Comedy relay

Over the past few years, Laurence Howarth and Gus Brown have garnered good reviews for their intelligent, sketch-driven double act, which has earned them a devoted following on the live circuit and on Radio 4. But individually, they're just as popular.

Howarth has attracted even more plaudits for his writing - credits for BBC2's Dead Ringers, BBC1's Alistair McGowan's Big Impression and Radio 4 sitcom Rigor Mortis pepper his CV. Brown has popped up in Green Wing, Broken News and Happiness.

Their third Edinburgh show, which they're previewing tonight, sees the pair return after a year-long break, and also sees them depart from their normal style. Next In Line is essentially a character-led relay, where each sketch features a character from a previous one, that forms a continuous story about a group of frightened, frustrated and ambitious people trying to get a handle on life.

If tonight's show hits the right note, then you'll be pleased to learn that there will be more from them in the future. Due to air in September is a new sketch show from Peep Show boys Robert Webb and David Mitchell featuring writing from Howarth, and a series based on Laurence & Gus's 2004 Edinburgh show Men In Love starts on Radio 4 at 11pm this very evening.