IF laughter is indeed the best medicine there’s a particularly healthy season in store this autumn at Lighthouse, Poole.

Highlights include top stars such as Rhod Gilbert and Jimmy Carr, the comedy legend that is Ben Elton and exciting rising stars like Steve Bugeja and Carl Hutchinson.

The Fawlty Towers Dining Experience kicks off the comedy season from September 12 to 15 at the Beacon Cafe. The one-of-a-kind show offers two hours of comedy, three courses of food and a five-star serving of complete chaos.

Coastal Comedy takes place at The Sherling Studio on September 14, with Paul Tonkinson headlining this month’s stand up comedy club bill with support from Michael Fabbri of Radio 4’s Dyslexicon and the award-winning Tom Taylor with regular compere Adrienne Coles.

John Finnemore’s Flying Visit on September 16 sees star of Radio 4’s John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme, Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore’s Double Acts bringing his new show to the stage with special guests from his hit radio series, most notably Arthur Shappey from Cabin Pressure.

The Coastal Comedy Colossal Show with Tom Stade on October 5 sees a special triple bill edition of the monthly comedy club with Canadian rock ‘n’ roll stand up Tom Stade topping the bill. Regular TV show panellist Zoe Lyons and emerging star Ben Norris complete the line up compered, as ever, by Adrienne Coles. Over 18s only.

Other highlights include one-liner Gary Delaney with Gagster's Paradise on November 6 and the godfather of modern standup, Ben Elton, in the concert hall on November 8, back on the road for the first time in 15 years.

The season comes to a close with Jimmy Carr in the concert hall on December 12 with his Terribly Funny tour.

Visit lighthousepoole.co.uk to find out more or book tickets.