AS an exclusive last-minute addition to the Hyena Lounge season of Edinburgh previews at City Screen, York, promoter Toby Clouston-Jones has secured a Canadian double bill of Tom Stade and Tony Law for Sunday night.

“A year ago Tom Stade was a well-respected circuit comedian slogging his way around the country playing at clubs every weekend with almost 20 years’ experience under his belt but his hit show at last summer’s Edinburgh Fringe led to him being asked to record a set on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow on BBC1,” says Toby. “Almost overnight he was a comedy sensation.

“Millions of YouTube hits of his appearance meant that his tour this spring sold out every show with more dates added to satisfy demand.”

On Sunday, Stade will preview his 2011 Edinburgh story-telling and stand-up show, What Year Was That?, ahead of its run from August 3 to 28 at the Pleasance Courtyard and an extensive autumn tour.

“Stade is a brilliant comedian, as the review in The Press last March testifies, and his new show is already one of the hottest tickets of the year,” says Toby.

Fresh from working alongside Stewart Lee on his BBC2 show and as his tour support, Tony Law presents Go Mr Tony Go!, “a stand-uppy, sketchy, impro-ey, arty comedy show for people who are already funny”.

“A huge cult following has allowed Tony to evolve into a unique comedian with no two shows ever the same as he widely improvises ideas and thoughts that randomly enter his mind,” says Toby. “He’s a very different act from the polished performance style of Tom Stade and yet it works beautifully.”

Law will play The Stand Up Comedy Club in Edinburgh from August 4 to 28. Meanwhile, doors open at 7pm on Sunday in the City Screen Basement for the 7.30pm start to the Hyena Lounge Canadian combo. Tickets cost £8 on 0871 902 5726 or thebasementyork.co.uk