“Hilarious, shambolic, under-prepared but brilliant” is how The Funnier Farm’s Angela Barnes describes the comedy club’s last Christmas pantomime, Cinderella.

And now the double act of roadside cafe owners Brian Gittins and Angelos Epithemiou is penning a new panto for 2010, which forms the closing act of this year’s Christmas show.

It will be the first Christmas celebration at The Funnier Farm’s new home, the Caroline Of Brunswick, following the closure of The Farm Tavern earlier this year. All the performers taking part in the stand-up bill will be given a role.

“Last year for Cinderella we had Angelos as Cinders, and Josie Long played one of the ugly sisters,” says Angela, who played Prince Charming in the show.

“Everyone really enjoyed it and for the acts it was something a bit different.

“When Brian got in touch this year I asked if they could do Dick Whittington in the hope I could get the part as the cat. It might not have been the best idea though – they’ve already shortened the title to Dick!

“It might not be one for the kids...”

“It’s got the name ‘Dick’ in the title and that’s good enough for me,” confirms Brian. “We start with that and move forwards from there.

“We haven’t written it yet, so I have no idea what it’s going to be about. To be honest with you, I don’t care. The cafe at Christmas time is mental.

My mind is on that – our baubles have had it, so old muggins here has to go down to Bookers to get some more.”

On the surface Brian and Angelos have enjoyed a great year, with Angelos appearing on TV’s Shooting Stars as a permanent team member, and Brian supporting Ricky Gervais on stage in London. But the truth is not always what it seems.

“It’s been an awful year,” says Brian.

“I haven’t thought of any new jokes for more than four months. I had to cancel Edinburgh because of mental exhaustion and my mate Colin got knocked over by a grapple wagon.

“Supporting Ricky Gervais isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. To be told, just as you’re about to go onstage, ‘I hope you die tonight’ isn’t a great confidence booster.

“Angelos embarrassed himself getting involved [in Shooting Stars].

“I keep telling him he’s not a natural on the TV. He’s getting brainwashed by all that lot. They’re laughing at him. It’s my aim to end his showbusiness career as soon as possible, for all our sakes.

“I’m continuing the show in 2010 – but without Angelos. He winds me up something chronic.”

The rest of the Christmas show line-up reflects The Funnier Farm’s ethos as a comedy club.

“We are not your Jongleurs stag or hen night-type club,” says Angela. “It’s intelligent and whimsical comedy for the more comedy literate crowd.”

The stand-up bill also features story-telling comic Terry Saunders, former Hollyoaks and Casualty star James Redmond, long-time favourite Joey Page, Sy Thomas, and emerging local stand-up Jason Blackwater from The Maydays, with James Acaster as MC.

The new venue reflects the laidback atmosphere. “We wanted to make sure we had that living room, ad hoc feel about the night,” says Angela.

“When The Farm closed we were determined to keep the night going – it had been building a reputation and an audience. That audience has followed it here and we’re getting more people coming now too.”

The Funnier Farm has already got some great names for 2010.

“We’ve got headliners such as Rob Deering, Trevor Lock and Zoe Lyons,” says Angela. “And we’ll be hosting a second birthday special in March.

“We’re still encouraging local new performers, and new acts on the circuit too. It’s a real mix of established quality headliners and up-and-coming talent.”

*8pm, £5, visit www.carolineofbrunswick.co.uk