MORRISSEY may be the big fish in York this weekend, but another witty observer of English life is in town too tomorrow night: former Hefner leader Darren Hayman.

At the invitation of York promoter Please Please You Presents, Hayman will be performing in The Basement at City Screen, York.

“Darren was responsible for one of our most entertaining shows last year, when he performed completely unplugged at Stereo,” says Please Please You’s Joe Coates. “Armed with just acoustic guitar and ukelele, he floored everyone in attendance that night, without seemingly much effort.

“He has a huge songbook of compelling, insightful and damn funny indie-pop ditties, and for tomorrow’s show he’ll be focusing on the final Hefner album, Dead Media, his latest project, January Songs, where he wrote a song a day for the whole of January, and Essex Arms, his previous full length solo album.”

Over the past 15 years, Hayman has been involved in more than a dozen albums and a sackful of EPs and singles, recorded for indie labels Too Pure, Fortuna Pop! and Static Caraven. “I’d argue every one is worth your ear time,” says Joe. “The four Hefner albums were brilliant and the band were understandably a big favourite of the late John Peel.”

Opening the 8pm show will be Leeds four-piece Just Handshakes (We’re British) with their breezy charm, Eighties indie pop hooks and elegant harmonies.

Tickets cost £8 in advance on 0871 902 5726 or £10 on the door. “This show will be dead busy, so those wanting to come should grab a ticket sharpish,” advises Joe.