Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (SICF) has announced the final act for its flagship gala show at Theatre Severn this summer.

Due to take place on the evening of Sunday 16 July, the line up now includes Paul Smith (pictured), who will perform alongside Josh Pugh, Jack Gleadow, Janine Harouni, Scott Bennett and MC Thanyia Moore.

Resident compere at Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club and fresh off the back of selling out venues such as Liverpool’s M&S and London’s Wembley Arena, Paul Smith will have also staged his biggest performance to date in his home city by the time he reaches SICF with his latest tour, Pablo. Pablo has been described as Smith's biggest and funniest show yet, featuring a mix of his trademark audience interaction and hilarious true stories from everyday life.

Comedians performing at the other festival venues in Shrewsbury such Albert & Co, Frankville, The Loft at The Old Post Office, Henry Tudor Inn, The Old Market Hall and Rad Beer include: Dom Hatton-Woods, Dave Twentyman, Dean Coughlin, Ignacio Lopez, Tez Ilyaz, Josh Jones, James Cook, Freddy Quinne, Jenny Hart, Michael Odewale, Rob Mulholland, Harriet Dyer and Michelle Shaughnessy.

Commenting on the final booking and the now complete SICF line up, co-director Beth McGowan said: “This year we have a truly diverse mix of performers, delivering a broad brush of humour to cater for all tastes. We will also be offering comedy at new venue Rad Beer and welcome Henry Tudor Inn back to the fold. Finalising the line up with the announcement of probably one of the fastest rising comedians on the circuit in Paul Smith, is really exciting. Our audiences will be spoilt for choice.”

Tickets for the SICF Gala Show on 14 July are £35 and available through the Theatre Severn box office 01743 281281 or online here, where comedy fans can view the complete festival line up and book tickets for all of the shows.