A tight 5: February 21

GEORGE ERLANGER has become the first new comedian to make it through to the semi-finals of the Chortle Student Comedy Award, with ALCATEL ONETOUCH and Universal Pictures (UK). The 20-year-old triumphed at the first heat at Bristol University, where he is studying philosophy, last night. The next heat, which is open to the public, is at Leamington LAMP next Friday, February 28. Here is some of George's set:

JASON BYRNE has been fined €80 for speeding. The 41-year-old comic was clocked at 91kph in a 60kph zone in the Dublin commuter town of Swords last May. He pleaded guilty in Dublin District Court and now has two months to pay the fine to avoid two days' jail.

PAPPY’S, Max & Ivan and Foils, Arms And Hog are among the acts confirmed for the third London Sketchfest, taking place at Backyard Comedy, Bethnal Green, for four days from May 1. Details.

A 29-YEAR-OLD man has been charged after Modern Family star Sarah Hyland, the 23-year-old actress who plays Haley Dunphy, complained she was groped during a trip to Australia. The unnamed fan was released on bail and is set to appear in a Sydney court on March 14.

DYLAN MORAN and Rich Hall have been added to the for the Gilded Comedy Gala, a one-off event which celebrates 100 years of Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, taking place on March 7. The previously announced line-up also includes Phill Jupitus, Barry Cryer, Greg McHugh as Gary Tank Commander and compere Arthur Smith.

Published: 21 Feb 2014