So you didn’t get tickets to the Edinburgh Fringe, or your mean old boss wouldn’t give you the time off – never fear, the hottest line-up of comedy stars can be seen right on your doorstep. Well, just a stone’s throw away in Hemel, anyway. Who needs the Highlands?

During July, you can catch Pippa Evans, Nick Doody, Holly Walsh, Alfie Moor, Sarah Kendall and Kevin Day at the Old Town Hall Comedy Festival, before they make their way north to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Pippa Evans: Work in Progress

Award-winning comedian Pippa is the star of Radio 4’s The Now Show, Newsjack and BBC3’s Live at the Electric and co-creator of the international phenomenon The Sunday Assembly. Here, she presents an hour of funny stuff in preparation for Edinburgh. Tuesday, July 15.

Nick Doody

Nick is a stand-up comedian, comedy performer and writer who has written and starred in his own shows at Edinburgh for the past eight years. His radio credits include the Sony Award-winning Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive and regular appearances on Bremner’s One Question Quiz, The News Quiz and The Now Show. Tuesday, July 15.

Holly Walsh: Work in Progress

Holly is an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and Chortle Award-winner. An acclaimed stand-up and writer, you’ll have seen her on such shows as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Mock the Week, and she’s also the co-creator of BBC3 series Dead Boss. Wednesday, July 16.

Alfie Moor: The Naked Stun

The former police sergeant and star of BBC Radio 4’s It’s A Fair Cop brings his brand new hour of stand-up to town, exposing the true story of his dogged determination to track down a serial flasher. Wednesday, July 16.

Sarah Kendall

She came. She saw. She conquered the Newcastle and District Under 14s Touch Rugby Competition. Catch the brand new show from the Perrier Award nominee, Time Out London Comedy Award nominee and Herald Angel Award winner. Friday, July 18.

Kevin Day

You probably know him best as that bloke from Match of the Day 2, or from hearing him on News Quiz or seeing his name on the writing credits of just about every news panel on TV. But not Mock the Week – he has standards. Friday, July 18.

  • The Old Town Hall, High Street, Old Town, Hemel Hempstead. All shows start at 8pm. Details: 01442 228091, oldtownhall.co.uk