One of Bristol's most prestigious venues for classical music is to host its first dedicated comedy gig next month.

St George's, better known for hosting string quartets and pianists than comedians, will host Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon on Thursday, December 17.

It is a move away from its more traditional performers but not an entirely new one, as the early nineteenth-century former church has recently seen appearances by Vic Reeves and Alan Davies as part of the Bristol Festival of Ideas.

What will be different to other comedy gigs is that the audience in St George's watch proceedings from wooden pews and no alcohol is allowed to be taken from the downstairs bar to the main hall.

Lucie Spaight from St George's said that they were very pleased to be hosting such a prestigious performer as part of their first dedicated comedy gig.

She said: "Hosting comedy has been something we have considered in the past. We have got a long-standing relationship with the Festival of Ideas so are used to having spoken word events here. I think the setting works nicely."

Ardal O'Hanlon will be joined by Phil Kay, Craig Campbell and Bristol's Mark Olver.