THE current batch of The Laughter Academy's showcases is underway, so hang on to your funny bone and run along to grab your seat, every night, from tonight through to Sunday night, to see some emerging talent take their turn to make you giggle.

The shows - which are a culmination of the workshops run by the academy - take place at Sands restaurant and bar on Southend sea front, at the Icon Building, Western Esplanade.

Doors open at 7pm with a show start time at 8pm.

The Laughter Academy runs improvisational comedy shows, courses and workshops for individuals, companies or organisations throughout the year.

Host and funny man Lee Terrell explained: "We are now having to run a series of ten showcases due to sheer number of people we have doing the course nowadays. The Laughter Academy course is running three times a year so we are offering 30 showcases in total each year! This is more than any other form of comedy night in the region.

"It's a far cry since our humble beginnings in 2011 when the first course had nine people and we did just one showcase at The Royal Hotel. We now regularly have 35 plus people sign up for each course and I have been joined by the wonderful John Oakes who is now running it with me.

"John and I can fit into the comedy odd couple mold perfectly. He has infectious energy both on stage and when he’s teaching, he fizzles and crackles with enthusiasm and positivity, and he’s definitely the eye candy out of the two of us. I, on the other hand have the experience and cynicism and the weight to uphold the mantle of the comedy fat man. Both of us though have an inner cheeky child with a mischievous glint and revel in the joy of comedy improvisation as an art form!"

Tickets are £4 on the door.