The star of a controversial new film will be the headline act at a comedy show in St Neots on Saturday

The star of a controversial new film will be the headline act at a comedy show in St Neots on Saturday.

Dave Johns, who plays Daniel Blake in the new Ken Loach new film I, Daniel Blake, will take the top spot at the Jesterlarf club night at L:ongsands Academy on November 26. He will be supported by Charlie Parker, Elliot Steel and Justin Panks.

The hard-hitting film is about a 59-year-old carpenter who has been signed off work by his doctor after a heart attack and is denied disability benefit.

The Jesterlarf club runs at venues all over the UK and during the last 13 years some of the biggest names in comedy have appeared, including Micky Flanagan, Sarah Millican, Michael McIntyre and Kevin Bridges.

“It’ll be great to be back at Longsands - the venue where it all started,” said Andy White who runs the club.

“We came and did the club’s first ever show at Longsands back in 2003. Looking back it was amazing line-up that included Paul Zerdin, Russell Howard, Smug Roberts and an unknown open spot - Gary Delaney.

“We always book the very best acts from the UK’s prestigious comedy circuit, but we also give opportunities to the best new and emerging talent, many of whom have gone on to become household names in the world of comedy.”

Johns, from Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear, says he is looking forward to visiting St Neots, but admits he has never heard of the town.

“In all my showbiz career I’ve always wanted to say ‘St Neots.’ It’s everybody’s showbiz ambition,” he said.

“Is it a posh place? I’m a working-class lad – you can tell by the bits of scratch cards under my finger nails.

“I’ve been doing stand-up for 27 years, have performed everywhere from a fishermen’s bar in the Arctic circle to the Montreal Country ­festival and everywhere in between. My style is a lot of ­improvisation. I talk rubbish ­brilliantly.”

Date: Saturday, November 26.

Venue: Longsands Academy, St Neots, PE19 1LZ.

Time: doors 7.30pm and show 8.30pm.

Tickets are £12 from Cambridge Live on 01223 357 851 or online from www.jesterlarf.com.