Opinion on "new act" nights is completely divided.  Some swear by them, enjoying engaging with new material and talent and hoping to see the NBT (Next Big Thing). Others can't stand the idea - rather going with established acts who will definitely be worth their money. I used to be the latter camp, but have found myself sliding into the former… and with Rabbit in the Headlights being the best-established new talent night in Brighton, I thought I’d give it a shot.

I can only describe my experience with Brighton's "finest, funniest late-night stand-up comedy" as disappointing.  It's a shame to have to tarnish it with such a low star-rating, but there is sadly little to praise; the two headlining acts were poor and, although Zoe Lyons is a very talented compere, she was clearly as uncomfortable and embarrassed as the audience.

Part-boyband, part-sitcom, part-troubadour-barbershop-quintet, The Noise Next Door is a multi-talented behemoth of improv comedy. Though this genre is always going to be hit or miss, the five guys from The Noise Next Door play one of the most distinctive rounds of quick-fire musical improv I’ve seen in a long time.

Ginger and Black’s deadpan Extraordinary Life and Times of Harold fell flat this evening.  Rescued only by a handful of well-developed characters and some great one-liners, this primary-school presentation for grown-ups was far less cohesive than I’d hoped. The show follows the story of ten-year-old Harold through the blitz - with a narrative strung together by intermittent songs, kitsch animations, and an inventive use of props, seeking to create a nostalgic presentation from the duo.

I'm partially dreading, and partially can't wait, to write this review.  New Art Club come laden with accolades for their unique blend of dance and comedy, as well as their efforts beyond the stage: both Tom Roden and Pete Shenton are established figures in the dance world, and are renowned for their educational as well as their directorial work. However, beyond all of their achievements, they are two extremely silly and funny men, combining to great effect their inventive and ridiculous dance with - in this case - the music of the early 80s. This is Now is sweet, nostalgic and hilarious, and well worth seeing, if just for the ingenuity this duo display.

It's really exciting to see something this original during an event with the size and scope of the Brighton Comedy Festival - and the Spaghetti Western Orchestra do not disappoint, with their interesting mixture of comedy, music and Ennio Morricone. It's a slick and entertaining act, and the talent on display from the five-member orchestra is impressive. The comedy is gentle and sweet - which, combined with the musical finesse, makes for an entertaining evening. The show's only real issue is its lack of variety; tracks seem to get repeated, and a lot of Spaghetti Western music sounds horribly familiar. That being said, the evening is an enjoyable diversion, and the quality of the talent is undeniable.