The next two weeks at Rawhide bring two of the very best comedians from over the pond.

Representing Canada there's a 2002 Perrier Award Nominee and a Rawhide favourite, Phil Nichol. He promises outrageous antics, comic songs and more energy than the Duracell Bunny on a Sunny Delight binge.

Phil's nomination for the Perrier Award this year was long overdue. A man who guarantees a full house wherever he plays, Phil was first known as the guitar playing member of top class Canadian musical comedy trio Corky and the Juice Pigs. Having gone solo he has been wowing audiences and stunning critics with his maniacal energy and drive. He was last in Liverpool when he supported Johnny Vegas at the Comedy Festival 2002 in front of 1,500 people.

Support comes from Dom Carroll a deadpan Mancunian who will be topping the bill at Beige on the Saturday night, Keara Murphy, a Glaswegian mimic with a fine blend of observations and sketches and Des Sharples a bright new Manchester act who is providing support at Beige.

Compere for the night is Rob Heeney, a Rawhide regular and a fine ambassador for the Isle of Man.

Reginald D Hunter tops the bill next weekend - one of the finest acts from the deep south of America. Ice cool and with a stage presence that has to be seen to be believed Reg has a following at Rawhide, so get in quick.

Reg is that rare combination, an American who has retained his stunning cool and gets his superb stage presence from a natural, easy self confidence, but has an intensely likeable, respectful side which is impossible to ignore either on stage or in person. A natural storyteller, he charms the room, leaving them hanging on his every word. Uproariously funny, he delivers poignant moments that make him stand out amongst his peers.

Support comes from Hal Cruttenden, a gifted ventriloquist who will be taking on the headline duties at Beige on the Saturday night, and Markus Birdman, dry, witty, infectious and likeable.

Compere for the night is Alun Cochrane, a great storyteller and the audience's best friend.