Micky Flanagan

You might not have heard of Micky Flanagan before but this new comedy series should ensure he becomes a regular - on TV as well as radio. His astute take on social mores and the class system are spot on.

118 118 lifted my catchphrase, says Micky Flanagan

'Out out' skit from BBC1's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow used as basis for animated 118 118 ad, says comic.

Now in its eighth year, the annual Brighton Comedy Festival has a line-up that reads like a Who's Who of contemporary comedy talent. Here Russell Kane introduces some of the hottest young acts who haven't quite made it to household name status yet, including Andrew Lawrence, Ava Vidal, Micky Flanagan and Andrew Maxwell.

The quality of the stand-up comedians in the series has been so high that it isn't a question of one being better than another - it just boils down to which one you happen to like the most. My personal favourite tonight was Jon Richardson, mocking his own nerdy appearance and funny voice. "This is not a voice that will accentuate a sexual experience," he squeaks. Jo Caulfield discusses her mates ("Every woman has a slutty friend. And if you can't think who it is, it's you"); Micky Flanagan recalls the academic shortcomings of his East End comprehensive ("No kid from this school has ever gone on to drive a van"); and Al Murray's pub landlord explains the existence of God.