Twenty-five years of laughter is being celebrated at Borelli’s Wine Bar and Grill in Farnham on October 26 at 8.30pm.

In 1998 comedian Geoff Whiting made Borelli’s the third venue to host his Mirth Control Comedy Club nights.

The first act at Borelli’s was Zoe Lyons, now a huge star on shows including 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week.

A quarter of a century and 250 gigs later – almost all hosted by Geoff – Borelli’s is still what he calls a “hidden gem” of the comedy circuit.

Other big names to appear there include Jimmy Carr, Mickey Flanagan, Milton Jones, Nina Conti, Reginald D Hunter, Omid Djalili, Greg Davies, Danny Bhoy, Ricky Grover and Mike Gunn – who will headline Borelli’s silver anniversary show,

Even after they made huge names for themselves, around half have returned to Borelli’s.

Geoff, pictured with Bobby Davro and Addy Van der Borgh after a show at Borelli’s, said: “I think the ones who do come back get to a level where they don’t need the money any more. Sometimes it’s like going back to their roots, going back somewhere they have fond memories of.”

Borelli’s owner David Quick added: “They have a lot of respect for the small clubs because without them they would never have been recognised. And they hold Geoff in very high esteem.”    

Tickets cost £15. To book call 01252 735254.