A BARREL of laughs awaits as the second Neath Comedy Festival rolls into town.

Escape gloomy and depressing EastEnders for one night to be entertained this week by some of the finest up and coming talents in the business.

And what's more Edinburgh Festival veteran Andrew O'Neill, who recently appeared on BBC2's Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle, will be there to crack a joke or two tomorrow.

O'Neill, one of the top UK circuit headliners, has toured both hemispheres, presented BBC Radio shows, featured in Kerrang Magazine and hosted the 2011 Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards at London's IndigO2 venue alongside rock legend Alice Cooper. He promises that this year's show will be a "funny comedy show by a long-haired man including a short play about gravy. All styles of comedy covered, guaranteed (some twice)".

So if you want to discover more, head to The Duke in Market Street for the four-night festival which runs until Thursday. Other acts include Jarred Christmas and Matt Kirshen. The MC is local comedian Paul James. Doors open nightly from 8pm.