BEFORE he sets sail to Canada to join the thriving comedy circuit, local comic Lewis Costello is stopping off at his favourite venue.

Showing support for the Blackburn’s successful World of Comedy’s stand-up shenanigans held at Thwaites Empire Theatre next week, Lewis will also celebrate his fifth year in comedy.

The 20-year-old, who has supported huge names including Ed Byrne, American comedian Doug Stanhope and Johnny Vegas said that Blackburn folk ‘need a laugh’.

“I am older and wiser now, so the kind of comedy that I am doing is more grown-up,” said Lewis, who is from Brownhill.

“I will be talking about family, childhood and topical subjects like religion. It’s just going with it on the night. I think if my style of comedy has changed it’s because I have changed. I think you grow up a bit if you want to,” laughed Lewis.

The World of Comedy is a regular event run by Blackburn comedian Junaid Musa, who is responsible for showcasing the area’s local talent, bringing fun to the theatre on a regular basis.

Lewis, who has performed at the ExCel Centre in front of 18,000 people, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Download Festival said: “I got in touch with Junaid and I liked his enthusiasm. I really like what he is doing and with all the doom and gloom out there, Blackburn needs a laugh.

“It’s great to go out during the week for a bit of fun, it’s gonna be great.”

  • World of Comedy, Thwaites Empire Theatre, Thursday, November 7. Box Office: 01254 685500