I rely on So You Think You're Funny? to find the best new acts around the country - so I don't have to!" says Helen Hawkins, the editor of Culture,

the Sunday Times' entertainment supplement. "It's the best place to catch tomorrow's stars."

Such is the prestige with which this annual comedy talent quest, now in its 18th year, is regarded. The list of past winners reads like a who's who and hip in the comedy world with the likes of Peter Kay, Dylan Moran, Rhona Cameron, Phil Kay, Lee Mack and Tommy Tiernan glittering the trophy. Even past finalists, who got beat at the eleventh hour, include such illustrious names as Johnny Vegas, Ardal O'Hanlon, Ed Byrne, and Dominic Holland.

Brighton is just one in a series of regional showcases which also travel to London, Bath, Brighton, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin.

The show, which is hosted by Krater compere Stephen Grant (left), allows each eager wannabe eight minutes in which to convince the judges and the audience they are the funniest stuff of the future. It also provides watching punters with the chance to chuckle at previously unseen acts and say "I saw them first" when they turn into superstars.

Starts 8.30pm, tickets cost £6. Call 01273 647100 or logon to www.gildedballoon.co.uk.