CHRISTMAS comes early for comedy fans on Teesside this week.

Top TV comic Jarred Christmas and Comedy Store favourite Paul Thorne share headline duties at Stockton’s Catch 22 Comedy Club at ARC on Friday (May 31).

The pair then double up the following night (June 1) at Middlesbrough’s Big Mouth at the Town Hall Crypt and Brass Neck at Saltburn Community Theatre.

Known to millions thanks to a string of top TV including Mock the Week, Eight Out of Ten Cats and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, larger-than-life New Zealander Christmas is also a huge favourite at comedy festivals all over the world.

Fellow headliner Thorne is part of the Comedy Store’s legendary Cutting Edge team, and has toured with the likes of Jack Dee and Rory Bremner.

Tickets for Stockton are priced £10 and £12. The Box Office is on 01642-525 199 or visit www.arconline.co.uk

Tickets for the Middlesbrough gig are priced £12.50 and £10 early bird. The Box Office is on 01642-729 729 or visit www.middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk

For the Brass Neck Comedy Club, Saltburn Theatre, tickets are £12. The Box Office is at Saltburn Health Foods or visit www.saltburnarts.co.uk