CHATTY Man Alan Carr is staying a bit longer in "Britain's funniest city" after overwhelming demand has prompted a second date to be added his Liverpool Phil stint.

His autumn show is badged under the Liverpool Comedy Festival umbrella and organisers have revealed the full line up for the annual chortlefest which returns for a 14th consecutive year from Friday 18 September – Sunday 4 October.

This year 19 venues are taking part. Expect to find funny stuff in bars, shops, schools and even people’s houses. There are also comedy coach tours, kids shows, pub crawls, poets, podcasts, open mic nights, quizzes, magicians, networking events, rap battles, plays and sketch groups.

Carr will be presenting his new show, YAP, YAP, at the Phil where Dave Spikey will also appear.

Unity Theatre welcomes political satirist Andy Zaltzman and comedy circuit stalwart Jeremy Hardy. 

Meanwhile, British Comedy Award winner Nina Conti presents her new show, In Your Face, at Liverpool Playhouse. 

At The Epstein Theatre, John Challis, who starred as Only Fools and Horses’ Boycie, will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career; and Rob Rouse presents his new show Roboscopy.

John Challis with anecdotes from Only Fools and Horses in which he played BoycieJohn Challis with anecdotes from Only Fools and Horses in which he played Boycie

Comedy clubs are also in on the acts: Laughterhouse Comedy, Hot Water Comedy Club, Comedy Central and Liverpool Comedy Cellar will present comedy talent across the festival including Live at the Apollo star Shappi Khorsandi, stand-up and BBC2 sitcom Hebburn star Steffen Peddie and Liverpool comic Pauline Daniels. Meanwhile, mouthy Manc Terry Christian brings his one man show, Naked Confessions of a Recovering Catholic.

81 Renshaw Street will showcase up-and-coming comedy acts including Gein’s Family Giftshop, returning after their Foster’s Best Newcomer Nomination at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe. It wil also host festival favourite Jake Mills as well as Rosie Wilby, Kate Smurthwaite, John Wilson, Rob Thomas, Katie Tracey, Che Burnley and Christian Reilly, among others.

Throughout the run of the festival John Godber’s show Bouncers is at The Royal Court. 

Festival Director, Sam Avery from The Comedy Trust said: “This year is our biggest and most diverse Festival to date: more shows than ever before and a strong emphasis on the hugely exciting local scene alongside the household names and international acts.”

See www.Liverpoolcomedyfestival.com for dates and tickets and that.