1.   Comedy at The Royal Castle

The Royal Castle has something really special!  A German (yes German) comedian who has absolutely no regard for political correctness or rude things.  If you are brave and not easily offended check out Henning Wehn on You Tube.  If you are not sure, please do nothing and carry on to news item 2. 

Henning Wehn is the German Comedy Ambassador to the United Kingdom.  This is not the easiest of jobs because the Germans allegedly do not have a sense of humour. Henning has done warm-up sets for comedians as diverse as Al  Murray, Jo Brand, Stephen Lynch and Bernard Manning. His "beautifully  crafted diatribes" (Time Out) are delivered with a passion that seems all  too real and his intelligent material covers topics from football to the  price of second-hand shoes, what the Germans think of our beloved 'Allo,  'Allo series, to why humour is overrated and stand-up comedy pointless.

Enjoy a fantastic 3 course meal at the Nu restaurant with your comedy for just £29.95 on Thursday 5th February at 7:00PM.  Call in or telephone 01803 833033 to get a ticket now?

The Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth are hosting a third Festival of Comedy 4/5/6/7 Feb 2009. The same successful format - an eclectic mix of entertaining Comedians performing in and around the town - has been kept. Whether it's slapstick, standup, magic, classic silent film shorts, or comedy puppets and music that tickles your fancy, there will be something for you and the whole family to laugh at.

Names in the frame include Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden who will be performing on Sat 7th Feb. Jo Caulfield and Rudi Lickwood are both bringing their critically acclaimed shows to the Flavel on Fri 6th Feb. A family show for the younger audience is Captain Carrot, Field Agent – the earth’s first bright orange super hero, The more adventurous family audience could well be amused by The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre supported by Men With Bananas which was very well received at the Edinburgh Fringe this August.

Peter Reeves will be leading a Comedy workshop ‘Hook, Line and Tag’ for anybody who fancies having a go themselves and James Campbell will be asking the kids ‘Why are words wonderful?’ after a performance of his Comedy 4 Kids show.  Neil Brand will be providing the piano accompaniment to three Classic Silent Comedy Shorts, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Buster Keaton on Thu 5th Feb. The official launch night will be hosted by the Festival patron, Peter Richardson, with Spice Bazaar canapés, wine and a Comedy film from 7pm on Weds 4th Feb.

Peter Reeves will be leading a Comedy workshop ‘Hook, Line and Tag’ for anybody who fancies having a go themselves and James Campbell will be asking the kids ‘Why are words wonderful?’ after a performance of his Comedy 4 Kids show.  

If you are looking for your Prince Charming this Valentine’s Day, you could always try kissing a frog…

Paignton Zoo Functions Manager Nina Brzezicki recently got up close and personal with a false tomato frog, Dyscophus guinetti. Nina said: “Frogs are amazing – seeing and holding this one was very special. But as far as finding your perfect partner is concerned, I’m not sure this is the best way!”

Paignton Zoo’s Valentine dinner and dance is on Saturday 14th February. There will be champagne on arrival, a three-course dinner with coffee and music and dancing until midnight. Tickets are £19.50 per person (discounts for Zoo annual members) and are available in advance only by ringing (01803) 697520.