LEWIS Costello has come a long way in a relatively shot space of time. As a 15-year-old schoolboy, he talked his way into gaining a five minute slot at a comedy club night being held as part of the Blackburn Comedy Festival.

From that unlikely start, a career in comedy has developed.

Now 24, he’s performed on both sides of the Atlantic, supported leading stand-ups including Ed Byrne, Johnny Vegas and American Doug Stanhope, written material for Russell Howard’s BBC3 TV show and embarked on a course at Salford University for comedy writing and performing.

And now, Blackburn-born Lewis is bringing a new comedy night to his home town.

The first Diamond Comedy Club night will be held at the Sir Charles Napier on Sunday night with a line-up that rivals anything you might find in Manchester.

Lewis will introduce headliner Archie Kelly, best known for being in the cult TV show Phoenix Nights and a vastly-experienced stand-up and a bill featuring Daliso Chaponda, Christopher Cantrill and Harry McLafferty, all regulars on the comedy circuit.

“This is something that I have always wanted to do,” said Lewis. “Saturday will be the first of what we hope will become a regular comedy night, perhaps every three months, which will bring some of the most well-respected stand-ups performing around Manchester to Blackburn.”

Lewis said that the Napier was perfect venue for the comedy club, having recently re-opened as a community run pub and venue.

“I love what people have done to save the Napier,” said Lewis. “The way the community got behind it was fantastic. The whole ethos of wanting to do something for the town matches what we want to do and I hope that the comedy night will help attract more people along there.”

Lewis, a former student at St Mary’s College, Blackburn, spent much of his teenage years performing in his home town both at King George’s Hall and the Thwaites Empire Theatre.

“I do cringe a little when I look back to those early shows,” he said. “But I was very young and I was keen and I don’t think I realised how much of a craft comedy is. That’s why I’m now at college and out performing in Manchester as often as I can. I want to hone those skills.

“Because I’m working so much I get to see all these other great stand-ups and I make a mental note that they would be good to bring over to Blackburn.”

Lewis is also looking at running regular Diamond Comedy Club nights in Manchester.

Diamond Comedy Club, Sir Charles Napier, Blackburn, Sunday, March 12. Tickets £10 including a free taco from Hugo Burrito in the interval from diamondcomedyclub.