Comedians Mark Thomas and Colin Hoult perform previews of Edinburgh Fringe Shows at Bishop’s Stortford venue

A Bishop’s Stortford audience was treated to a sneak peek at two top comedians’ Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows on Sunday.

Mark Thomas returned to The Laughing Bishops Comedy Club to reprise his Gaffa Tapes show, while Colin Hoult made his first trip to the Water Lane United Reformed Church venue for his take on his family, simply called Colin.

Compere and host Paddy Lennox warned both shows were “in progress” and those gathered were happy to, watch as both at times took stock, checking their notes.

There were no surprises in store when Thomas took to the stage, warning any Tory supporters they had 30 seconds to make their leave.

“It’s not for Tories,” he warned. “It’s barely for Labour!” And from then on the likes of Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss were in the firing line. His poem about Suella Braverman was, well shall we say short but not so sweet and he had plans for Nigel Farage (he insisted it’s pronounced like ‘garage’) and Jacob Rees-Mogg.

The comparison between Tories leaving their seats for greener pastures – “you’re supposed to stay in the first safe seat you arrive in” – and immigrants risking crossing the channel, was genius and he threw in his love for AFC Wimbledon with some hilarious chants.

When Hoult took to the stage he warned his ADHD and two bottles of wine drunk while coming up with the material could mean a haphazard performance and, although the audience was charmed, it was somewhat scattergun.

He began by telling us he never wanted the name Colin – would have preferred Dylan – and it didn’t do him any favours in his home town of Nottingham.

His descriptions of his family, most of whom were “not right” apart from dad – the only normal one in the tribe who nevertheless spent most of his time burping and farting at the same time – went down well.

He apologised for losing his way, but as with Thomas you can be sure the finished act will be one to behold when it reaches the Fringe.

Coming up at The Laughing Bishops in the last show before its summer break is an award-winning line-up of comedians on Saturday June 15.

Lennox will be hosting established favourites Ben Norris, Mike Gunn and Alan Francis and the club describes London-based stand-up Norris as having developed a razor sharp act, having been touring for the past two decades.

A self-described cynic with a heart of gold, Mike Gunn is said to find humour in the darkest corners and his relatable and quirky observations, laced with his signature dark humour, have audiences in stitches. From overcoming a challenging past to performing internationally, Mike's journey is as entertaining as his act.

The last on the bill is said to have a razor-sharp wit and a knack for finding the funny in the everyday. Scottish comic Francis has conquered both the stage and the screen and is a veteran of the UK comedy circuit. The promotional material continues: Whether it's through clever one-liners, hilarious anecdotes, or his acclaimed theatrical work (including the cult success "Jeffrey Dahmer is Unwell"), Francis’ sharp observations and comedic timing are guaranteed to leave you breathless with laughter.

For tickets to the last show before The Laughing Bishops takes its summer break see paddylennox.com