A TV producer from Greenock who worked on hit sitcom Two Doors Down is set to bring some of the country's most talked about comics to Inverclyde.
Rachel-Anne Clarke, who was assistant producer on the top BBC Scotland show, is launching her own live comedy nights to bring laughs and draw talent to her home town.
Hosting the first live night is Canadian star Kate Hammer, fresh from her show at the Edinburgh Fringe along with John Aggasild, Chris Thorburn and up and coming talent Amanda Hursy.
Rachel-Anne has also lined up the likes of Inverclyde's own Jay Lafferty and English comedian Josie Long for future 'Pure Laughs' nights at Gourock Yacht Club.
Rachel-Anne, who has set up her own production company to make comedy here in Inverclyde, is also giving a platform to hopefuls with an open mic slot.
The talented TV executive, who is from Greenock's east end, said: "I moved back home after lockdown. When I had my daughter, I wanted to come home.
"I wanted to set up my own company to write, produce and make comedy. As part of that I wanted to bring live comedy here to Inverclyde.
"Our first line-up are four comedians that I love. Kate Hammer is brilliant, they are all so talented.
"Amanda is making a name for herself and supported Gary Faulds. Our nights will have a mix of everything, there is stand up and sketches.
"I also can't believe we have Jay Lafferty in the future and in October we have Josie Long!"
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Rachel-Anne added: "Part of what we want to do is make comedy more accessible and bring it to Inverclyde rather than having people travel to Glasgow.
"Most of the open spots are in Glasgow and Edinburgh so we hope that new comics can test the water with a local crowd before making the leap to the city."
"I really think there is space here for great comedy nights."
Rachel-Anne lived in the Quarrier Street area of Greeonck and grew up through the Arts Guild and Kayos, finding her feet in local youth theatre.
She said: "I went to a Kayos show with my mum and that is what I wanted to be part of. I have always instinctively wanted to write, produce and perform comedy."
The former Notre Dame High school pupil then headed for Kingston University in London to study drama.
She cut her teeth in television working on factual shows like Morning Live and the One Show before following her dream of producing comedy, moving to BBC Scotland.
Once there Rachel-Anne was involved as an assistant producer on Two Doors Down, a clever Scottish comedy starring genius Elaine C Smith, and also Mrs Brown's Boys.
She also produced a pilot, Who Runs the World, with an all-women crew and cast.
Now Rachel-Anne, 32, is hoping to put all that passion into her new production company and live nights.
She said: "I am loving being back home in Inverclyde. I missed living next to the water. I have always wanted to try sailing, so when I was living here I joined Gourock Yacht Club's sailing nights.
"I now sail very badly, but I am refusing to give up! When I wanted to do a comedy night, I thought Gourock Yacht Club a perfect venue."
She said: "What is important though is my comedy nights are about making the audience laugh. I don't want anyone feeling uncomfortable. It is not about picking out members of the audience.
"I want everyone to come along and having a good laugh. I am very excited about it and I have lots of comedians I would love to bring along in the future."
"I just hope the first one is a success."
Pure Laughs Comedy Night takes place this Thursday in the Royal Gourock Yacht Club from 7pm, with £18 entry.
Tickets are available via facebook and instagram @PureLeoLtd or wwe.pureleo.co.uk
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