set.

The set took place at the Long Paws Comedy Club on Sunday night and was announced only to subscribers to the club's mailing list.

It was a work-in-progress show ahead of Howard’s ‘Round the World’ tour later this year, which takes him to Scandinavia, USA, Dubai and Australia as well as the UK, including 10 nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

But while Howard’s used to playing to crowds of 15,000, he tested material in front just 168 people at the Wells Little Theatre.

Ben Williams, founder of the Long Paws Comedy Club and Wells Comedy Festival, said: "Russell’s played the club twice before, and it was so great to have him back.

"The audience were hugely excited to see him, and he certainly didn’t disappoint."

Over the last 12 years the Long Paws Comedy Club has brought the likes of Tim Minchin, Greg Davies, Al Murray, Jon Richardson, Stewart Lee, Romesh Ranganathan and Katherine Ryan to Wells.

The next Long Paws gig will take place on Sunday, March 26, with a line-up to be announced soon.

Meanwhile, the third annual Wells Comedy Festival takes place from May 26-28 with the first shows being announced at the end of January.

For more info visit www.wellscomfest.com.