Bare bants as Romford gets a comedy makeover

Romford isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of great comedy, but it soon may be. Thanks to a cash injection from the Mayor's High Street Fund, the town's Contemporary Arts Programme has been able to launch Banter – a bunch of secret stand-up shows that will take place monthly in random abandoned spaces throughout this north-eastern corner of the capital.

The project kicks off on Friday June 26 with 'Snog, Marry, Avoid?' presenter Ellie Taylor and her quirky brand of funnies, as well as footballer-turned-comedian Maff Brown and Covent Garden street performer Windsor on compèring duties. The location has been revealed as the Quadrant Arcade – a shopping centre a short stroll from the rail station – but the rest of the series is shrouded in secrecy. What we do know is that super-smart and super funny stand-up Sara Pascoe will be headlining in September, followed by hugely hilarious topical comic Funmbi Omotayo and Louche Women in November, then slick improv troupe The Noise Next Door in March.

To see who else will be performing take a look at our Banter listing.