GAGS are expected to come thick and fast when John Newton headlines Funny First Mondays at the Waterend Barn in St Albans next Monday. He will be pulling everyone into his world of comedy, drawing on subjects ranging from his experiences working on cruise

GAGS are expected to come thick and fast when John Newton headlines Funny First Mondays at the Waterend Barn in St Albans next Monday.

He will be pulling everyone into his world of comedy, drawing on subjects ranging from his experiences working on cruise liners to the socio-economic stability of Thomas the Tank Engine's island of Sodor.

Joining him at the monthly comedy night organised by STARTS - St Albans Arts - will be Sara Pascoe who can currently be seen in the Channel Four sitcom Free Agents as Emma.

She has been doing well in various competitions for comedy performers and was named as one of Time Out's Rising Stars of Comedy 2008. As well as straight stand-up comedy, her characters include female detective Mrs Noodie, L Ron Hubbard, Germaine Greer and Tinsel, the surrealist musician.

Also appearing will be children's TV presenter, comedy performer and resident compere of the Falling Down with Laughter Comedy Club in London, Sy Thomas, and Catie Wilkins, who recently won the Gong Show at the Comedy Store.

MC is Mike Manera and Funny First Mondays begins at 8pm. Admission is �5 and to find out more go to www.starts.org.uk or phone 01727 863648 or contact funnyfirstmondays@yahoo.co.uk