Have you heard the one about the five blokes and a woman who walked into a venue and tried to make the crowd laugh?Well you will soon, as a new roving troupe of stand up comics takes to the road in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Have you heard the one about the five blokes and a woman who walked into a venue and tried to make the crowd laugh?

Well you will soon, as a new roving troupe of stand up comics takes to the road in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The Smoking Mic Comedy Club launches its assault on the region on Valentine's Day, hoping to turn the night of love into an evening of laughter.

Co-founder Greg Powles, from Foulsham, who combines writing gags with acting and presenting a radio show in north Norfolk, said the aim was to showcase emerging comedy talent.

“Who knows? We may uncover the next Peter Kay or Jack Dee?” he added.

The group has emerged from a series of stand-up sessions he did for the Break charity at Sheringham Little Theatre following a popular appearance in panto there.

As the outlets and appetite for stand up comedy grew around the area, other comics gathered and decided to tour various pubs and theatres.

Stand up comedy was a tough task. “Les Dawson, who was one of my favourites along with Robin Williams, once said it was the best job and worst job in the world. You are on your own in front of a lot of people and have to make them laugh. You need the ability to look differently at life.

“When it goes well you enjoy it, but occasionally you will have an awful night. It is down to material, delivery, warmth and being able to adapt to the audience,” said Mr Powles, who was born at Ingham, now lives at Foulsham, and presents a Sunday morning show on North Norfolk Radio.

He assured their material would be nothing racist, sexist or offensive, by the team which also comprised Richard Melchior, Lorcan McGlaine, Jon Britten, Dan McKee and Carrie-Ann Guthrie.

Tour dates are: February - 14, York Tavern, Norwich; 16, King's Head, Dereham; 20, Swan, Loddon; 21, White Hart, Swaffham; 23, London Tavern, Attleborough; 26, Railway Tavern, Holt

March - 5, White Horse, Trowse; 8, Silver Fox, Taverham; 20, Queen's Head, Wymondham; 26, Fisher's Theatre, Bungay.

Tickets available through the venues. Visit www.smokingmic.co.uk