YOU may have seen or heard of Stevie Rae on the local comedy/acting/improv circuit, but next week will see his debut as a stand-up comedian at the Palace Theatre.

It’s a brave undertaking for the man from Leigh, as the full hour set – part of a show, Gobflight – comes after only a few open mic and small gigs since he started doing stand-up in November last year.

“It could be a total car crash or a stroke of genius” Stevie, 33, laughs. “It’s pretty unheard of to do a full hour set like that with as little stand-up as I’ve done, but hopefully I will learn and grow from it.”

Gobflight, which will be put on in the Dixon Studio at the theatre, in London Road, Westcliff, also features a first act with other comedic performers.

They are: John Oakes and Ross McGraine, who will both be doing stand-up, Simon Blackman with his comedy-poetry, Jez Battersby, who will be performing as a “brand new character”, and Wendy Morgan with her ukulele and music hall comedy.

“After I have finished my set in act two, everybody will come on stage for half an hour’s improvised comedy” says Stevie.

He adds: “A lot of people will have seen me do a lot of other stuff, but not this.

“My style is a bit off the wall I suppose, I’ll be talking about a lot of different subjects within the hour, raving and ranting about things that get my goat, topics about amateur dramatics and old people.

“It’s not all bitter and acidic though, it is also hopeful. In fact I go on a quest for love in it, too.”

Catch the Gobflight show on Friday, at 8pm. Tickets are £10 for all seats, available from southendtheatres. org.uk or the box office on 01702 351135.